A White Rock property owner says she feels ignored by the city, after council approved a development variance permit application that she and her husband “strongly opposed.”
Sandra Muir owns the house next to 1152 Parker St., where the addition of a covered deck, enclosed storage area and covered porch began last summer without the required building permit.
The city informed the owners that their addition encroached into the required front-yard setback and would require a development variance permit from council, which the owners later applied for. The matter was first brought to council March 2, followed by a public meeting at council chambers April 13. City council unanimously approved the permit – reducing the setback by 2.2 metres (approximately seven feet) – that same evening.
Muir, who lives in Creston and rents out the Parker Street house, said she was unable to attend the public meeting, however, she submitted a letter stating her disapproval of the addition.
“Our view is going to be taken, our property is going to be devalued,” Muir told Peace Arch News last week. “I feel that I’ve been just totally ignored.”
City staff confirmed receipt of Muir’s letter, and said it was provided to council prior to last week’s meeting. Staff also noted that previous to the meeting, 13 residents provided written feedback on the permit request, with 12 in support, one opposed and one undecided.
Muir said she was especially disappointed with the approval after Mayor Wayne Baldwin said in March, “I doubt very much it would have been approved,” had the permit been requested ahead of time.
“Because it’s halfway built, they’re just letting him do it,” Muir said. “They can maximize their view at my expense, and the city is allowing them to do that. It’s morally wrong.”