HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-16-060 - Zone Change - 393-411 Queen Street South 168 170-172 176 180 Benton Street
REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 12, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning
PREPARED BY: Garett Stevenson, Senior Planner 519-741-2200 x 7070
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9
DATE OF REPORT: August 10, 2016
REPORT NO.: CSD-16-060
SUBJECT: ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC13/10/Q/GS
393-411 QUEEN ST. S. & 168, 170-172, 176 & 180 BENTON ST.
POLOCORP INC. & BARRA ON QUEEN INC.
Subject Area Map
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The owner, Polocorp Inc. and Barra on Queen Inc., has applied for a Zone Change application
for lands municipally addressed as 399-411 Queen Street South and 168, 170-172, 176 & 180
Benton Street to permit a new seven storey multiple residential dwelling building as well as
street fronting townhouse and semi-detached dwellings along Benton Street. Planning Staff
recommend that the proposed Zone Change application be approved as outlined in this report.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Zone Change application ZC13/10/Q/GS for Polocorp Inc. and Barra on Queen Inc.
for the purpose of changing the zoning of the subject properties from Existing Use (E-1),
Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-1), and Commercial Residential Two (CR-2) to Low
Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-1) and Commercial Residential Two (CR-2) with site
specific special provisions be approved -
dated August 10, 2016, attached to Report CSD-16-060 as Appen
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REPORT:
The subject properties are municipally addressed as 399-411 Queen Street South and 168,
170-172, 176 & 180 Benton Street.The area of the application is made up of 5 separate
properties which will be consolidated into one parcel. Throughout this report, the portion of the
property along Queen Street South refers to 399-411 Queen Street South and the portion of the
property along Benton Street refers to the four lots fronting Benton Street address as 168, 170-
172, 176 & 180 Benton Street.
The portion of the property along Queen Street South is currently vacant and was previously
occupied by the former Barra Castle building. The properties addressed along Benton Street
are currently developed with single detached dwellings or duplex dwellings, but are currently
vacant. Allexisting buildings are proposed to be demolished to permit the redevelopment of the
lands.
The lands are located in the Mill Courtland-Woodside Park Secondary Plan and are within the
Central Stations Area Plan (Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations - PARTS). Neighbouring
properties in this area along Queen Street South are developed with a variety of commercial,
institutional, and residential uses. The lands to the south of the subject properties, lying on the
opposite of Benton Street, are predominantly developed with low rise residential uses.
The portion of the property along Queen Street South is designated Mixed Use Corridor and a
small portion is designated as Open Space. This area is zoned Low Intensity Mixed Use
Corridor Zone (MU-1) with Special Regulations 1R and 517R. The MU-1 zone permits multiple
dwellings as well as a range of commercial uses. Special Regulation 1R identifies that a portion
of the lands are regulated by the Grand River Conservation Authority. Special Regulation 517R,
as previously approved, implements a number of special setback regulations for front, side and
rear yards, parking and building height which generally permit the proposed development on
this portion of the lands. A corner of the lands are zoned Existing Use Zone (E-1) which
recognizes the floodway of Schneider Creek.With support from the Grand River Conservation
Authority, the lands designated as Open Space and zoned as Existing Use (E-1) are proposed
to be zoned as Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor with Special Regulations 1R and 517R as part
of this application.
The portion of the property along Benton Street is designated as Medium Density Commercial
Residential which permits the proposed residential use. These lands are zoned as Commercial
Residential Two Zone (CR-2) which permits a range of medium density residential and
commercial uses.A corner of the lands are zoned Existing Use Zone (E-1) which recognizes
the floodway of Schneider Creek. With support from the Grand River Conservation Authority,
the lands designated as Open Space and zoned as Existing Use (E-1) are proposed to be
zoned as Commercial Residential Two Zone (CR-2) with Special Regulations 1R and 517R as
part of this application. Special Use Provision 440U is also proposed to permit semi-detached
dwellings subject to special regulation provisions.Street-fronting townhouses are currently
permitted.
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Provincial Policy Considerations:
Provincial Policy Statement (2014)
The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest
related to land
optimize the use of land, resources, and public investment in infrastructure and public service
facilities. Further, the PPS directs the development of new housing towards locations where
appropriate levels of infrastructure and public service facilities are or will be available to support
current and projected needs and promotes densities for new housing which efficiently uses land,
resources, infrastructure and public service facilities. The plan also supports the use of
alternative transportation modes and public transit in areas where it exists or is to be developed.
