Submission No.: A 2025-079 & A 2025-080
Applicant: SYJ Holdings Inc.
Property Location: 706 Frederick Street (Unit A & B)
Legal Description: Part Lot 25, Plan 764
Appearances:
In Support:
C. Dumart
Contra:
None
Written Submissions:
None
The Committee was advised the applicant requested minor variances to permit a semi-detached dwelling containing 4-units in each, located outside (Zoning By-law) Appendix C – Central Neighbourhoods, to have a lot width of 7.62m rather than the required 10.5m.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2025-330, dated August 12, 2025, recommending refusal as outlined in the report.
The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation Planner, dated August 5, 2025, advising they have no concerns with the subject application.
The Committee considered the report of the Grand River Conservation Authority Resource Planning Technician dated August 1, 2025, advising they have no concerns with the subject application.
C. Dumart was in attendance in opposition to the staff recommendation noting that in consultation with Staff, the applicant developed a proposal that meets Zoning regulations. C. Dumart advised, the applicant is providing a 12.5m setback from the street rather than the required 12m. C. Dumart further stated, the proposal meets the intent of the Zoning Bylaw as the provision of a narrow driveway facilitates a wider landscaped area in the front yard whereas neighboring properties in the subject area are dominated by hardscape and parking spaces. C. Dumart also expressed an opinion that a precedent for lot width reductions has already been established in the vicinity, as the Committee has previously approved requests for lot width reductions that resulted in tandem parking. Lastly, C. Dumart noted that as outlined in the Staff report, Transportation Staff do not have any concerns with the functionality of 3 parking spaces in tandem at the subject property.
In response to questions from the Committee, T. Malone-Wright advised, each application is evaluated on its' own merits and in the context of the subject property, 4 units on each side of the proposed semi-detached dwelling will not function appropriately as there is an existing demand for parking in the subject area and on-street parking is not permitted on Frederick Street. T. Malone-Wright further noted that the intent of the required 10.5m lot width is to provide a driveway at 50% of the lot width to ensure sufficient and functional parking can be provided.
In response to further questions from the Committee regarding potential deferral of the application to allow the applicant an opportunity to provide a Zoning Occupancy Certificate for Staff review, T. Malone-Wright advised, initial review of the application suggests additional variances will be required to facilitate the proposed development, thus, Staff's recommendation for refusal is unlikely to change.
The Committee expressed opposition to the requested variance noting the concerns raised by Staff regarding high traffic density on Frederick Street and the proposed in tandem parking configuration. The Committee also expressed concerns for the safety of pedestrians, drivers and cyclists if tandem parking is implemented at the subject property.