HomeMy WebLinkAboutCA Minutes - 2025-01-21
Committee of Adjustment
Committee Minutes
January 21, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present:B. Santos, Member
B. McColl, Member
M. Gambetti, Member
A. Brennan, Member
M. Melo, Member
Staff: T. Malone-Wright, Manager, Development Approvals
S. Hajgato, Transport Planning Analyst
M. Mills, Committee Coordinator
C. Owen, Administrative Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. COMMENCEMENT
The Committee of Adjustment met this date commencing at 9:02 a.m.
2. IN CAMERA MEETING AUTHORIZATION
It was requested the Committee enact a resolution to authorize an in-camera
meeting for education and training as authorized by Sections 239 (3.1) of the
Municipal Act, 2001.
Moved by B. McColl
Seconded by M. Gambetti
it was resolved:
"That an in-camera meeting be held immediately prior to the Public
meeting of the Committee of Adjustment this date for members of the
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Committee of Adjustment to receive education and training as
authorized by Sections 239 (3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001."
Carried
3. RECESS AND RECONVENE
The Committee recessed at 9:05 a.m. for an in-camera meeting for education and
training and reconvened at 10:15 a.m. with all members present.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
4.1 CHAIR NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT
Moved by B. McColl
Seconded by B. Santos
it was resolved:
"That Brian Santos be appointed as Chair for the Committee of
Adjustment, for the term ending November 30, 2026."
Carried
4.2 VICE-CHAIR NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT
Moved by B. Santos
Seconded by B. McColl
it was resolved:
"That Bob McColl be appointed as Vice-Chair for the Committee of
Adjustment, for the term ending November 30, 2026."
Carried
5. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE
THEREOF
None.
6. APPLICATIONS FOR MINOR VARIANCE AND / OR CONSENT PURSUANT
TO THE PLANNING ACT
7. NEW BUSINESS
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7.1A 2025-001 -535 Manitou Drive, DSD-2025-017
Submission No.: A 2025-001
Applicant: 535 Manitou Drive Inc c/o Laurence Goldstein
Property Location: 535 Manitou Drive
Legal Description: Part Lot 32, Plan 1489; being Parts 15-18 on Reference Plan
58R-5097, and Part Lot 33, Plan 1489, Parts 1 & 2 on Reference Plan 58R-7452;
and Part Lot 33, Plan 1489, Part 1 on Reference Plan 58R-14797
Appearances:
In Support:
S. Patterson
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
None
The Committee was advised the applicant requested minor variances to permit a
minimum exterior side yard abutting Homer Watson Boulevard of 3.75m rather
than the required 6m; and, having 110 parking spaces rather than the required 82
parking spaces, to facilitate the development of 2 business park employment-use
buildings in accordance with Site Plan application SP24/067/M/BB.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-
017, dated January 8, 2025, recommending approval as outlined in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation
Planner, dated December 20, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the
subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Resource Planning Technician dated January 3, 2025, advising they have no
concerns with the subject application.
S. Patterson, Patterson Planning Consultants, was in attendance in support of the
staff recommendation.
Moved by B. McColl
Seconded by M. Gambetti
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That the application of 535 MANITOU DRIVE INC requesting minor variances to
permit a minimum exterior side yard abutting Homer Watson Boulevard of 3.75m
rather than the required 6m; and, having 110 parking spaces rather than the
required 82 parking spaces, to facilitate the development of 2 business park
employment-use buildings in accordance with Site Plan application
SP24/067/M/BB, on Part Lot 32, Plan 1489; being Parts 15-18 on Reference Plan
58R-5097, and Part Lot 33, Plan 1489, Parts 1 & 2 on Reference Plan 58R-7452;
and Part Lot 33, Plan 1489, Part 1 on Reference Plan 58R-14797; 535 Manitou
Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variances requested in this application are minor.
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
Official Plan is being maintained on the subject property.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act, all oral and written submissions were
considered and taken into account as part of the Committee’s decision-making
process with respect to the subject application. For more information, please
review the meeting minutes, which are available on the City’s website at
www.kitchener.ca.
