Trusted Advisors for Minor Variance & Consent to Sever Approvals
We provide detailed justification, application coordination, and representation at public hearings to help secure approval for your variance or land severance.
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How we help with Minor Variances & Consents to Sever
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Planning Analysis
We help you determine the feasibility of Staff and Community Support by evaluating the Policy Tests under Sections 45(1) and 51(24), respectively.
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Complete Submissions Requirements
Legal Plan of Survey, Accurate Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevations, and Letters of Intent are all standard requirements for a Complete Application. Stylistically, we also recommend Community outreach to meet with Neighbors and Interested Parties to reduce surprises.
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Representation & Presentation
We attend the Public Meeting before the Quasi-Judicial Tribunal known as the Committee of Adjustment as your Agent. We prepare a presentation, erect public notice signage, and engage with Questions from Staff and the Public.
From our clients:
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We used Harper Dell as our Agent for a Consent and Minor Variance to create New Lots as well as a partial private easement. The process is not easy, but with Nick's help we found ourselves clear on what to expect.
Sanjay Gandhi
Hyatt Hotels
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Harper Dell was great to work with. The approval from the Committee was outstanding for the value of our business.
Dan Park
CEO, Clutch
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Changing a Tenant can be very challenging from a Zoning perspective when it comes to Minor Variances, however Harper Dell has been instrumental across our various projects. We continue to use him and rely on his professionalism with a strong degree of trust.
Zuhair Ebrahim
Global Management Services
What is a Minor Variance / Consent to Sever?
A minor variance is a small deviation from the terms of a municipal zoning by-law, approved by the local Committee of Adjustment.
It allows a property owner to obtain a Building Permit or Zoning Certificate for a project that does not strictly comply with by-law requirements, such as setbacks, lot coverage, or height, and is considered necessary due to practical difficulties. The application must pass the follow Four Test under Sec. 45(1):
Is the application minor in nature?
Is the requested variance desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building, or structure?
Does the requested variance maintain the general intent and purpose of the Zoning Bylaw?
Does the requested variance maintain the general intent and purpose of the municipality’s Official Plan?
A Consent to Sever application in Ontario is an official request to divide a piece of land or create a private partial easement. It is required for creating a new lot, adjusting property lines, or entering into certain long-term agreements or easements for part of a property. The application is submitted to the local municipality and is evaluated based on criteria like conformity with official plans, zoning by-laws, and the suitability of the land for the proposed use under Sec. 51(24).
Contact Us
Use the form to contact us regarding your enquiry. Please be as detailed as possible. Include your industry along with any specific document requests. To help us best service your enquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.