Municipal Planning Commission
What is the MPC?
The Municipal Planning Commission, or MPC, is a group chosen by Council. It has five people: one member from the Village of Dunnottar Council and four people who live in the Village.
What does the MPC do?
The MPC holds public meetings to look at conditional use and variance applications. They decide if the applciation should be approved or not.
What is a conditional use?
A conditional use allows someone to use their land for something that is not normally allowed in the Zoning By-Law. For example, if you want to run a bed and breakfast from your home, you may need a conditional use permit.
What is a variance?
A variance is needed when someone wants to change the size rules of their property. For example, if you want to build a deck and your house is close to the property line, you may need to change the required yard setback.
How does the process work?
When someone applies for a condtional use, or variance, Red River Planning and the MPC choose a date to hear the application. To avoid delays, applications are heard as soon as both groups are available.
A notice is sent to anyone who owns property within 100 metres of the application site. This notice is sent 14 days before the meeting, following the Planning Act. A notice is also posted at the Village office, on the property, and on the Red River Planning website.
These meetings are open to the public. Anyone can come to speak for or against the application or to get more information. People can also email their support or concerns.
After a decision is made, anyone who participated, or certain officials, can appeal the decision within 14 days.
What is Council's Role?
Council acts as the appeals board. Because of this, Council cannot talk about any matter that is or may be heard by the MPC. This prevents conflict of interest and allows Council to vote on appeals.