Carried
7.2 A 2025-002 - 72 Strange Street, DSD-2025-020
Submission No.: A 2025-002
Applicants: Benjamin Locke and Elizabeth Locke
Property Location: 72 Strange Street
Legal Description: Part Lot 484, Plan 378
Appearances:
In Support:
B. Locke
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
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W. Guo
The Committee was advised the applicant requested a minor variance to permit a
westerly side yard setback of 0.63m rather than the required 1.2m to facilitate the
construction of an addition in the rear yard of an existing single detached dwelling.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-
020, dated January 8, 2025, recommending approval as outlined in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation
Planner, dated December 20, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the
subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Resource Planning Technician dated January 3, 2025, advising they have no
concerns with the subject application.
B. Locke was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation.
Moved by M. Melo
Seconded by B. McColl
That the application of BENJAMIN LOCKE and ELIZABETH LOCKE requesting a
minor variance to permit a westerly side yard setback of 0.63m rather than the
required 1.2m to facilitate the construction of an addition in the rear yard of an
existing single detached dwelling, in accordance with drawings prepared by Groen
Design & Drafting Services, submitted with Minor Variance Application A 2025-002,
on Part Lot 484, Plan 378, 72 Strange Street, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variance requested in this application is minor.
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
Official Plan is being maintained on the subject property.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act, all oral and written submissions were
considered and taken into account as part of the Committee’s decision-making
process with respect to the subject application. For more information, please
review the meeting minutes, which are available on the City’s website at
www.kitchener.ca.
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Carried
7.3 A 2025-003 - 126 Highland Road West, DSD-2025-021
Submission No.: A 2024-003
Applicants: Erican Realty Management Inc. and Aman Woldegerghish
Property Location: 126 Highland Road West
Legal Description: Lot 5, Plan 222
Appearances:
In Support:
R. Sajkunovic
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
None
The Committee was advised the applicant requested permission for the
enlargement or extension of a legal non-conforming use, a single detached
dwelling, to facilitate the addition of an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) (attached)
to the existing single detached dwelling in “Mixed Use Zone (MIX-1)" of Zoning By-
law 2019-051.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-
021, dated January 8, 2025, recommending approval with conditions as outlined
in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation
Planner, dated December 20, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the
subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Resource Planning Technician dated January 3, 2025, advising they have no
concerns with the subject application.
R. Sajkunovic, JR Design and Consultants, was in attendance in support of the
staff recommendation.
Moved by M. Gambetti
Seconded by M. Melo
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That the application of ERICAN REALTY MANAGEMENT INC and AMAN
WOLDEGERGHISH requesting permission for the enlargement or extension of a
legal non-conforming use, a single detached dwelling, to facilitate the addition of
an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) (attached) to the existing single detached
dwelling in “Mixed Use Zone (MIX-1)” of Zoning By-law 2019-051, generally in
accordance with drawings prepared by JR Design and Consultants, dated October
2024, on Lot 5, Plan 222, 126 Highland Road West, Kitchener, Ontario, BE
APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the property owner shall alter the existing driveway to conform with
Zoning By-law 2019-051.
2. That the property owner shall complete the work, identified in Condition No.
1, by June 1, 2025. Any request for a time extension must be approved, in
writing, by the Manager, Development Approvals prior to completion date
set out in this decision. Failure to complete the condition will result in this
approval becoming null and void.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The approval of this application is in the public interest as the proposed use
would provide a form of gentle intensification.
2. The enlargement or extension will not result in any adverse or unacceptable
impacts as the required parking spaces can be accommodated on the site,
and no new additional floor area is proposed to the existing building.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act, all oral and written submissions were
considered and taken into account as part of the Committee’s decision-making
process with respect to the subject application. For more information, please
review the meeting minutes, which are available on the City’s website at
www.kitchener.ca.
Carried
7.4 A 2025-004 - 240 Chapel Street, DSD-2025-026
Submission No.: A 2025-004
Applicant: Skai Avenue Inc c/o Michael Addai-Dwomoh
Property Location: 240 Chapel Street
Legal Description: Part Lot 10 & Part Lot 11, Plan 768
Appearances:
In Support:
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S. Al Mathno
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
None
The Committee was advised the applicant requested minor variances to permit an
easterly side yard setback of 0.4m rather than the required 1.2m; and, to have an
unobstructed walkway that is a minimum of 0.92m in width rather than the required
1.1m to facilitate the construction of an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the rear
yard of an existing single detached dwelling.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-
026, dated January 10, 2025, recommending approval subject to a condition for
the minor variance request related to the easterly side yard setback; and refusal
for the minor variance request related to an unobstructed walkway as outlined in
the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation
Planner, dated December 20, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the
subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Resource Planning Technician dated January 3, 2025, advising they have no
concerns with the subject application.
