BARRHEAD - A County of Barrhead resident will be allowed to keep their existing 12 by 22-foot cabin despite failing to meet one of the municipality's setback requirements.
Municipal planning committee (MPC) members approved Steven Fylyshtan and Rita Foster's application to move the cabin, which is currently at the front of their Lac La Nonne Greendale subdivision property.
The property is in a residential recreation district, and guest houses are allowed for discretionary use under the land-use bylaw.
Development clerk Tara Troock explained that a guest house in the land-use bylaw is a "separate and subordinate accessory building that does not meet the definition of a dwelling and contains one or two of the following: a bedroom, a washroom or kitchen facilities."
In this case, Trook noted the cabin was more of a bunkhouse containing only bunk beds and no bathroom or kitchen.
She added that the application meets two of the three setback requirements. The land-use bylaw in the residential recreation district requires a 7.6-metre, 1.5-metre side yard and a 6.0-metre year yard setback.
Troock said the issue is the rear setback, noting that the proposed placement of the cabin would result in a 3.05-metre or 10-foot setback.
However, she said the MPC could approve a variance if they feel the proposed development wouldn't interfere with the neighbourhood's amenities or impede neighbouring residents from using and enjoying their properties.
"The applicant is requesting placement in this location to minimize wasted space behind the guest house and to avoid relocating their fire pit and patio area," Troock said.
As part of the conditions for approval, the municipality will notify adjacent landowners of the development.
Troock said the administration recommends that the MPC approve the application, adding that an appeal process is in place if the development does not "meet neighbour expectations."
Temporary secondary dwelling
MPC members also approved a second temporary dwelling application for a 22 by 46-foot modular home on a Bloomsbury property for three years.
The property is in an agricultural district, and as such, temporary structures are allowed. The 2022 home would be placed on footings.
The property is developed and has a yard site, complete with a permanent dwelling and multiple outbuildings with access from Range Road 41 A.
Troock noted additional considerations aside from being constructed in a moveable way, including overall suitability, i.e. if it is to be placed within an existing yard site that meets setback requirements, and family-human relationships.
In this case, she said the application meets all requirements, including setbacks, with the only condition being that the municipality notify all adjacent landowners.
Deputy reeve Marvin Schatz asked if the fact that the property was only five acres affected the application.
Troock replied no, saying that secondary dwellings were of discretionary use in an agricultural district, regardless of parcel size.
She added that the applicants also wanted to install a second driveway for the new dwelling.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
