Proposed live-in suite draws mixed reactions
There is both support and opposition for a request from a 14th Avenue property owner to allow a live-in suite in their home.
There is both support and opposition for a request from a 14th Avenue property owner to allow a live-in suite in their home.
“The requested zoning amendment from RR (restricted residential) to RRx is consistent with the city’s move to higher density and supports affordable housing,” says the written submission to city council by the two property owners, Benita and Keith Parkkari.
“The change to the character and nature of the neighbourhood would be minimal if there is any change at all. Mayor and council should approve the rezoning application.”
The Parkkaris are requesting the amendment so they can build a suite for an elder inlaw at their 39-14th Ave. home, council has been told.
A letter of support was received from one neighbour though a handful of other neighbouring property owners have submitted a joint letter of opposition.
The restricted residential zoning does not allow for live-in suites.
Lots zoned restricted residential are for larger, estate-type homes that must meet minimum floor area requirements.
“The proposed bylaw will support affordability in the longer term and aging in place in the shorter term,” reads a letter of support from a 14th Ave neighbour.
“We have no concerns regarding traffic issues, parking issues, or negative impact on property values.”
The submission was received during the public hearing conducted by council at its Aug. 10 meeting, the last one before council’s three-week summer break. A report on the public hearing will be presented to council at its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The letter of opposition was signed by neighbouring property owners of four different property owners.
They say the amendment should be rejected for a variety of reasons, including an increase in on-street parking.
The letter of opposition notes the owners of 39-14th Ave. knew or should have known the RR zoning prohibited the live-in suites.
“By allowing the change in the zoning to suit the requirements of the owner, it the City of Whitehorse setting a precedent regarding the request to rezone lots if the owner would prefer a change in zoning and use?” says the letter.
Comments (6)
Up 3 Down 1
Anie on Sep 4, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Melba, so anyone who thinks this guy should follow the rules is hoity-toity and downright mean, is that your point? And he's "nice " so the rules shouldn't apply to him. Wow, what a bizarre society that would be. Nice people do whatever they want, but if I don't think you are nice (by my arbitrary standards) then tough luck on you. So glad you are not my neighbour, I hope.
Up 7 Down 4
melba disco dancing queen on Sep 3, 2020 at 10:44 pm
I know Keith, and he's about as inoffensive and nice a person as you are going to find out there. For the crime of wanting to build a suite for an elder parent, his neighbours turn on him? I really don't think the sky is going to fall people. I realize you want to be hoity toity with your, " state-type homes that must meet minimum floor area requirements." Pretend it's a livery stable for the horses and the grounds man. Maybe that will make you feel better.
Up 3 Down 2
Atom on Sep 3, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Bylaws can't be set in stone for many good reasons, and the OCP's are guidelines. If there wasn't an ability for folks to apply to rezone we may as well live as a dictatorship.
The ability to ask for an addition to the uses allowed on a property is advantageous but not a guarantee...I bet folks who wish there were hard and fast rules never to change will find themselves in a place where they would really benefit from the opportunity to be able to ask for a new, and sometimes important change in usage.
But then, what would their neighbors say...
Up 16 Down 4
Oya on Sep 2, 2020 at 9:16 am
Stick to the rules. No special status/exemptions for anyone otherwise what is the point of the OCP???
Up 25 Down 1
Jack on Sep 1, 2020 at 12:16 am
For an elder in-law? Surely is an in-law to one member family only. Sounds like a fishy excuse.
Up 40 Down 12
Gringo on Aug 31, 2020 at 4:20 pm
If it’s residence restricted then it should not be up for discussion. If you want relaxed rules there are other neighborhoods.