MINTO – Harriston resident Robert Harris returned to Minto council for a third time last week, seeking a second minor variance for his property, which generated concerns with town staff.
After a lengthy discussion, the committee of adjustment supported just one of Harris’ four requests at a July 8 meeting.
The application reviewed was for Harris’ property, at 167 Margaret St. S. in Harriston, which is approximately 15,216 square feet.
It currently contains an existing two-storey dwelling and a shed, located in a low-density residential (R1B) zone. The report notes the existing structures are to be demolished to allow for the construction of two new single family detached dwellings, in conjunction with a concurrent severance application.
The severance was provisionally approved by the county’s land division committee at a June meeting. This application proposes to create two separate parcels with frontage on Margaret Street.
A previous minor variance application was approved by council on May 6 to grant relief from specific zoning provisions including:
- a reduced exterior side yard setback of three metres, where six metres is required; and
- an increased maximum lot coverage of 45 per cent, where 40% is permitted.
“There’s four different requests within this minor variance application,” town director of building and planning services Terry Kuipers told council.
Harris originally proposed building a 1,600 square foot one-storey dwelling unit along with a 624 square foot detached garage at the rear of the property.
Others requests include:
- reduction of the exterior side yard setback to five feet for the dwelling unit;
- reduction to the exterior side yard setback, down to 13 feet, for the detached garage;
- permitting the construction of the detached garage without a principal use or prior to the house being constructed; and
- increasing lot coverage from 40% to 60%.
Unfortunately for Harris, staff had issues with all four.
Kuipers noted the application wasn’t clear in certain areas, making the intent unclear. He also shared concerns about having “inadvertent encroachments” on other lots.
Another issue was “typically with detached garages … everyone parks on the driveway,” Kuipers said. “A vehicle parked on that driveway leading up to that detached garage will be partially on the town’s boulevard.”
The third request also had flaws, as “you can’t establish an accessory use to something that there is no principal use,” he added. “Essentially the detached garage would not be accessory to something, it is the principal use.”
Kuipers explained, “In the application document, the proposal is for a 1,600 square foot bungalow plus this detached garage in the back.
“Running the numbers, it equates to about 25% lot coverage as proposed, so staff is not sure why the request is for 60% lot coverage.”
After hearing the concerns, Harris removed the second and third request from council’s review, leaving the increased lot coverage and five feet exterior side yard setback.
“First, I got to thank Terry. In six years, I don’t think he’s ever supported anything I’ve ever done,” Harris stated.
“I’m asking for the extra five feet because on Margaret Street and Pellister Street, thanks to the building department, both the adjacent garages on the other properties are both on my property.
“It’s taking the minor variance away from one side of each property,” he explained. He added the extra five feet will add to the “curb appeal” of the proposed houses.
Harris stated he is building a 1,600 square foot one-storey house for himself with a double garage.
