Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdjustment - 2013-08-20 - FN COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD AUGUST 20, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. A. Head, A. Lise and Ms. J. Meader. OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mr. B. Bateman, Senior Planner, Mr. D. Pimentel, Traffic Technologist, Ms. D. Saunderson, Secretary-Treasurer, and Ms. A. Lacoursiere, Administrative Clerk. Mr. A. Head, Vice-Chair, called this meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. This meeting of the Committee of Adjustment sitting as a Standing Committee of City Council was called to consider applications regarding a variance to the City of Kitchener Fence By-law. The Committee will not make a decision on this application but rather will make a recommendation which will be forwarded to the Committee of the Whole and Council for final decision. The Chair explained that the Committee's decisions with respect to fence variances are recommendations to City Council and not a final decision. He advised that the Committee's recommendations will be forwarded to City Council on Monday, August 26, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., and the applicants may register with the City Clerk to appear at the meeting if desired. NEW BUSINESS Submission No.: 1. FN 2013-004 Applicants: Pavel and Ina Bahdanovich Property Location: 34 Martinwood Street Legal Description: Part Block 9, Registered Plan 58M-487, being Part 55 on Reference Plan 58R-17144 Appearances: In Support: P. Bahdanovich Contra: None Written Submissions: None The Committee was advised that the applicant is requesting permission to construct a 1.82m (6’) high wooden privacy fence to be located 0.6m (2’) from the side lot line abutting Steepleridge Street rather than the required 1.5m (4.93’). The Committee considered the report of the Planning Division, dated August 13, 2013, advising that the subject property is located on the south-east corner of the intersection of Martinwood Street and Steepleridge Street and the property contains a single family dwelling. The zoning is Residential Four (R-4) and the Official Plan Designation is Low Rise Residential. The applicant is requesting permission to construct a 1.82 metre (6 ft) high wooden privacy fence to be located 0.6 metre (2 ft) from the side lot line abutting Steepleridge Street rather than the required 1.5 metres (4.93 ft). The intent of the 1.5 metre (4.93 ft) setback from an exterior side lot line for fences between 0.9 metres (2.95 ft) and 1.8 metres (6 ft) in height is to provide an adequate buffer between public space and taller fences. The buffer is required for aesthetic purposes in order that a tall fence does not create a wall effect by being located too close to, or adjacent to, a sidewalk or other public space. In turn, this enhances the appearance of the streetscape and creates a public realm that is pedestrian friendly. The proposed variance meets the above noted intent. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT AUGUST 20, 2013 11 Submission No.: 1. FN 2013-004 (Cont’d) The 0.6 metre (2 ft) setback proposed will provide for an area for landscaping, such as shrubs or plants, in order to soften the look of the fence. Therefore, as in previous applications for such a reduction, staff recommends that this be a condition of approval. As noted on the drawing attached to the application, the fence will be located outside the 7.5 metre (24.6 ft) corner visibility triangle and therefore there are no concerns in regards to pedestrian or traffic safety. The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation Planner, dated August 12, 2013, advising that they have no concerns with this application. Moved by Mr. A. Lise Seconded by Ms. J. Meader That the application of Pavel and Ina Bahdanovich requesting permission to construct a 1.82m (6’) high wooden privacy fence to be located 0.6m (2’) from the side lot line abutting Steepleridge Street rather than the required 1.5m (4.93’), on Part Block 9, Registered Plan 58M-487, being Part 55 on Reference Plan 58R-17144, 34 Martinwood Street, Kitchener, BE APPROVED Ontario,, subject to the following condition: 1. That the owner shall submit and obtain approval of a landscape plan from the City’s Director of Planning. The landscape plan shall show landscaping to be installed between the fence and the exterior side lot line abutting Steepleridge Street. All landscaping shall be completed by October 31, 2013, and shall be maintained in accordance with the approved landscape plan. It is the opinion of this Committee that: 1. The variance approved in this application is minor. 2. This application is desirable for the appropriate development of the property. 3. The general intent and purpose of Chapter 630 (Fences) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code is being maintained on the subject property. Carried ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m. Dated at the City of Kitchener this 20th day of August, 2013. Dianna Saunderson Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment