Craig Dumart

The applicant appealed the Committee of Adjustment's refusal of minor variances to reduce the minimum lot width requirement from 10.5 metres to 7.6 metres.

The variances were sought to permit a pair of semi-detached dwellings, each containing three additional dwelling units, for a total of eight units on the property.

The Tribunal found that while the proposal maintained the general intent of the Official Plan regarding intensification, it failed the remaining three parts of the minor variance test.

Specifically, the Tribunal concluded that the proposed tandem parking arrangement was not functional or appropriate, and the variances did not maintain the intent of the Zoning By-law, were not desirable, and were not minor.

The appellants appealed the Committee of Adjustment's refusal to grant consent to sever a property to create three new lots and one retained lot for semi-detached dwellings.

While the proposal met zoning requirements and provincial intensification policies, the Tribunal found it did not conform to the City's Official Plan policies regarding compatibility and fit.

The Tribunal preferred the evidence of the opposing planning expert, concluding that the proposed lot widths and built form failed to respect the established character of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The appeal was dismissed.