Planning staff is of the opinion that the proposed zone change application will facilitate the
intensification of the subject property with a more intensive residential use that is compatible
with the surrounding community and will make use of the existing infrastructure.The subject
lands are within the Central Stations Area Plan (PARTS). Regional ION rapid transit service is
planned to service this area and will be operational in 2017-2018. The development will
enhance and further utilize existing public infrastructure. No new roads would be required for
the proposed development and Engineering staff have confirmed there is capacity in the
sanitary sewer to permit intensification on the subject lands. Planning staff is of the opinion that
the Zone Change application is consistent with the policies and intent of the PPS.
2006 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
The subject properties are within the Built-up Area as defined in the Growth Plan for the Greater
Golden Horseshoe (Growth Plan). The Growth Plan promotes the development of healthy,
safe, and balanced communities. The Plan is also supportive of the appropriate intensification
of existing residential neighbourhoods with new development, including non-residential.
Planning staff is of the opinion that the Zone Change application conforms to the Growth Plan
as it allows for the appropriate intensification of the subject property.
Regional Policy Considerations:
Regional Official Plan (ROP)
The ROP identifies the subject properties as within the Built-Up Area. Land use policies in the
ROP support and promote a full range of housing types, mixed use developments, and land use
patterns that support alternative modes of transportation including transit, walking, and cycling.
Planning staff is of the opinion that the Zone Change application conforms to the Regional
Official Plan.Regional Planning staff are in support of the zone change application and have no
objections.
The Community Building Strategy (CBS)
The CBSprovides an overall framework and vision for the entire regional Central Transit
Corridor (CTC),including the Benton Station Stop Area. The CBS suggests that minimum
building heights of 4 storeys would be appropriatein the area of the subject properties to keep
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within the scale of the downtown, to support the planned and existing level of transit service,
andto promote significant redevelopment in key areas to preserve stable residential
neighbourhoods.
Planning staff is of the opinion that the requested applications support the vision of the
Community Building Strategy by providing a residential intensification within the CBS Focus
Area that is transit supportive and provides an alternative dwelling type.The lands outside of
the CBS Focus Area along Benton Street are proposed to be zoned to permit a low density
residential use, being semi-detached dwellings and street fronting townhouses.This
development will permit an increase in density along the edge of the Queen Street Mixed Use
Corridor, releasing development pressure on the adjacent low rise stable residential
neighbourhood.
City Policy Considerations:
Current Official Plan (Mill Courtland-Woodside Park Secondary Plan)
The subject properties are designated as Mixed Use Corridor, Open Space, and Medium
Density Commercial Residential. Under the current policy framework, multiple dwellings are a
permitted use with a maximum Floor Space Ratio of 2.0. New development shall be compatible
with surrounding residential neighborhoods and will be of an appropriate height and density in
relation to adjacent low rise residential development. In locations that immediately abut low rise
residential land uses, new development shall be permitted having a minimum Floor Space Ratio
of 0.6 and a maximum Floor Space Ratio of 2.0.
The subject lands are within the Mill Courtland-Woodside Park Secondary Plan area. Review of
the Secondary Plans were not undertaken as part of the new Official Plan review and have been
deferred as many secondary plan areas, including the Mill Courtland-Woodside Park Secondary
Planarea, are located within Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and are proposed to be
-Planning Around Rapid
Transit Stations).
New Official Plan
approved by the Region of Waterloo Council on November 19, 2014. The plan is currently
under appeal. While the existing Official Plan remains in force and effect, the policies in the
adopted Official Plan were considered for this application.
Policy 13.4.1.3 of the Mill Courtland-Woodside Park Secondary Plan references Parts 1, 2, 4,
and 5 of the current Official Plan, which were included in the review of the new Official Plan.
to
supporting transit and intensification objectives, the direction in the new Official Plan is to
ensure Kitchener continues to develop as a complete and healthy community through
comprehensively managing growth, along with increased emphasis on an integrated
transportation system that supports walkability, and promotes mixed use areas which include a
variety of commercial, institutional, and employments lands in close proximity to residential
areas.
Planning staff are of the opinion that the requested applications conform to the intent of the new
Official Plan policies.
