HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdjustment - 1999-11-16COA\1999-11-16
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT
FOR THE
CITY OF KITCHENER
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 16, 1999
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. S. Campbell and Messrs. W. Dahms and A. Galloway.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Ms. J. Given, Principal Planner and Ms. J. Billett, Secretary-Treasurer.
Mr. W. Dahms, Chair, called this meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
Moved by Ms. S. Campbell
Seconded by Mr. A. Galloway
That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Committee of Adjustment of October 26, 1999, as mailed
to the members, be accepted.
Carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CONSENT
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
B 50/99
Electrohome Limited
809 Wellington Street
Part of Lots 32, 33 and 34, Re.qistered Plan 763
The Chair advised that a request has been received from Ms. D. Biuk, Green Scheels Pidgeon, to
defer this application to the December 7th meeting.
By general consent, it was agreed that consideration of this application would be deferred to the
meeting of December 7, 1999.
CONSENT & MINOR VARIANCE
Submission Nos.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
B 3/99 & A 12/99
Mary Arlene Beckman
390 Pinnacle Drive
Part of Biehn's Unnumbered Tract
The Chair advised that a request has been received from Mr. R. Haalboom, Solicitor for Ms. M.
Beckman, to defer this application to the December 7th meeting.
By general consent, it was agreed that consideration of this application would be deferred to the
meeting of December 7, 1999.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 370 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
a) Submission Nos.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Legal Description:
B 13~99, B 16/99 & A 26~99
Ivan Biuk Construction Limited
1843 Old Mill Road and Drummond Drive at Old Mill Road
Part of Lots 100, 101 and 102, Registered Plan 578, and Part of
Drummond Drive (Closed), Part 1, Plan 58R-1149
b)
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
B 14/99
Diana Biuk
Drummond Drive at Old Mill Road
Lot 97, Re,qistered Plan 578
c)
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
B 15/99
Josip Babic
Drummond Drive at Old Mill Road
Lot 96, Re,qistered Plan 578
The Chair advised that a request has been received from Ms. D. Biuk, Green Scheels
Pidgeon, to defer these applications to the December 7th meeting.
Ms. J. Given advised that a report respecting an application to amend Block Plan 65, which will
show realignment of Drummond Drive, will not be presented to the Planning & Economic
Development Committee until January 10, 2000, with subsequent Council approval on January
17, 2000. Accordingly, she advised that staff are requesting deferral of these applications to
the Committee's meeting scheduled for February 8, 2000. She pointed out that the applicants
are aware of the new dates, although they are not particularly supportive of them.
Moved by Ms. S. Campbell
Seconded by Mr. A. Galloway
That Consent Applications, Submission Nos. B 13/99 to B 16/99 inclusive, and Minor Variance
Application, Submission No. A 26/99, as applied for by Ivan Biuk Construction Limited, Diana
Biuk and Josip Babic, Drummond Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, be deferred to the Committee of
Adjustment meeting scheduled for February 8, 2000, to allow consideration of an application to
amend Block Plan 65 to take place by the City's Planning & Economic Development
Committee and, subsequently, by Kitchener City Council.
Carried
The Committee then recessed the meeting, temporarily at 9:45 a.m., in order to consider an
application for minor variance to the City of Kitchener's Fence By-law. This meeting reconvened at
10:20 a.m.
APPLICATIONS
MINOR VARIANCE
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
A 111/99
Mario Budak
43 Bingeman Street
Part of Lot 29, Re.qistered Plan 414
Appearances:
In Support:
Mr. M. Budak
43 Bingeman Street
Kitchener ON N2H 2R7
Contra: None
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 371 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Submission No.: A 111/99(Cont'd)
Written Submissions:
In Support:
Mr. & Mrs. H. Prell
49 Bingeman Street
Kitchener ON N2H 2R7
Ms. G. Udit
52 Bingeman Street
Kitchener ON N2H 2R8
Contra: None
The Committee was advised that this property is currently used as a duplex with two separate
driveways located on either side of the dwelling. The applicant is requesting permission to
legalize the existing westerly driveway on a lot having a frontage of 17.06 m (55.98 ft.), rather
than the required 30.48 m (100 ft.).
The Committee noted the comments of the Department of Business & Planning Services in
which they advised that the subject property contains a duplex with a driveway on each side of
the lot; the owner wishes to legalize the existing situation. The by-law only permits two driveways
if the lot is 30 metres in width; the subject lot is 17 metres wide. The owner wants to continue to
offer two driveways to allow independent parking for each unit, rather than requiring tandem
parking, which the by-law permits. The situation has come to the attention of the City as a result
of recent road reconstruction on the street. The two driveways have existed for many years,
although legal, non-conformity is uncertain.
