Who can appeal
Only a property owner (or an agent acting on their behalf) can file an appeal. If you are a tenant or a neighbour, you cannot file the appeal yourself, though you may speak at the hearing.
What you can appeal
You may appeal a decision made by the Director of Planning or the Chief Building Official under the Planning Act and the City of Wrenford Official Plan (2018, office consolidation 2025). Common reasons to appeal include:
- Removing or changing a condition attached to a development permit approval
- Reversing a decision that refused your development permit application
- Getting an exemption from the Zoning By-law 2016-040 because of a unique site condition or special circumstance (for example, an irregularly shaped lot)
- Re-establishing a non-conforming use that has been discontinued for up to 180 days
- Repairing or rebuilding a non-conforming building that suffered damage or fire loss
You can also appeal a decision by the Parking Variance Board related to parking or loading requirements.
What the board considers
The Board of Variance must be satisfied that:
- Strictly following the by-law would cause unnecessary hardship or unreasonable restraint on your property
- The hardship comes from a unique condition of your land, not from your personal circumstances
- Granting the appeal will not disrupt the City's Official Plan or neighbourhood character
- You are not appealing just to make more money from the property
What the board cannot allow
The board cannot:
- Allow a land use that is not permitted under the Zoning By-law 2016-040
- Block a use that is allowed outright by the by-law
- Change the purpose of the by-law, only the rules that cause the hardship
How the appeal process works
Once you file your appeal, the Board Secretary reviews your application and supporting documents. The Secretary will then schedule a public hearing and send you a notice with the date and time. Before the hearing, board members usually visit the property to see the site.
At the hearing, you or your representative will present your case. The Director of Planning or their staff will also have a chance to speak. Neighbours and other residents may speak in support or opposition. The board members will ask questions. After everyone has spoken, the board will discuss the case and vote. A majority vote decides the outcome. If the vote is tied, the appeal is denied.
After the hearing, the board will send you a written decision. If your appeal is allowed, you will have 90 days to apply for the required development permit. The board's decision is final. The only next step is to seek a judicial review in court, and you should get legal advice before doing that.
Fees and deadlines
You must file your appeal within 30 days of the official decision. The filing deadline cannot be extended without a written request and a good reason, and the board may grant up to 75 extra days in special cases.
A non-refundable filing fee of $500.00 is required when you submit your appeal. You can pay by cash, debit, cheque, or money order at the Service Wrenford counter. Late payments will be charged a 10 per cent fee.
Contact the board
For intake appointments, hearing schedules, or questions about the process, contact the Board Secretary.
Farid Haddad, Secretary-Treasurer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0100
Location: Room 100, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.