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Kitchener Growth Management
The Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) helps to ensure that growth is managed
effectively to achieve the required density and intensification targets, through a desired built
form and function which will enhance the quality of life in Kitchener. The Kitchener Growth
Management Plan (KGMP) is based on the principle that maximizing the use of existing
infrastructure is preferred and that planning for, and implementing, intensification is a high
priority.
Planning staff is of the opinion that the Zone Change application complies with the KGMS and
KGMP as it allows for the appropriate intensification of the subject property, better utilizes the
existing infrastructure, allows for a built form that is compatible and complementary to the
existing neighbourhood, and will bring new residents into a stable community.
Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations Areas - Phase 1 & Phase 2
The primary purpose of Phases 1 and 2 of the Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS)
project was to provide direction for future development and stability within station study areas
along with recommendations for capital projects to ensure that these areas are developed in a
way that is transit supportive and adds value to our community.
PARTS Phase 1 included an identification of recommended station study areas, compilation of
background information, and a project plan for how to undertake corridor-wide initiatives in
Kitchener followed by the Station Study Area Plans.
Through Phase 1 it was determined that efficiencies would be achieved by completing some of
the key initiatives at a corridorwide scale in Kitchener all at once, rather than for individual
station areas. Phase 2 consists of five corridor-wide initiatives that are either completed or
currently underway. The initiatives include; Interim Direction, Communications Approach, Urban
Design Guidelines, Sanitary Sewer Capacity Analysis, and Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) Strategy.
As part of the Interim Direction corridor-wide initiative, an Official Plan amendment to the current
Official Plan was approved to implement new Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
policies that must be considered for any development application in the PARTS station study
areas. The main purpose of the amendment was to implement new policies to provide general
direction in reviewing development applications until such time as the PARTS Central legislative
changes are completed.
Planning staff are of the opinion that Zone Changeapplication conforms to the Interim Direction
policies. The introduction of additional dwellings within the PARTS Central Plan area helps to
achieve density targets are that required to support higher order transit. This development
includes a transition area between the main residential building and the stable residential
neighbourhood which includes semi-detached and street fronting townhouses units. The
compact built form will allow for additional density and a new housing option in this community
while relieving some development pressures on the adjacent neighbourhood.
Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations Areas PARTS Central Plan
The PARTS Central Plan was approved on May 16, 2016 by Kitchener City Council and
provides guidance for development and change in the station area. This visioning document
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involved extensive and collaborative public consultation with various stakeholders, including
many members of the Schneider Creek Neighbourhood. The proposed zone change application
generally aligns with the Preferred Land Use Map in PARTS Central. The portion of the
property along Queen Street South is shown as Low Density Mixed Use and the portion along
Benton Street is Low Rise Residential.The proposed built form along Benton Street will have a
Floor Space Ratio generally in alignment with the PARTS Central Plan, which is much lower
than what is currently permitted. As proposed, the portion of the site along Queen Street South
is proposed to have a greater FSR than that contemplated in the PARTS Central Plan.
Planning staff support the massing of the buildings as proposed in the site specific zone change
application, and note that no increase in FSR is required from the currently permitted maximum.
The requested reduction in off-street parking also aligns with the Transportation Demand
Management approach outlined in the PARTS Central Plan.
Proposed Zone Change Application
The applicant has applied for a Zone Change application to change the zoning of the lands to
facilitate the comprehensive redevelopment of all the properties with site specific zoning
regulations.
In summary, the application proposed split zoning for the site; the portion along Queen Street
South is proposed to be Low Intensity Mixed-Use Corridor (MU-1) with updated special
regulations provisions, and the portion along Benton Street to be Commercial Residential Two
Zone (CR-2) with the same special regulations provisions along with a special use provision to
permit semi-detached and street fronting townhouses. Additionally, Special Regulation
Provision 517R is proposed to be revised and applied to all properties within the application
boundary.
For ease of reference, a summary of the existing and proposed zoning regulations for each
portion of the subject application is illustrated on the following two pages.
