Development News for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Suncor Energy Cardlock Facility Variance Approved with Landscaping Conditions

The committee considered an application from Suncor Energy Inc. for variances related to landscaping requirements for a truck card lot facility at 140 Black Road. The applicant sought to reduce the minimum landscaped open space in the required front yard (Black Road) from 75% to 60%, and in the exterior sideyard (McNab Street) from 75% to 60%. The original property was developed before current landscaping bylaws, and consolidation and redevelopment are subject to current regulations. Planning staff recommended a condition for enhanced landscaping, subject to approval by the director of planning, to create a visual buffer, especially near the hub trail. The application was approved with the condition that enhanced landscaping be provided and included on an updated site plan.

Garage Variance Rejected for Old Garden River Road Property

The committee considered an application for a variance at 1200 Old Garden River Road to permit a 119 square meter detached garage in the required 7.5-meter front yard setback, 4.5 meters from the front property line and 1.2 meters from the west property line. The property is designated rural area and zoned RA rural area. Planning staff did not support the request, stating it failed three of the four minor variance tests. They argued that while the numerical relief was modest, it was not minor in relation to the intended function of the front yard, which is to maintain space and rural character. They also noted the lot appeared capable of accommodating the garage outside the front yard. Engineering staff cautioned about potential geotechnical and foundation engineering needs due to wet areas or fill, and the impact of the 1.2-meter sideyard setback on drainage and adjacent properties. The application was rejected, with the motion to reject citing the failure to meet the four tests.

Carport Variance Approved for Vera Avenue Property

The committee heard an application for a variance to reduce the minimum side lot line setback for a carport. The variance was requested to allow a carport to be constructed 0.3 meters from the north side lot line, instead of the required 1.2 meters. The applicant proposed to construct an 8.53 meter by 3.73 meter carport attached to the north side of the existing home. No objections were received from the public. Several departments had no concerns, with engineering advising that existing drainage patterns must be maintained. A condition was attached that confirmation from PUC Distribution Inc. regarding electric meter relocation must be provided prior to building permit issuance. The application was approved with this condition.

Carriage House Variance Application Deferred for Revision

The committee deferred an application for 809 Sunnyside Beach Road concerning a variance to reduce the required front yard from 12 m to 4.1 m to permit an 80.27 square meter two-story carriage house with a second dwelling unit. Planning staff did not support the request, citing failure to meet minor variance tests, particularly regarding the consistency with the R1 estate residential zone's intent for spacious setbacks and rural character. They also noted the significant reduction (66%) and the impact on streetscape. Building division and PUC raised concerns about adequacy of existing septic and water/electrical services for the additional dwelling unit and potential relocation of underground electrical services. Public works supported planning's position due to potential maintenance challenges. The applicant proposed adjustments to the septic system and setbacks to potentially meet requirements. The committee decided to defer the application to allow the applicant to revise the proposal, requiring a new site plan showing proposed changes (e.g., 8-meter setback) to be submitted for review before the next hearing.