The owners of the property at 2767 Arbutus Rd (adjoining the entrance to Arbutus Park), have applied for a variance to reduce the house setback from 7.5 to 1.5 metres, to build a new deck.
As part of its due diligence, the Planning Department of the District of Saanich has written to the Cadboro Bay Residents Association for its opinion.
Following a review of the information provided by the Planning Department and by a delegation of residents who live near the property in question, the board of directors of the Cadboro Bay Residents Association board decided unanimously, at its regular December meeting on Wednesday December 10, 2014, to recommend to Saanich to reject this application for the following reasons:
- The size of the variance requested is too large – the proposed setback is only 23% of what is legally required.
- It is our understanding that the homeowner has already built the non-conforming deck and is now asking for approval. Approval after the fact would set a dangerous precedent.
- In future, the deck may be converted into an enclosed space and made an integral part of the house, with no further approvals required.
It was further noted that the Applicant and/or home owner has not yet contacted the Cadboro Bay Residents Association or appear at the aforementioned meeting, despite the Planning Department’s recommendation to do so.
For more information about the project, see the Active Planning Applications page at the Saanich District website, and the application’s Site Plan. You can also contact Liz Gudavicius, Development Assistant at tel. 250-475-5494 ext. 3415.
Should you wish to add your own comments about the application, send a written letter or email the Planning Department by December 19, 2014, so that they can be included in the package that is forwarded to Council. If you cannot meet this time frame, please email or call our office to indicate if and when you might be able to respond to the referral.
Details of the project are as follows:
- Applicant: SEBA CONSTRUCTION LTD
- Site Address: 2767 ARBUTUS RD
- Legal: LOT 9 SECTION 44 VICTORIA LAND DISTRICT PLAN 34091
- Folder No.: DPA00825
- Description: TO AMEND ORIGINAL LUC (LAND USE CONTRACT) IN ORDER TO BUILD A NEW DECK. VARIANCES REQUESTED FOR FRONT YARD SETBACK.
