A proposal to build a semi-detached dwelling with one additional dwelling unit at 4 Forestwood Drive will go before St. Catharines' Committee of Adjustment, and residents have until noon on Nov. 6 to weigh in.
Application A-55/26 asks the committee to relax a rule in the city's Zoning By-law 2013-283, according to a City of St. Catharines notice. Specifically, the applicant wants the minimum setback from the front lot line to a platform structure standing more than 1.2 metres tall reduced from 3.0 metres to 1.5 metres.
The site plan filed with the city is available online for residents who want a closer look at what is proposed.
Neighbours and other interested residents have two ways to make their views known. Written comments can be submitted to the committee's secretary-treasurer by 12 p.m. on Nov. 6, or speakers can appear in person to make a verbal presentation when the committee hears the application.
Anyone planning to comment should be aware that submissions become part of the public record and will be made available to the public, including on the city's website. The notice says personal contact information — phone numbers, email addresses, house numbers and signatures — will be redacted before anything is posted online.
There is also a practical reason to speak up now. The notice warns that an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal may be dismissed if no written or verbal submissions were made before the committee grants or refuses an application. Under the More Homes Built Faster Act, appeals may be submitted by the applicant, the Minister or a specified person or public body with an interest in the matter.
All Committee of Adjustment hearings are being held in person at City Hall, 50 Church Street, in third-floor Council Chambers. Attendees are directed to use the James Street entrance. Hearings are also live-streamed on the City of St. Catharines' YouTube channel for anyone who wants to follow along from home.
Questions, comments and requests for a copy of the notice of decision can go to Elaine Munro, secretary-treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, at City Hall, P.O. Box 3012, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, by phone at 905-688-5600, or by email at CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca.
The city is also accepting sign-ups for its news, notices and updates service for residents who want to stay informed about future applications and hearings.
