Item - 2012.TE13.92

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on February 14, 2012. The Toronto and East York Community Council has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.

TE13.92 - Request for Report to Analyze the Common Occurrence and Planning Impact of Committee of Adjustment Applications Requesting Additional Height of Recently Approved Rezoning Applications

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Referred

Wards:: 14 - Parkdale-High Park, 18 - Davenport, 19 - Trinity-Spadina, 20 - Trinity-Spadina, 21 - St. Paul's, 22 - St. Paul's, 27 - Toronto Centre-Rosedale, 28 - Toronto Centre-Rosedale, 29 - Toronto-Danforth, 30 - Toronto-Danforth, 31 - Beaches-East York, 32 - Beaches-East York

Community Council Decision

The Toronto and East York Community Council referred to the Planning and Growth Management Committee for consideration the letter dated February 10, 2012, from Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, respecting a "Request for Report to Analyze the Common Occurrence and Planning Impact of Committee of Adjustment Applications Requesting Additional Height of Recently Approved Rezoning Applications."

Origin

(February 10, 2012) Letter from Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale

Summary

It has come to my attention that the Committee of Adjustments is being used to undermine the City Planning Division and community interests. Applications for minor variance consideration are submitted by developers often requesting additional height, anywhere from 2 to 27 additional storeys, on recently approved rezoning applications or the as-of-right height.

Committee of Adjustment applications of this nature lend to the public perception that the legitimate community planning process is stage-managed by developers proposing that such additional constitutes a "minor variance" shortly after a significant rezoning for new density has been granted at the Toronto and East York Community Council. Although some community benefits may be offered and secured, it is often a last resort settlement to avoid a new OMB appeal, where the developer's interest will most likely prevail, and overturn City planners' professional advice.

Background Information

(February 10, 2012) Letter from Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam - Request for Report to Analyze the Common Occurrence and Planning Impact of Committee of Adjustment Applications Requesting Additional Height of Recently Approved Rezoning Applications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-45184.pdf

Motions

1 - Motion to Add New Business at Committee moved by Councillor Mary Fragedakis (Carried)

2 - Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Carried)

That the Toronto and East York Community Council refer to the Planning and Growth Management Committee for consideration the letter dated February 10, 2012, from Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, respecting a "Request for Report to Analyze the Common Occurrence and Planning Impact of Committee of Adjustment Applications Requesting Additional Height of Recently Approved Rezoning Applications."