Committee of Adjustment

Committee's role

The Committee of Adjustment is responsible for rendering decisions on all applications for:

• consent to sever;
• minor variance; and
• permission relating to legal non-conforming uses

When rendering decisions, the Committee is to be guided by:

• the Planning Act;
• relevant Provincial Policy, Official Plan Policies and Zoning By-law regulations;
• comments from various agencies and residents; and
• local knowledge, past practices and individual circumstances pertaining to the application

Committee Members

Donna Ferris, Secretary-Treasurer
Tom Fuerth, Chair
Lori Chadwick
Paul Jobin
Chris Lanman
Tom Marentette
Tony Muscedere
Doug Pitre

Applications

Consent to Sever

A “consent to sever” or “application for severance” is typically filed if a property owner wants to divide an existing lot into two or more smaller lots. Consent applications may also deal with lot additions, easements, rights-of-way and technical severances. 

Minor Variance

A minor variance application seeks permission to vary from the requirements of the Zoning By-law. Common variance applications seek minor relief from a side yard or front yard requirements. The Planning Act establishes four tests that the Committee must consider when arriving at a decision.

These four tests are:

• whether the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan is maintained;
• whether the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law is maintained;
• whether the relief being sought is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure; and
• whether the relief being sought is minor in nature

How to Apply

Effective April 30, 2025, applicants will be able to submit pre-consultation requests and formal applications electronically through the Cloudpermit system. This move enhances service delivery by offering a user-friendly, efficient, and accessible digital solution for residents, builders, and businesses. 

While the Cloudpermit platform is designed for ease of use, in-person assistance remains available at the Tecumseh Town Hall. You can apply and submit applications at directly through the Cloudpermit website.

Additionally, users can access comprehensive tutorials and support resources at www.cloudpermit.com. 

For more information regarding the Committee of Adjustment and its procedure, please contact Donna Ferris, Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, (519) 735-2184 ext. 132.