Ms. Evans summarized Report COA2024-028. The purpose and effect is to facilitate the demolition of the existing boathouse and the construction of a new larger boathouse. Relief sought: Section 3.1.2.2 of the By-law requires a minimum side yard setback of 1.2 metres from the side lot line for accessory structures; the existing setback of 1.1 metres is to be maintained; Section 3.1.5.3 of the By-law provides that a boathouse shall be limited to one storey; the proposed boathouse has a second storey; Section 3.1.5.3 of the By-law permits a maximum height of 4.5 metres for a boathouse; the proposed height is 6.9 metres; and, Section 3.1.3.3 of the By-law permits a maximum of 3 accessory structures on a lot in any class of residential zone; the proposed boathouse constitutes the fifth accessory structure.
Public comments were received from N. Lee of 74 Romany Ranch Road with concerns to Dark Sky Pollution. Ms. Evans responded to the neighbour.
Four photographs of neighbourhood boathouses were received from the applicant, Mr. McCool that were distributed to the Committee at today's meeting.
The Committee raised the following questions:
1) What is dark sky pollution?
2) Is there a photograph of the property taken from the lake?
3) The four photographs received of the boathouse in the neighbourhood; when were the two-storey boathouses constructed and the two-storey boathouse referenced in the report?
4) How can we deny this two-storey boathouse when a number of two-storey boathouses along the lake were granted permission for purposes of storage?
5) Is 4.5 metres sufficient height for a pergola?
Ms. Evans responded.
The applicant, Mr. McCool was present in person. Mr. McCool indicated that he had a photo of the property from the lake if the Committee wished to view. Committee accepted. Mr. McCool spoke to all five structures on the property and the height of the second storey.
Member Strangway stated that 50 percent of the boathouses on Balsam Lake have two-storey boathouses and for that reason put forward a motion to grant approval for all four reliefs. Member Erickson second that motion.
The Committee finished by asking staff, what is the main reason for denying the second storey, the concern with massing? Ms. Evans responded. Ms. Barrie, Director of Development Services followed up by speaking to the Rural Zoning By-law Consolidation Project referencing boathouses and also reminded the Committee of their responsibilities when decision making, to make a fair and consistent approach when evaluating each application, which does not mean that the end result is the same in each application.
The motion to grant all four reliefs was carried.
There were no further questions from the Committee or other persons.