Homeowner has already cleared land for development Lake Country staff opposes

A Lake Country homeowner could be in for a big bill, depending on how councillors view his recent attempt to renovate his property.

He might come out with just the cost of a garage, indoor pool, craft room and elevator. Or if the city gets its way, he might have to pay to restore a hill prematurely removed for the effort.

District of Lake Country staff are recommending that councillors deny the development permit because guidelines have not been met.

The proposed two-storey accessory building at a home on Chase Road includes a three-bay garage with an indoor pool on the main floor, a craft room and storage areas on the second floor, as well as an elevator.

There is an existing single-family residence with an attached garage on the 1.98-hectare property, according a district staff report. In preparation for the development, the applicant already cleared a natural slope in 2019.

Staff recommend the permit be denied in part because it doesn’t follow the hillside guidelines and the structure would significantly alter a slope that existed previously. It also notes the development would be similar in size to the main house on the property.

District staff recommend the permit variances be denied and the exposed slopes be restored to their natural formation.

Lake Country council will discuss the application during its regular council meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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