Opposition Letter - 10 Eaton Avenue

VIEW ROYAL BUILDING SERVICES

333 ISLAND HWY/VICTORIA BC

To Whom It May Concern,

We are writing in regard to the variance for an accessory building that is being applied for at 8 Eaton Ave. Troy and Sue-Anne Carter have been excellent neighbours for the past 15 years, and we consider them to be friends. It is hard for us that they are asking for this project to be approved, because it will have such a negative impact on our home.

We are opposed to the Carter’s receiving this variance to build so close to our home.

Troy and Sue-Anne Carter are wanting to build a large workshop for Troy to do wood working projects in. Troy currently builds in his garage, which is far removed from any other homes, and as far as we know has not been a hardship to any neighbours.

They are wanting to build on a footing that Troy has already poured that is very close to our property line, not regarding the legal setback of 1.2 metres, and within 3 metres of our front door.

4.6.2. Except as specified otherwise in this Bylaw, an accessory building or other structure must: a) not have a length or width greater than 7.5m; b) be setback a minimum of 1.2m from all lot lines; and c) not be located within the front yard or flanking yard.

3.7.2. Permitted projections in required yards include the following: a) Cornice, leader, gutter, window well or eave may project up to 1m into any setback provided the projection is located a minimum 0.6m from any lot line.

4.6.3. An accessory building must be separated from the principal building by at least 3m. We understand that the purpose of bylaw 4.6.3 is to be separated from the principal building, but we believe that the essence of the bylaw is to have a separation between buildings for many possible reasons.

It is unfortunate that our front door is on the side of our house, but that is where it is. We are opposed to a 14’ wall being put up so near to our front doorway, and along our walkway.

We are also concerned that 2 buildings so close together will be unsightly from the road, and that woodworking will create a lot of noise (bylaw 4.2.1.C) on the side our of house where our bedrooms are located. We are also concerned about the health of our Laurel hedge which is currently the only thing blocking our site lines of the camper and other vehicles that are often parked on the Carter’s second driveway. This could all be detrimental to our property value, and creates hardship for our family.

From the site map that Troy recently showed us, it seems possible that they could move the building North towards Burnside, and still not infringe on the easement that comes from the house behind them on Burnside.

We believe that bylaws exist for the betterment of neighbourhoods, and we hope that in this case, the setbacks will be respected.

Thank you for considering our concerns.

SINCERELY,

BILL AND CHANTAL BRASSET 10 EATON AVE. VICTORIA, BC V8Z 5E1