Staff are not concerned with the presence of two driveways and acknowledge receipt of a letter of
support from an abutting neighbour. However, in order to maintain the intent of the regulation
governing the number of driveways, a number of modifications to the front yard would have to be
implemented. Firstly, the total width of driveways on a lot are not permitted to exceed 50% of the
lot width. The plan as submitted shows driveways exceeding 50%; staff will require that the width
of the easterly driveway be reduced. The total width of driveways cannot exceed 27.9 feet, which
is feasible. Further, it was observed during a site visit that the entire front yard of the property has
been covered with gravel, making the parking areas undefined and lacking the desirable
landscaped front yard treatment. As a condition of approval, staff will recommend that the front
yard be reinstated to landscaping in accordance with the plan attached, which will respect the
maximum driveway widths. Staff have discussed this requirement with the owner, who has no
concern with undertaking such works.
Provided the above noted terms are met, the intent of the by-law is maintained, to ensure front
yards are not consumed by parking and that traffic entering and exiting the street is functional.
The request is minor given that the situation has existed for a long period of time without
neighbouring concern. Finally, it is desirable for the use of the property as a duplex, to allow
independent access to each of the two spaces.
The Department of Business and Planning Services recommends approval of Submission
A111/99 subject to the following condition:
That the driveways be defined and front yard landscaping be reinstated in accordance with
the plan attached, dated November 9, 1999, to the satisfaction of the City's Principal
Planner prior to June 15, 2000. No extension to this completion date shall be granted
unless approved in writing by the Principal Planner prior to the completion date set out in
this decision.
The Committee noted the comments of the Director of Building in which he advised that the
Building Division has no concerns or comments with respect to this application.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 372 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
The Committee noted the comments of the Traffic & Parking Analyst in which he advised that
the Traffic & Parking Division has reviewed this application and has no concerns with the
proposed second driveway.
Submission No.: A 111/99(Cont'd)
The Committee noted the comments of the Planning & Culture Department, Region of Waterloo
in which they advised that Regional staff have reviewed the application and have no concerns;
however, they advised that any development on the subject lands is subject to the provisions of
the Regional Development Charge By-law 91-91, as amended by By-law 93-050, or any
successor thereof. By-law 91-91 may require the payment of Regional Development Charges for
this development prior to the issuance of a building permit.
The Committee noted the comments of the Grand River Conservation Authority in which they
advised that they have no objection to this application.
The Committee noted the written submission from Mr. & Mrs. Harald Prell in which they advised
that the westerly driveway of 43 Bingeman Street borders onto their property, 49 Bingeman
Street. They further advised that even before the roadwork started, actually since they moved
into their home 10 years ago, this driveway was always present and the purpose of their written
submission was to let the Committee know that they have no objection to this second driveway
into the 43 Bingeman Street property.
Mr. M. Budak provided the Committee with a sketch showing proposed landscaping for the
subject property. In addition, Mr. Budak provided the Committee with a written submission from
Ms. G. Udit, 52 Bingeman Street.
The Committee noted the written submission of Ms. G. Udit in which she advised that the second
driveway has always been part of the subject dwelling long before she was a neighbour across
from Mr. Budak. She further advised that she sees no problem granting permission to use the
existing driveway that all neighbours are used to seeing as part of his property. In her written
submission, she states that she has no objection and is sure that all other neighbours agree with
legalization of the second driveway at 43 Bingeman Street.
The Chair reviewed the staff comments, noting that approval of the application is being
recommended subject to the condition that the driveways be defined and frontyard landscaping
being reinstated in accordance with the plan attached to the comments of the Department of
Business & Planning Services, dated November 9, 1999. The Chair enquired of Mr. Budak if he
was in agreement with staffs recommendations.
Mr. M. Budak advised that the sketch provided this date shows proposed landscaping for the
subject property which will include a circular foundation with various plants and shrubs. He
advised that it is also intended to put in interlocking brick but because of the expense could not
guarantee that the brick would be in place by the deadline of June 15, 2000.
The Chair requested staff to comment and Ms. J. Given responded that the landscaping is to be
done generally in accordance with staffs recommendations and staff will work with the applicant
to ensure compliance with this condition. She asked that Mr. Budak provide her with a copy of
the sketch submitted to the Committee this date with respect to the landscaping.
