The township’s committee of adjustment has refused a request for a minor variance for a hog barn on the Fourth Line of former Peel Township.
Mapleton council was advised of the committee’s April 9 decision in correspondence received at its April 22 meeting.
Paul and Salema Martin were seeking reduction in the required Minimum Distance Separation II setback to a ‘B’ use, for a proposed 240-foot by 56-foot hog barn/covered manure storage from 2,398 feet to 1,345 feet.
In a decision signed by two of the four members, Kay Ayres and Peg Schieck, the committee concluded the requested variance was not minor in nature and not desirable for the appropriate and orderly development and the use of the land. The committee also determined the variance would not maintain the intent and purpose of the township’s official plan or zoning bylaw.
Council members noted a key concern for committee members was lack of notice to neighboring cottagers about the variance request. While the Grand River Conservation Authority received notice of the April 9 hearing, individual cottagers did not.
“It just puts the committee of adjustment in quite a spot,” said councillor Neil Driscoll, adding, “I think the GRCA needs to take some responsibility.”
Mayor Bruce Whale suggested township officials have discussions with the GRCA about notice procedures for cottagers.
In another hearing on April 9, the committee approved a minor variance application for a property on Sideroad 15 in former Maryborough Township.
Owner Peg Schieck requested a minor variance to allow one accessory building prior to the main use being established and an interior yard setback of 4.9 feet.
A condition of the variance stipulates the accessory building be used for storage only and not for commercial or residential purposes.
In a decision signed by three committee members, Floyd Schieck, Ayres and Carl Israel, the committee concluded the variance was minor and in keeping with zoning and official plan designations.
