May 11, 1998

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:Rezoning Application No. 196021 (535 Queen Street East) for the conversion of a building from light industrial usage to 11 dwelling units. (Don River)

Purpose:This report recommends that a site specific By-law be adopted by City Council to permit the conversion of a former industrial building to 11 dwelling units.

Source of Funds:Not applicable

Recommendations:

1.That the Zoning By-law, By-law 438-86, as amended, be amended so as to:

(a)exempt the site from Sections 4(13)(a) and 9(1)(a) of Bylaw 438-86, as amended:

(b)permit the alteration and use of a building that existed on the lot in 1997 for no more than 11 dwelling units provided:

i) the residential gross floor area of the building does not exceed 1,800 square metres;

ii)at least 8 parking spaces are provided and maintained on the lot of which one parking space is designated for the exclusive use of visitors to the building; and

iii)storage is provided and maintained on the lot for at least 8 bicycles.

Background:

The building which is the subject of this application, was illegally occupied for residential purposes after a construction permit was granted by the City for interior alterations to the building for light industrial activities. The owner then submitted a condominium application to the City, which was set aside on the advice of the City Solicitor. This rezoning application, if approved, would be the first step to legalize the building for residential use. The owner will then be required to receive the appropriate building permits to ensure that the work already completed meets all applicable laws including the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code. Once an appropriate building permit is granted by the City the owner will be able to complete the condominium approval for the legalized building.

Planning Discussion:

The site is located within the Corktown Mixed Industrial-Residential District of the King-Parliament Part II Official Plan area. One of the planning objectives for this part of King-Parliament is to gradually permit the reallocation of small industrial properties from industrial to residential or live/work usage. For this reason the Part II Official Plan permits through rezoning approval, the conversion of light industrial buildings to residential or live/work uses. The proposal does not alter the built form of the existing building and therefore the proposal is in keeping with the existing physical character of the neighbourhood. The proposal is in keeping with the objectives of the Part II Official Plan for Corktown.

The Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services has reviewed the proposal and has recommended that 8 parking spaces be provided for the project.

The Medical Officer of Health has reviewed the proposal in respect to environmental issues and is now satisfied that the building is suited to residential occupancy.

Conclusions:

This project meets the intent of Part II Official Plan policies for the Corktown neighbourhood of King-Parliament. I am recommending that this small proposal be approved.

Contact Name:

Lance Alexander

Planner

East Section

City Planning

phone: (416) 392-7573

Fax:(416)3921330

e-mail:lalexand@city.toronto.on.ca

Beate Bowron

Acting Director, City Planning

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APPLICATION DATA SHEET

Confirmed Municipal Address:535 Queen Street East and 540 King Street East.

PLANNING CONTROLS (For verification refer to Chief Building Official)

PROJECT INFORMATION