WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — A zoning public meeting was held last night to amend two by-laws to permit an increase in the height of a non-conforming building or structure, for the sole purpose of flood proofing.
As flooding subsided along the Ottawa River within the Township, staff met with numerous residents seeking to make modifications to their existing cottages and dwellings.
Some of the existing cottages and dwellings were deemed to be non-conforming buildings. This occurs when an existing building or structure is prohibited by the new or current zoning by-law, but was permitted by the previous by-law and was lawfully erected with a building permit.
In discussion last night were Westmeath Zoning By-law No. 98-13 and Ross Zoning By-law 23-92. According to Ivan Burton, Planner/Economic Development Officer for the Township, both of these implement specific policies for non-conforming buildings and structures in order to allow for their restoration and strengthening. This is in case they are damaged by natural or unnatural occurrences.
Councillors Neil Nicholson and Daryl McLaughlin presented some concerns, which were put to rest by Mr. Burton.
“The liveable space cannot be increased,” said Mr. Burton.
The next steps in the process include issuing the notice of decision from Council and if no appeal is filed within the appeal period of 20 days, the notice of final decision will be issued.
No one in the public wanted to speak on the issue last night.
