Board of Variance
Board of Variance details, resources and information.
Board of Variance Appointments
The SRD is seeking applications from individuals who wish to volunteer for appointment to the Electoral Area Board of Variance for a three-year term.
The Board of Variance considers applications from persons who believe they would suffer hardship if forced to comply with specific land use restrictions contained in a zoning, subdivision control or tree regulation bylaw, or with respect to additions or alterations to a non-conforming use.
Individuals interested in being appointed to the Board of Variance should submit an application not later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 by:
- Email – corporate@srd.ca
- In person – SRD Office (during business hours)
- Mail – Board of Variance Appointments
Strathcona Regional District – 990 Cedar Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 7Z8
Applicants will not be considered if, in the opinion of the Regional District, their personal or business interests will give rise to a conflict in connection with this position.
We thank all interested individuals for responding to this opportunity; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
What Does the Board Vary?
A local government that has adopted a zoning bylaw must establish one or more Boards of Variance. A person may apply to the Board of Variance for a minor variance if they feel compliance with the bylaw would cause them a hardship.
Each member is appointed for a three-year term and members of an Advisory Planning Commission or an officer or employee of the local government are prohibited from being appointed to the Board of Variance. Meetings of a Board of Variance are open to the public.
The Board of Variance may grant a variance if they have considered the following factors and are of the opinion that the variance does not:
- result in inappropriate development of the site
- adversely affect the natural environment
- substantially affect the use and enjoyment of the adjacent land
- vary the permitted uses and densities or defeat the intent of the bylaw
The Board of Variance focuses primarily on hardship relating to matters such as siting, dimensions and size of buildings. They cannot conflict with other matters such as Land title Act covenants, permits or land use contracts or floodplain bylaw specifications.
A decision of the Board of Variance is final. However, there may be an appeal to the Supreme Court in the specific case where a person alleges that there has been an error by the building inspector in the determination of the amount of damage to a non-conforming building above its foundation (75% or more of its value).