Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards Committee members help review planning and property standards matters. Applicants must be residents of Champlain Township, at least 18 years old, and bilingual.
Please note that the five members appointed to the Township of Champlain Committee of Adjustment also serve as members of the Property Standards Committee. Applicants appointed to the Committee of Adjustment will therefore serve on both committees.
The Committee of Adjustment has the authority under the Planning Act, to hold public hearings and to make decisions on applications submitted to the Township for minor variances from the provisions of the Municipal Zoning by-Law.
A minor variance may be needed when a property cannot meet a specific requirement of the Township’s Zoning By-law. This may include requirements for building setbacks, height, or parking. A minor variance does not change the property’s zoning. If a larger change is needed, a Zoning By-law Amendment may be required instead.
When reviewing a minor variance application, the Committee considers the four tests established under the Planning Act. The Committee must be satisfied that:
The variance is minor.
The variance is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land.
The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law is maintained.
The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan is maintained.
If the Committee determines that one or more of these tests have not been met, the application will be refused.
Decisions of the Committee of Adjustment may be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in accordance with the Planning Act. The Act sets out who is permitted to appeal and the deadline for filing an appeal. For information about appeal rights, deadlines and filing requirements, visit the Ontario Land Tribunal website or contact the Township’s Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment.
Committee of Adjustment meetings are open to the public. The Committee is required to provide notice and follow the procedures and appeal processes established under the Planning Act.
The Committee consists of five (5) appointed, non-elected members, with one member representing Vankleek Hill, one representing L’Orignal, one representing Longueuil, and two representing West Hawkesbury.
A general understanding of the Planning Act, applicable Official Plans and the Township's Zoning By-law is preferred for Committee members.
Committee members are generally appointed for the same term as Council and remain in office until successors are appointed. A member’s appointment ends if they miss three consecutive meetings without a valid reason, are no longer a resident of Champlain Township, or resign in writing.
If a position becomes vacant, Council may appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. A vacancy does not prevent the Committee from carrying out its duties.
The Committee appoints one of its members as Chair and may appoint an Acting Chair when needed. The Chair leads meetings fairly and efficiently, but decisions are made by the Committee as a whole.
The Clerk of Champlain Township serves as Secretary of the Property Standards Committee and is responsible for maintaining the Committee’s official records, including appeals, meeting minutes, decisions, and other Committee business.
Committee members receive remuneration at the same rate provided to members of Council for attendance at their respective liaison committee meetings.
About the Property Standards Committee
Please note that the five members appointed to the Township of Champlain Committee of Adjustment also serve as members of the Property Standards Committee. Applicants appointed to the Committee of Adjustment will therefore serve on both committees.
The Property Standards Committee has the authority under the Building Code Act and the Township’s Property Standards By-law to hold hearings and make decisions on appeals filed against property standards Orders issued by the Property Standards Officer/By-law Enforcement Officer.
Champlain Township’s Property Standards By-law sets rules for the safety and upkeep of properties and buildings. If a property does not meet these standards, the Township may issue an Order requiring the owner to correct the issue. Property owners may appeal an Order to the Property Standards Committee.
When an appeal to an Order is received, the Secretary of the Property Standards Committee will schedule a hearing within 7 to 30 days. Written notice of the date, time and location will be provided to the appellant, the officer who issued the Order, and any other interested parties identified by the Committee.
When reviewing an appeal to an Order, the Property Standards Committee may confirm, change or cancel the Order, or give the property owner more time to comply. The Committee must ensure its decision follows the intent of the Township’s Property Standards By-law and any applicable policies.
Following the hearing, the Committee will provide its decision in writing to the appellant, the officer who issued the Order, and any other interested parties identified by the Committee.
A decision of the Property Standards Committee may be further appealed to the Superior Court of Justice by notifying the Township Clerk in writing and applying to the court within 14 days after the decision of the Property Standards Committee is sent.
The Property Standards Committee consists of the same five members appointed to the Township of Champlain Committee of Adjustment.
Committee members are generally appointed for the same term as Council and remain in office until successors are appointed. A member’s appointment ends if they miss three consecutive meetings without a valid reason, are no longer a resident of Champlain Township, or resign in writing.
If a position becomes vacant, Council may appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. A vacancy does not prevent the Committee from carrying out its duties.
The Committee appoints one of its members as Chair and may appoint an Acting Chair when needed. The Chair leads meetings fairly and efficiently, but decisions are made by the Committee as a whole.
The Clerk of Champlain Township serves as Secretary of the Property Standards Committee and is responsible for maintaining the Committee’s official records, including appeals, meeting minutes, decisions, and other Committee business.
Members of the Property Standards Committee receive remuneration at the same rate as members of Council for attendance at their respective committee meetings.