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Table 1
Comparison Table of Current and Proposed Zoning
Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone
Portion of Site Along Queen Street South
MultipleMU-1 with 517RMU-1 with Revised 517R
Dwelling(Existing)(Proposed)
Min. Lot Area15.0 m15.0 m
Min. Front Yard18.4m18.4m
Max. Front Yard25.0 m25.0 m
Southwesterly 1.2m1.2m
Min. Side Yard(building less than 4.5m in (any building less than 4.5m in
(Mitchel St)height)height)
5.6m5.6m
(building greater than 4.5m in (any building greater than 4.5m
height)in height)
Max. Building Height19.5m24.0m
for each metre above 13.5m in Maximum of 7 storeys above
building height, 0.6m additional grade
*rear yard setbackis required
*rear yard references former 11.0m within 30.0 m of the rear
property line that is now in the yard (Benton Street Line)
middle of the site
Min. Off-Street Parking1.0 space/unit1.0space/unit for all lands zoned
517R
Min. Visitor Parking20%10%
Location ofQueen St S. frontageQueen St S. frontage
Front Yard
Location ofShared properly line with Shared properly line with Mitchel
Side YardMitchel St. propertiesSt. properties
Min. FSR0.60.6
Max. FSR2.02.0
BFA for FSR for Partially IncludedPartially Included
Below Grade Parking
Structure
FSR by Zone AreaOnly same zoneAll lands with 517R zoning
Min. Landscape Area10%10%
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Table 2
Comparison Table of Current and Proposed Zoning
Commercial Residential Zone Two (CR-2)
Portion of Site Along Benton Street
Multiple DwellingsCR-2CR-2 with Revised 517R and
(Existing)440U
(Proposed)
Min. Lot Area15.0 m15.0 m
Min. Front Yard3.0 mN/A
Max. Front Yard-N/A
Min. Rear Yard3.0 m6.0m
(Benton Street)4.5m (porches)
Southwesterly 1.2m1.2m
Min. Side Yard (building less than 10.5m in (building less than 11.0m in
(Walkway)height)height)
3.0m3.0m
(building greater than 10.5min (building greater than 11.0m in
height)height)
Max. Building HeightN/A11.0m within 30.0 m of the rear
yard (Benton Street Line)
Min. Off-Street Parking1.25 spaces/unit1.0 space/unit for all lands zoned
517R
Min. Visitor Parking20%10%
Min. FSR0.60.6
Max. FSR2.02.0
BFA for FSR for Partially IncludedPartially Included
Below Grade Parking
Structure
FSR by Zone AreaOnly same zoneAll lands with 517R zoning
Min. Landscape Area10%10%
Permitted Residential Existing Semi-Detached Semi-Detached Dwellings &
UsesDwelling &Street Fronting Townhouses
Street Fronting Townhouses
Location ofProperty line between subject Benton Street
Rear YardpropertiesStreet Line
AGENCY COMMENTS:
Commenting agencies and City departments have no concerns with the proposed Zone Change
C
consideration or concerns will be addressed through the site development process.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMENTS:
Initial Application (2013-2014)
As a result of the preliminary circulation of the Zone Change application, staff received written
responses from nearby property owners and interested residents. The key themes of the
comments received and discussion at the first Neighbourhood Information Meeting are
discussed below.
Benton Street Access
Many residents that live in the adjacent stable neighbourhood expressed concern that traffic
may be increased along Benton Street should the development take place. It was identified by
several residents that Benton Street is too narrow to accommodate any increased traffic and
that during the winter months snow is piled on the street.Planning Staff advised that only
ancillary parking will be accessed off of Benton Street and the main entrance for the
development will be fromQueen Street South. The underground parking will not provide access
through the site. It will not be possible to drive between Queen Street and Benton Street across
this property. Further, Transportation Services staff have reviewed the proposed application and
have no concern as the proposed density does not warrant further study.
Heritage Character
The property addressed as 399-411 Queen Street South is within the Victoria Park Heritage
Conservation District. The Owner has provided a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in support
of the zone change application that was presented to the Heritage Kitchener committee for
discussion. In addition to the requirement for a Heritage Permit application, the revised HIA will
be approved by the Director of Planning as a condition of the site planning process.
Built Form Along Benton Street
In some of the comments received, there was support for a lower density form for the portion of
the property that fronts onto Benton Street. Respondents also noted that there preference was
for a less modern design with limited garages and driveways along Benton Street. There was
also support for retaining the existing dwellings.Planning staff are supportive of a compatible
built form along Benton Street and note that this area serves as the transition buffer between
the medium density building and the stable residential neighbourhood.
Mitchell Street Setback
There was a request for fencing or some sort of visual barrier along the rear property line of the
properties along Mitchell Street.Through the site planning process, appropriate buffering will be
required in the form of a visual barrier which may comprise of a fence or landscaping.
