A new car detailing garage is on its way to Rockwood.
On March 6 Guelph-Eramosa council approved a site plan application to allow Dean McKerracher to build a detached structure on his Rockwood property at 159 Main Street so he can move his automobile detailing business out of the attached garage of his house.
“This is good because we’re creating a little automotive mall right?” said Mayor Chris White. “You’ve got the car wash, you’ve got TNA Auto and this in my opinion fits the bill.”
The application has led to other actions by the town. In December McKerracher completed a minor variance application.
“This was a result of the new zoning bylaw coming into effect and having some implications on his proposed development,” township planing consultant Mitchell Avis said.
In addition, it was suggested during the site plan review that the township enter into an encroachment agreement with McKerracher because the property’s retaining walls encroach on the Station Street right of way.
“The township building department requires a building permit for the new detached garage and the owner should be aware that the footings of the new building could not be within a 45 degree angle to the retaining wall,” Avis said, adding the wall cannot be used to support the new building.
“If the retaining wall is supporting a portion of the load of the new building then a structural engineer would be required to evaluate the retaining wall to ensure it can support the load of the new building.”
Councillor Corey Woods asked why the retaining wall was in place.
“It’s an underground retaining wall … because his driveway comes into the street now,” White said.
McKerracher said the walls have been there for 30 years and he has not received any complaints.
The township entered an encroachment agreement with McKerracher.
Councillor David Wolk asked what was happening with the oil generated from the automobile detailing.
“I generally don’t … generate anything to be honest with you,” McKerracher said.
“The only thing I would generate is car wash soap and rinsing it off … so I either do that in my gravel driveway right now or across the road at the car wash.”
He said his detailing service doesn’t involve any de-greasing or sanding.
Council approved the site plan and site plan agreement.
