My neighbour got a minor variance — can I appeal?

Committee of Adjustment decisions can generally be appealed to the OLT within a short statutory period. Note the deadline on the notice of decision immediately.

What replaced the OMB?

The OMB became LPAT and then, in 2021, was consolidated with several other tribunals into the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Do I need a lawyer or planner?

OLT hearings are adversarial and expert planning evidence is often decisive. Self-representation is possible but uncommon in contested development matters.

Does the OLT set expropriation compensation?

Yes. Where an authority expropriates land, compensation disputes are determined by the OLT.

Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) — Planning, Zoning & Expropriation Appeals

Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)

The Ontario Land Tribunal decides land use planning disputes — zoning by-law and official plan amendments, minor variance appeals from Committees of Adjustment, subdivision approvals — plus expropriation compensation, heritage and mining matters. It consolidated several former tribunals including the OMB/LPAT, Environmental Review Tribunal, Conservation Review Board and Mining and Lands Tribunal.

What it does

Hears planning and zoning appeals
Decides minor variance and consent appeals
Determines expropriation compensation
Hears heritage, conservation and mining matters

Matters it hears

Official plan and zoning by-law amendment appeals
Minor variance appeals from a Committee of Adjustment
Plan of subdivision and consent appeals
Expropriation compensation claims
Heritage designation and environmental appeals

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Divisional Court (Ontario).

OLT decisions may be appealed to the Divisional Court with leave on a question of law, or reviewed by the tribunal itself.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

My neighbour got a minor variance — can I appeal?: Committee of Adjustment decisions can generally be appealed to the OLT within a short statutory period. Note the deadline on the notice of decision immediately.
What replaced the OMB?: The OMB became LPAT and then, in 2021, was consolidated with several other tribunals into the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Do I need a lawyer or planner?: OLT hearings are adversarial and expert planning evidence is often decisive. Self-representation is possible but uncommon in contested development matters.
Does the OLT set expropriation compensation?: Yes. Where an authority expropriates land, compensation disputes are determined by the OLT.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.