A new building built too close to Hudson Street has received city council’s approval.
At the Monday, Nov. 5 meeting of the city’s development and planning services committee, council unanimously approved a development permit variance for the two-storey commercial/residential building at 160 Hudson Ave. NE.
Coun. Denise Reimer was absent.
The required setback for the Hudson Avenue right-of-way is 0.83 meters, but the owner, a B.C. numbered company, and applicant, Dave Koopmans of Oasis Construction, requested a setback of 0.28 metres as the building is situated incorrectly. A letter from Koopmans notes that a human error was made when measuring the setbacks.
Approval of the north facade design was also requested because it is inconsistent with the facade design in the development permit. Staff noted that the proposed changes are relatively minor and the overall form and character of the building is still generally consistent with the city centre design guidelines. Staff stated that the new building is a big improvement over what was there before.
Coun. Alan Harrison said he appreciates the contractor’s honesty in saying that a mistake had been made. He noted that the difference is only .55 metres and pointed out that a variance had already been approved for the development across the street.