Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 1 Exam Practice

For planning purposes, what is a small variation from a zoning bylaw commonly referred to as?

1. Planning infraction.

2. Minor variance.

3. Zoning amendment.

4. Bylaw variance.

The correct answer is: Minor variance.

A minor variance refers to a small variation from a zoning bylaw. This process allows property owners to request changes to specific requirements in the zoning bylaw, such as setbacks or lot coverage. Minor variances are typically granted when certain criteria are met, such as the variance being minor in nature, not creating undue adverse effects on neighboring properties, and maintaining the general intent of the zoning bylaw. This option is correct because it accurately describes the term commonly used for small variations from a zoning bylaw. Option A, planning infraction, is incorrect because it refers to a violation or breach of planning regulations, not a small variation from a zoning bylaw. Option C, zoning amendment, is incorrect because it involves more substantial changes to the zoning bylaw, such as rezoning a property or changing the permitted land uses in a specific area. Option D, bylaw variance, is incorrect because the term commonly used for small variations from a zoning bylaw is a minor variance, not a bylaw variance.