REQUEST FOR DECISION
MEETING DATE: August 14, 2025 Report No. BOV-25-001
TO: Chair and Member of the Board of Variance
FROM: Kirsten Dafoe, Planner II
SUBJECT: Board of Variance Application - 888 Dunsmuir Street
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Board moves to approve or deny the Board of Variance application BOV00029 at 888 Dunsmuir Street to vary Section 34(9)(a)(i) of the Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, to reduce the required front yard setback from 7.5m to 4.38m.
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PURPOSE OF APPLICATION:
The existing building has a front setback of 3.86m for its front stairs and is non-conforming with respect to siting. The applicant proposes to lift the house to construct a secondary suite on a new lower floor. The proposal involves the reconstruction of the front stairs with a setback of 4.38m. As these stairs and the lifted dwelling are within the required front yard setback of 7.5m for the RS-1 zone, a variance is necessary for this alteration.
As per section 540 of the Local Government Act, the Board of Variance must determine whether compliance to the zoning bylaw would cause hardship. It is up to the board to determine if there is hardship for each application that they deal with. In addition, as per section 542 of the Local Government Act, the Board must be of the opinion that the variance is minor in nature and does not result in any of the following:
- Result in inappropriate development of the site.
- Adversely affect the natural environment.
- Substantially affect the use and enjoyment of adjacent land.
- Vary permitted uses and densities under the applicable bylaw.
- Defeat the intent of the bylaw.
- Vary the application of an applicable bylaw in relation to residential rental tenure.
BACKGROUND:
List of Attachments:
Appendix A - Aerial Map
Appendix B - Applicant's Letter
Appendix C - Proposed Survey and Building Elevations
Relevant Policy:
Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050
Board of Variance Bylaw, 2014, No. 2831
Local Government Act
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