Port Moody's first test of its "monster home" bylaw turned out not to be a monster home at all.
The owners of 132 April Rd. were the first to submit a development variance application since PoMo's new regulations for house height, size and siting came into effect in April, drawing a mix of reactions from neighbours. The application was to allow an increase to the allowable height from nine metres to 9.5.
Feedback from neighbours ranged from those fearful of losing their view and requesting council reject the application on principle to others who supported the application, noting the owners had consulted with neighbours and had changed their designs to accommodate them.
Council members supported the application, saying the variation was a minor one and that when they passed the "monster home" bylaw amendments, they knew a one-size-fits-all approach would not work.
A staff report notes the new home will be the same size as the existing home and that, had the owners submitted their application prior to the amendments coming into effect, a flat-roofed building of the proposed height would have been allowed.
As well, had the owners chosen a sloped roof instead of a flat roof, they would be able to build to 10.5 m high, potentially increasing the height of the building by almost a metre.
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