Committee of Adjustment meeting, February 21, 2024
Attendance
The Chair, the Vice-Chair, and three other Council-appointed members were present to hear applications. The Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee, Farid Haddad, and a Planner, Elena Petrova, provided staff support. The Chair confirmed a quorum was present and called the meeting to order.
Delegations
A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood spoke in support of a minor variance application, highlighting the need for additional parking. A representative from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area provided comments on a site plan control exemption, noting the impact on pedestrian pathways. All delegations were heard in accordance with the Planning Act.
Reports and decisions
1. Application for a minor variance at 18 Water Street in the Riverside Flats neighbourhood. The applicant requested a 0.5 metre reduction in the rear-yard setback to accommodate a new detached garage and a wider driveway approach. Staff noted that the variance is minor, conforms to the intent of the Zoning By-law 2016-040, and will not cause severe adverse effects on neighbouring properties. Carried.
2. Application to sever the rear portion of the lot at 88 Mill Street in the Old Mill neighbourhood to create a new residential parcel. The Secretary-Treasurer confirmed that the proposed lot meets the minimum area and width requirements of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law 2016-040. Conditions regarding the transfer of a utility easement were attached. Carried.
3. Application for a minor variance at 150 Ambrel Lake Road. The applicant sought permission for a covered deck to extend 1.2 metres into the required side-yard setback. A resident from the Ambrel Lake neighbourhood spoke against the application, raising concerns about privacy and shadow casting. The Committee determined that the proposed structure would create an unacceptable impact on the adjacent property. Defeated.
4. Appeal of a property standards enforcement notice issued at 45 Tamsin Street regarding exterior paint peeling and window condition. The applicant appeared in person and agreed to complete all necessary repairs. The Committee set a 30-day compliance period and requested photographic proof of the work. Carried.
5. Application for a minor variance at 12 Westbrook Drive to increase the maximum height of a front fence from 1.2 metres to 1.5 metres. The Planner reviewed the site plan and confirmed that the proposed height will not obstruct sightlines at the intersection or violate the Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075. Carried.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed. Under the Planning Act, the Committee of Adjustment makes recommendations and decisions on minor variances and consents. It does not have the authority to pass municipal by-laws.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
You can download the full agenda and minutes from the View committee meeting agendas page. You have the right to appeal Committee decisions to the provincial tribunal within 20 days, as outlined in the Planning Act.