Board of Variance Order Application Guide

· Islands Trust Area · Applications, Forms & Guides · 2025

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Topics: Fresh water & aquifers · Forestry & trees · Bylaw enforcement · Agriculture & the ALR · Transportation & ferries · Governance & budget — our classification, not the Trust's.

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www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Galiano, Mayne, North Pender,  
Saturna, South Pender Islands 
 
Victoria Office 
200 - 1627 Fort Street 
Victoria, BC  V8R 1H8 
Ph: (250) 405-5151 
southinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Salt Spring Island, Ballenas-
Winchelsea Islands 
 
Salt Spring Office 
4 - 121 McPhillips Avenue 
Salt Spring Island, BC  V8K 2T6 
Ph: (250) 537-9144 
ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Denman, Gabriola, Gambier, 
Hornby, Lasqueti, Thetis 
 
Northern Office 
700 North Road 
Gabriola Island, BC  V0R 1X3 
Ph: (250) 247-2063 
northinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Board of Variance Order 
Information about Board of Variance Orders 
A Board of Variance can issue an order to vary certain land use bylaw regulations such as siting, size or dimensions of 
buildings or structures, or to grant relief to legal non-conforming buildings. However, the Board of Variance cannot vary: 
• A development permit, development variance permit, temporary use permit, or tree cutting permit 
• A Land Use Contract 
• A Phased Development Agreement 
• A flood plain requirement 
• A heritage conservation permit, heritage alteration permit, or heritage revitalization agreement 
 
The Board of Variance must also be satisfied that compliance with the land use bylaw regulations would cause the applicant 
undue hardship. Also, a Board of Variance cannot issue an order that: 
• Results in inappropriate development of the site 
• Adversely affects the natural environment 
• Substantially affects the use and enjoyment of adjacent land 
• Varies permitted uses and densities under applicable bylaws 
• Defeats the intent of the bylaw 
 
Application Process 
Pre-Application 
• Review the Islands Trust Policy Statement and Official Community Plan (OCP) to determine if your proposal aligns 
with policy  
• Determine whether your proposed development is located within a Development Permit Area; if so, an application for 
a Development Permit may also be required; contact Islands Trust to confirm 
• Review your local Land Use Bylaw (LUB) to identify applicable zoning regulations, permitted uses, siting, size, and 
other bylaw requirements (e.g. parking, landscaping, signage, and runoff control) 
• Determine where strict compliance with the land use bylaw would cause undue hardship 
Prior to submitting your application for a Board of Variance Order you may wish to contact local planning staff to review 
applicable policies and regulations. 
Application Submission 
• Submit a complete application to the Islands Trust Portal; incomplete applications will not be processed 
• Islands Trust staff may contact you to request any additional application materials 
Public Notification 
Once your application is received: 
• The Board of Variance Secretary will confirm whether your proposed variance can be considered by the Board of 
Variance; if it is uncertain, the Board will decide whether the application falls within its jurisdiction to consider 
• The Secretary will schedule a hearing date, time, and locat

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