White Rock couple's request to create parking for their property on the city boulevard was made in the name of safety, council has heard.
At last week's public hearing, Gary Kennedy told the politicians he and his wife, Janet, "never imagined" needing to spend more than $40,000 to establish safe access to the 15168 Columbia Ave. home they bought in May 2011.
But poor visibility when trying to leave the property from a steeply sloped driveway left them no choice but to ask for a development variance permit that would enable two parking pads to be set on city right-of-way.
"Speeding cars and traffic make exiting from our property fairly hazardous," Kennedy said.
He noted the site's two previous owners usually chose to park across the street, and that about 80 per cent of properties on the south side of the block have encroached on city property.
Allowing that practice to continue without regulation or penalty was a concern noted by Vidal Street resident – and 2011 council candidate – Bruce McWilliam.
In a March 26 email to council, McWilliam said the only fair way to allow the use of city-owned land by residents for such purposes would be to require licences and annual fees.
"When will the city start requiring payment for the market value of the use of city-owned property for parking, expanded yard areas, etc., including use of boulevards, roads and rights-of-ways by adjacent property owners?" McWilliam writes.
Paul Stanton, the city's director of planning and development services, told council the changes, which would include a retaining wall, "will provide a safer, more level entrance to the road from this location."
The Kennedys would be responsible for any maintenance or repairs to the structures; the variance would be specific to the one property, and would expire when the existing house is demolished.
Kennedy said feedback he has received from neighbours has been positive, however, Vern Perry, who lives three properties east of the Kennedys, told council he was concerned the change could further impair visibility.
Kennedy told Peace Arch News Tuesday that he received word April 5 that his variance application had been approved. Now, the couple need a right-of-way permit to complete the work, he said.