Parking
The Owner is proposing an off-street parking rate of 1 space per unit for the entire site, which is
currently permitted on the portion of the propertywhich fronts onto Queen Street South. Lands
in the City with mixed-use zoning (MU-1, MU-2, MU-3) can utilize a parking rate of 1 space per
unit. Street fronting townhouse dwellings in the Commercial Residential Two (CR-2) zone which
are not part of a cluster multiple development also require one space per unit. However, as the
site is being comprehensively developed, the multiple dwelling regulations apply and there is a
requirement for 1.25 parking spaces per unit for the portion of the site along Benton Street.
Parking reductions must be analyzed through a comprehensive Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) plan in the PARTS Central Plan. The intent of supporting various forms of
transportation in areas with higher order transit is to encourage active streetscape and to
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promote shared and active transportation. Planning staff are supportive of the proposed
reduced parking standards and support reduced parking standards in urban areas, specifically
those which are located adjacent to an intensification corridor (mixed-use corridor) and within
walking distance to existing high frequency transit service, as well as the planned ION rapid
transit service. On-street parking is regulated by the City and corrective measures may be
imposed by By-law Enforcement staff should future complaints arise. The developer will be
implementing some recognized TDM strategies on site including oversupplying bicycle parking
and arranging for participation of the future residents into a car share program. Transportation
Services staff have reviewed the proposed parking standards and have not identified any
concerns.
Building Design, Massing, and Density
At the Neighbourhood Information Meeting and in letters from respondents, there were
comments about the form and the overall size of the proposed building.
In this case, Planning staff reviewed supporting materials that were provided with the
applications and support redevelopment of these properties for a number of reasons.The City
is mandated by provincial and regional legislation to appropriately plan for and accommodate
intensification within all built up areas of the City. The appropriateness of a development or
redevelopment proposal is determined through a variety of factors. Where a land use change is
required, as proposed, consideration is given to amend the current policies and regulations to
facilitate such redevelopment.
The Queen Street South properties are within the Queen Street South Mixed-Use corridor which
runs adjacent to the stable low-rise residential neighbourhood. Planning staff are
recommending zoning which would restrict any development within 30 metres of Benton Street
to a maximum height of 11.0 metres. This will ensure that the built form along the Benton Street
frontage is compatible with the existing built form in this area. Special Regulation Provision
440U is proposed to permit street fronting semi-detached dwellings that are proposed to flank a
driveway to an ancillary parking lot. The site offers an opportunity for intensification within the
neighbourhood which will offer an additional dwelling option which will help to preserve the
surrounding stable neighbourhoods.
During the processing of the application, the method for calculating Floor Space Ratio (FSR)
was revised as part of an interim update to the current Official Plan and Zoning By-law 85-1.
FSR is the method used to calculate the total mass of a building on a lot. As a result, the entire
building floor area of the lower parking level must be included in the calculation for FSR,
including those portions of building floor area that are completely below grade. In this case,
Planning staff support excluding those areas of the parking garage that are less than 1.0 metre
above ground due to the nature and topography of the site. Planning staff are also supportive
of using the lot area of all properties to calculate the lot area for the purpose of calculating FSR.
At the first Neighbourhood Information Meeting, the Owner presented preliminary design plans
for a seven storey building with one floor of parking and six floors of residential above. The
maximum Floor Space Ratio for the subject properties is 2.0. Planning staff are recommending
a regulation in Special Regulation Provision 517R which would allow all lands subject to said
regulation to be used in the total lot area calculation for FSR.
The applicant has prepared an Urban Design Brief for the building, which will be further refined
through the site planning process. It should be noted that the building design will be determined
through a site planning process where Planning staff will require building elevation drawings that
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show building features that are appropriate in size, location, material, and colour for the
neighbourhood context.A
purposes and has not received approval.
Revised Application (2016)
The Owner purchased 176 and 180 Benton Street and formally amended the zone change
application by adding these additional lands within the area of the application. A letter was sent
advising of the revisions to the application on January 8, 2016 and a second Neighbourhood
Information Meeting was held on February 1, 2016.Planning staff also attended a Schneider
Creek Neighbourhood Meeting on February 10, 2016 as well as an informal community
gathering on-site on July 4, 2016 which was organized by members of the Schneider Creek
neighbourhood.
At that meeting, the Developer shared design concept drawings for the project, including design
concepts for street fronting townhouse and semi-detached dwellings along Benton Street.