Moved by Mr. A. Galloway
Seconded by Ms. S. Campbell
That the application of Mario Budak requesting permission to legalize the existing westerly
driveway on a lot having a frontage of 17.06 m (55.98 ft.), rather than the required 30.48 m (100
ft.), on Part of Lot 29, Registered Plan 414, 43 Bingeman Street, Kitchener, Ontario, BE
APPROVED, subject to the following condition:
That the driveways shall be defined and front yard landscaping be reinstated in
accordance with the plan attached to the report of the Department of Business & Planning
Services, dated November 9, 1999, to the satisfaction of the City's Principal Planner, prior
to June 15, 2000. No extension to this completion date shall be granted unless approved
in writing by the Principal Planner prior to the completion dates set out in this decision.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 373 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Submission No.: A 111/99(Cont'd)
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variances requested in this application are minor in nature.
2. This application is desirable for the appropriate development of the property.
3. The general intent and purpose of the City of Kitchener Zoning By-law and Municipal Plan
are being maintained on the subject property.
Carried
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Legal Description:
A 112/99
Broward Landev Corp.
160 Weber Street East
Part Lots 10, 11, 14 and 15, Plan 233 and Part Lots 53, 54 and 55,
Municipal Compiled Plan of Subdivision of Part Lot 2, German
Company Tract
The Chair noted that no one was in attendance to support this application and, in this regard, Ms.
J. Given advised that staff are currently in discussion with the property owner regarding a
proposed site plan for this site. Accordingly, staff are recommending that this application be
deferred to the Committee of Adjustment meeting to be held on December 7, 1999, to allow
review of a site plan for the subject property to be undertaken.
Moved by Mr. A. Galloway
Seconded by Ms. S. Campbell
That Minor Variance Application, Submission No. A 112/99, as applied for by Broward Landev
Corp. for the property municipally known as 160 Weber Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, be
deferred to the Committee of Adjustment meeting to be held on December 7, 1999, to allow
review of a site plan for the subject property to be undertaken.
Carried
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Le.qal Description:
A 113/99
Terrace Good
101 Mount Hope Street
Lot 10 and Part Lot 11, Re.qistered Plan 287
Appearances:
In Support:
Mr. T. Good
101 Mount Hope Street
Kitchener ON N2G 2J6
Contra:
Ms. L. Hadland
129 Mount Hope Street
Kitchener ON N2G 2J6
Written Submissions:
In Support:
None
Contra: Neighbourhood Petition
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 374 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
The Committee was advised that the applicant is requesting permission to locate two required
parking spaces for a home business in tandem (one behind the other), rather than side-by-side as
required.
Submission No.: A 113/99(Cont'd)
The Committee noted the comments of the Department of Business & Planning Services in which
they advised that the applicant is requesting permission to provide two required off-street parking
spaces in tandem, one space for a single detached dwelling and another for customer parking for
a proposed home business, property management office.
There are a number of general provisions in the Zoning By-law which regulate where parking for
a home business can be located. The Zoning By-law requires that each parking space be
accessible independent of the other. The general intent of this requirement is to avoid the
potential necessity of vehicles being continuously moved or an excessive demand for on-street
parking. Since the owner of the dwelling is the only employee of the business and must be home
to receive customers, it is not imperative that each parking space be accessible without moving
another vehicle. In view of this, the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law is
maintained.
In consideration of the forgoing and since allowing parking in tandem eliminates the need to
replace landscaping with asphalt, the variance is desirable for the appropriate development of the
subject lands. The proposed variance is minor as there are no physical changes to the site
proposed as a result of the variance which would impact the neighbourhood.
The owner is advised that all other zoning regulations must be met and an occupancy permit is
required.
The Department of Business and Planning Services recommends approval of Minor Variance
Application A113/99 only applicable to an office.
The Committee noted the comments of the Director of Building in which he advised that the
Building Division has no concerns or comments with respect to this application.
The Committee noted the comments of the Traffic & Parking Analyst in which he advised that
the Traffic & Parking Division has reviewed this application and has no concerns with the
proposed tandem parking spaces.
The Committee noted the comments of the Planning & Culture Department, Region of Waterloo
in which they advised that Regional staff have reviewed the application and have no concerns;
however, they advised that any development on the subject lands is subject to the provisions of
the Regional Development Charge By-law 91-91, as amended by By-law 93-050, or any
successor thereof. By-law 91-91 may require the payment of Regional Development Charges for
this development prior to the issuance of a building permit.
The Committee noted the comments of the Grand River Conservation Authority in which they
advised that they have no objections or concerns with respect to this application.
The Committee noted the neighbourhood petition in which neighbouring property owners advise
that we understand that Mr. Terry Good, the resident at 101 Mt. Hope Street in Kitchener, is
requesting permission (Submission No. A 113/99) to locate two required parking spaces for a
home business in tandem (one behind the other), rather than side-by-side, as required by the
current Kitchener by-laws. As residents on or near Mt. Hope Street, we currently experience the
negative effects of Mr. Good's residential-based business, which he has operated for several
years, and continues to operate, out of 101 Mt. Hope Street. We, the undersigned, hereby affix
our signatures to this document in support of the following statements:
· We believe that Mr. Good's residential-based business deals with several rental properties in
the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
· We believe that Mr. Good's residential-based business currently generates a great deal of
traffic throughout the year on our street, especially at month-end when rent cheques are due.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 375 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
· We do not appreciate the extra risk imposed on the small children of our neighbourhood, from
increased traffic.
