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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 25, 2023 Page 1 of 3 Minutes/Meeting Summary Property Review Committee April 25, 2023 Electronic Meeting 2:00 pm Attendees: Santosh Upadhyayula (Member) Muhammad Naeem (Member) Gregory Ferandes (Member) Isaiah Joseph (Member) Joysina Ali (Member) Nadeem Irfan, NIA Architects Inc. (Applicant) Hitesh Jhaveri (Applicant) Theresa Nuspl Steven Kirsten (Opponent) Matthew Holloway, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer l Jennifer Hayden, (Acting) Supervisor, Supervisor, Licensing & Enforcement Jason Litoborski, (Acting) Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement Services (Staff Liaison) Andy MacGillivray, Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Absent: Councillor Butt (Member) Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introductions J. Litoborski welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided an overview of the order of proceedings. 2. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 3. Fence Variance Applications 3.1 137 Twyn Rivers Drive Officer M. Holloway explained that the fences erected on the rear and west side of the property were 0.2 metres above the permitted height under By-law 6943/09. He further explained that the fence erected on the front yard of the property is of both open and closed construction and is above the Exemption granted to permit the fence as constructed. J. Litoborski to issue Fence Height Exemption Permit Page 2 of 3 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) permitted heights defined in the By-law, measuring 7.1 ft. The Committee raised questions regarding the front yard fence’s open and closed construction. J. Litoborski explained that the fence is of mixed construction, which the By-law does not address. N. Irfan, NIA Architects Inc. spoke on behalf of the owner of 137 Twyn Rivers Drive and explained that the fence height contraventions were not intentional. He spoke about the grading of the property and the lot grading plan approved by the City and how that has impacted the construction of the fence. He stated that in his opinion the height contravention was negligible and that modifying the fence to reduce the height at this point would be a nuisance and a lot of work for the homeowner. He closed his statement requesting the Committee consider an exemption in this case. The Committee and N. Irfan engaged in discussion regarding the impact of the property grading on the fence height and clarification around how the front fence is measured. S. Kirsten, speaking on behalf of Gabriele Kirsten, explained she opposes the Fence Variance Application, stating the property has been raised 10 to 12 inches in height and that the construction of the fence has been inconsistent and slapped together with poor condition boards from her old fence. He explained that the owner of 137 Twyn Rivers was going to only replace some of the panels of an existing fence that was damaged, however the fence ended up being torn down and reconstructed. He explained that the reconstructed fence looks bad their side. The Committee clarified with S. Kirsten that the fence described was the fence on the west side. J. Litoborski provided clarity regarding how fences are measured from the higher property level. T. Nuspl provided her comments regarding the backyard fence abutting her property, stating that she has no objection to the height of the fence and that it provides more privacy to both her and the owner of 137 Twyn Rivers Drive. She also raised Page 3 of 3 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) concerns regarding the front yard fence abutting the municipal sidewalk. The Committee asked S. Kirsten to clarify the impacts of the fence on their property. S. Kirsten explained that it makes the property feel like a prison and more enclosed, and that there are flooding issues for their property because of the grading. S. Kirsten further spoke to the quality of the fence on their side looking patched up with reused and stained boards that are inconsistent. The Committee took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be severed. Note: This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In Camera minutes.] The Committee took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be resumed. J. Litoborski stated that the Committee had deliberated and had made a decision. He stated that Committee has reached a unanimous decision to grant an exemption to permit the fence as constructed. 4. Adjournment Moved by G. Fernandes That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 2:50 pm For more information regarding the Property Review Committee, please contact: City of Pickering By-law Enforcement Services 905-420-4660 bylaw@pickering.ca