How does the cost of a minor variance application compare to a full rezoning application in Ontario?

A minor variance application is generally the less expensive and faster process of the two, both in terms of the municipal application fee itself and the overall scope of work typically involved, since it's designed for a narrow, specific deviation from an existing zoning bylaw rather than a change to the underlying zoning framework. A full rezoning application generally involves a more extensive process, often requiring more detailed supporting studies, a broader public notice and consultation process, and consideration by municipal council itself rather than only the committee of adjustment, all of which tends to add to both the cost and the timeline.

Exact application fees for either process are set and periodically updated by each municipality individually, so there's no single provincial figure that applies everywhere, and the actual total cost of either process also depends heavily on whether professional planning or legal help is needed, and how contested the application turns out to be. Before choosing between a minor variance and a full rezoning application, and to get an accurate cost picture, check the current fee schedule with the specific municipality and get a realistic estimate of professional fees for your particular project.