Permits, Applications & Licenses

The Board of Variance

The Williams Lake Board of Variance consists of three (3) independent members of the public appointed by City Council.  It is the Board's responsibility to make a decision where an applicant wishes to vary a Zoning Bylaw regulation with regard to the siting, dimension or size of an existing building; or the siting of a mobile home in a mobile home park; or the prohibition of a structural alteration or addition to a non-conforming building.

Also, the Building Inspector's determination of building damage can be varied and sanctioned by the Board.

The Board deals with only minor variances and may not approve a variance that in the Board's opinion:

• Results in the inappropriate development of the site;
• Substantially affects the use and enjoyment of adjacent land;
• Varies permitted uses and densities under the applicable Bylaw; and
• Defeats the intent of the Bylaw.

The Board meets on-demand as applications are submitted.  There is a mandatory procedure for processing each application which City Administration must follow.  All property owners and occupiers adjacent to the land to which the application relates must be notified and given a specific time to respond or the opportunity to attend the Board meeting to present their concerns.  It normally takes 1-2 months between the time of application and the Board of Variance's decision.  The applicant can attend the Board meeting to explain his or her request.