HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2021-242 - A 2021-140 - 630 Benninger DriveStaff Report
Dbvelo n7ent Services Department
REPORT TO: Committee of Adjustment
DATE OF MEETING: December 14, 2021
www. kitchener ca
SUBMITTED BY: Bateman, Brian, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7869
PREPARED BY: Dumart, Craig, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 703
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 5
DATE OF REPORT: December 1, 2021
REPORT NO.: DSD -2021-242
SUBJECT: Minor Variance Application A2021-140
630 Benninger Drive
Owners —Activa Holdings Inc
Applicant — Pierre Chauvin, MHBC Planning
RECOMMENDATION:
That application A2021-0140 requesting relief from Section 8.3 of the Zoning By-law 2019-051
to permit a minimum ground floor building height for any building with street line facade of
3.0 metres rather than the required 4.5 metres and requesting relief from Section 19 (69) e)
xi) and Section 19 (69) f) vii) of the Zoning By-law 2019-051 to permit encroachments for stairs
and access ramps, provided the minimum setback to the encroachment is 0.5 metres from
the exterior side yard lot line rather than the required 1 metre be approved.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The application is requesting relief from Section 8.3 of the Zoning By-law 2019-051 to permit a
minimum ground floor building height for any building with street line facade of 3.0 metres rather
than the required 4.5 metres and requesting relief from Section 19 (69) e) A) and Section 19 (69) f)
vii) of the Zoning By-law 2019-051 to permit encroachments for stairs and access ramps, provided
the minimum setback to the encroachment is 0.5 metres from the exterior side yard lot line rather
than the required 1.0 meter
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
Location Map: 639 Benninger Drive
BACKGROUND:
The property is designated Mixed Use in the City's Official Plan and identified as City Node on the
City's Urban Structure Map.
The property is zoned as MIX -1 (Mix Use One) with site specific provisions (27) and (69) in Zoning
By-law 2019-051. The existing property is a vacant parcel and the surrounding neighbourhood
consist of residential lots and blocks that are vacant or under construction. The subject lands have
received approval in principle for a site plan to develop the vacant lands with 225 residential units
and a future commercial plaza located along Nathalie Street.
REPORT:
Planning Comments:
In considering the four tests for minor variances as outlined in Section 45(1) of the Planning Act, R.S.O.,
1990 Chap. P. 13, as amended, Planning staff offers the following comments:
General Intent of the Official Plan
The subject property is designated as Mixed Use in the City's Official which provides for a broad range
commercial, retail, institutional and residential uses, at different scales and intensities. The
requested variance maintains the land use designation and continues to allow multiple dwellings and
stacked back—to— back townhouses. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed variance conforms to the
designation.
General Intent of the Zoning By-law
The requested minor variance to reduce the minimum fagade height for buildings fronting a street from
4.5 metres to 3.0 metres meets the general intent of Zoning By-law 2019-051. The intent of the 4.5
metre fagade for buildings fronting a street is to ensure mixed used buildings first floors can
accommodate a range of retail uses. The stacked back-to-back are 100% residential and the
commercial component of the development is located in a separate building along Nathalie Street. Staff
support the reduce fagade height for the residential buildings fronting a street and are of the opinion the
variance meets the intent of the Zoning By-law.
The requested minor variance to allow stair encroachments in a side yard abutting a street meets the
general intent of Zoning By-law 2019-051. The purpose the regulation is to ensure there is adequate
space is landscaping, utilities, and to ensure there are no driveway or corner visibility issues from the
stairs. The stairs are not located within driveway or corner visibility triangles and there is adequate space
for landscaping and utilities. Staff support the side yard fronting a street stair encroachment and are of
the opinion the variance meets the intent of the Zoning By-law.
Is the Variance Minor?
The variances are minor in nature and will not create unacceptable impacts on either the subject
property or adjacent properties and will allow for the development of multiple dwellings and stacked
back-to-back townhouses that are compatible with the planned low rise residential neighbourhood.
Is the Variance Appropriate?
The variances are appropriate for the development and use of the land. The requested variances
will not impact any of the adjacent properties or the surrounding area. Planning Staff is of the opinion
that the variance is appropriate.
City Planning staff conducted a site inspection of the property on November 27, 2021.
Existing vacant parcel at 630 Benninger Drive
Building Comments:
The Building Division has no objections to the proposed variance. Application has been made to for
the detached garage to the single detached dwelling.
Transportation Services Comments:
Transportation Services have no concerns with the proposed application.
Heritage Planning Comments:
Heritage Planning staff has no concerns with this application.
Environmental Planning Comments:
No environmental planning concerns.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the
Committee of Adjustment meeting. A notice signed was placed on the property advising that a
Committee of Adjustment application has been received. The sign advises interested parties to find
additional information on the City's website or by emailing the Planning Division. A notice of the
application was mailed to all property owners within 30 metres of the subject property.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter.