Planning staff received comments on the revised concept plans both during the second NIM as
well as in the follow up correspondence. The major themes of those comments are outlined
below.
Benton Streetscape Design
Both at the second NIM and in follow up meetings and emails, many residents suggested that
the street fronting townhouses and semi-detached dwelling along Benton Street should be
redesigned to mirror the look of existing dwellings in the neighbourhood, including; removing
garage doors and driveways and relocating them to the rear of the buildings, including large
usable front porches, having operable windows and door openings that are less modern in
design, using traditional high quality building materials such as brick, as well as having a pitched
roof line versus a flat modern roof design.
In follow up, the applicant redesigned the buildings along Benton Street and shared them with
interested residents at an on-site informal community gathering on July 4, 2016. Planning staff
were in attendance and received mostly favourable feedback on the revised concepts. Planning
staff remain supportive of a low density built form along Benton Street in the form of street
fronting townhouses and semi-detached dwelling and favour the traditional design concepts that
were p
process, the final design for the buildings along Benton Street will resemble the drawings
generally supported by the neighbourhood shown below.
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Drawing 1: Revised Semi-Detached Concept Elevation (Front Garage)
Drawing 2: Revised Semi-Detached Concept Elevation (Rear Garage)
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Drawing 3: Revised Street-Fronting Concept Elevation
Trees Along Benton Street
At the second NIM, residents requested that street trees be provided along Benton Street in
order to replace the tree canopy that will be lost as a result of the development. The applicant
revised the underground parking configuration to allow for additional planting room along
Benton Street. Through the site planning process, Planning staff will require a landscape plan
for this street edge that will accommodate canopy trees both on the private property and within
the Benton Street right-of-way wherever possible.
Floor Space Ratio (FSR)
There was discussion about the FSR calculations of the development at the second NIM.
Planning staff explained that while a maximum FSR of 2.0 is permitted on the entire
development site, as part of the zone change application, there is a request to transfer the FSR
across the site despite the zoning. The zoning by-law does not allow for transferring FSR
between zones. In this case, Planning staff support transferring additional FSR from the Benton
Street portion of the site to the portion of the site closest to Queen Street South. This transfer
allows for low density compatible development along Benton Street and focuses the majority of
the development along the Queen Street Mixed Use Corridor which is planned for
intensification.
Benton Street
There was significant discussion regarding the use of Benton Street for access to the ancillary
parking lot, for fire truck access, and for garbage pickup. Transportation staff have reviewed the
application and do not have any concern with the proposed configuration. While Benton Street
is a narrow road, there are similar sized garbage trucks to that proposed already servicing the
balance of the neighbourhood. Garbage collection is proposed to be internal to the building with
collection bins being rolled outside to the rear parking area when the garbage collection is
expected during regular collections hours. There is no parking permitted on the adjacent section
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of Benton Street to ensure that there is significant room for emergency vehicles. A Siamese
connection (main firefighting water connection) will be located at the front of the larger building
along Queen Street. Fire and emergency access for only the 7 street fronting townhouse and
semi-detached dwellings will be from Benton Street.While there may be some noise related to
snow removal operations for the parking areas, the private contractor trucks are usually smaller
than the City of Kitchener snow removal vehicles that plough City streets. There will be no cut-
through possibility from Queen Street South to Benton Street across this site.
Mitchell Street Setback
Questions were raised about the setback from the large building and the rear lot line of the
Mitchell Street properties. The proposal meets the existing side yard setback outlined in Special
Regulation 517R and no changes are proposed to that section of the by-law. A visual barrier as
well as a landscape buffer will be required as a condition of site plan approval. The top floor of
the larger building has been designed with recessed terraces rather than protruding balconies to
help achieve privacy between the properties. Design details such as the location of venting will
be finalized through the site planning process to minimize any impact on adjacent properties.
Mitchell Street Walkway
Following the second NIM, in consultation with Planning staff, the developer agreed to remove
one unit adjacent to the Mitchell Street walkway to allow for a larger landscape buffer between
the side of the proposed street fronting townhouse dwelling and the existing walkway. Through
the site planning process, Planning staff will work with the developer to improve the existing
condition of the walkway including new lighting and landscape treatment. There are no plans to
open the Mitchell Street walkway to vehicle traffic.
