Submission No.: A 2024-024
Applicant: Khalid Abu Zaed
Property Location: 101 Clive Road
Legal Description: Plan 651, Part Lot 179
Appearances:
In Support:
K. Berbash
Contra:
N. Sebastian
Written Submissions:
A.Blagojevic
S. Muller
The Committee was advised the applicant requested permission to permit a Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 0.75 rather than the maximum permitted 0.6; and, to permit a front yard setback of 6.76m rather than the required 7.77m to facilitate the construction of a multiple residential development with 24 dwelling units in accordance with Site Plan Application SP22/014/C/ES.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-178, dated April 5, 2024, recommending approval as outlined in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation Planner, dated March 27, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority Resource Planning Technician dated April 2, 2024, advising they have no concerns with the subject application.
K. Berbash was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation.
N. Sebastian was in attendance in opposition to the staff recommendation, noting the variances requested are not minor in nature due to the impact on the properties of abutting neighbors, causing loss of sunlight, privacy, and views. N. Sebastian also noted concerns regarding trees, parking, drainage, traffic, noise, and the ability of the proposed design to fit into the character of the neighborhood.
In response to questions from the Committee, T. Malone-Wright noted a Site Plan Application SP22/014/C/ES, for the subject property, received ‘Conditional Approval’ in May 2023, for a 21 dwelling unit concept with three (3) buildings; and the applicant has since revised the concept to 24 dwelling units within two (2) buildings, and is now requesting relief from the Zoning By-law for this updated concept.
In response to further questions from the Committee, T. Malone-Wright noted the proposed design for the subject property meets all zoning requirements, with the exception of the maximum permitted Floor Space Ratio of 0.6. It was noted the impacts of the increase in Floor Space Ratio are considered minor, as the increased floor space on site can be accommodated while providing for the necessary site features as well as maintaining the required side and rear yard setbacks and maximum building height. T. Malone-Wright confirmed in response to questions, the previously proposed site plan application complied with the Zoning By-law in relation to floor space ratio.
T. Malone-Wright also noted that concerns regarding grading, lighting and elevation plans will be addressed through the Site Plan Approval process, and no traffic study is required for this development, as it is already zoned to permit the use.
T. Malone-Wright also stated in response to questions, the impact of the reduction in front yard setback is considered minor in the opinion of staff, as the shifting of the building one metre closer to the front lot line does not interfere with the established building line and will provide adequate separation from the right of way and public realm.
In response to questions from the Committee, K. Berbash noted the proposed building massing is within the 11m maximum building height, and will be roughly 3-4 stories.
The Committee noted concerns with the proposed building height and corresponding floor space ratio, noting the potential for sightlines to impede on the privacy of abutting property owners.
In response to further questions, K. Berbash stated the 24 units are proposed to be 3-bedroom units.
At the request of the Committee, T. Malone-Wright provided the original site plan application concept drawings for the Committee's reference, due to concerns with the currently proposed design's floor space ratio.
B. Santos brought forward a motion to approve the staff recommendation, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-178.
It was requested that the minor variances related to the front yard setback and Floor Space Ratio be voted on separately and that the whole decision be voted on, on a recorded vote.
The front yard setback was then voted on and Carried Unanimously, on a recorded vote.
The balance of the application was then voted on and Carried with D. Pateman, B. Santos and M. Gambetti voting in favour; and, S. Hannah and B. McColl voting in opposition.
Moved by B. Santos
Seconded by M. Gambetti