New 5 unit housing development approved in Gravenhurst

Mayor Heidi Lorenz opposed the plan

Gravenhurst Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for a proposed five-unit multiple dwelling on John Street during its August 25th planning meeting.

The application was originally considered by Council in June, but a decision was deferred to allow the applicants to revise the proposal to provide more appropriate parking and amenity areas.

The amended proposal calls for five dwelling units on a currently vacant 538.6-square-metre property serviced by municipal water and sewer.

The property is located in an established residential area, with single detached homes nearby and higher-density housing, including duplexes and multi-residential buildings, in the broader neighbourhood.

The property will be rezoned from Residential One to Residential Multiple One to permit the development.

The amendment also allows a minimum lot area of 538 square metres, compared with the normally required 750 square metres, and a side-yard setback of 1.5 metres rather than six metres. The building's maximum height would be limited to nine metres.

Following concerns about parking raised during the June public meeting, the applicants revised the project so five of the six required parking spaces would be located inside the building. The amended application also eliminates the requirement for one barrier-free parking space.

Neighbouring property owners had raised concerns about traffic and parking on John Street, the number of units, drainage and stormwater management, snow storage, outdoor amenity space and safety.

Planning staff said the revised indoor parking arrangement leaves more room on the property for snow storage and amenity space and addresses many of the concerns raised.

Staff also said the development would make efficient use of existing municipal infrastructure and contribute to a greater mix of housing options in Gravenhurst.

According to the report, provincial planning policies encourage residential intensification in serviced settlement areas and call for a range of housing options to meet community needs.

Planning staff concluded the amended application is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, conforms with the Official Plan and represents good planning.

Council members hesitated with the request because of concerns about the small amount of space for parking, with Councillor, Randy Jorgensen, suggesting the challenges of getting a small car in there, let alone a truck.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, indicated that she could not support the existing amendment. She indicated that she lived across from the property and expressed concern about potentially 5 cars getting in and out of the lot on the busy street. She said, “That street can’t handle the traffic.”

She added, “I’ve lived it backing out of my driveway.”

Staff indicated, “The Bylaw requires a certain amount of parking, and if the applicant can’t meet the requirements, they will not get a permit.

They explained, that the 5 parking spaces must meet the Zoning By-law standards, including turning radius, for a parking space.