Rachel Greene

The applicant appealed the City of Cambridge Committee of Adjustment's refusal of minor variances for lot area and frontage to permit a secondary dwelling unit in the basement of his home.

Neighbours opposed the application citing traffic and parking concerns.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal, finding the variances met the four tests under s. 45(1) of the Planning Act, were consistent with provincial policy encouraging affordable housing, and that traffic and parking concerns were not directly correlated to the variances.

The appellants appealed the City of Cambridge Committee of Adjustment's refusal of a minor variance to permit a secondary dwelling unit on a lot with an area of 353.56 square metres, where 450 square metres is required.

The Tribunal heard uncontested expert planning evidence from a City planner appearing as a Friend of the Tribunal, who opined that the variance met the four tests under s. 45(1) of the Planning Act.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal and authorized the variance, finding it consistent with provincial policy and good planning.