TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 26, 2025 Report No. DEV-25-013
TO: Council
FROM: Alex Tang, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Development Variance Permit Application - 1215 Colville Road
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve DVP00154 including variances to decrease the side setback by 0.6 metres and the rear setback by 1.8 metres for the Principal Building located at 1215 Colville Road as outlined in staff report DEV-25-13.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant is proposing to build a second principal building containing one dwelling unit. The parcel currently contains a two-family dwelling. The applicant is requesting a variance to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050 for both a side setback and a rear setback.
Evaluation of the development variance permit should focus on an assessment of the variances requested.
BACKGROUND:
Applicant / Owner: Barbara and Mervin Smith
Architect: Carma Design Group
Property Size: Metric: 668 m2 Imperial: 7190 ft2
OCP Present and Proposed Land Use Designation: Low Density Residential
Zone: RSM-2
Existing Land Use: Two-Family Residential
Proposed Land Use: Small-Scale Multi-Family Housing
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: Institutional
South: Single Family Residential
East: Single Family Residential
West: Single Family Residential
Chronology:
• January 6, 2025 - Development Variance Permit Application received March 18, 2025 - Advisory Planning Commission
Advisory Body Recommendations:
Advisory Planning Commission:
• Members had no concerns and are supportive of the application.
• The Advisory Planning Commission resolved that the application be forwarded to Council with a recommendation of approval as it retains the residential character of the neighbourhood while providing additional housing in the area.
ANALYSIS:
ZONING ANALYSIS:
The RSM-2 zone allows for up to 4 dwelling units in up to 2 principal buildings. The proposal conforms to the density, height, and lot coverage of the zone. The proposed development includes a Principal Building that does not contain the adequate side and rear setback. The zone requires that the combined side setback be at least 3 metres. The existing eastern side setback is 1.1 metres. The proposed western side setback is 1.3 metres; hence, the proposed combined side setback equates to 2.4 metres (0.6 metres less than 3.0 metres).
Moreover, the applicant is proposing to reduce the rear setback to 2.7 metres. Within the RSM-2 zone, the required rear setback is 4.5 metres.
The following variances to the side and rear setbacks are to accommodate the principal building delineated on the architectural drawings attached as Appendix C:
Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, 40.3 (7) (a) (iii)- Siting Requirements: Principal Building: Combined Side Setback: A 0.6-metre decrease to the requirement that the two Principal Building Setbacks shall not together measure less than 3.0 metres [i.e. from 3.0 metres to 2.4 metres]
Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, 40.3 (7) (a) (iv)- Siting Requirements: Principal Building: Rear Setback: A 1.8-metre decrease to the requirement that no Principal Building shall be located within 4.5 metres of a rear lot line [i.e. from 4.5 metres to 2.7 metres]
PARKING ANALYSIS:
Parking: Parking Bylaw, 1992, No. 2011 requires 1 parking space per residential dwelling unit. The proposed development provides 3 parking spaces for 3 residential dwelling units; hence, it conforms to the Township’s Parking Bylaw.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council approve Development Variance Permit No. DVP00154.
2. That Council postpone consideration of Development Variance Permit No. DVP00154 pending receipt of additional information.
3. That Council deny Development Variance Permit No. DVP00154.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Housing
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial implications associated with the proposal.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
As this is a Development Variance Permit application, notices were mailed to owners and tenants of properties within 50 metres (164 ft) of the subject property on May 9, 2025.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Should Council approve Development Variance Permit No. DVP00154, the applicant can proceed to a delegated Development Permit application.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Bill Brown, Director of Development Services, Reviewed
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
3. Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Appendix A: DVP00154
2. Appendix B: Aerial Map and RSM-2 Zone
3. Appendix C: Architectural Drawings and Site Plan
4. Appendix D: Applicant’s Letter
5. Appendix E: Staff’s Presentation
6. Appendix F: Applicant’s Presentation