· We believe that a large portion of Mr. Good's customers are students, who tend to rent
properties more than once a year.
Submission No.: A 113/99(Cont'd)
· We believe that Mr. Good's customers tend to park on the street, rather than in any driveway.
We also believe that they sometimes illegally park on the wrong side of the street, while they
drop off rent cheques. In addition, we believe that they sometimes use the driveways of other
residents on the street, to turn around after visiting Mr. Good's residential-based business.
· Mr. Good's residence (101 Mt. Hope Street) is almost directly across the street from an
underground parking entrance for a very large apartment building. We believe that the traffic
and street-based parking generated by Mr. Good's residential-based business, blocks the
view of vehicles going into and out of this busy parking garage entrance, which we feel
increases the risk of traffic accidents.
For the above-mentioned reasons, we oppose the amendment of the current Kitchener bylaws.
The Chair reviewed the staff comments, noting that the application is being recommended for
approval and enquired if Mr. Good had anything further to add. Mr. T. Good advised that his
purpose in requesting permission for tandem parking was to preserve gardens and other
landscaping features on the subject property. He stated that he has received complements with
respect to the landscaping of his property from many of his neighbours and has been the
recipient of an award from the Communities in Bloom Program. He pointed out that the driveway
and parking is well screened from the neighbourhood and it was his opinion that the parking was
non-intrusive. He advised that if tandem parking was not approved he would have to construct a
new driveway on the opposite side which would result in loss of trees and create an inferior street
frontage to what currently exists. Mr. Good pointed out that the parking lot on a property across
the street is very large and the traffic coming and going from his own property in no way exceeds
traffic utilized in this other parking facility. He also suggested that a white line should be placed
down the centre of the roadway leading from the parking garage across the street as traffic
entering and exiting do not always do so on the appropriate side of the road. He commented that
he did not feel he should be penalized because some neighbours object to his proposal and that
he was the only person on the street willing to assist an elderly neighbour.
Mr. A. Galloway questioned if the driveway was already in existence and Mr. Good responded
that was correct. Mr. A. Galloway noted that the variance requested was required because of a
home business which he assumed had been in operation for some time and questioned what had
initiated this application. Mr. Good responded that his home business has been in operation
since 1976 and the application before the Committee this date was made as the result of a
neighbour complaint with respect to the business.
The Chair questioned what type of home business Mr. Good was operating and Mr. Good
responded that he was a landlord of a number of properties.
Mr. A. Galloway questioned if the home business complies with the Zoning By-law and Ms. J.
Given responded that it did, provided all regulations were met. In this regard, she advised that
Mr. Good has been given a copy of the regulations pertaining to his home business.
The Chair referred to the plan attached to the application and requested clarification that the
gardens and landscaping referred to was located on the west side of the existing dwelling and Mr.
Good responded that was correct.
Ms. L. Hadland requested clarification that Mr. Good was operating a home business with
insufficient parking according to the by-law. Ms. Given responded that the by-law requires one
parking space for the home and one parking space for the business which are to be independent
of each other; ie. located side-by-side. In this instance, Ms. Given advised that the applicant is
requesting that the parking be provided one behind the other.
Ms. L. Hadland stated that she believed the driveway in question belongs to the dwelling beside
Mr. Good's property and questioned if the business was operating legally or illegally. Ms. J.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 376 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Given responded that the by-law does allow a home business on the subject property; however,
the parking for the home business as it currently exists is deficient.
The Chair pointed out that the reason the minor variance application has been submitted is to
allow parking to be in tandem rather than side-by-side.
Submission No.: A 113/99(Cont'd)
Ms. L. Hadland stated that her concerns are not related to the landscaping on the property but
rather with the traffic generated by the home business. She stated that the type of business
being operated, being a rental business, generates traffic from a large number of clients. She
advised that traffic volumes are particularly heavy in summer months. She pointed out that the
neighbourhood is currently undergoing revitalization with many new young couples moving in with
children. For safety reasons, she advised that many residents of the area would prefer that the
business be operated elsewhere. In this regard, she referred to an incident that resulted in
personal injury to Mr. Good which has left many residents feeling uncomfortable with the nature
of his clients and the security of their neighbourhood. In addition, she stated that traffic exiting the
apartment building across the street often have to pull out a good distance around vehicles
parked on the roadway attending Mr. Good's property in order to see around the vehicles before
proceeding onto the roadway.
