An eagle nest tree is among the concerns over a plan to subdivide a York Place lot.
The proposal is to create a two-lot subdivision retaining the original home and adding a single-family home on the second lot. The development would require variances to the lot frontage and lot width as well as upgrades to infrastructure, and protection of a number of trees, including an eagle nest tree. The owner noted he’s willing to work with staff for potential covenants to protect a tree with an eagle nest should that be necessary.
The applicant indicated the existing home would remain in its current location, with a detached garage constructed in the front yard.
The new home would access the existing driveway, with the garage sited in the same location as the existing detached garage. The proposed siting retains the existing streetscape and landscaping, and protects existing trees.
Four trees may be removed on the proposed new lot. One is in poor health while three others would be impacted by excavation. The eagle nest tree and numerous protected trees are also on the property.
Final siting and construction techniques for a single-family dwelling and driveway accesses for both lots could mitigate impacts on the trees and would need to be confirmed at the development permit stage. The APC encouraged the owners to consider pursuing heritage designation for the home. The lot is in an area recently proposed by residents to become Oak Bay’s first heritage conservation area.
The APC recommended approval of the proposal and encouraged the owners to pursue heritage designation for the existing home.