Vernon City Council discusses the development variances for the duplex complex on Tronson Road at the regular meeting Monday, Jan. 9. (photo by Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Duplex Complex

Vernon council approves housing complex variances despite opposition

Jan 10, 2023 | 12:54 PM

A new complex of multi-family houses in Vernon has received approval for several variances, despite neighbours expressing some opposition.

The proposed project would see 12 duplexes, built on a property bordering Tronson and Bella Vista roads and Ogata Way.

The blueprints for the layout of the duplex project on Tronson Rd. (graphic courtesy of the City of Vernon)

At the regular meeting Monday, Jan. 9, city council was presented with a request for several variance permits, including decreasing the flanking street setback for one property on Bella Vista Road and decreasing the rear yard setbacks for four properties bordering Ogata Way.

The report to council stated the development plans conform with the floor space ration, density and site coverage, and stated the proposed decrease in flanking and rear yard setbacks are anticipated to have minimal impacts on surrounding properties. The land across Bella Vista Road is rural with no existing homes. Ogata Way creates a buffer between the development and the existing properties, with an approximate distance of 10 metres between the proposed units and the north edge of the road.

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Due to these findings, city staff recommended all the variances be approved and permits be issued.

However, before a decision could be made, several members of the public were given an opportunity to express concerns or issues with the development.

Members of the Ogata Way Association turned up to the meeting to voice their issues with the project.

Many had concerns with the fact that Ogata Way is a private road that the area residents pay to maintain; that the road is narrow and could create difficulties with garbage collection. Residents noted the Ogata properties are not on the sewer system and infrastructure work would be required to the neighbouring complex. The also noted the new units would obstruct the sight lines of the existing Ogata properties and that the proposed entrance to the new complex off Bella Vista Road is in a dangerous section where people drive too fast.

However, as none of the complaints related to the variance requests, council unanimously approved the application and issued the permits.