Development Permit 2023-01 – 2820 Shoreline Drive

Requested Variances

1. Variance to the prohibition on retaining walls constructed within the setback from the natural boundary to the sea.
2. Variance to the setback for a replacement wooden deck and stairs from 15m to 0m. The deck is part of a walkway leading to an existing dock).

DISCUSSION:

The application addresses the Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Areas Development Permit Area Guidelines as follows:

• Development is contained upland of the present natural boundary
• Invasive non-native plant species removed and replaced with primarily native plants
• The development would not look to adversely impact or affect existing habitat for marine vegetation or organisms, or terrestrial species, including birds
• The proposal would replace mortared rock walls primarily with gabions, a high-mid tier feature on the scale of shore stabilization methods identified in the OCP to stabilize the slope and protect the property
• A report from a Registered Professional Biologist (Attachment 3) provides recommendations that will be incorporated as conditions the development permit.

CONCLUSION:

The variance is supportable for the following reasons:

• The proposal is to reconstruct existing structures in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts
• A vegetated area would be restored with native species

Pending comments from the Committee of the Whole meeting, notification of a Council meeting to consider the development variance permit can be conducted

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report dated June 7, 2023 from the Senior Planner titled “Development Permit 2023-01 – 2820 Shoreline Drive” be received for information.