Ms. J. Given pointed out that a home business is intended to be an ancillary use and staff would
share residents concerns with respect to traffic congestion. In this regard, she advised that the
by-law allows a maximum of three visitors to the business at any one time and, should this
number be exceeded, it can be enforced on a complaint basis.
The Chair enquired if on-street parking was allowed on Mt. Hope Street and Ms. Hadland advised
that it was permitted during non-winter months. The Chair then enquired if Ms. Hadland had
anything further to add and she stated that her main concern was traffic congestion resulting from
Mr. Good's business.
The Chair enquired if Mr. Good wished to respond and Mr. Good stated that he agreed that the
traffic volume was heavy during the summer; however, during winter months traffic volumes drop
significantly as he spends a large part of the time out of the country. He further stated that he
receives, for the most part, post-dated cheques from his tenants and the office is only open for a
few hours each day.
The Chair pointed out that certain issues referred to by Ms. Hadland were beyond the
Committee's jurisdiction and Ms. Hadland again reiterated that the main issues of concern relate
to traffic and the impact on lifestyles.
Mr. A. Galloway questioned if Mr. Good had opportunity to conduct his business elsewhere and
Mr. Good responded that, if tandem parking was not approved, he would have an alternative
option to relocate driveway access to the other side of his home and construct the new driveway
so that parking would comply with by-law requirements which would allow the home business to
continue operating from its present location.
Ms. Hadland stated that it was not intended to stop the business from operating; however, it was
preferred the business be operated elsewhere.
The Chair stated that the home business must operate in accordance with by-law regulations
and, if the business was in contravention with respect to the maximum number of visitors
permitted, there are alternative avenues that can be pursued by residents.
Ms. S. Campbell stated that it was not within the Committee's jurisdiction to stop operation of the
home business. She pointed out that the Committee can only deal with the issue of parking
required for the home business and, if the application is refused, the neighbourhood will probably
be faced with construction of a wider driveway on the subject property which will bring the issue of
parking requirements for the home business into compliance with the by-law.
Ms. L. Hadland questioned what alternatives residents would have with respect to having the
business cease and the Chair advised that the Committee could not counsel her in this regard
and suggested that she speak further to staff. The Chair again re-affirmed that it is not within the
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 377 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Committee's jurisdiction to stop the business from operating, and stated that, while Ms. Hadland's
concerns were appreciated, similar parking situations for other home businesses have been
approved in the past.
Submission No.: A 113/99(Cont'd)
Moved by Ms. S. Campbell
Seconded by Mr. A. Galloway
That the application of Terrace Good requesting permission to locate two required off-street
parking spaces, being one space for a single detached dwelling and one space for an existing
home business, in tandem (one behind the other), rather than side-by-side, on Lot 10 and Part
Lot 11, Registered Plan 287, 101 Mount Hope Street, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variance requested in this application is minor in nature.
2. This application is desirable for the appropriate development of the property.
3. The general intent and purpose of the City of Kitchener Zoning By-law and Municipal Plan
are being maintained on the subject property.
Carried
CONSENT
Submission No.:
Applicant:
Property Location:
Legal Description:
B 62~99
Siekmann Capital Inc.
353 Manitou Drive
Lot 5, Registered Plan 1489, designated as Part 1, Reference Plan
58R-2776
Appearances:
In Support:
Mr. J. Wright
Siematic Canada Inc.
124 Bleams Road
Kitchener ON N2C 2K5
Mr. M. Firek
Ampacet Canada Company
101 Sasaga Drive
Kitchener ON N2C 2G8
Contra: None
Written Submissions:
In Support: None
Contra: None
The Committee was advised that the applicant is requesting permission to sever a parcel of
land as a lot addition to the abutting property and retain a parcel of land having an area of
58,764.4 m2 (632,555.43 sq. ft.). The severed lands will have frontage on Sasaga Drive of
9.144 m (30 ft.) and an area of 10,121.7 m2 (108,952.63 sq. ft.).
The Committee noted the comments of the Department of Business & Planning Services in
which they advised that this severance application affects a large industrial property at 353
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 378 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Manitou Drive and would have the effect of severing 10,121 square metres from the lot to add
to an existing lot (Lot 6) containing Baron Colour Concentrates Ltd. at 101 Sasaga Drive. This
would result in reducing the lot size of the Manitou property, which contains an industrial
building, to 58,764.4 square metres. This application affects the same property as B-43/98
Submission No.: B 62/99(Cont'd)
and B-44/98 which lapsed. The subject application is very similar to B-44/98, which was also
a severance to facilitate a lot addition. The difference between the two applications is a minor
change in the proposed severance line.
