Oak Bay denied a project at committee last week that sought variances to build a pair of homes on Victoria Avenue.
Coun. Tara Ney led discussion in place of ailing Coun. Michelle Kirby, who was to fill in for Mayor Nils Jensen as he was otherwise occupied with the CRD.
The two legally existing properties were originally developed in 1935 as a single lot with a house that fronted 787 Victoria Ave. When considered as two individual lots, the frontage changes to Beaverbrooke Street. The proposals for single family dwellings on each lot were designed to maximize lot use by requesting a substantial variance to the front lot line.
Coun. Eric Zhelka said it was too much, the “variance too great”, adding concerns over sight lines.
“I don’t think it’s a horrible idea. I just think it needs to be shifted a bit,” said Coun. Kevin Murdoch, echoing sentiments voiced by others around the table during discussion.
Committee opted to deny the variance requests as recommended by municipal staff. Motions approved during committee discussions become recommendations to council for final decision.
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