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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 14, 2026Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes Electronic Meeting January 14, 2026 07:00 PM Present Omar Ha-Redeye – Vice-Chair Sakshi Sood Joshi Rick Van Andel Sean Wiley – Chair Also Present Deborah Wylie, Secretary-Treasurer Jasmine Correia, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Nilissa Reynolds, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer – Host Kerry Yelk, Senior Planner, Zoning Ash Roy, Planner I Tanejaé Page-Hamilton, Zoning Examiner Figo Pham, Zoning Technician Absent Denise Rundle Land Acknowledgement Statement Disclosure of Interest Not applicable. Adoption of Agenda In order to avoid a tie vote due to an absence, Sean Wiley will abstain from voting this hearing. Moved By Rick Van Andel 1. 2. 3. 1 Seconded By Sakshi Sood Joshi That the amended agenda for the Wednesday, January 14, 2026 hearing be adopted. Carried Unanimously Adoption of Minutes Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Sakshi Sood Joshi That the minutes of the 12th hearing of the Committee of Adjustment held Wednesday, December 10, 2025 be adopted. Carried Unanimously Draft Minutes for the December 10, 2025 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minor Variance Reports MV 09/26 - Bayly Street Corporation of the City of Pickering The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24, to permit: a minimum front yard of 7.8 metres, whereas the By-law requires a minimum front yard of 12.0 metres; • a minimum flankage side yard of 0.8 of a metre, whereas the By-law requires a minimum flankage side yard of 12.0 metres; and • a minimum of 20 spaces for an Emergency Service Facility use, whereas the By-law requires 3.5 spaces per 100 square metres of gross leasable floor area (a minimum of 46 spaces). • The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application in order to permit a Fire Hall (Emergency Service Facility). Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, the City’s Building Services Section, and one area resident. In support of the application, the applicant identified that due to the nature of the project, a Fire Station, all requirements for turning of the fire trucks into the site will 4. 4.1 5. 5.7 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 2 not work due to the limited size of the site. Setbacks on the front yard and flankage side yard, cannot be met Diana Poida, applicant, was present to represent the application. No further representation was present in favour of or in objection to the application. The applicant requested the application be tabled in order to submit a Site Plan Application that may result in a revision to this application. Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Omar Ha-Redeye That application MV 09/26 by the Corporation of the City of Pickering be Tabled. Carried Unanimously MV 01/26 - 4938 (Old) Brock Road B. Barrer The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24 to permit an accessory structure in the front yard, whereas the By-law requires accessory buildings and structures only in the rear and interior side yards. The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application to obtain a building permit to construct a detached garage. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, and the City’s Building Services Section. In support of the application, the applicant identified that there is no access to the rear yard and the septic system is located in the interior side yard. Peter Barton, agent, was present to represent the application. No further representation was present in favour of or in objection to the application. The agent stated that the applicant submitted the application to have additional garage space for their growing son who will be driving soon. The reason for the variance is due to front/exterior side yard. They are unable to comply to the By-law due to the rear/interior yard space being blocked by an existing shed and sewer system. The previous owner had poured a concrete pad where they are proposing the structure. There is existing landscaping by way of trees and shrubs, that will mitigate any visual impact. 5.1 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 3 In response to questions from Committee members, the agent stated that they are looking for more interior parking space than the two car garage that currently exists. They had expanded their home to allow for their parents to move in. The structure is solely for parking. The hedges and shrubs will be maintained during construction. The structure will be tucked away and there are three and four car garages in the neighbourhood. The design of the garage will be cohesive with the main dwelling. Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Omar Ha-Redeye That application MV 01/26 by B. Barrer, be Approved on the grounds that the requested variance is minor in nature, desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By law, subject to the following condition: That this variance applies only to the detached garage, as generally sited and outlined in the applicant’s submitted plans (refer to Attachments 2, 3, 4, & 5 contained in the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment, dated January 14, 2026). 1. Carried Unanimously MV 02/26 - 1125 Cedarcroft Crescent A. Akbari The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24, to permit an exterior entrance to encroach into any required setback provided it is setback a minimum of 0.44 of a metre from the south property line, whereas the By-law requires a minimum setback of 0.9 of a metre. The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application to obtain a building permit to construct a below grade side entrance. