GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Guelph/Eramosa council passed the motion to recommend the zoning bylaw amendment to recognize an existing apartment building and permit an expansion to the second storey.
Under the proposed zoning, the expansion would add onto an existing site at 7870 Highway 7, Hermosa Valley Apartments, that currently consists of a 13-unit apartment building and existing parking area.
The expansion would allow for a total of 21 rental units in the building.
The site is approximately 0.43 hectares in size with frontage and access onto Highway 7. The site also backs onto an active rail line.
The building’s current makeup is primarily one story in height, containing 10 ground floor units, with a second story addition housing three units.
“If approved, the subject proposal would facilitate an expansion proposed to extend the 2nd level of the building and would not result in an increase to the overall footprint of the building or alter the location of the building,” the planning report read.
Meagan Ferris, manager of the County of Wellington planning and development, also proposed that a site-specific zone provision be applied to the land.
Ferris added that there will be a need to expand the parking lot by about 28 additional parking stalls to bring it up to code for accessible parking for users and visitors, noting that the existing driveway and parking area location does not comply with the township’s zoning bylaw, which was approved in 2016.
The site is currently serviced by an existing well treatment system and septic system, constructed in 2014. The report presented to Council noted that in order to support the development proposal, the existing septic system will need to be expanded to accommodate the additional residents.
Ferris explained in the presentation that they will have to look at the mechanics of the system, adding that the well might need to be upgraded as a result.
Ferris addressed concerns brought forward by neighbouring residents located beside the property that were made in opposition of the application during a public meeting held by the Township on Jan. 11.
