Planner recommends rejecting basement apartment

Posted October 2, 2012

The owner of a property in the Nottawasaga Village subdivision established an illegal basement apartment and was found out after neighbours complained to the Township.

However, rather than eliminate it, the owner at 13 Lookout Street has instead applied to Essa for zoning considerations that would permit the use.

Planning Manager Colleen Healey's report to council on tomorrow night's agenda, is recommending council reject application as it doesn't conform to the low density residential zoning in place - semi-detached, linked or duplex homes.

"13 Lookout Street contains a linked home joined to another below the surface) and has the following dimensions: 9 m of frontage and 33 m of depth. The linked home covers 35 per cent of the lot. The lot lies in amongst a string or strip of linked homes and across the street from single detached homes," according to Ms. Healey's report. "Of particular concern is the front yard or potential area which could be used for parking. The linked home sits at 7.5 m from the front property line. The required length of a parking space, according to the provisions of the Zoning By-law, is 6 m. This, coupled with the width of the lot at the front (9 m), does not allow the owner to meet with the parking requirements of the Township's Zoning By-law."

Instead, the "homeowner (be) encouraged to seek permission for such a request in another neighbourhood, if he wishes to pursue a rental income."

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