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, the City’s Building Services Section, and two area residents. In support of the application, the applicant identified that there is 1.8 metres between the house and the property line, and the below grade entrance requires 1.27 metres so only 0.53 of a metre is left. The basement is intended for recreational use only. A separate entrance allows guests to enter and exit without 5.2 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 4 disturbing the family, particularly during late hours. Arman Akbari, applicant, was present to represent the application. One area resident was present in objection to the application. The applicant made a brief presentation in support of the application. An area resident made the following comments: current proposal doesn't affect their property; concerns with the street being on a slope; concern this will set a precedent to other neighbours; and concerns with parking traffic. In response to the resident's comments a Committee member commented that each application is looked at separately. A building permit will be required and Engineering will need to be satisfied before the permit is issued. In response to the resident's comments, the applicant stated that the intent of this application is not to host grand parties into the night with people coming and going. They park their cars in the garage and they have more than enough driveway space to accommodate guests. There will be no negative affect to adjacent neighbours. In response to questions from Committee members, the applicant stated that there is drainage measurements in place. A Committee member commented that this application seems more like a personal need rather than a planning necessity. Cumulatively this could change the neighbourhood. A Committee member commented that necessity is subjective. This application doesn't expand the current footprint of the home. Engineering Services had a chance to look at the application and provided comments, and will take a deeper look during the building permit stage to ensure proper drainage. A Committee member commented that several neighbours have side entrances with one step down, which is almost the same footprint impact. Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Sakshi Sood Joshi That application MV 02/26 by A. Akbari, be Approved on the grounds that the requested variance is minor in nature, desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By law, subject to the following conditions: Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 5 That this variance applies only to the exterior entrance, as generally sited and outlined in the applicant’s submitted plans (refer to Attachments 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 contained in the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment, dated January 14, 2026). 1. That prior to the issuance of a building permit, Engineering Services are satisfied that the proposed exterior entrance will not result in any adverse impacts to the abutting property to the south. 2. Carried (2 to 1) MV 03/26 - 1609 Winville Road H. Hafeez The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24, as amended, to permit a minimum total of two parking spaces, whereas the By-law requires a minimum total of three parking spaces. The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application to obtain a building permit to permit an additional dwelling unit in the basement. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, and the City’s Building Services Section. In support of the application, the applicant identified that it is not possible to provide additional parking space, as the existing garage and driveway already utilize all available area. There is no room to expand parking without encroaching into required landscaped or setback areas. Hafiz Zohaib Hafeez, applicant, was present to represent the application. No further representation was present in favour of or in objection to the application. The applicant commented that this is the only relief requested, nothing else one the property will change. Two parking spaces are sufficient because his household only requires one vehicle and the second parking space will serve the additional dwelling unit. The additional dwelling unit is expected to be rented by a family member which will mitigate potential parking issues. The variance is minor and appropriate for the land. In response to questions from Committee members, the applicant stated his family 5.3 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 6 only has one car, the second parking space will be dedicated to the additional dwelling unit mitigating the need to parking on the street. There is no room to create an additional parking space. His engineer and the City both looked at the property and determined due to physical limitations there is no way to create an additional parking space. Committee members commented that they cannot base this decision on the applicant's current situation, they need to make a decision based on long term impact to the neighbourhood. The two parking spots that are available are tandem parking, that may create issues. Moved By Sakshi Sood Joshi Seconded By Omar Ha-Redeye That application MV 03/26 by H. Hafeez, be Refused on the grounds that the requested variance is not minor in nature and not desirable for the appropriate development of the land. Carried Unanimously MV 05/26 - 842 Reytan Boulevard S. Alexander The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24, to permit a minimum side yard : one side 1.5 metres and other side 1.0 metre, whereas the By-law requires a minimum side yard: one side 1.5 metres and other side 2.4 metres. The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application to construct an attached garage. