By Madeline Baker, Times Chronicle
A development variance permit to reduce the front lot line setback of a Lakeshore Drive property has been approved by council, meaning that the provincial government and members of the public can now have their say on the matter.
The permit for 2414 Lakeshore Drive reduces the property’s setback distance from the road to 2.4 metres from the standard six metres, a standard that was put in place to provide ample parking space in front of a house’s garage in case the homeowners prefer to use it as storage.
Some concerns were raised during the application process about how the shortened setback would impact both vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Lakeshore Drive, as the walking path’s greenery and the new garage planned to fill the space could impair a driver’s visibility when pulling onto the street.
To meet these concerns, the developer added a new, hammerhead-shaped driveway that will allow the driver to turn around on their property before pulling into any traffic on Lakeshore Drive and keep the new garage approximately nine meters from the road.
As the property is also located on Osoyoos Lake, the town commissioned a Riparian Assessment Report that will require the provincial government’s approval before any development can move forward. If the report is approved, the next step will be to inform the public as per Town of Osoyoos policy.
All residents within a 60-metre radius of 2414 Lakeshore Drive would then receive notices, either through the mail or delivered by hand, informing them about the planned changes and inviting them to share their viewpoints in writing before the March 28 council meeting.
