Just the Facts:
● The proposed development at 389 Conklin Road, Brantford, includes the construction of 43 townhouse units spread across seven blocks with 111 parking spaces, with access from Conklin Road.
● Empire Communities, represented by Armstrong Planning & Project Management (c/o Cesare Pittelli), has submitted a Minor Variance Application (A45-2024). They are requesting variances to reduce the front yard setback to 3.9 metres, the lot width per unit to 2.1 metres per unit, and the rear yard setback to 3.8 metres to facilitate the townhouse layout.
● The application will be reviewed at the Committee of Adjustment meeting on September 4, 2024. If approved, the development will proceed, contributing 43 new residential units to Brantford’s housing stock.
BRANTFORD — Empire Communities, represented by Armstrong Planning & Project Management (c/o Cesare Pittelli), has submitted a Minor Variance Application (A45-2024) to facilitate the development of 43 townhouse units 3-storeys high, across seven blocks at 389 Conklin Road.
The subject lands are located on the west side of Conklin Road, south of Shellard Lane, and are currently vacant except for a private road built under a site alteration permit.
The development will provide 111 parking spaces with a ratio of 2.0 spaces per unit (86), 22 visitor spaces, and 3 barrier-free spaces. The allocated parking spaces meet the city’s requirements.
The application will be discussed at the upcoming Committee of Adjustment meeting on September 4, 2024. The proposal seeks relief from several provisions in Zoning By-law 160-90, including the front and rear yard setbacks and the required lot width.
The requested variances include:
● Front yard setback: The minimum requirement is 4.5 metres, and the developer is requesting a reduction to 3.9 metres.
● Lot width: The by-law requires a minimum lot width of 5.0 metres per unit, totalling 215 metres for the entire site. The proposed lot width is 2.1 metres per unit or 91 metres in total.
● Rear yard setback: A reduction from the minimum required 6.0 metres to 3.8 metres is proposed.
The property is designated as “Residential” in Brantford’s Official Plan, with a small portion at the rear classified as “Core Natural Area.”
It is zoned “Residential Medium Density Type A – Exception 83 Zone (R4A-83)” under Zoning By-law 160-90. Despite the proposed variances, the development is consistent with the general intent of the Official Plan and zoning regulations.
Empire Communities has also submitted a Part Lot Control application (PLC-02-24) to divide the lot into individual parcels of tied land (POTLs) for future condominium ownership.
If approved, this application will render some of the requested variances redundant. Additionally, there is an active Draft Plan of Condominium application and a Site Plan application for the project, both of which are being reviewed by the city.
Planning staff conducted a site inspection on July 29, 2024, and concluded that the requested variances are minor in nature and desirable for the development of the site.
The variances satisfy the criteria outlined in Section 45(1) of the Planning Act, and staff recommend that the application be approved.
The development is seen as a positive addition to Brantford’s housing stock, aligning with the city’s growth objectives.
The approval of this application will allow the development to proceed, enhancing the availability of residential units in the area.
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