RUSSELL TOWNSHIP — Residents looking for information about minor-variance applications are set to have another place to find it: online.
During its Aug. 31 discussion of the Township’s minor-variance notice process, council supported making more notices and supporting planning material available on the municipal website.
The online material does not replace the formal notice process. The Township’s current minor-variance information says owners within 60 metres of the property involved receive notice of the public hearing by mail. Signage may also be required on the property.
Committee of Adjustment hearings are held at Town Hall and are open to the public. Residents can attend and comment on applications.
For neighbours, the practical change is access. A mailed notice may tell an immediately affected property owner that a hearing is coming; putting the material online makes it easier for other residents to find the application information and supporting documents without relying on a sign or a letter arriving at their own address.
Council made the online-access move in the same discussion in which it rejected a separate proposal to lengthen the notice period from 10 days to 15.