The proposed lots comply with the regulations of the M-4 Zone. However, the property is
subject to special regulation provision 49R which permits warehouse and wholesale operations
with a minimum gross floor area of 6960.0 square metres or greater to use 10% of the gross
floor area for accessory retail purposes. The standard minimum gross floor area in the M-4
Zone is 10,000 square metres of wholesale or warehouse before the 10% accessory retail
component is allowed. This special regulation was applied to the whole of the lot as it existed
in 1987 when the site was rezoned under By-law 85-1. The special provision was intended
only to apply to the existing building and the benefit should not apply to the severed lands,
which are being added to 101 Sasaga Drive. The 1998 application required that a Zone
Change be approved to delete the special regulation provision from these vacant lands prior to
the endorsement of deeds. In that case, there was more danger in the construction of a new
building on the Manitou/Sasaga corner of the property (B-43/98), which could take advantage
of the special regulation. While the regulation should not ideally apply to the lot addition, it is
unlikely that its intent could be realized on the severed lands, and as such, staff will not require
a zone change as a condition of this consent approval. Should the owners re-apply for the
severance of the vacant corner property, however, a zone change would be imposed as a
condition.
Staff note that the effect of the severance would be to eliminate the 9.144 metre wide access
from Sasaga Drive which the retained lands currently enjoy, between Lot 6 and the Bell
Canada building.
In reviewing the earlier applications staff note that there were uses in the Manitou Drive
building which were of questionable legality and that occupancy permits had not been obtained
to verify their legality. Staff understand that the existing use is the manufacturing of cabinets
although an occupancy permit has not been obtained, as required. This will be imposed as a
condition of approval to ensure the use of the building is now legal.
The proposed lots comply in all other respects with the zoning and subject to compliance with
the conditions below, would result in the creation of suitable lots for industrial purposes.
The Department of Business and Planning Services recommends that B-62/99 be approved
subject to the following conditions:
That the lands to be severed be added to the abutting lands and title be taken in
identical ownership as the abutting lands known as Lot 6, Registrar's Compiled Plan
1489. Any subsequent conveyance of the parcel to be severed shall comply with
Sections 50(3) and/or (5) of the Planning Act, 1995.
That Occupancy Permits be obtained for all uses located in the building at 421 Manitou
Drive.
That satisfactory arrangements be made with the City of Kitchener for the payment of
any outstanding Municipal property taxes and/or local improvement charges.
The Committee noted the comments of the Director of Building in which he advised that the
Building Division has no concerns or comments with respect to this application.
The Committee noted the comments of the Planning & Culture Department, Region of Waterloo
in which they advised that the purpose of this application is to sever a parcel and convey it as a
lot addition to an adjacent parcel. Regional staff advise that according to our information the
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 379 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
retained lands are suspected of being contaminated and the lands adjacent to the severed lands
are potentially contaminated. These lands are located entirely within the Parkway Wellfield.
1. Submission No.: B 62/99(Cont'd)
Under the Region's Protocol for the Review of Development Applications on or Adjacent to Lands
Which are Known, Suspected or Potentially Contaminated, approved by Regional Council on May
28, 1997, where a consent is proposed on or adjacent to lands which are identified as known,
suspected or potentially contaminated, and the lands are located within a Regional wellfield the
granting of the consent by the Committee of Adjustment will be subject to the completion of a
Record of Site Condition (acknowledged by MOE).
As well, a 7 foot road widening is required on Manitou Drive and 25 foot daylighting triangle at the
intersection of Manitou Drive and Sasaga Drive.
Regional staff recommend the following conditions with respect to B 62/99:
1)
That prior to final approval of the consent, that the owner submit a Record of Site
Condition to be acknowledged by the Ministry of the Environment on the severed and
retained lands.
2)
That prior to final approval of the consent, that the owner convey a 7 foot road widening
along the Manitou Drive frontage of the property and 25 foot daylighting triangle at the
intersection of Manitou Drive and Sasaga Drive.
In addition, Regional staff advised that any future development on the subject lands is subject to
the provisions of the Regional Development Charge By-law 91-91, as amended by By-law 93-
050, or any successor thereof. Applicants are also advised that there may be a Regional fee
assessed for development agreements if required.
The Committee noted the comments of the Grand River Conservation Authority in which they
advised that they have no objections or concerns with respect to this application.
The Committee noted the comments of the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro in which they advised that
the limited roadway access of this lot would make electrical servicing difficult and potentially
expensive for the property owner.
