By Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
A storage building and cabinet manufacturing shop is being proposed in Oliver’s industrial area.
Town council is reviewing a development permit application (with variances) at 5966 Sawmill Road.
Randy Houle, director of development services, said the applicant wants to reduce the required off-street parking requirement from nine to six spaces, and increase the parcel coverage from 60 to 63 per cent.
The property, located across from the Town’s public works yard, is zoned general industrial.
Houle said the applicant is proposing to build a 4,000 square-foot cabinet manufacturing shop and retail area, along with a 2,300 square-foot storage building.
Houle noted the building features several picture windows, metal doors and a covered entry facing the street. A landscaping strip will run along the south portion of the property, which is currently fenced around the perimeter providing a buffer from the neighbours
“Although a reduction in parking is proposed, ample on-street parking exists in the surrounding neighbourhood for any overflow parking,” Houle said.
The director added that a precedent has already been set regarding parking reduction for industrial properties. He cited one at 225 Maple Avenue where parking was reduced from 10 to six spaces for a warehouse building.
As for increasing the parcel coverage at the Sawmill location, he said the three per cent additional lot coverage is minimal and is unlikely to negatively impact neighbouring properties.
Houle noted the variances are reasonable in this case.
In a letter to council, the applicant stated the buildings will be used for Desert Valley Consulting and Specialty Kitchens and Countertops, which has outgrown its space on Station Street.
The applicant also stated the plan only allows them to achieve six parking spaces with a loading zone at the Sawmill Road location.
