July/91

A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE BOARD OF VARIANCE PROCESS IN PORT COQUITLAM

Where a Council has enacted a Zoning Bylaw, Section 961 of the Municipal
Act requires that they establish a Board of Variance by Bylaw. The Board of
Variance is an avenue for appeal on the interpretation and the strict
application of certain local goverment provisions and regulations in specific
circumstances defined in the legislation. It functions separately from the
local government that established it and has its own authority under the Act.

The Board of Variance consists of five members who are appointed for
terms of three years each. The Board of Variance meets on the first Thursday

of every month as required.

PROCEDURAL FORMAT

Application to Clerk's Department —- all applications.to the Board of
Variance must be received in the Clerk's Department no later than ten
(10) working days prior to the monthly meeting.

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Forwarded to the Planning, Building and Engineering Departments for Bylaw
requirements.

Letters sent to adjacent property owners/occupiers advising them of the
date and time of meeting, what variance is being sought; and the contact
person at City Hall. | | .

The members of the Board of Variance will view the sites under
application.

Decisions of the Board will be made in an In-camera meeting following the
regular meeting. Information as to the Board's decision can be obtained
from the Clerk's Department (944-5411) the following day.

Applications to tha Beard of Variance must include a completed
application form and a sketch plan. The sketch plan must show:

1. property under application with accurate dimensions and areas;

2. all existing roads and lanes . .

3. all bodies of water: streams, rivers, etc. on or adjacent to the
property under application

4. complete jegal description of the property

5. north point .

6. accurate location of all existing and proposed structures, noting
variance requested |

7. indication of any building removal or relocation

8. existing and proposed building floor plan.