Board of Variance
Overview
The Board of Variance is an appeal body that hears and then decides upon appeals regarding zoning, development permit, signage, tree by-law, and parking matters. Experience in the building industry would be an asset in performing duties required of Board members. Membership and Terms of Reference for the Board of Variance are prescribed in City of Vancouver By-law No. 10200 
and in Section 572 
of the Vancouver Charter
Membership
The Board consists of five members appointed by City Council. The Chair is elected by the members from among their own numbers.
Current Members
Terms expire July 27, 2012:
Jag Dhillon
Alex Lam
Namtez (Babbu) Sohal
Gilbert Tan
Martha Welsh
Staff Contact: Louis Ng, Secretary to the Board of Variance, 604.873.7723
Reappointment
Every member is eligible for reappointment. There is no limit on the number of terms which may be served.
Meetings
The Board generally meets at City Hall from 2:15 p.m. until all appeals have been heard, every second Wednesday of each month. There is also a site inspection the day before each Board meeting to visit all the sites under appeal, commencing at 1:00 p.m. until each site has been visited.
Time Commitment
Time commitment during meeting weeks is quite heavy. Considerable preparation time is also required to review information on appeals. Time commitment averages 15 hours per meeting week. Because many Board activities occur during working hours, Board members should have sufficient control over their time to be able to participate.
Remuneration
Members of the Board of Variance are entitled to receive payment for their expenses necessarily incurred in the conduct of their official duties on the Board, including their transportation to and from their home or office to meetings of the Board or on inspection trips to view sites involved in appeals.
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