Attachment 2. Letter from Applicant (Marnie Pringle)

Attachment 2. Letter from Applicant (7 pages)

February 16, 2015

Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria BC V9B 4P7

Re: 130 Burnett Road

My name is Marnie Pringle. My husband Jay Pringle and I are requesting a variance for the fence height on the North side of our property, bordering the E & N Railway and new E & N Rail Trail.

It has been explained to me that since the portion of the trail adjacent to our property sits close to grade there will be no fencing installed by the CRD.

This will tremendously affect the safety and privacy and of our home and yard. People walking on the trail will now be able to see at a glance our possessions. They will be able to view us in our yard, and will likely be able to tell whether or not we are at home. We also have a dog that spends most of his day outside and the disruption of people walking by constantly will be very aggravating for him.

I understand from speaking to the building department that the maximum fence height for that portion of our property is 2 meters (6.5 feet). We would like to build a fence that is 2.4 meters (8 feet) high. This would allow us to regain the privacy we will lose. The CRD has told me that the Rail Trail will be slightly raised; therefore a fence of standard height would not be high enough to keep our yard and possessions out of view. Note that a fence of this height would have no effect on any of our immediate neighbours.

I have been told that the homes on Glenairlie that were given a variance for fence height had the fee waived. I am also hoping for some leniency regarding the variance fee due to the inconveniences we have dealt with and continue to deal with during construction; dirt, mud, debris, drainage issues, noise and rodent problems being just a few. While my husband and I are fully in support of the trail as a finished product, living next door to a construction site has been unpleasant and disruptive.

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

Regards,

Marnie Pringle

pictures attached