All comments received are attached in Appendix
Planning Analysis:
Planning staff recommend amending the zoning for the subject properties as outlined in
Regional, and City intensification targets and contributes positively to Region-wide initiatives
such as ION rapid transit.
Planning staff have worked with the Applicant and the Owner in developing property specific
zoning to ensure that any future building is compatible with the adjacent low density residential
neighbourhood and Queen Street South Mixed-Use Corridor while meeting the intent of the
Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan and the Mill Courtland-Woodside Park
Secondary Plan.
Schneider Creek Neighbourhood residents and community members were actively involved and
consulted on this application for the past several years. Planning staff are appreciative of the
productive and collaborative discussions by those involved. Planning staff are of the opinion
that many of the comments received from the community have been addressed and that the
development represents good planning.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No new or additional capital budget requests are associated with these recommendations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM The Zone Change application has been circulated for comment to internal
departments, external agencies, and all property owners within 120 metres of the subject lands
onSeptember 6, 2013. The revised application was circulated on January 8, 2016. Written
responses from property owners and interested parties are attached as D and are
advance of the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT Planning staff held two Neighbourhood Information Meetings onJanuary 20, 2014
and February 1, 2016where staff and the applicant gave presentations and dialogued through a
question and answer session. All residents who provided comments or attended the
Neighbourhood Information Meeting will be mailed notice of the public meeting, and notice of
the public meeting will appear in The Record on August 19, 2016.Planning Staff also attended
several informal meetings with the Owner and residents at the request of interested parties.
CONCLUSION:
Planning Staff are of the opinion that the proposed site specific zoning will permit residential
intensification that is compatible and appropriate for the subject properties. The residential
intensification of the site is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for the
Greater Golden Horseshoe, and the Regional Official Policies Plan. Planning staff recommend
that Zone Change Application ZC13/10/Q/GS, as attached, be approved.
REVIEWED BY:
Della Ross, Manager of Development Review
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May,
Deputy CAO (Community Services)
Attachments:
-law & Map No. 1
ings
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CSD-16-060
Appendix A
PROPOSED BY LAW
August 10,2016
BY-LAW NUMBER ___
OF THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
(Being a by-law to amend By-law 85-1, as amended, known as
the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener
Polocorp Inc. and Barra on Queen Inc.
399-411 Queen Street South & 168-180 Benton Street)
WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend By-law 85-1 for the lands specified above;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as
follows:
1.Schedule Number85o-law Number 85-1ishereby amended by changing
the zoning applicable to the parcel of land specified and illustrated as Area 1 on Map No. 1,
from Existing Use Zone (E-1) with Zone Detail Schedule 2 to Low Intensity Mixed Use
Corridor Zone (MU-1) with Zone Detail Schedule 2 and with Special Regulation Provision
1R and revised Special Regulation Provision 517R.
2.-law Number 85-1 is hereby amended by
changing the zoning applicable to the parcel of land specified and illustrated as Area 2 on
Map No. 1 from Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-1) with Special Regulation
Provisions 1R and 517R and Zone Detail Schedule 2 to Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor
Zone (MU-1) with Special Regulation Provision 1R and revised Special Regulation
Provision 517R and Zone Detail Schedule 2.
3.Schedule N-law Number 85-1 are hereby amended
by changing the zoning applicable to the parcel of land specified and illustrated as Area 3 on
Map No. 1, from Commercial Residential Two Zone (CR-2) to Commercial Residential Two
Zone (CR-2) with revised Special Regulation Provision 517Rand Special Use Provision
440U.
4.-law Number 85-1ishereby amended by
changing the zoning applicable to the parcel of land specified and illustrated as Area 4on
Map No. 1, from Existing Use Zone(E-1) with Zone Detail Schedule 2 toCommercial
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Residential Two Zone (CR-2) with Zone Detail Schedule 2 and with revised Special
Regulation Provision 517R and Special Use Provision 440U.
5. Schedule Numbers 85and 86 -law Number 85-1are hereby further
amended by incorporating additional zone boundaries as shown on Map No. 1 attached
hereto.
