Committee of Adjustment

The Town of Gravenhurst's Zoning By-law regulates how land and buildings are used and where buildings and structures can be located. This by-law also specifies lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and other provisions needed for proper and orderly development.

However, sometimes due to site conditions and character of the existing buildings, it is not possible to meet all the requirements of the Zoning By-law. In that case, you can apply for approval of a minor variance. A minor variance permits a slight adjustment of a specific Zoning By-law requirement to excuse a property owner from meeting the exact requirements of the by-law.

The Committee of Adjustment must consider the following tests concerning an application before reaching a decision:

1. Is the variance minor?
2. Is the variance desirable for the appropriate development or use of the lands in question?
3. Does the variance maintain the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law?
4. Does the variance maintain the general intent of the Official Plan?

The Committee is made up of five members (3 members of the public and 2 members of Council), appointed by By-law  and generally serve a four-year term. Those members are:

The following are Staff who have statutory duties assigned with this quasi-judicial Committee:

• Adam Ager, Manager of Planning Services (Secretary-Treasurer)
• Susan Flemming, Planning Technician (Secretary-Treasurer)
• Angela Ghikadis, Planner (Deputy Secretary-Treasurer)

View the Committee of Adjustment Appointment By-law

These meetings are open to the public and anyone may attend or speak to the Committee about a particular application.

View this Committee's Hearing Schedule 

Agendas and Minutes for this Committee's meetings can be accessed through the Council Calendar when posted. 

Request Form for Participating in a Meeting Electronically 

For more information view our Business, Building & Development pages. 

Useful Municipal Links:

• Gravenhurst Official Plan and Schedules A, A1 & B
• Gravenhurst Zoning By-law
• Pre-Consultation By-law & Checklist
• Minor Variance Application Form
• Consent Application Form
• Gravenhurst Zoning Map (Muskoka Web Mapping)

Useful Planning Links:

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
• Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF)
• Ministry of Transportation (MTO) – Northeastern Regional Office
• District Municipality of Muskoka
• Muskoka Watershed Council
• Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
• Ontario Planning Act
• Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
• Muskoka Land Registry Office #35