MINTO – Town council has approved a minor variance application for Palmerston resident Andrew Bauman to build a four season, zero-energy greenhouse on his property.
The purpose of the greenhouse is to grow fruits for local retail outlets, stated an April 8 council report.
The property, at 8803 1st Line, is approximately four acres in size and currently contains an existing single-family dwelling with a detached garage in an agriculture zone.
The zoning is used to encourage farming and remove any non-agricultural uses that aren’t compatible with farm operations.
According to the town’s zoning bylaw, agricultural lots smaller than 25 acres fall under section 8.5 reduced lot regulations. The section notes the maximum permitted ground floor area for accessory buildings on a four-acre lot is 3,450 square feet.
The owner is proposing a 6,256 square foot greenhouse and requests relief from that maximum accessory building area.
The greenhouse will be initially built at 3,000 square feet and later expanded to its proposed amount.
Two property owners within 200 feet of the site were notified about the request and “no concern has been raised,” town planning coordinator Sama Haghighi told council.
When the town committee of adjustment is considering a minor variance application, four tests must be applied to determine if it should be approved:
- is the application minor in nature?;
- is it desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure?;
- is it in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw?; and
- is it in keep with the general intent and purpose of the official plan?
All four questions got a positive response regarding Bauman’s application.
Council unanimously approved the minor variance.
