Olmstead presented another minor variance for 84 Hendry Lane, granting relief to extend the reconstruction period for a non-conforming building from 12 to 24 months and from 24 to 48 months.
Ivan Burton said the property had a permanent dwelling was damaged due to a fire in 2020, and was demolished.
“The bylaw says that the only dwellings permitted there are seasonal dwellings, or a permanent dwelling that existed before the bylaw.” He said. “The building was built in 92, before the by-law, and was permitted to exist as a non-conforming dwelling.”
Due to its destruction, he said that the commencement is supposed to be in 12 months and construction complete in 24, and the owner was requesting doubling the times..
The extension was due to the unavailable of contractors, delays in construction, and the difficulties in construction due to the seasons.
“The intent is not to be extremely prohibitive. The development benefits the area and compliments the rural character.”
He said the pandemic has “put a bit of strain” on the development.
He said the proposed use was identical to the original use.
Burton said that they received one call in relation to the application, and it was “in support of the application.”
Olmstead said that. “You’d be luck that you could get a contractor in the next two years. There’s a real shortage
Councillor Mackay said that “he said building materials was too expensive, and I agree with him.”
Mayor Moore asked if the development would affect septic systems due to changes in the laws.
“The owner is seeking to use the existing septic system that’s there, or using one for one.” Burton said. “I think if he uses the same size or does one-for-one swap, he’ll be alright.”
He said that Staff would track the deadlines, and that if he doesn’t meet the timelines, nothing would prevent him from “putting a seasonal dwelling there.”
The motion was carried by vote.
