Board of Variance
Every municipality that has a zoning bylaw must have a Board of Variance. The Board of Variance is governed by the Board of Variance Bylaw No. 502, 2016, as amended. For a community the size of Lions Bay, a board of 3 members is appointed by Council for a 3 year term. Current Board of Variance members are:
Ian Mackie (Chair)
Peter Wreglesworth
Morgan Gatto
Board Secretary: Susan Loutet
The Board of Variance may, on a finding of hardship, grant relief to an applicant from complying with the strict terms of a zoning bylaw dictating setbacks from the property lines or restricting the permissible height of a building or structure. Council has a similar jurisdiction to grant variances. The Board of Variance meets as needed to consider applications. To apply for a variance you must submit a completed application form to the Village Office after which a meeting of the Board of Variance will be arranged.
(a) result in inappropriate development of the site;
(b) adversely affect the natural environment;
(c) substantially affect the use and enjoyment of adjacent land;
(d) vary permitted uses and densities under the applicable bylaw; or
(e) defeat the intent of the bylaw.
(a) be in conflict with a registered Land Title Act Covenant;
(b) deal with a matter covered in a land use contract or permit;
(c) deal with a phased development agreement;
(d) deal with a floodplain specification under the Local Government Act; or
(e) apply to a heritage property.