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, the City’s Building Services Section, and the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). In support of the application, the applicant proposes building a two-car garage for storage and to protect personal property, with a rear garage door to allow TRCA access to the rear waterway and backyard if needed. Teri Alexander, agent, was present to represent the application. No further representation was present in favour of or in objection to the application. The agent commented that this request is to construct a private garage so that the 5.4 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 7 applicant has interior parking. The property backs on to a water-way. They are looking to accommodate a proposed large door in the rear. In response to a question from a Committee member, the agent commented that the large door is to accommodate any large equipment that may need to move to the rear in order to work on the waterway because both sides of the house is limited in width. Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Omar Ha-Redeye That application MV 05/26 by S. Alexander, be Approved on the grounds that the requested variance is minor in nature, desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By law, subject to the following condition: That this variance applies only to the proposed addition, as generally sited and outlined in the applicant’s submitted plans (refer to Attachments 2, 3, 4 & 5 contained in the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment dated January 14, 2026). 1. Carried Unanimously MV 06/26 - 1127 Enchanted Crescent T. Shanmuganathan & J. Tharshan The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24 to permit a deck to encroach into any required rear yard to a maximum of 4.3 metres, whereas the By- law requires a maximum encroachment of 2.0 metres. The applicant requests approval of this minor variance application to obtain a building permit for an existing rear deck with roof. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, the City’s Building Services Section, and 10 area residents. In support of the application, the applicant identified that a porch or deck may encroach into any required rear yard to a maximum of 2.0 metres. But the proposed covered deck sits at 1.72 metres from the rear setback. Raj Balasundaram, applicant, and Tharshan Shanmuganathan, agent, were present 5.5 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 8 to represent the application. One area resident was present in favour of the application. The applicant commented that Engineering Services did not have any comments but to keep the drainage pattern as is. There will be no negative noise impact due to the deck. Several neighbours submitted comment letters in support of the application. The covered deck has provided healthy development for the applicants' children. An area resident made the following comments on the application: there are no drainage issues on the street from what they have seen in the pass few years; and they have no concerns about noise as it has never been a problem. Committee members commented that abutting neighbour comments were helpful input to the application. There is no negative visual impact from the street. After reviewing the evidence before the Committee, including the 10 neighbour comments, Omar Ha-Redeye moved the following motion: Moved By Omar Ha-Redeye Seconded By Rick Van Andel That application MV 06/26 by T. Shanmuganathan & J. Tharshan, be Approved on the grounds that the requested variance is minor in nature, desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By law, subject to the following condition: That this variance applies only to the rear deck, as generally sited and outlined in the applicant’s submitted plans (refer to Attachments 2 & 3 contained in the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment, dated January 14, 2026). 1. Carried (2 to 1) MV 07/26 - 1142 Skyridge Boulevard M. Bilal The applicant requests relief from Zoning By-law 8149/24, as amended, to permit an exterior staircase to within 0.31 of a metre of the interior side lot line, whereas the By-law permits a porch to encroach into an interior side yard to within 0.6 of a metre of a side lot line. 5.6 Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 9 The applicant requests approval of this variance to obtain a revised building permit to construct an exterior staircase within the interior side yard. Input from other sources was received from the Applicant, City’s Engineering Services, and the City’s Building Services Section. In support of the application, the applicant identified that this is an existing situation. Jonathan Benczkowski, agent, was present to represent the application. No further representation was present in favour of or in objection to the application. The agent commented that this application is to permit side stairs to allow for access to the accessory unit. In response to questions from Committee members, the agent stated that there is an active building permit for the door and stairs. After making a site visit, reviewing the staff report and seeing no objections or concerns, Rick Van Andel moved the following motion: Moved By Rick Van Andel Seconded By Omar Ha-Redeye That application MV 07/26 by M. Bilal, be Approved on the grounds that the requested variance is minor in nature, desirable for the appropriate development of the land, and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By law, subject to the following condition: That this variance applies only to the exterior staircase, as generally sited and outlined on the applicant’s submitted plans (refer to Attachment 2 & 3 contained in the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment). 1. Carried Unanimously Adjournment Moved By Omar Ha-Redeye Seconded By Sakshi Sood Joshi That the 1st hearing of the 2026 Committee of Adjustment be adjourned at 8:28 pm. Carried Unanimously 6. Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 10 Minutes recorded on this 14th day of January 2026. Minutes adopted on the 11th day of February 2026. ______________________________ Chair ______________________________ Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment Hearing Minutes January 14, 2026 11