HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-13Minutes of the Committee of Adjustment
Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
October 13, 2016
Municipal Administrative Centre, Council Chambers
40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville
Present: Todd Taylor
Andre O'Bumsawin
James Vinson
John Bate
Shelley Pohjola
Gord Wallace
Amanda Watson
Absent with notice: None
1. Call to Order
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Member
Member
Member
Member
Acting Secretary -Treasurer
Chairperson Todd Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm
2. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest
There were no pecuniary interests stated for this meeting
3. Applications:
Chairperson, Todd Taylor asked the committee to amend the agenda to hear the five
applications by R.N. Design Ltd. On Behalf of Lindvest Properties (Clarington) Limited
first, followed by application A2016-0059 by Newcastle Holdings Inc./ Zelinka Priamo
Ltd.
The Committee unanimously voted to amend the agenda.
3.1 A2016-0062
46 Whitehand Drive, Newcastle
A2016-0064
11 Buckles Court, Newcastle
A2016-0065
15 Buckles Court, Newcastle
A2016-0066
10 Buckles Court, Newcastle
A2016-0067
14 Buckles Court, Newcastle
R.N. Design Ltd. On Behalf of Lindvest Properties (Clarington)
Limited
Part Lot 29, Concession 2 Former Township of Newcastle
Agent, Brent Smith made a verbal presentation to the Committee regarding the
applications. The explanations for the proposed variances were similar to what was
outlined in the report prepared for these applications. There were no questions from the
Committee or members of the public in objection or support. All applications were
approved unanimously by the Committee.
A2016-0062 46 Whitehand Drive, Newcastle
Moved by Andre O'Bumsawin, seconded by James Vinson.
"Based on Staffs review of the application and agency comments received, the
application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law and the intent and purpose of the
Official Plan. The application is considered minor in nature and not detrimental to the
neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to permit the construction of a single -detached dwelling
by increasing the maximum permitted front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 10.75
metres."
Carried
A2016-0064 11 Buckles Court, Newcastle
Moved by James Vinson, seconded by Shelley Pohjola.
"Based on Staffs review of the application and agency comments received, the
application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law and the intent and purpose of the
Official Plan. The application is considered minor in nature and not detrimental to the
neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to permit the construction of a single -detached dwelling
by increasing the maximum permitted front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 16 metres."
Carried
A2016-0065 15 Buckles Court, Newcastle
Moved by Shelley Pohjola, seconded by Gord Wallace.
"Based on Staffs review of the application and agency comments received, the
application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law and the intent and purpose of the
Official Plan. The application is considered minor in nature and not detrimental to the
neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to permit the construction of a single -detached dwelling
by increasing the maximum permitted front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 11.5
metres."
Carried
A2016-0066 10 Buckles Court, Newcastle
Moved by John Bate, seconded by Shelley Pohjola.
"Based on Staffs review of the application and agency comments received, the
application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law and the intent and purpose of the
Official Plan. The application is considered minor in nature and not detrimental to the
neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to permit the construction of a single -detached dwelling
by increasing the maximum permitted front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 10.78
metres."
Carried
A2016-0067 14 Buckles Court, Newcastle
Moved by Gord Wallace, seconded by Andre O'Bumsawin.
"Based on Staffs review of the application and agency comments received, the
application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law and the intent and purpose of the
Official Plan. The application is considered minor in nature and not detrimental to the
neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to permit the construction of a single -detached dwelling
by increasing the maximum permitted front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 11 metres."
Carried
3.2 A2016-0059 Newcastle Holdings Inc./Zelinka Priamo Ltd.
1036 Church Street, Newcastle Village
Part Lot 28, Concession 1
Former Village of Newcastle
The applicant's agent Matt Campbell made a verbal presentation to the Committee
regarding the application. The explanation for the proposed variance was similar to what
was outlined in the report prepared for this application. Mr. Campbell explained that the
application was previously tabled by the Committee to allow time to meet with Staff and
resolve any outstanding issues. Mr. Campbell explained that due to scheduling conflicts,
a meeting was not able to occur with Clarington Staff until October 12, 2016.
