If you give a metre, will others take a mile?
A request to build an accessory building one metre higher than allowed in District of Sicamous bylaws was denied at its Aug. 11 council meeting, but not without much discussion beforehand.
A resident of Silver Sands RV Resort in Sicamous was looking to build a structure to protect their fifth wheel trailer from the elements.
The structure they wanted to build would require a development variance permit since its height of six metres was more than the permitted five.
The applicant went through the appropriate development variance permit process with the district, which included getting signatures of approval from neighbours.
While the applicant did get some signatures of approval, when the district mailed out notice to property owners within 50 metres of the variance, it was met with a wave of disapproval.
The district received eleven correspondences on the issue, 10 from Silver Sands residents and one from the Resort’s strata council. All said they were not in favour of the development, some were even from residents rescinding their previous approval.
Silver Sands residents cited reasons such as blockage of views, unsightliness, property devaluation and proximity to property lines.
Silver Sands’ strata council expressed concern that if this variance were to be passed, it may open the door for other variances it felt would negatively impact its community.
District staff had recommended the variance be granted, suggesting accommodations could be made to make the development work, but council voted against it.
Coun. Jeff Mallmes said he was against the variance since there were too many Silver Sands residents in opposition.
He suggested in the future, that development variance requests coming from inside the gated community of Silver Sands could be approved by the resort’s strata council first.
“That way you’re not taking up staff time, and our time, to work through this when it hasn’t been approved by the strata,” he said.
Both the strata and Sicamous councils agreed that would be a good way to save time. District staff said they would be working with the Silver Sands strata council.
Read more: Sicamous non-profits can apply for community service grants until Sept. 30
Read more: Remote control racing set to rev up in Salmon Arm this September
@roman_reportszachary.roman@saobserver.net
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