Township approves rezoning for seven-unit complex in Ripley
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss Council

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Site of the seven-unit residential development, south of the Ripley Curling Club, proposed by Gary Rutledge

Huron-Kinloss council has approved the rezoning of property at 97 Huron St., Ripley, to permit a seven-unit townhouse cluster, despite the planner's recommendation to defer the application.

At the general committee meeting Sept. 9, Bruce County planner Heather James presented the application by Gary Rutledge (GJAJ Holdings Ltd.) to rezone the property south of the Ripley Curling Club to R3-4 (residential zone special) from R1 (residential) with reduced rear-yard and side-yard setbacks.

James said the two-metre setback for the rear yard provides very little amenity space per unit. "Landscaping plans also need to be submitted to show vegetated areas on the property and buffering for an adjacent residential property," she said, adding there are concerns from Bruce County Highways about on-site parking and access to Bruce County Road 7. "The irregular shape of the lot limits the developer's ability to comply with the provisions of the zoning bylaw."

She recommended deferral of the application, and suggested a revised site plan needs to be submitted with fewer units, more amenity area (larger side-yard setback), and sufficient driveway width and turning radius.
"I am disappointed in the planner's report," said councillor Jim Hanna. "This is the kind of development we need in our municipality. I accept your comments but I'm not willing to ask this to be deferred."

Rutledge handed out a more-detailed drawing of the proposed development, pointing to the rear of the building, which is actually 14.6 feet from the edge of the lot. There is also a cement patio slated to sit out to the north of the building and a line of trees between the building and the curling rink parking lot.

As for parking, there will be sufficient room, said Rutledge, because each unit has 40 feet of space in front of its garage. "They are the same as the four-plex buildings, but this will have seven units," he said.

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13/09/2009 11:26 PM

"I agree with Jim (Hanna)," said councillor Anne Eadie. "I don't see any parking concerns with the amount of space here for a driveway."
"We can address any of those concerns with site plan control," said Hanna.

James insisted that there be more amenity space for each unit. "If you approve this application, then don't pass the zoning bylaw until you have a site plan agreed upon," she said. "That ties down the side-yard and rear-yard setbacks."

"We're trying to find a way to proceed with this," said Hanna.

"I'm asking for a minimum two-metre rear-yard setback," said Rutledge. "I have no problem locking that in, but the plans could change."

Hanna said council should approve that minimum setback and let Rutledge work with chief building official Matt Farrell to sort out the details.

We can try to maintain as much setback and green space for that lot line as possible," said Farrell.
Council approved the rezoning.