Do you have a strong interest in the complexities and challenges of city building? Do you have an understanding of the diverse neighbourhoods and communities across Ottawa? The City of Ottawa is looking to appoint 15 qualified individuals as decision-makers on its Committee of Adjustment.
A quasi-judicial tribunal established under the Planning Act, the Committee of Adjustment exercises independent decision-making power. Committee

Members hold hearings on the following applications:
• minor variances from the zoning requirements
• consent to sever a property or for any agreement, mortgage or lease that extends beyond 21 years
• permission regarding a non-conforming use that relates to the enlargement or extension of a building or structure, or a change in use
• validation of title and power of sale

The Committee is divided into three panels of five members that hear applications from different parts of Ottawa (urban, suburban, and rural).

Who is eligible?
• To serve on the Committee of Adjustment, you must be a resident of the City of Ottawa and be 18 years of age or older. Employees of the City of Ottawa are not eligible.
• Committee Members will be selected based on experience with previous Committees of Adjustment as well as their knowledge of the general area and familiarity with basic land use planning principles, including official plans and zoning by-laws.
What qualifications, knowledge and experience are relevant?
• Knowledge in one or more areas of: adjudication, administrative or municipal and planning law, urban planning, architecture, community development, land development, or environmental planning
• Previous adjudication experience with the Committee of Adjustment, decision-making, communication, and mediation
• Knowledge of the City’s building, planning and development processes
• Current or past community involvement with other committees, non-profit groups, voluntary societies, and occupational associations
• Bilingualism and a professional designation are considered an asset for each Panel

What is the level of commitment required?
• Committee Panels hear applications twice monthly. Currently, two of the panels hold hearings during the daytime and the other in the evening. However, all future Panels may hold daytime hearings (under review).
• Members are required to access and review materials in advance of Committee hearings. Preparation and Panel participation involves a four to five-hour commitment for each hearing.
• Member remuneration is on a per hearing/meeting basis, according to the following honorarium rates (under review): Chair: $349; Vice-Chair: $320; and Member: $298
• Terms of Committee Members are concurrent with that of City Council.

Additional information on the Committee of Adjustment is available at Ottawa.ca/CommitteeofAdjustment.

How to apply
All applicants are encouraged to review the recruitment information and apply using the online form on ottawa.ca/committees.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, January 23, 2023 at 4:30 pm.