Mr. Campbell continued to explain that he disagrees with Staff's recommendation to
deny the portion of the variance to relocate the proposed entrance to the interior of the
site as he and his colleagues believe that the existing renderings of the proposed LCBO
building meet the Official Plan and Urban Design Guidelines.
Further, Mr. Campbell explained that as a result of the meeting with Staff on October
12, 2016. It was brought to their attention that a road widening will be required on
Church Street. As a result of this road widening, the site will require a further variance.
He asked the committee to consider including an additional variance in their decision
tonight, to reduce the required setback along Church Street to 0 metres.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor, spoke on behalf of the committee stating the proposal is
premature and they would require a new variance to be circulated. This way the
Committee would have Staff Comments as well as public comments.
Committee Member, Shelley Pohjola, asked for clarification regarding the meeting that
took place on October 12, 2016 and what issues were resolved.
Mr. Campbell explained that many issues presented by Staff were specific to the current
design proposal. He continued to explain that Staff has directed to them that the main
issues would be resolved by the introduction of more roof articulation, parapets, wall
articulations, and a variety of cladding materials.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor, asked if there were any additional questions the Committee
had for the applicant. There were none.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor, asked if there were any public comments or questions.
Robert Malone came forward and read 4 letters of support for the application from 4
different organizations.
Patricia Norton, a resident from a neighbouring property came forward in support of the
application. She indicated that the relocation of the entrance would be beneficial as it
would lessen the amount of parking along Church Street.
Nick Katsiapis, the owner of the lands at the corner of 71-85 King Avenue West in
Newcastle, spoke to his concerns with the parking issues that will result from this
development.
Member Pohjola, responded that there is nothing the Committee has the jurisdiction to
do in regards to his issues with parking, and suggested he speak with the developer
and Planning Staff to address this through the Site Plan Approval process.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor asked Planner Paul Wirch to come forward and explain the
details of the meeting help on October 12, 2016 and what agreements were made.
Mr. Wirch detailed that in that meeting, the comments provided to the applicant's
reflected the same comments provided to them in May of this year, no new matters
were discussed. He continued to state that there are a number of outstanding issues for
the project as a whole outside of these variances, however Staffs main objective is to
ensure an attractive streetscape and to maintain the character of the neighbourhood.
Member Pohjola, asked for clarification regarding the specific zoning provision that this
application is varying.
Mr. Wirch went into detail regarding the history of the site and its previous rezoning. He
also mentioned that the current zoning provisions for the site ensure the design of any
new development will conform to the applicable Urban Design Guidelines, Clarington
Official Plan policies, and the Secondary Plan policies.
Member Pohjola, explained that there appears to be a lot of site plan issues with this
application, however clarified that this is not what the Committee is here to address.
She continued by asking Planner, Paul Wirch to clarify that the proposed variance is not
supported by Planning Staff as they do not comply with the mandatory language of the
Official Plan and Zoning?
Planner, Paul Wirch explained that the existing Urban Design Guidelines have been
approved by Council and have similar status to the policies within the Official Plan.
Member. Pohjola, continued by asking whether it is planning's position that the Official
Plan policies are not maintained by the proposed location of the entranceway.
Mr. Wirch responded by explaining he would word it differently, however, fundamentally,
yes that is Staff's opinion.
Member Pohjola, further asked for clarification, as the policies seem to indicate that the
proposed development could meet the required guidelines in "other ways" than just
keeping the entranceway along Church Street.
Mr. Wirch agreed with member Pohjola, however mentioned that as of tonight Staff
have not presented any other ways in which the proposed development will meet the
guidelines, and therefore it cannot be supported.
Committee member, Andre O'Bumsawin requested clarification from the Planner
regarding the approval of the side yard setback. Mr. O'Bumsawin asked if it is possible
that the approved side yard setback could be required to be changed again as the Site
Plan proceed towards approval.
Mr. Wirch responded, yes that is possible, the variance for the side yard will fit for the
current proposal, however, it could be revisited if need be.