The Chair established that Mr. J. Wright was in attendance to act on behalf of the applicant and
Mr. M. Firek represented the proposed purchaser. Mr. Wright and Mr. Firek both indicated that
they were in support of the application.
The Chair reviewed the staff comments, noting that the application is being recommended for
approval subject to certain conditions. The Chair enquired of Mr. Wright if he had anything further
to add.
Mr. J. Wright referred to the report from the Department of Business & Planning Services and, in
particular, Condition No. 2, that requires occupancy permits to be obtained for all uses located in
the building at 421 Manitou Drive. In this regard, he pointed out that this address appears to be in
error as the subject property is 353 Manitou Drive. Ms. J. Given acknowledged that this was a
typographical error and that it should read 353 Manitou Drive.
The Chair then referred to the comments of Kichener-Wilmot Hydro which indicate that electrical
servicing will be difficult and potentially expensive for the property owner given the limited
roadway access and Mr. Wright responded that he did not understand these comments as
electrical servicing will not be required for either the remaining lands or the merged lands.
Mr. A. Galloway stated that, in his opinion, the comments from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro indicate
that they misinterpreted the application as a request to create a new lot when, in fact, the intent is
to sever the parcel as a lot addition to be adjoined to an abutting property. The Chair agreed with
Mr. Galloway's assessment.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 380 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
The Chair then referred to the comments of the Region of Waterloo and pointed out that the
Region suspects that the retained lands and the lands adjacent to the severed lands are
potentially contaminated. Accordingly, the Region is requesting that a Record of Site Condition
be required as a condition of consent approval. In this regard, Mr. Wright pointed out that he had
Submission No.: B 62/99(Cont'd)
only received the Regional comments this date and, had he been aware of this condition, he
would have submitted a report prepared by XCG Environmental Consultants which has given the
site a clean bill of health. He advised that the property had been purchased in May 1999 and that
there was contamination on the site. Since that time, he advised that the contaminants have
been removed and the site is now clean and the levels fall within Ministry guidelines.
The Chair stated that the Region has been delegated the responsibility of ensuring that potentially
contaminated sites are addressed according to Ministry of the Environment requirements and that
this Committee has responsibility to ensure that this concern is met. He stated that it would
appear that the bulk of work has been done toward completion of this condition and the report
referred to by Mr. Wright should be submitted to the Region for review.
Mr. A. Galloway referred to two additional Regional conditions, being a 7 ft. road widening along
Manitou Drive and a 25 ft. daylighting triangle at the intersection of Manitou Drive and Sasaga
Drive. In this regard, Mr. Wright indicated that he had concern with these conditions as the
distance between Manitou Drive and the parcel to be severed is several hundred feet and does
not come any where near the daylighting triangle. Mr. Wright stated that, in his opinion, it was
inappropriate to make these conveyances a condition of the severance. He further pointed out
that he believed the conditions to be a carry over from a previous severance undertaken by Mr.
Rosen of Rosen Industries Limited which also included a proposed severance of a corner lot. In
this instance, he stated that he could understand these conditions being imposed but did not feel
they were reasonable for the severance before the Committee this date.
The Chair stated that the Regional comments indicate that they are aware that the severance is a
lot addition and suggested that the Region may be requesting these conditions in order to meet
requirements of the Regional Official Policies Plan. The Chair further questioned if any structure
was proposed to be built within the daylight triangle corner. Mr. Wright indicated that he did not
see this happening and stated that his concern was not specifically with the daylight triangle but
rather with the road widening.
Mr. A. Galloway stated that the entire property is subject to this application and it is within the
Region's authority to impose these conditions even though the severed parcel is not located near
Manitou Drive. He stated that this may be the Region's only opportunity to obtain the road
widening and it is fully within their right to request it. The Chair concurred with Mr. Galloway's
comments and suggested that Mr. Wright may wish to consider deferral of the application to allow
an opportunity to discuss these issues with staff of the Region.
In response to questioning, Ms. J. Given advised that the Region would also have opportunity to
obtain the conveyances if further development were to occur on the site or through future
severances. In this regard, she suggested that the Committee may wish to address whether or
not the timing for these conveyances is appropriate.
The Chair questioned what detriment to the applicant would be caused by conveying the 7 ft.
road widening and Mr. Wright responded that the difficulty with this condition was, in his opinion,
that it is totally unrelated to this application. He stated that both the building and site were
purchased in very poor condition and the applicant has put forward a major effort to clean up the
site, including renovating the existing structure, all within a very short period of time. Given this
effort, he stated that he felt it was unreasonable to impose these conditions at this time and
pointed out that there is opportunity to obtain the road widening either through future
development or severance application.
