Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment reviews applications for a Minor Variance to the Zoning By-law for properties in the Town of Whitby. If your proposed development project doesn't comply with the Zoning By-law, you'll need to apply for a minor variance.

Before you start

Please contact the Planning and Development Department before you submit your application. A pre-consultation for this application may be required at the discretion of staff. Our staff can provide information regarding submission requirements and can answer any questions you may have about the application and process.

Apply for a Minor Variance

The Town is accepting digital Application submissions. Please complete the Application for Minor Variance and submit it by email.

The Town is also accepting hard copy submissions of Application for Minor Variance which should be submitted by mail to:

Town of Whitby Planning and Development Department
575 Rossland Rd E
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8

Please include the following information with your application submission:

• Completed and signed copy of the Application
• Two copies of the full sized site plan
• Fee (as listed in the application)

Meetings

The Committee of Adjustment will review the circumstances regarding each Minor Variance application. The Committee then considers the following questions regarding an application before reaching a decision:

• Is the variance minor in nature?
• Is the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan maintained?
• Is the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law maintained?
• Is it desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building, or structure?

The Committee of Adjustment meeting is a virtual meeting. Please refer to the meeting link on the posted Agenda below if you wish to join the meeting. 

The Committee of Adjustment meets every third Thursday and you must submit your application three weeks in advance of a meeting in order for us to consider your application at the next meeting.

2025 Meeting schedule

Agenda & Minutes

View all Committee of Adjustment meeting Agendas and Minutes published after September 19, 2024 at whitby.ca/CouncilCalendar. Any Agendas and Minutes prior to September 19, 2024 can be requested at planning@whitby.ca.

Appeals

Once a decision has been made regarding an application, an applicant has 20 days to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. If no appeal is made, the decision will become final.

Committee members

The Committee of Adjustment consists of one staff member from the Town of Whitby and five citizen appointments. The current members are:

• Ryan Chow (staff liaison)
• Jerry Cardwell
• Nestor Chornobay
• Kathryn Docherty
• Scott Haslam
• John Rinella

Terms of reference

Review the Committee of Adjustment Terms of Reference to learn more about their mandate and responsibilities.