Region of Waterloo
November 30, 2021
Kristen Hilborn
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West
P.O. Box 1118
Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT
AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
150 Frederick Street, Sth Floor
Kitchener ON N2G 4A Canada
Telephone: 519-575-4400
TTY: 519-575-4608
Fax: 519-575-4449
www. reg i o n ofwate r l o o. ca
File No.: D20-20/
VAR KIT GEN
(7) /06 HIGHLAND, 1572 HIGHLAND ROAD WEST
1863342
ONTARIO INCORPORATED
(10) /55, 945 VICTORIA STREET NORTH PURELAND
INVESTMENTS INCORPORATED
(12)/04 URBAN, TRUSSLER NORTH SUBDIVISION 30T
08204 ACTIVA HOLDINGS OTTAWA TRUSSLER
HWY 7 AND 8
(13)/06 BENTON, 120 BENTON STREET ARROW LOFTS
INC
(14, 15)/64, 45 TO 75 CHARLES STREET EAST HOUSE
OF FRIENDSHIP
(16, 17)/VAR KIT, 86 WHITNEY PLACE VLAD KNEZEVIC
Subject: Committee of Adjustment Meeting November 16, 2021, City of Kitchener
Regional staff has reviewed the following Committee of Adjustment applications and
have following comments:
1) A 2021-120 — 12 Hilda Place — No Concerns.
2) A 2021-130 — 878 Frederick Street —No concerns.
3) A 2021-131 — 95 Maitland Street — No Concerns.
4) A 2021-132 — 26 Monteagle Crescent — No Concerns.
5) A 2021-133 — 12 East Landsowne — No Concerns.
6) A 2021-134 — 715 Frederick Street — No Concerns.
7) A 2021-135 — 1572 Highland Road West — No Concerns.
Document Number: 3887462
Page 1 of 2
8) A 2021-136 — 888 Trillium Drive — No Concerns.
9) A 2021-137 — 29 Hurst Avenue — No Concerns.
10)A 2021-138 — 945 Victoria Street North — No Concerns.
11)A 2021-139 — 938 Strasburg Road — No Concerns.
12)A 2021-140 — 630 Benninger Road — No Concerns.
13)A 2021-141 — 120 Benton Street — No Concerns.
14)A 2021-142 — 47-63 Charles Street East — No Concerns.
15)A 2021-143 — 75 Charles Street East — No Concerns.
16)A 2021-144 — 86 Whitney Place (Retained) — No Concerns.
17)A 2021-145 — 86 Whitney Place (Severed) — No Concerns.
Please be advised that any development on the lands subject to the Applications noted
above are subject to the provisions of the Regional Development Charge By-law 14-046
or any successor thereof and may require the payment of Regional Development
Charges for these developments prior to the issuance of a building permit. The
comments contained in this letter pertain to the Application numbers listed above. If a
site is subject to more than one application, additional comments may apply.
Please forward any decision on the above mentioned application to the undersigned.
Yours Truly,
Joginder Bhatia
Transportation Planner
C (226) 753-0368
CC:
Sarah Goldrup
CofA(aMtchener.ca
KA
December 2, 2021
Administration Centre: 400 Clyde Road, P.O. Box 729 Cambridge, ON N1 R 5W6
Phone: 519-621-2761 Toll free: 1-866-900-4722 Fax: 519-621-4844 www.grandriver.ca
Sarah Goldrup
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West
Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G7
Dear Ms. Goldrup,
Via email only
Re: Committee of Adjustment Meeting — December 14, 2021
Applications for Minor Variance
A 2021-116
74 Rutherford Drive
74 Rutherford Drive
A 2021-117
11 East Avenue
74 Rutherford Drive
A 2021-130
500 Karn Street
878 Frederick Street
A 2021-131
156 Strange Street
95 Maitland Street
A 2021-132
120 Benton Street
26 Monteagle Crescent
A 2021-133
47-75 Charles Street East & 40-42,
12 East Lansdowne
A 2021-134
86 Whitney Place
715 Frederick Street
A 2021-135
1572 Highland Road West
A 2021-138
945 Victoria Street North
A 2021-139
938 Strasburg Road
A 2021-140
630 Benninger Road
A 2021-141
120 Benton Street
A 2021-142
to
143 47-75 Charles Street East & 40-42,
A 2021-144
to
145 86 Whitney Place
Applications for Consent
B 2021-054
74 Rutherford Drive
B 2021-063
11 East Avenue
B 2021-064
500 Karn Street
B 2021-065
156 Strange Street
B 2021-066
120 Benton Street
B 2021-067
to 068
47-75 Charles Street East & 40-42,
B 2021-069
86 Whitney Place
50 Eby Street
50 Eby Street
The above -noted applications are located outside the Grand River Conservation Authority
areas of interest. As such, we will not undertake a review of the applications and plan
review fees will not be required. If you have any questions or require additional information,
please contact me at 519-621-2763 ext. 2228 or aherremana-grand river. ca.
`These comments are respectfully submitted as advice and reflect resource concerns within the scope and mandate of Pagel of 2
the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Member of Conservation Ontario, representing Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities I The Grand — A Canadian Heritage River
Sincerely,
Andrew Herreman, CPT
Resource Planning Technician
Grand River Conservation Authority
"These comments are respectfully submitted as advice and reflect resource concerns within the scope and mandate of Page 2 of 2
the Grand River Conservation Authority.