S. Al Mathno, QBS Architects Inc., was in attendance in support of the staff
recommendation for approval of the minor variance request related to the easterly
side yard setback. S. Al Mathno noted opposition to the staff recommendation for
the refusal of the minor variance request related to the unobstructed walkway. S.
Al Mathno requested the Committee approve the variance for the unobstructed
walkway to have a width of 0.92m as the proposed width is an existing condition.
S. Al Mathno noted to be able to achieve an unobstructed 1.1m walkway,
modifications to an existing chimney and utility meter would be required, which
would be financially burdensome for the property owner. S. Al Mathno suggested
the Committee approve the proposed variance related to the walkway including a
condition that the property owner be required to make modifications to the chimney
and utility meter, if/when the neighboring property owner constructs a fence
between the two properties in the future.
It was requested the variances be voted on separately.
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A motion to approve the variance for an easterly side yard setback of 0.4m was
brought forward by B. McColl and was seconded by M. Gambetti. The motion was
then voted on and was Carried.
T. Malone-Wright advised the Committee a previous minor variance application,
A2022-074, for the subject property was approved in July 2022, which permitted a
reduced minimum side yard setback of 0.4m rather than 1.2m to facilitate the
construction of the Additional Dwelling Unit (Detached) in the rear yard. However,
during a site visit for the minor variance application being considered this date,
staff discovered a chimney and utility meter on the left side of the main house
projecting 0.18m into the 1.1m wide unobstructed walkway which were not
identified in the previous minor variance application, site plan application, or
building permit. As such, T. Malone-Wright noted Staff are recommending refusal
of the proposed unobstructed walkway width of 0.92m required for the existing
ADU (Detached) and the proposed basement Additional Dwelling Unit (Attached)
as the the property is not currently zoning compliant.
A motion to approve the variance for the unobstructed walkway having a minimum
width of 0.92m was brought forward by M. Gambetti and was seconded by M.
Melo.
The Committee emphasized the importance of an unobstructed walkway having a
minimum width of 1.1m to provide a suitable emergency access route to the
proposed ADU.
T. Malone-Wright advised the Committee, the projection of the utility meter into the
walkway is of greater concern than the chimney as it projects further into the
walkway. Further, T. Malone-Wright noted she had been in consultation with the
Planner for the subject application and it was noted the projection of the chimney
leaves a walkway width of 0.99m which is a minor variance (0.11m) from the
required walkway width of 1.1m. As such, T. Malone-Wright advised, staff would
be supportive the Committee approving an unobstructed walkway width of 0.99m
rather than 0.92m as requested by the applicant. T. Malone-Wright also noted the
applicant would be required to modify only the utility meter meter in order to
construct an unobstructed walkway having a width of 0.99m which would address
the financial concerns related to modifying the chimney previously raised by the
applicant.
B. McColl brought forward an amendment to M. Gambetti's motion to amend the
width of the unobstructed walkway to 0.99m rather 0.92m. The amendment was
seconded by M. Melo. The amendment was then voted on and was Carried.
The motion, as amended was voted on and was Carried.
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Moved by M. Gambetti
Seconded by M. Melo
That the application of SKAI AVENUE INC requesting minor variances to permit
an easterly side yard setback of 0.4m rather than the required 1.2m to facilitate the
construction of an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the rear yard of an existing
single detached dwelling; and, to permit an unobstructed walkway having a
minimum width of 0.99m rather than 1.1m generally in accordance with drawings
prepared by QBS Architects, dated December 16, 2024 on Part Lots 10 & 11, Plan
768, 240 Chapel Street, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED, subject to the
following condition:
1. That the property owner shall modify the existing driveway such that it does
not exceed a maximum width of 8.0m, being located a minimum 0.46m from
the easterly side lot line and is clearly distinguishable from all other ground
cover or surfacing including landscaping and walkways, in accordance with
the regulations of Zoning By-law 85-1, by May 31, 2025. Any request for a
time extension must be approved in writing by the Manager of Development
Approvals prior to completion date set out in this decision. Failure to
complete this condition will result in this approval becoming null and void.
