September 2, 1998
To:North York Community Council
From:Bryan W. Tuckey
Director, Community Planning, North District
Subject:PRELIMINARY EVALUATION REPORT
TEMPORARY USE BY-LAW APPLICATION
Alysse Fogel
31 Foursome Crescent
Ward 9 - North York Centre South
UD52-98-01
Purpose:
This is a preliminary evaluation of an application for a temporary use by-law to legalize a professional medical office
(dietician's practice) as a home occupation for a period of three years.
Financial Implications:
None
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)staff, in consultation with local Councillors, undertake community consultation; and
(2)staff prepare a final report evaluating the proposal and provide notice of the Statutory Public Meeting at the appropriate
time.
Background:
Proposal
The proposal is for a temporary use by-law to legalize an existing 19m2 dietician's office in a portion of the basement of a
two-storey, single detached dwelling for a three year period. The applicant has indicated that a three year temporary use
would enable her to continue the business while caring for young children. This application was submitted in response to
By-law Enforcement issuing a Notice of Violation dated April 1, 1998, for having a commercial operation on site which is
not permitted under the current zoning. The site statistics are as follows:
Proposal Site Statistics |
Site Area |
557m2 |
Gross Floor Area - House |
"284m2 |
Dietician's Office Floor Area |
"19m2 |
Parking Spaces (driveway) |
2 |
Community Input
To date, a petition, letters and telephone calls have been received from area residents outlining concerns related to increased
traffic, safety, parking, volume of clients along with other issues listed in the attached correspondence (Appendix "A").
Official Plan and Zoning By-law
The lands are designated Residential Density One (RD1) which permits primarily single and semi detached dwellings. The
official plan also permits minor commercial uses provided they are ancillary to the residential use and serve the local
population.
The property is zoned One Family Detached Fourth Density Zone (R4). A dietician's office is not a permitted use in the R4
zone.
Discussion:
The following preliminary issues have been identified:
1.Medical Offices as Home Occupations
Up to 1996, a limited number of home occupations including offices of doctors, dentists and drugless practitioners were
permitted uses in residential zones. These uses have been removed from the Zoning By-law and staff recommended
policies on home occupations identified medical offices as not being appropriate home occupations as a result of the
anticipated impacts on the neighbourhood.
2.Compatibility Criteria
During the preparation of the North York Housing Policies staff had recommended a set of criteria to be considered when
evaluating home occupations. These criteria have formed the basis for review of recent home occupation applications and
will be applied to evaluating the merits of this proposal. In particular, the impact of the proposed home occupation in
relation to traffic, parking requirements, type of business operation and frequency of client appointments will be evaluated
to determine if the home occupation meets Council's objective of enhancing residential neighbourhoods and ensuring that
they continue as pleasant and safe living environments.
3.Temporary Use
Past applications for temporary use bylaws have generally been for interim uses pending future redevelopment of a site or
local investment area. The proposed temporary use shall be evaluated within the context of its establishment on-site given
that the proposal is located within a stable residential area and the area is not undergoing change or redevelopment.
Conclusions:
The proposal for a temporary use bylaw for a 19m2 dietician's office as a home occupation will be evaluated within the
context outlined in this report and community consultation will be undertaken in consultation with local area councillors.
Contact Name:
Mary McElroy
Telephone: (416) 395-7143
______________________________
Bryan W. Tuckey
Director, Community Planning, North District
APPENDIX "A"
APPENDIX "B"
STAFF APPROVED CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HOME OCCUPATION PROPOSALS
The following is a list of criteria used to evaluate past home occupation applications:
1.the proposed use does not change the residential character of the dwelling;
2.the use is conducted by a member or members of the household who reside in the dwelling;
3.does not involve any exterior display of merchandise or outdoor storage of materials or goods;
4.the use does not create or become a public nuisance, particularly with regard to noise, odours, traffic, parking or radio
and television interference;
5.only equipment, machinery or vehicles that are consistent and compatible with surrounding residential uses are used on
site;
6.adequate on-site parking is provided;
7.the use is not substantially apparent to persons outside the residence;
8.the floor area devoted to the home occupation does not generally occupy more than 25% of the total floor area of the
building; and
9.home occupations shall not contravene any applicable Federal and/or Provincial legislation.
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