Variances

The variance process described below applies only to projects within the Municipality of Jasper. Proponents requesting a variance for projects outside of the Jasper townsite should contact Parks Canada directly.

The land use regulations for Jasper National Park help regulate development across the Park. There are regulations on building setback lines, building heights, roof pitches, and exterior finishes. Each proposed development must comply with the appropriate Parks Canada regulations.

Sometimes there are unusual conditions on the property, and it may not be possible for a development to meet all the land use regulations for a given site. In other situations, a relaxation of the land use requirements for the site can help improve the overall design of the development relative to the park. In either of these cases, a ‘variance,’ or relaxation to the planning, architectural, siting, or other requirements of the land-use regulations may be justified.

Before a variance can be granted, every other option for compliance must be sought first. A variance may only be granted if the proposal:

1. Is in the interest of Jasper National Park and the Municipality of Jasper;
2. Is not contrary to the requirements of the land use agreement(s) for the subject lands;
3. Is not a variance to a land use or technical standard of a safety code;
4. Is for the prescribed use and permitted intensity of use for the lands;
5. Is consistent with the intent of Parks Canada plans and policies;
6. Does not substantially hinder the ability of lessees, licensees, or owners of adjacent properties to use, develop, or enjoy their lands; and
7. Does not have a negative impact on the operations, amenities, or use of Jasper National Park or the Municipality of Jasper.

If you think your development proposal requires a variance and meets these criteria, please complete the variance request form (PDF, 179 KB).

Typically, variance requests are reviewed by the Planning and Development Advisory Committee. To help streamline the development review process as Jasper rebuilds, the requirement that requests be heard by the Committee will be removed for minor variances. 

Planning and Development Advisory Committee

The Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) is a group that advises the superintendent on certain development applications that require discretion, including certain types of variance applications. The five members of the committee currently sit on the Municipality of Jasper council.

The superintendent may ask the committee to review applications such as:

• Major variance requests
• Changes to land use
• Complex development proposals

The committee will not be asked to review minor variance requests or applications for discretionary uses.

The superintendent will schedule meetings when needed, at their discretion. Meetings are held in public.

Notice of Next PDAC Meeting

For meeting details, contact jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca. To view meeting livestreams, visit the Municipality of Jasper webpage.

Past PDAC Meetings

To view meeting recordings, visit the Municipality of Jasper webpage.