Committee member, Gord Wallace asked the Planner, how is the committee supposed
to deal with the variance to relocate the door without updated renderings approved by
Planning Staff. He continued to say that in the absence of an approved revised design
to have a better fagade on Church Street, the ability will be lost to regulate that design
once the variance is approved.
Mr. Wirch responded, there are still other ways to require it through the site plan
process but did agree that the approval would lessen the ability to alter the existing
proposed design.
Member Wallace continued to ask the Mr. Campbell if the committee denies the
relocation of the entrance to the proposed building, does that in turn mean that the
development will no longer proceed.
Mr. Campbell responded, yes. He also continued by saying he understands that if the
Committee approves this variance the Planning Department loses one of the tools they
have to ensure the design is altered. However, he and his colleagues are very
committed to achieving the Municipalities design goals.
Member Wallace continued by stating he does not disagree with the proposed location
of the door being the relocated. The primary issue is that the Committee has not been
provided a building design that is endorsed by the Municipality and is pleasing.
The applicant's agent continued by stating they believe the design has evolved
significantly, and that the fundamentals of the building will not change. The requests
made by Staff are extremely minor. However, they are very committed to getting the
revised renderings done and submitted to the Municipality as soon as possible.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor asked the Mr. Wirch if Staff would be supportive of tabling
that portion of the variance instead of denying it.
Mr. Wirch explained that it is the decision of the Committee and not Staff whether the
application is tabled or denied. However, Staff would have no issue with the variance
being tabled to a further meeting. It was Staff's understanding that the applicant wanted
a decision one way or another at this meeting and did not support the further tabling.
Member O'Bumsawin asked Mr. Campbell if they would be able to submit revised
renderings reflective of Staff's comments in time for a review and potential approved by
the next meeting of the Committee of Adjustment on November 3, 2016.
Mr. Campbell responded, drawings can be updated and submitted as soon as possible.
Chairperson Todd Taylor asked if the agents had any final comments to make before
the Committee makes its decision.
Mr. Campbell responded that, what he is understanding from the Committee, is that in
the absence of revised and endorsed renderings for the proposal, the Committee is not
in favor of the proposed to relocate the door. He believes that a better resolution would
be to table again to allow sufficient time to resubmit drawings and have them reviewed
and supported by Staff.
Chairperson, Todd Taylor asked Mr. Campbell if the meeting of November 3, 2016
would be acceptable.
Mr. Campbell agreed that that should allow sufficient time and would be acceptable.
That way they can return to their clients (LCBO) and let them know we are working
towards a resolution, rather than putting it on hold with a denial.
There were no further questions from the Committee or members of the public.
Planner, Amanda Watson explained to the Committee that it is possible to make two
separate motions regarding this application.
The Committee unanimously decided to make two separate motions, and numbered them
for convenience.
1. Moved by Andre O'Bumsawin, seconded by Gord Wallace.
"Based on our review of the application, the agency comments submitted, and the
public submissions received, the application meets the intent of the Zoning By-law
and the intent and purpose of the Official Plan. The application is considered minor
in nature and not detrimental to the neighbourhood.
The application is APPROVED to reduce the minimum interior side yard setback
from 1.25 metres to 0.64 metres"
Carried
2. Moved by Andre O'Bumsawin, seconded by Gord Wallace.
"Based on our review of the application, the agency comments submitted, and the
public submissions received, the application to permit the construction of a retail
commercial building by relocating the building entrance from Church Street to the
interior of the lot.
The application is TABLED to the meeting of November 3, 2016 to allow the
applicant sufficient time to prepare updated renderings to be reviewed by Staff."
Carried
4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
No Minutes had been circulated to the Committee from the previous meeting on
September 29, 2016. The Committee will adopt the Minutes at the next scheduled
meeting on November 3, 2016.
5. Other Business:
Moving forward, the Committee requested receiving comments earlier than the day of,
to allow them enough time to review.
Appeal date for the foregoing applications is November 2, 2016
Next Meeting of the Committee of Adjustment is November 3, 2016
6. Adjournment
Moved by John Bate seconded by Andre O'Bumsawin.
"That the meeting adjourn at 9:15pm."