Council here is considering an application for rezoning to allow the addition of a second-story apartment to what is currently a single-family residence on Snyder Avenue in Glen Allan.
A public meeting was held on April 8 on the amendment to rezone the property at 5 Snyder Avenue to permit an accessory apartment and provide relief from the minimum front yard setback.
The owner, Steve Frey is proposing a second-story addition to provide a second residential dwelling unit.
The property is zoned unserviced residential (R1A), which does not permit an accessory apartment.
Mark Van Patter, Wellington County manager of planning and environment, indicated the county is generally supportive of the application.
“We generally have no concerns with accessory apartments provided the additional unit can be adequately serviced. Council should determine whether the existing septic system is sufficient?” he stated in a report to council.
Joe Dicks, who also lives on Snyder Avenue, expressed several concerns about the proposal, noting construction to expand the septic system could require digging up a portion of his property.
“It can be done without going on the property, but obviously it would be better to have a little more space,” said Murray Martin, representing the applicant at the meeting.
Dicks was also concerned about the capacity of the septic system.
“You are literally doubling the capacity of the existing septic system. Nobody in this room is going to tell me it’s going to handle double the capacity,” he stated.
Dicks also wondered, “does this allow everybody on that street to do the same thing? In other words can I build another apartment on my property?”
Van Patter replied that Dicks or anyone else on the street would have to go through the same rezoning process.
Councillor Mike Downey noted the intent of the apartment is essentially to create “a granny flat,” and wondered if “garden suite” provisions would apply.
Van Patter confirmed the apartment was intended for use by Frey’s parents, but noted to be considered a garden suite, the dwelling would have to be a separate building.
“So if the Freys ever decide to leave that residence does it revert back (to single-family)?” wondered councillor Andy Knetsch.
While noting any rezoning would remain in place regardless of ownership changes, Van Patter said, “I suspect what will happen eventually is someone will buy it and it will just be a larger house.”
“But that’s just an assumption,” replied Dicks.
Following the public meeting, council passed a motion directing that a bylaw allowing the rezoning be presented for first, second and third reading at the next council meeting.
