Minor Variance Application

If your next project doesn’t meet your current zoning regulations, you may be able to apply for a Minor Variance. This process allows small, site-specific adjustments to the Town of Saugeen Shores’ Zoning By-law.  

Minor Variances are intended for smaller changes, such as: 

  • Building setbacks 

  • Parking requirements 

  • Property structures (for example, a new deck or garage) 

Who Manages and Approves Applications? 

Applications for Minor Variances or Zoning By-law Amendments are reviewed and administered by the County of Bruce Planning Department. 

While the Saugeen Shores Committee of Adjustment, a quasi-judicial body appointed by Town Council under the Ontario Planning Act, reviews and decides on applications for: 

Minor Variances (site-specific zoning adjustments)  

Sign Variances (site-specific sign by-law adjustments) 

If your project involves larger changes, such as a new land use, or a significant increase in development density you’ll need to apply for a Zoning By-Law. 

Diane Huber, Council Representative and Chair 

Mike Myatt, Council Representative 

Rachel Stack, Council Representative 

Chad Zimmerman 

Michael Martin 

Richard Beckett 

Hope Wallace 

The Committee of Adjustment meets on the third Monday of the month at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin), as required. If Monday is a holiday, the meeting is held on Tuesday. Find upcoming meetings, Agendas and Minutes in our Calendar of Meetings. 

 All Committee of Adjustment meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the Town's YouTube channel.

Hearings are open to the public and members of the public may attend hearings in-person or virtually. 

In person: 

Hearings are held at the Nuclear Innovation Institution (NII) located at 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin. Registration is not required to participate prior to a hearing.  

Virtually: 

Anyone wishing to speak to the Committee of Adjustment virtually must register by contacting the Secretary Treasurer at 519-832-2008 ext. 163 or email building@saugeenshores.ca no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on the day of the meeting. When your registration is received, a confirmation message and instructions for participating in the virtual public meeting will be provided. 

Please be aware that all submitted information becomes public. 

In accordance with the Planning Act, the Municipal Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, all information presented to the Committee of Adjustment is considered public information and can be shared with any interested individual. Information you choose to disclose in your correspondence and during the hearing, including your personal information, will become part of the public record and shared with Committee Members, the Applicant(s) or their agent and any other interested individual. 

If you are not sure whether your proposed project involves a Minor Variance or Zoning By-law Amendment, please contact Development Services, E building@saugeenshores.ca, T 519-832-2008 x163.