Committee of Adjustment Approves Severance and Variances for 137 Emma Street, Guelph
GUELPH — November 14, 2024 — The City of Guelph’s Committee of Adjustment has approved the application to sever the property at 137 Emma Street into two residential lots. The decision includes consent for severance and minor variances to support the development of two single detached dwellings.
Development Details
The property, owned by 1773438 Ontario Inc. and 785412 Ontario Limited, will undergo significant changes:
- The existing dwelling and detached garage will be removed.
- The severance creates two lots, each with:
- 13.5 metres of frontage
- 30.5 metres of depth
- 410 square metres of lot area
The site is zoned Low Density Residential 1 (RL.1) under Guelph’s Zoning By-law (2023)-20790, and falls within the Older Built-Up Area Overlay.
Approved Variances
Several minor variances were approved to facilitate the proposed development:
- Lot Area: Minimum of 410 square metres (by-law requires 460 square metres).
- Lot Frontage: Minimum of 13.5 metres, exceeding the by-law’s 9.0-metre minimum in this overlay.
- Interior Side Yard: Minimum setback of 1.5 metres, meeting the by-law requirement.
- Garage Width: Maximum of 6.5 metres, within the by-law limit.
- Driveway Width: Maximum of 6.5 metres, meeting the by-law limit.
- Garage Floor Area: Minimum of 20 square metres, as required.
- Garage Projection: Up to 2 metres beyond the main front wall, permitted when a roofed porch is included.
Noise Study Requirement Waived
While city staff initially recommended a noise study due to potential future developments on Emma Street, the committee waived this requirement, citing the road’s current quiet nature. Instead, a warning clause will be added to title documents and purchase agreements, informing future residents of potential noise increases as Emma Street is classified as a collector road.
Balanced Growth and Zoning Compliance
The approval reflects the city’s commitment to residential intensification while ensuring alignment with zoning principles. The project balances growth with maintaining the neighborhood’s low-density residential character.
