Robert DeAngelis

The applicant appealed the City of Vaughan Committee of Adjustment's refusal of a minor variance to reduce the required rear yard soft landscaping from 60% to 42.9% to maintain an existing bocce court.

The developer of the subdivision opposed the application, arguing the bocce court increased impermeable surface area and threatened the stormwater management system.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal and authorized the variance, accepting evidence that the bocce court materials were permeable and noting it had existed for five years without causing any drainage issues.

The applicants appealed a Committee of Adjustment decision denying a minor variance for reduced rear and side yard setbacks to facilitate the installation of a pool.

A neighbour opposed the application, citing drainage and privacy concerns.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal, finding no clear evidence of an unacceptable adverse impact on the neighbouring property, as drainage issues would be addressed through the City's pool permitting process.

The Tribunal concluded that the variance met the four tests under section 45(1) of the Planning Act, subject to a condition requiring low-impact development measures for stormwater runoff.