October 29, 2021
Craig Dumart, Senior Planner
City of Kitchener
Planning Division, 6th Floor
200 King Street West
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4G7
Dear Mr. Dumart:
RE: Activa Holdings Inc. Minor Variance Application
Trussler Subdivision - 630 Benninger Drive (Multiple Residential Block 132)
City of Kitchener
OUR FILE 8784DA
KITCHENER
WOODBRIDGE
LONDON
KINGSTON
BARRIE
BURLINGTON
On behalf of our client, Activa Holdings Inc., we are pleased to submit an application to the Committee of
Adjustment for Minor Variance to permit a decrease to the ground floor building height for any building
with street line fa4ade at 630 Benninger Drive. The property forms Block 132 of Stage 1 of Activa's Trussler
Subdivision (30T-08204), and herein referred to as the 'subject property'.
The proposed multiple residential development is the subject of site plan application SP21/017/B/CD. In
total, 225 dwelling units are proposed within 16 blocks of multiple dwellings and stacked back-to-back
townhouses. The subject property is designated Low Rise Residential and Mixed Use in the City of
Kitchener Official Plan and zoned MIX -1 in the City of Kitchener Zoning By-law 2019-051.
The application to the Committee of Adjustment is being requested to accommodate the ground floor
height of the proposed multiple dwellings and stacked back-to-back townhouses with street line facing
facades as well as accommodating the side yard encroachment for stairs and access ramps.
All multiple dwellings and stacked townhouse blocks are planned as four (4) storey residential use
buildings with full basements. The applicant is seeking relief from the following regulations of Zoning By-
law 2019-051:
1. Relief from Section 8.3 of the Zoning By-law to allow for a minimum ground floor building
height for any building with street facing facade of 3.o metres, whereas 4.5 metres is required.
2. Relief from Section 19 (69) of the Zoning Bylawto allowside yard encroachments for stairs and
access ramps setback a minimum of 0.5 metres, whereas 1.0 metres is required.
The site plan and minor variance application required to accommodate the proposed development has
been discussed and the City granted site plan approval in principal on August 91h, 2021.
200-540 BINGEMANS CENTRE DRIVE/ KITCHENER / ONTARIO/ N213 3X9/T519576 3650/ F 519 5760121 / WWW.MHBCPLAN.COM
Four Tests for Minor Variance
In our opinion, the requested variances meet the four (4) tests in accordance with Section 45(1) of the
Planning Act. The following summarizes our opinion.
Does the proposal maintain the general intent of the Official Plan?
The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan will be maintained as the proposed land use of
multiple dwellings and stacked back-to-back townhouses with a mixed use component on-site
aligns with the uses permitted in the Mixed Use and Low Rise Residential designations. The
proposed development on the subject property is appropriate for the neighbourhood as it
provides a diverse range of product types and forms within this community.
2. Does the Proposal maintain the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law?
The Zoning By-law permits multiple dwellings and stacked back-to-back townhouse units. The
intent of the ground floor building height in this zone is to ensure mixed use buildings are built to
accommodate a range of commercial and retail uses. The proposed mixed use site provides both
commercial/retail uses and residential uses on site in separate buildings. Although the residential
component of this proposed development does not contain commercial uses, the proposed
separate commercial use/building on-site satisfies the general intent of the Mixed Use zone.
The intent of the side yard encroachment setback is to ensure adequate space for landscaping
and utility servicing in side yards.The proposed stair encroachment reduction maintains the intent
of the zoning as the stairs are connected to a paved walkway which connects to the public
sidewalk on Benninger Drive. The reduced encroachment setback does not reduce the area
available for landscaping nor the area available to accommodate utility servicing.
3. Is the variance minor?
The variance proposed for the decrease in ground floor building height and reduction to the stair
encroachment setback should be considered minor as the built form and densities proposed for
the condominium townhouse units conform to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The minor
variances are being requested to accommodate the design features of the building while
providing a product that meets the current market demands. The relative impact of the requested
variances are considered minor and will result in a development compatible with the surrounding
low rise residential land uses.
4. Is the variance desirable for the appropriate development of the land?
The variances proposed are desirable for the appropriate use and development of the lands and
the proposed development conforms to the intended land use as contemplated in the Mixed Use
designation as well as the MIX -1 Zoning. Given the composition of the mixed use site and
provision of a separate commercial/retail building, the reduced ground floor building height and
reduction to the stair encroachment setback represents a desirable and appropriate development
of the subject lands.
In support of our application, please find enclosed the following:
1. Cheque to the City of Kitchener in the amount of $1287.00 representing the fee for minor variance
application;
W
2. One (1) completed original application form;
3. A copy of the site plan; and,
4. A copy of the building elevations,
Kindly contact the undersigned with confirmation of complete application and notice that we have been
scheduled into the next available Committee of Adjustment Meeting.
Yours truly
MHBC Planning
Pierre J. Chauvin, MA, MCIP, RPP Rachel Wolff, BES
Partner Planner
Attach.
cc. Alex Sum ner&Emily McShane-ActivaHoldings Inc.