Committee of Adjustment meetings 2025

The Committee of Adjustment reviewed five development requests, approving minor variances and a land severance while rejecting a setback variance.

Committee of Adjustment meeting, April 16, 2025

Attendance

Present were the Chair, the Vice-Chair, and three members appointed by Council. The Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee and a Planner from Planning & Development staff also attended. One member sent regrets.

Delegations

Three delegations spoke during the open forum. A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood raised concerns about traffic near a proposed driveway variance. A local developer representing a project on Mill Street provided a brief overview of a site plan exemption request. A community group from the Railside area questioned the proposed lot line adjustment near Corvid Creek.

Reports and decisions

Minor variance for a deck extension at 45 Mercer Street. The applicant requested to build a deck slightly over the required side-yard setback. The Committee reviewed the impact on the neighbour's privacy and sunlight. Staff confirmed the design meets the fence and pool enclosure by-law. Carried 3-2.

Consent to sever a portion of land at 12 Tamsin Street. The request was to create a separate lot for a future accessory dwelling unit. Staff confirmed the parcel met minimum size requirements and the easement for utilities was in place. The Committee noted the change supports affordable housing options. Carried 4-1.

Site plan control exemption for a small retail kiosk at Northgate Boulevard. The applicant sought an exemption from full site plan review for a temporary seasonal structure. The Committee agreed the size and use were minor and would not affect traffic flow. Carried 5-0.

Variance for a front yard setback at 88 Mill Street. The applicant wanted to place a storage shed closer to the street than the by-law allows. Several neighbours submitted written objections citing sightline safety. The Committee found the risk too high. Defeated 4-1.

Minor variance for a laneway garage at 15 Albert Street. The request involved building a detached garage one metre closer to the rear property line. The Committee found no significant negative impact on the adjacent property or drainage. Carried 3-2.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The Committee of Adjustment makes recommendations to Council, which passes all by-laws.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

You can view the full agenda and vote records on the Committee of Adjustment page. If you have questions about these decisions, contact Planning & Development staff.