Committee of Adjustment

When applying 

To help you through the Committee of Adjustment process, below are two helpful guides:

• Minor Variance Information Guide
• Consent Information Guide

Applications for the Committee of Adjustment can be found on the planning application page. Review the digital submission guidelines prior to submitting your application.

Water and Sewer Lateral Service Agreement

Should you be required to complete a Lateral Service Agreement as a condition of your provisional consent, the Water and Sewer Lateral Service Guide will help you through the process.

The application can be found in the planning application page.

I’ve received a Notice of Public Hearing, what does it mean?  Do I have to do anything?

• You have received the Notice as you are a property owner within 60m of a property subject to a Committee of Adjustment application.  The Planning Act requires that all properties within 60m be circulated by regular mail.
• The Notice provides information regarding the purpose of the application, and a drawing showing the proposal.
• You do not need to do anything, but if you wish to, the Notice will provide details as to how you can comment and/or attend the virtual hearing to observe and/or ask questions.

I’ve seen a Notice of Hearing Sign posted on a property, what does it mean?

• The Committee of Adjustment webpage will provide all the details regarding the application being made on the subject lands.
• The Notice of Hearing posted on the webpage will provide details regarding commenting on the application.
• The webpage also provides the link to the virtual hearing conducted through Zoom.

Is there a way to participate, give comments and ask questions?  Can anyone attend the virtual hearing?  

• The Committee of Adjustment Hearing, held over the Zoom platform, is open to any member of the public to attend to observe or ask questions. 
• You can attend by either using your computer and accessing the Zoom link to the meeting on the webpage, or by calling in with the call-in option noted on the Notice of Hearing.
• You may provide written comment prior to the Hearing which will be shared with the Applicant and the Committee Members, as well as posted to the Committee webpage.
• All comments received, including comments from the public, City Divisions, external agencies, as well as a report from a City Planner on the merits of the application, are posted to the Committee webpage prior to the hearing date.
• Please review the Notice of Hearing for deadlines with respect to submitting written comments.
• At the Hearing, the Committee Chair will provide verbal direction at the beginning of the hearing as to the process and how to participate should you wish to comment. 
• Anyone wishing to will have an opportunity to speak.

Who makes the decisions on Committee of Adjustment Applications?  

• The Committee of Adjustment is made up of three members who are citizens at large and are not members of Council. 
• Committee members serve a term equal to the term of the current Council.  Members have the option to serve one additional term.

What decision could the Committee make at the Hearing?

• The Committee typically decides to approve or deny the application at the hearing. 
• The Committee does, however, have the option to defer the application to a future hearing date should they determine that additional information is required in order for them to make their decision.
• Their decision is then posted to the Committee’s webpage by the Friday following the Hearing. 
• A decision to approve the application can contain certain conditions which must be completed by the Applicant.

I have more questions, who can help?

Please contact the Secretary-Treasurer for further assistance:

Lorrie Jackson, Secretary-Treasurer, 705-325-1870, coa@orillia.ca. 

For any Decisions or Minutes prior to the last hearing, please contact staff.

Decisions - March 2026 Hearing

• B01-26 and A02-26 - 51 James Street - Minor Variance
• B01-26 and A02-26 - 51 James Street - Consent

Minutes

• February 2026 Hearing