Zoning Checks & Committee of Adjustment Help in Toronto & the GTA
Find out early whether your plan fits zoning, and what to do if it does not.
Know What Your Lot Allows Before You Design
Before you design an addition, garden suite or second unit, we check your lot against the zoning by-law. If the plan does not fit, a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment may be needed; we work with the planners and designers who prepare those applications, then build to the approved plans.
A zoning problem found after drawings are done costs time and money. Checking setbacks, height, coverage and unit rules at the start lets us design something the City can approve. The City of Toronto also recommends a zoning review by Toronto Building before applying to the Committee of Adjustment (City of Toronto).
What We Check
Size and placement
Setbacks from lot lines, building height, lot coverage and floor area: the limits that decide how big an addition or garden suite can be.
Units and use
How many units your lot allows. Toronto permits up to four units on most residential lots; see legal second suites.
Site conditions
Parking, entrances, trees, ravines and conservation areas that can add approvals before a permit is issued.
If Your Plan Needs a Minor Variance
A minor variance is decided by the Committee of Adjustment, a quasi-judicial body whose members are appointed by City Council, after a public hearing (City of Toronto). The Committee applies the four tests in section 45(1) of the Planning Act.
- Zoning check. At the free consultation we look at your lot and your plan.
- Adjust or apply. Where possible we adjust the design to fit. If a variance makes more sense, we bring in a planner or designer to prepare and present the application.
- Permit. Once the variance is approved and final, the building permit can be issued.
- Build. We build to the approved plans and book every inspection.
Why Work With Jacko Contracting
- Journeyman carpenter, Carpenters’ Union Local 27, with 500+ projects behind him
- Permits and drawings handled; see how our permit handling works
- $2M liability insurance and WSIB clearance
- A 5-year workmanship warranty on the work our crew builds
- We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours
Zoning and Variance FAQ
What is a minor variance?
A minor variance is permission to depart slightly from the zoning by-law, for example a setback, height or lot coverage that is a little over the limit. It is decided by the municipality’s Committee of Adjustment after a public hearing.
How does the Committee decide?
Ontario’s Planning Act (section 45(1)) sets four tests. The variance must maintain the general intent of the Official Plan and of the zoning by-law, be desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and be minor.
Do I need a variance for a basement apartment or garden suite?
Often not. Many second units, garden suites and additions fit within the zoning that already applies to the lot. We check that first, because designing within the rules is usually faster and cheaper than applying for a variance.
Can my neighbours object?
Neighbours are notified and can comment or speak at the hearing. Their views are considered, but the Committee makes its decision based on the four tests.
What happens if a variance is refused?
The decision can be appealed. In Toronto, minor variance appeals usually go to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB). Other GTA municipalities appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
What areas do you cover?
Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville and Aurora.
Book a Free Consultation
Tell us your address and what you would like to build. We reply within 24 hours and check the zoning before your visit.
647-642-4664
info@jackocontracting.com
13 Stadacona Dr., North York, ON M6A 1Y5
Mon – Sat, 8am to 6pm