A new business in Minto should be ready to roll shortly – or at least get vehicles ready for the road.
Council allowed a zoning bylaw amendment application by Raymond and Mary Ann Brubacher for an auto repair and paint shop at 5363 15th Line.
The property is about 49.88 acres and occupied by a residence and barns. The change will allow an existing farm shed for the new shop.
In his report to council, planner Mark Van Patter said he has no objections to the application. He said given the separation between the proposed use and neighbouring dwellings, it appears compatible.
“Given the closeness of the natural environment zone, comments from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority should be considered.”
Chief Building Official Terry Kuipers will be reviewing related issues such as dealing with solvents and paints on site and the painting booth, which he believes must meet MOE specifications.
The applicants propose to use a 3,600 square foot building now used as a farm shed.
Van Patter wrote it is his understanding Brubacher intends to work on about one vehicle per week and no more than one off-site employee would be involved.
He said that under the Wellington County official plan the land is designated as secondary agricultural and that permits small scale industrial uses. “I would also agree that the type of use by its nature could require a ‘non-urban’ location,” he said.
Van Patter noted that since the land is designated as secondary agriculture, allowing it to be classed for small industrial would provide more flexibility in terms of the number of future employees.
In terms of the natural environment, Van Patter said the proposed autoshop appears to be within 30 metres of a natural environment area.
Kuipers and Van Patter spoke to Brubacher about paints and solvents to be used.
“I would think that there would be little environmental impact, as the building already exists, paints and solvents can be controlled, and the scale of the proposed development is relatively small,” Van Patter said. However, he added an exemption from the 30 metre setback should be included for the existing building in the draft amendment.
As for neighbourhood compatibility, Van Patter said there is a good separation between the proposed use and neighbouring dwellings.
Brubacher said he has already contacted a company that will pick up and dispose of the drums that will be used for waste paints or solvents.
Outside storage
One of the main issues with auto repair and paint shops is the tendency for wrecking and salvage yards to be associated with that use.
Since the proponent indicated outside storage is not needed, Van Patter added a regulation to the bylaw to prohibit outside storage of unlicenced vehicles, vehicle parts, and other materials associated with the shop use. He added that given that the building exists and outside storage is prohibited, he does not believe an additional site plan is needed.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked Brubacher if there is room for the business to grow.
Brubacher believes the current building should be more than sufficient for the “fairly long term.”
Councillor Rick Hembly added that even if there were plans to expand, Brubacher would need to return to council to apply for a minor variance.
