Comment 122013

By RobF (registered) | Posted October 10, 2017 at 04:45:14

I'm not unsympathetic having received variance notices in the mail in the past for changes to properties where I live ... doing virtually anything on a property in older neighbourhoods requires a variance of some sort to be made legal. The letter-sized black and white scan of plans attached are virtually impossible to read even with training and the ability to do so. And yes, the problem with variances is the sticky issue of what is "minor"? It becomes an issue when variances are used to allow a use dramatically different than what the OP and/or secondary plan envisions and the existing zoning allows.

That said, I'm not quite sure I follow the whole way thru. How do we start with notice of an application for minor variances and end up with requests to change the Site Plan approval process?

Site Plan approval is highly technical and suggests the proponents have as-of-right permission for their project (in the main). That means they've already gone thru a significant planning process at some point to get an OPA and/or rezoning (notice and public meetings are required for either), or what they are doing is envisioned by the OP/Secondary Plan and is (with the exception of the variances requested) permitted by the existing zoning. In either case, further public consultation is not required under the Planning Act.

Am I missing something here?

Comment edited by RobF on 2017-10-10 04:55:48

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