DEVELOPMENT PERMIT WITH VARIANCES APPLICATION NO. 2024-03 – 294, 296 ELTHAM ROAD AND 242 HELMCKEN ROAD
Staff report recommending the authorization of a development permit for 20 townhouse units with variances for building height, maneuvering aisle width, and accessory structure siting.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council DATE: April 9, 2025 FROM: Jeff Chow, RPP, MCIP, Senior Planner MEETING DATE: April 15, 2025
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT WITH VARIANCES APPLICATION NO. 2024-03 – 294, 296 ELTHAM ROAD AND 242 HELMCKEN ROAD
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council authorize the issuance of Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2024-03 for 294, 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road, in accordance with plans submitted to the Development Services Department on November 12, 2024, subject to:
a. Proposed development meeting all of Town’s Zoning Bylaw requirements, except for the following variances: i. increase the building height from 11.25m to 11.75m ii. reduce the width of a manoeuvring aisle from 7.6m to 6.0m iii. siting of an accessory structure (arched trellis) in the flanking yard.
AND THAT Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2024-03 include the following conditions:
a. Landscape plant selection, installation, maintenance and irrigation shall meet the BC Landscape Standard published by the BC Society of Landscape Architects; and b. On-site lighting shall be dark skies friendly.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION:
THAT Council decline Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2024-03 for 294, 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road.
Should the Council support this alternative option, the best practice is for Council to provide detailed reasons why it was considered that the application does not comply with the Mixed Residential Development Permit Area guidelines or why a variance is not supported.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to consider Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2024-03 for the properties located at 294, 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road to construct five blocks of three storey townhouses containing a total of 20 dwelling units. Variances are requested for building height, width of a manoeuvring aisle, and the siting of an accessory structure.
BACKGROUND:
This application was introduced at the March 11, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting and the staff report containing details and analysis of the proposal can be found in Attachment 1. Following the meeting the applicant confirmed that no variances are requested for the height of fences and retaining walls.
ANALYSIS:
The proposal substantially complies with the design guidelines of the Mixed Residential Development Permit Area; however, the following conditions should be incorporated in the development permit:
- Landscape plant selection, installation, maintenance and irrigation shall meet the BC Landscape Standard published by the BC Society of Landscape Architects; and
- On site lighting shall be dark skies friendly.
Public notices were mailed to all residents and occupiers within 100m of the subject property to inform the public of the variance requests, in accordance with the Town’s Development Procedures Bylaw No. 730, 2009.
It is recommended that Council approve the issuance of the development permit with variances.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOAL:
The desired level of public participation for the recommended option is:
[ ] Inform [x] Consult [ ] Involve [ ] Collaborate [ ] Empower [ ] N/A
TIME CRITICAL:
The proposal has no time implications for the Town.
CONCURRENCE:
| CONCURRENCE: | Initials | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Administrative Officer | SS | I concur with the recommendation. |
REVIEWED BY:
| REVIEWED BY: | Initials |
|---|---|
| Director of Corporate Administration/Deputy CAO | n/a |
| Director of Finance & Technology | n/a |
| Director of Development Services | LT |
| Director of Engineering | n/a |
| Director of Protective Services | n/a |
ATTACHMENT:
- Staff report to March 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting titled “Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2024-03 for 294, 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road”
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