Attachment 2 - Letter from Applicant - Erik and Tanya Thompson

ATTN: Mayor and Council

Our property at 275 Plowright Road is an irregular shaped lot. The southern lot line (the side of our house) is only 2.2 m (7.2 ft) from the property line at its widest point and the setback to the rear property line is just 4 m (13 ft).

Notwithstanding our lot limitations, we would like to undertake the two following projects:

1. Construction of a potting shed to the south side of our house adjacent to the property line
2. Construction of a cedar deck to the rear of the house adjacent with the rear property line

Due to the limited setbacks, we are applying for the following variances:

1. The potting shed would be adjacent to the Side Lot Line requiring a variance to the Side Lot Line Setback requirement of 2m
2. The potting shed would be sited 0.76m (30") from the corner of the house requiring a variance to the requirement that an Accessory Building be separated from the Principal Building by 3m
3. The deck would be built along the Rear Property Line requiring a variance to the Rear Lot Line Setback requirement of 7.5m
4. The corner of the deck would be 1.06m (42") from the house requiring a variance to the requirement that an Accessory Building be separated from the Principal Building by 3m

During a meeting with Jeff Chow, Senior Planner, it was suggested that a hardship condition may exist owing to the orientation and characteristics of our property. The proposed location for the potting shed is essentially the only area on the property that realizes full sunlight. The front yard is shaded by several large mature trees and the property does not have a backyard owing to the rocky outcropping upon which the house is built.

The potting shed will serve to:

• Allow early sprouting of plants for later relocation to the exterior garden bed
• Provide a space to grow herbs all year round to generate herbal remedies for our family
• Take advantage of the only significant area of the property which receives consistent sunlight
• Extend the food growing season
• Provide more vertical growing space through the use of shelving and hanging plants
• Foster our family's natural and sustainable lifestyle
• Allow water collection from the roof to reduce reliance on municipal water during the summer
• Provide a barrier to protect the existing garden bed from animals
• Fill in a gap next to the tree line preventing our children from falling down the existing rock wall
• Replace the existing OSB plywood fence with a more aesthetic façade matching the primary residence
• Enhance privacy between neighbouring properties owing to our house's proximity to the property line

The potting shed would be 8' long x 5' wide and 8' in height. The exterior structure of the potting shed would be constructed of non-combustible materials including cedar mill finish (textured) cement board extending 4' off the ground and 2 – 4' x 4' twin wall polycarbonate (translucent) panels on the southern exposure to allow light in. The roof would consist of 2" x 6" joists spaced at 24" and enclosed by corrugated polycarbonate panels. Plants in the shed would be visible through the polycarbonate panels on the south side. It is our intention to paint the surrounding hardboard white to match the house and cover the joint/screw heads and corners with black comb face (trim).

It should be noted that the proposed location for the potting shed is a fair distance away from the neighbouring residence and their accessory building on the opposite property line. There is a grouping of very large flowing trees adjacent to the proposed site which would obscure approximately ¾ of the shed from the adjacent residence and the roadway.

The proposed deck to the rear of the house would replace a dilapidated wood shed and adjacent garden tool enclosure. We proposed to elevate the deck 26" above the threshold of the back door to provide views of the ocean and valley below. Elevating the deck also allows us to retain some of the storage space below for garden tools and supplies. No viewing corridors from neighbour's properties or our own house will be impacted. Unfortunately, the narrow area behind the house does not provide the adequate setbacks called for under the R-1 zoning requirements.

The deck will provide for:

• Covered outdoor area to be used year round
• Sufficient space for an outdoor dining table
• An outdoor kitchen for preparation of food, herbal remedies, canning and preserving produce from the garden, etc.
• Views of the ocean and surrounding landscape
• Replacement of a dilapidated wood shed and tool enclosure
• Eradication of a potential rat nest below the wood shed
• Utility from otherwise unusable space
• The reduction of ivy growth along the property line
• Creation of a barrier between the two properties where now only chicken wire exists
• Collection of rainwater for re-use and to prevent constant flooding of the existing garage and rear walkway

The deck would be 19' long at its widest point and 9' wide. It would be wood-frame construction consisting of 6 - 6" x 6" posts, 2" x 8" beams, cedar decking and guardrails. The covered roof would be constructed of 2" x 6" joists and corrugated polycarbonate panels. We have met with the Building Inspector, Gary Faykes, and his comments on the design have been implemented on the attached drawings. The construction would not impact the environment of the area in any way, no trees or vegetation would be affected (except for the ivy) and water from the roof would be collected to prevent run-off to the neighbouring properties.

Similar to the potting shed, the deck site is well away and cannot be seen from the neighbouring residence. We also have a letter of support from our adjacent neighbour which is included with our application.

We appreciate your consideration of our variance application.

Erik and Tanya Thompson