It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variances requested in this application are minor.
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
Official Plan is being maintained on the subject property.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act, all oral and written submissions were
considered and taken into account as part of the Committee’s decision-making
process with respect to the subject application. For more information, please
review the meeting minutes, which are available on the City’s website at
www.kitchener.ca.
Carried, as amended
7.5 B 2025-001 - 284 Duke Street East, DSD-2025-019
Submission No.: B 2025-001
Applicants: Tim Bolton and Kathleen MacGregor
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Property Location: 284 Duke Street East
Legal Description: Lot 6, Plan 129
Appearances:
In Support:
T. Bolton
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
None
The Committee was advised the applicant requested permission to sever a parcel
of land in the rear yard, containing an existing garage, having a width of 12.7m, a
depth of 12.1m and an area of 155.2 sq.m. to be conveyed as a lot addition to the
property municipally addressed as 44 Betzner Avenue North.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-
019, dated January 8, 2025, recommending approval with conditions as outlined
in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation
Planner, dated January 6, 2025, advising they have no concerns with the subject
application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority
Resource Planning Technician dated January 3, 2025, advising they have no
concerns with the subject application.
S. Bolton was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation.
Moved by B. McColl
Seconded by M. Gambetti
That the application of TIMOTHY BOLTON and KATHLEEN MACGREGOR
requesting consent to sever a parcel of land in the rear yard, containing an existing
garage, having a width of 12.7m, a depth of 12.1m and an area of 155.2 sq.m. to
be conveyed as a lot addition to the property municipally addressed as 44 Betzner
Avenue North, on Lot 6, Plan 129, 284 Duke Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, BE
APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:
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1.That the property owner’s solicitor shall provide draft transfer documents
and associated fees for the Certificate of Official to the satisfaction of the
Secretary-Treasurer and City Solicitor, if required.
2. That the property owner shall obtain a tax certificate from the City of
Kitchener to verify that there are no outstanding taxes on the subject
property to the satisfaction of the City’s Revenue Division.
3. That the property owner shall provide a digital file of the deposited reference
plan(s) prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor in PDF and either .dwg
(AutoCad) or .dgn (Microstation) format, as well as two full size paper
copies of the plan(s). The digital file needs to be submitted according to
the City of Kitchener's Digital Submission Standards to the satisfaction of
the City’s Mapping Technologist.
4. That the lands to be severed be added to the abutting lands and title be
taken into identical property ownership as the abutting lands. The deed for
endorsement shall include that any subsequent conveyance of the parcel
to be severed shall comply with Sections 50(3) and/or (5) of the Planning
Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended.
5. That the property owner’s solicitor shall provide a Solicitor’s Undertaking to
register an Application Consolidation Parcels immediately following the
registration of the Severance Deed and prior to any new applicable
mortgages, and to provide a copy of the registered Application
Consolidation Parcels to the City Solicitor within a reasonable time following
registration.
Alternatively, if in the opinion of the City Solicitor, an Application
Consolidation Parcels cannot be registered on title, the property owner shall
take such alternative measures and provide such alternative documents to
ensure that the severed parcel and receiving parcel are not separately
encumbered, conveyed, or otherwise transferred from one another and
shall remain in common property ownership, at the discretion of and to the
satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
6. That the property owner shall obtain a Demolition Permit, for the existing
metal-clad garage proposed to be demolished, to the satisfaction of the
Chief Building Official, and removes the existing metal-clad garage prior to
deed endorsement.
7. That the property owner shall make satisfactory financial arrangements to
the Region of Waterloo for the consent application review fee of $350.00.
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It is the opinion of this Committee that:
1. The variances requested in this application are minor.
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
Official Plan is being maintained on the subject property.
Pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act, all oral and written submissions were
considered and taken into account as part of the Committee’s decision-making
process with respect to the subject application. For more information, please
review the meeting minutes, which are available on the City’s website at
www.kitchener.ca.
Carried
8. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:18 a.m.
Marilyn Mills
Secretary-Treasurer
Committee of Adjustment
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