A variance means a permitted alteration or change to a standard prescribed by the Land Use Bylaw C-1100 that is authorized by the Development Authority of the City of Grande Prairie.

Variances may be granted for:

• A change to the required distance from the front, rear, and side property lines to a structure or building.

• A change to the size of a lot area, that is required under the applicable land use district.

• A change to lot coverage (Total permitted area of buildings, structures, and accessory buildings in relation to the area of the property lot).

• A change to the required width of a property lot.

• A change to the permitted height of a building.

• A change to required landscaping requirements

• A change in parking requirements

• a change to the height of a fence, wall, and/or gate

Variances are reviewed on an individual case basis and can be refused by the development authority under the provisions of the Land Use Bylaw C-1100.

Under the provincial Municipal Government Act any variance granted has to be advertised to the general public. The additional fees go towards advertising costs. If your variance request needs to go to the Public Works Committee there is an additional administrative fee. Click here for current fees.

Accompanying a development application, please indicate on the application whether a variance is required.

Depending on the type of development you are proposing and the nature of the variance you are requesting the following information may be required by the development authority:

• Letter of Consent from adjacent or affected neighbours, who may be affected by your requested variance
• A Letter of Undue Hardship stating reasons for the requested variance

Variances are approved at the discretion of the Development Officer(s). Some of the main factors that are taken into account when making a decision to grant a variance are:

• whether the lot is irregular making it more difficult to place a structure
• potential impacts to adjoining properties
• potential safety and building code issues

Contact a Development Officer for more information 

If a notice of refusal was received you can appeal the decision to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board on or before the appeal expiry date on the notice of refusal. Contact the city clerks office @ 538-0314 for more information.

Approved variances are posted in the weekend edition of the Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune, posted at the property the variance is granted for, and online on the City of Grande Prairie's website.