Barrie Council Review - Special Uses & Variances

Barrie, Ontario property owners, event organizers, and applicants often need council review or Committee of Adjustment approval when a proposed use or variance departs from the zoning bylaw. This guide explains who reviews special use requests and minor variances, typical steps for application, how enforcement, fines and appeals work, and where to find official forms and contacts in the City of Barrie.

How council and Committee of Adjustment review requests

Most minor variances and consents are considered by the City of Barrie Committee of Adjustment under the Planning Act; site-specific special use requests that require an amendment or exception may go to Council after planning staff review and public notice. Applications require staff reports, neighbour notice and a public hearing when statutory notice is required. For Committee procedures and meeting schedules see the City of Barrie Committee of Adjustment page: Committee of Adjustment^[1].

Typical timeline and stages

• Pre-consultation and submission intake by Planning staff.
• Circulation to departments and public notice where required.
• Public hearing before Committee of Adjustment or Council decision meeting.
• Decision issued in writing; conditions may apply.
• Appeal window opens if parties seek review at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of zoning, special event permits and bylaw contraventions in Barrie is carried out by the City of Barrie enforcement and planning staff, depending on the subject matter. Specific monetary fines, escalation rules and continuing offence amounts are not specified on the cited pages below; consult the enforcing department for up-to-date penalty schedules. Planning applications and procedures^[3] provide application pathways and referrals to enforcement where needed.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, stop-work orders, injunctions or prosecution in court are used by the City where authorized.
• Enforcer: By-law Enforcement or Planning staff depending on the code or permit; complaint and inspection pathways are available through official City contact pages.
• Appeal/review: appeals from Committee of Adjustment decisions go to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT); specific time limits are set in the Planning Act or the Committee decision notice and are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Key application types and where to find them:

• Minor variance and consent applications: details and submission instructions are available from the Committee of Adjustment page; specific application forms and current fees are listed or linked there. Committee of Adjustment applications^[1]
• Special event permits and municipal approvals for temporary uses: see the City special events and permits page for permit requirements and insurance obligations. Special events & permits^[2]
• Fees for applications: current fee schedules are published with the application forms or the municipal fees bylaw; if a fee amount is not shown on an application page it is not specified on the cited page.

How to prepare an effective submission

Good submissions include a clear description of the requested variance or special use, a planning rationale, scaled site plans, any required studies (traffic, arborist, noise) and proof of notice to neighbours when required. Address conditions listed in prior decisions to reduce the chance of deferral or refusal.

• Document checklist: planning rationale, site plan, elevation drawings, required studies.
• Timing: allow for circulation and public notice periods; timelines vary by application complexity.
• Pre-consultation: schedule a meeting with Planning staff via the Planning applications page to confirm submission requirements. Planning applications^[3]

FAQ

Who decides minor variances and special use exceptions?

The Committee of Adjustment decides most minor variances and consents; Council considers rezoning or official plan amendments and some special uses depending on the planning review.

How long does an application take?

Timelines vary by application complexity; allow weeks to months for review, public notice and decision, and additional time for appeals.

Can I appeal a Committee decision?

Yes, Committee of Adjustment decisions may be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal within the statutory appeal period noted on the decision notice.

How-To

How to apply for a minor variance or special use review in Barrie:

1. Schedule pre-consultation with Planning staff to confirm required materials and fees.
2. Complete the applicable application form and gather site plans, studies and owner authorization.
3. Submit the application, pay the fee, and provide required copies for circulation.
4. Await public notice and the scheduled Committee or Council meeting date.
5. Attend the hearing to present reasons and respond to questions from staff or neighbours.
6. If approved, satisfy any conditions; if refused, review reasons and consider appeal within the statutory period.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-consultation with Planning reduces delays and missing information.
• Committee of Adjustment handles minor variances; Council handles rezoning and official plan matters.
• Appeals go to the Ontario Land Tribunal within the statutory appeal period indicated on decisions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Barrie - By-law Enforcement
• City of Barrie - Planning applications and contacts
• City of Barrie - Special events & permits
• City of Barrie - Council agendas and minutes

1. [1] City of Barrie Committee of Adjustment - minor variances, consents and applications
2. [2] City of Barrie Special Events & Permits - requirements and application info
3. [3] City of Barrie Planning applications - submission, pre-consultation and contacts