The Chair stated that the Region could also obtain the conveyance through expropriation;
however, if the Committee approved the severance without the road widening as a condition, the
applicant may be faced with the Region appealing the Committee's decision to the Ontario
Municipal Board.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 381 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
The Chair questioned if development were to occur in future if the City could impose a condition
for the road widening at that time and Ms. Given responded that the City could impose the
conditions on behalf of the Region at such time through a Section 41 Development Agreement.
1. Submission No.: B 62/99(Cont'd)
Ms. S. Campbell stated that she believed it would be more appropriate to ask for the road
widening conveyance at the time of future development; however, suggested that Mr. Wright
should focus on the possibility of the Region appealing the Committee's decision if the road
widening was not imposed as a condition of approval.
In this regard, Mr. Wright advised that if the Committee was prepared to support approval without
imposing a 7 ft. road widening as a condition, it would be desirable to proceed in this manner on
the understanding that the Region may take further steps to have it imposed. He further stated
that if the Region were to take further measures, the applicant may choose to accept and comply
with the condition at that time.
Mr. A. Galloway questioned if Mr. Wright was asking the Committee to approve the application
without the condition of the road widening on the understanding that the applicant would bear any
consequences and Mr. Wright responded that was correct.
Mr. A. Galloway stated that, in view of Mr. Wright's comments, he was prepared to move approval
of the application without the condition of the 7 ft. road widening. In this regard, the Chair pointed
out that the process could be further delayed if the Region chose to appeal the Committee's
decision. He further advised that if an appeal is lodged and the applicant then chooses to comply
with the conditions, a reference plan showing the conveyances would be required to be submitted
to the Ontario Municipal Board to resolve this issue.
Mr. J. Wright requested clarification as it was his client's desire to close the sale of the severed
parcel with some expediency and pointed out that the reason they did not wish to defer the
application to the December meeting was to avoid unnecessary delay. Mr. A. Galloway pointed
out that approval of the severance is subject to a 20 day appeal period and suggested that during
this time the applicant should undertake discussion with staff of the Region to resolve the issue of
the road widening. He advised that the earliest the applicant could proceed with closure of the
sale would be following the 20 day appeal period on the assumption that no appeal was filed. Mr.
J. Wright questioned if the 20 day appeal period would still be required if the application was
deferred to December 7 and the Chair responded that whether or not approval was granted this
date or on December 7th the 20 day appeal period would still apply. Mr. J. Wright then requested
the Committee to support approval of the application without imposing the condition of the 7 ft.
road widening and stated that he would undertake to 3ursue this issue with the Region.
Moved by Mr. A. Galloway
Seconded by Ms. S. Campbell
That the application of Siekmann Capital Inc. requesting permission to convey a parcel of land as
a lot addition to the abutting property, having frontage on Sasaga Drive of 9.144 m (30 ft.), by a
depth of 133.759 m (438.84 ft.) and an area of 10,121.7 m2 (108,952.63 sq. ft.), on Lot 5,
Registered Plan 1489, designated as Part 1, Reference Plan 58R-2776, 353 Manitou Drive,
Kitchener, Ontario, BE GRANTED, subject to the following conditions:
That the lands to be severed shall be added to the abutting lands and title shall be taken in
identical ownership as the abutting lands known as Lot 6, Registrar's Compiled Plan 1489.
Any subsequent conveyance of the parcel to be severed shall comply with Sections 50 (3)
and/or (5) of the Planning Act, 1995.
That Occupancy Permits shall be obtained for all uses located in the building at 353
Manitou Drive.
That the owner shall make satisfactory arrangements with the City of Kitchener for the
payment of any outstanding municipal property taxes and/or local improvement charges.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT 382 NOVEMBER 16, 1999
That prior to final approval of the consent, the owner shall submit to the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo a Record of Site Condition to be acknowledged by the Ministry
of the Environment on the severed and retained lands.
Submission No.: B 62/99(Cont'd)
That prior to final approval of the consent, the owner shall convey to the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo a 25 foot daylighting triangle at the intersection of Manitou
Drive and Sasaga Drive.
Pursuant to Subsection 41 of Section 53 of the Planning Act, the applicant shall fulfil the above-
noted conditions within one year of the date of giving notice of this decision.
Pursuant to Subsection 43 of Section 53 of the Planning Act, the decision of this Committee shall
lapse two years from the date of approval, being November 16, 2001.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
A plan of subdivision is not necessary for the proper and orderly development of the
municipality.
The requirements of the Zoning By-law are being maintained on the severed lands and the
retained lands.
The use of the land in the application conforms to the City of Kitchener Municipal Plan and
the Regional Official Policies Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Dated at the City of Kitchener this 16th day of November, 1999.
Carried
J. Billett
Secretary-Treasurer
Committee of Adjustment