6.By-law 85-1 is hereby amended by adding Section 440U as follows:
Notwithstanding Section 45.1 of this By-law, within the lands zoned Commercial
Residential Two Zone (CR-2), a Semi-Detached Dwellingand Street Fronting
Townhouseshall be permitted in accordance with the regulations in Special
Regulation Provision 517R ofthis By-
7.-law 85-1 is hereby amended by replacing Section 517R in its entirety
with the following:
517. Notwithstanding Sections 4, 6.1.1.1 a) v),45.3, 48, and 53.2 of this By-law, within
the lands shown as affected by this subsection on Schedule Numbers 85and 86 of
regulations apply:
a) the minimum front yard setback shall be 18.4 metres;
b) the maximum front yard setback shall be 25.0 metres;
c) for the purpose of provisions (a) and (b) the front property line shall be
defined as the property line(s) abutting the Queen Street South street line;
d) parking shall not be located between the Queen Street South street line and
the front building facade;
e) the minimum setback from the southwesterly property line for any building
less than 4.5 metres in height shall be 1.2 metres;
f) the minimum setback from the southwesterly property line for any building
equal to or greater than 4.5 metres in height shall be 5.6 metres;
g) for the purpose of provisions (e) and (f) the southwesterly property line shall
be defined as the property lines shared with the properties municipally
addressed as 419 Queen Street South, and 10, 14, 20 and 24 Mitchell
Street;
h) the minimum rear yard setback shall be 6.0 metres;
i) the minimum rear yard setback for covered porches shall be 4.5 metres;
j) the maximum rear yard setback shall be 7.5 metres;
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k) for the purpose of provisions (h),(i), and (j) the rear property line shall be
defined as the property line(s) abutting the Benton Street street line;
l) the maximum building height shall be 24.0 metres, regardless of zone,
however, the maximum building height within 30 metres of Benton Street
shall be 11.0 metres;
m) that the maximum Building Height from the Queen Street South streetline
shall be 7 storeys;
n) that the minimum side yard setback for a semi-detached dwelling within 30
metres of Benton Street shall be 1.2 metres for a building less than 11.0
metres in height and 3.0 metres for a building greater than 11.0 metres in
height.
o) the required off-street parking shall be provided at a rate of 1.0 space per
unit;
p) the required residential visitor parking shall be 10% of the required parking
rate;
q) for the purpose of calculating Floor Space Ratio, only the portion of any
building floor area which is adjacent to an exterior wall which is greater than
1.0 metre above grade shall be included;
r) the lot area of all lands affected by this regulation shall be used to calculate
the Floor
PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this ______day of
___________,2016.
_____________________________
Mayor
_____________________________
Clerk
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CSD-16-060
Appendix B
Advertised in The Record August 19,2016
901
PLANNING MATTERS:
PROPERTY OWNERS AND INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED
TO ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS
A PROPOSED AMDNEMDNT TO THE KITCHENER ZONING BY-LAW
UNDER THE SECTION 34 OF THE PLANNING ACT
399-411 Queen Street South & 168-180 Benton Street
The City of Kitchener has received a Zone Change application to allow the properties to be redeveloped with a medium-
rise multiple residential dwelling building on Queen Street South along with street fronting semi-detached and townhouse
dwellings along Benton Street.
Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee
The public meeting will be held by the , a Committee of Council which deals
with planning matters on:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 at 7:00 P.M.
nd
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2 FLOOR, CITY HALL
200 KING STREET WEST, KITCHENER.
Any person may attend the public meeting and make written and/or verbal representation either in support of, or in
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at this public
opposition to, the above noted proposal.
meeting or make a written submission prior to approval/refusal of this proposals, the person or public body is
not entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, and may not be added as a party to the
hearing of an appeal unless there are reasonable grounds in the opinion of the Board.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
is available by contacting the staff person noted below, viewing the report contained in the
agenda (posted 10 days before the meeting at www.kitchener.ca - click on the date in the Calendar of Events and select the
th
appropriate committee), or in person at the Planning Division, 6 Floor, City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener between
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday).
Garett Stevenson, Planner -519-741-2200 x 7070 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994)Garett.Stevenson@kitchener.ca
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0.6m4m
0.6m
MAX
4%
2m
2% MAX
EXIST. CONC. SIDEWALK
100
MIN.
1070
64956495156661001484640064003350
1540
9150
12990
2745
7500
TYP.
350035003275260034043500350030503500
17801500
TYP.
2600
327.70 F.F.E.
1344
1274
71455710
9004505
324.53 F.F.E.
MIN.
7600
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28203500325032503250325032503170
300
1070
1070
500
255023670
28203500325032503250325032503170
24403023170112664130
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