Vaughan variances allowed

NRU
June 29, 2016

In a June 3 decision, board member Laurie Bruce allowed an appeal by Lacaban Developments against the City of Vaughan committee of adjustment’s refusal of its minor variance application. Lacaban sought the variances to permit construction of an addition to a two-car garage, which is attached to a single-detached dwelling at 76 Athabasca Drive.

Planner Paul Johnston (Johnston Litavski) provide evidence on behalf of Lacaban and in support of the appeal.

He explained the proposed addition is modestly-sized at 10.8 m2 and will allow conversion of the two-car garage into a three-car garage.

He testified that 64 per cent of the houses in the area have similarly-designed three-car garages and that the requested variances, relating to lot coverage and front yard setback, satisfy the four tests under the Planning Act.

Neighbours Joan Rocco and Raffaela Capone attended the hearing and expressed concerns that the addition is too big for the property and will result in undesirable visual impacts from their respective properties.

The board agreed with Johnston’s uncontroverted evidence and allowed the appeal.

Involved in this decision was solicitor Peter Gross (Wood Bull) representing Labacan Developments Inc. [See OMB Case No. PL151165.]