MINUTES
of a regular meeting of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE of the Municipal
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PRESENT: |
Councillor H.
Braithwaite Councillor A. R.
Cassidy Councillor S. F. B.
Carson Councillor J. D.
Herbert Councillor N. B.
Jensen |
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STAFF: |
Municipal
Administrator, W. E. Cochrane Municipal Clerk, L.
Hilton Confidential
Secretary, K. Green Director of Building
and Planning, N. Beattie |
LAND USE SECTION: (Chairman –
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1. |
2008-147 |
DIRECTOR
OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, May 22, 2008 Re
Development Variance Permit Application – |
Responding to questions
from the Committee, the Director of Building and Planning noted that the
applicants wish to access the flat roof of a previously constructed addition to
their home for use as a deck, with such a use triggering the occupiable height
requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, for which a variance is being requested.
MOVED
by Councillor Herbert
Seconded
by Councillor Jensen, That a resolution authorizing the Director of Building
and Planning to issue a development variance permit for
CARRIED
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2. |
2008-148 |
DIRECTOR
OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, May 23, 2008 Re
Development Variance Permit Application – |
Councillor Cassidy
advised that the proposed plans to construct a garage at 2861 Eastdowne Road
have now been revised to incorporate the comments made by members of the
Committee at the September 4, 2007 meeting, where it was suggested that the
size and location of the proposed garage be reconsidered and that Mr. Pobran
supply plans with additional detail for consideration by Committee of the Whole.
Jim Shields, speaking on
behalf of the applicant, Ted Pobran, advised that it was Mr. Pobran’s
intention to apply for a development variance permit in order to build an
attached garage as he hoped to convert his existing basement level garage into living
space for his mother.
The revised new plans
show a single car garage that is proposed to be situated further back from the
front lot line than originally proposed said Mr. Shields. Responding to questions, he further
indicated that the applicant proposes to extend the existing hedge along the
north property line to minimize the impact of the garage on the neighbours,
effectively blocking their view of the garage with the hedge.
Responding to a question
from a member of the Committee, Mr. Shields confirmed that the finishing
material of the garage will match the existing finish of the house and will
blend well with the streetscape.
MOVED
by Councillor Herbert
Seconded
by Councillor Jensen, That a resolution authorizing the Director of Building
and Planning to issue a development variance permit for
CARRIED
REGULATORY SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor
Braithwaite)
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3. |
2008-149 |
MUNICIPAL
ADMINISTRATOR, May 26, 2008 Re
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment – Beekeeping |
Mr. Cochrane provided an
overview of his memorandum, advising that the proposed changes to the
beekeeping regulations of the Animal Control Bylaw would eliminate the 743
square metres (8,000 square feet) minimum lot size requirement and would reduce
the minimum setback of any beehive from 7.6 metres to 6 metres (25 feet to 20
feet). As well, Mr. Cochrane noted
that although the current bylaw contains a requirement for a barrier in front
of the entrance to the hive in order to deflect the bee flight path upwards, it
has been reworded to be more in line with the discussion at the last Committee
of the Whole meeting.
MOVED by Councillor
Herbert
Seconded by Councillor
Jensen, That the draft bylaw attached to the memorandum from the Municipal
Administrator dated May 26, 2008 (correspondence item no. 2008-149) be brought
forward to the next meeting of Council for formal consideration.
CARRIED
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4. |
2008-150 |
DOUG
CLARKE, May 26, 2008 Re
Request for Amendment to Animal Control Bylaw – Keeping of Chickens |
Doug Clarke, 1199
Hampshire Road, outlined his request that the Animal Control Bylaw be
amended to change the minimum setback for a chicken coop from 7.6 metres to 4.6
metres (25 feet to 15 feet) to allow homeowners to house chickens on a
property, such as his, that is less than 14.6 metres (48 feet) wide. Mr. Clarke indicated that although
his property is narrow, it is very long and would easily house a coop that
would be a good distance from the neighbour’s houses.
Mr. Clarke said he spoke
to his neighbours, and although some concern was expressed, he felt that
educating the public on the benefits of chickens, such as fresh eggs, and the
composted by-product being good for his and his neighbours’ gardens,
would help to alleviate the uncertainty people may have regarding keeping
chickens in a neighbourhood. Mr.
Clarke noted that he would house three to four chickens in a small caged area
(as illustrated in the correspondence item no. 2008-150), which would produce
enough eggs for himself and some neighbours, approximately three to four eggs
each day.
Responding to a question
from a member of the Committee, Mr. Clarke advised that he has no intention of
housing a rooster, or any other noisy foul, adding that a rooster is not
required for egg production.
The view was expressed
that as part of Oak Bay’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
the idea of promoting agricultural activities in urban areas should be
encouraged, although the potential issues with relaxed regulations for keeping
chickens was also acknowledged.
Following further
discussion it was the view of the Committee that it would be beneficial for Mr.
Clarke to ask his neighbours to comment on his proposal. As well, some of the Committee members
suggested they talk to their own neighbours about agricultural activity in
residential areas with the information gathered to be discussed at a future
meeting of the Committee.
It was also agreed that
to encourage a more inclusive consultation process on the topic of keeping
chickens in
MOVED
by Councillor Carson
Seconded by Councillor
Herbert, That this item be deferred to the July Committee of the Whole meeting
to provide an opportunity to obtain further information from the applicant and
input from the public with respect to a possible amendment to the Animal
Control Bylaw that would relax the regulations with respect to keeping poultry
on residential properties.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT:
MOVED by Councillor
Jensen
Seconded by
Councillor Braithwaite, That the meeting of Committee of the
Whole be adjourned.
CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at
8:20 p.m.
Certified Correct:
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Municipal
Clerk |
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Chairman,
Land Use Section |
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Chairman,
Regulatory Section |
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