Quote:
Originally Posted by GreatTallNorth2
Is there no on in City Hall to work with them to change the design?
The problem in this city is that not many politicians care about design - Anne Marie doesn't have a clue, Tom Gosnell and Van Mer Burgen are pro-ugly design.
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So let's go on that concept a bit further: Let's say that you went to the bank and you got approved for a $240,000 mortgage your new dream house. It's going to be a 1,600 square foot backsplit. The reason that it's a backsplit is that you can only afford a 40 foot frontage lot, so the house will have to be narrow and tall. It will be clad in a little brick veneer in the front, but primarily vinyl siding on the rest of the house. The driveway will initially be gravel, with asphalt to come later. Landscaping will be pretty much grass and little else. This is a pretty typical house in terms of standards, but it will be designed for your personal uses in mind, and it will be YOURS.
So, you go into City Hall to get a building permit for your new project. The reviewer takes a look at the plans as you wait. You see him taking a red pencil to the drawings, scribbling notes. Eventually he looks up and speaks to you:
"I'm sorry sir, but your plans do not adhere to our urban design requirements for private developments. Your lot must have a minimum 60 foot frontage, in order to allow you to build a ranch-style bungalow, as this area of the city is designated for only single story homes. The City's urban design committee long ago determined that rear-heavy backsplit houses on lots narrower than 60 feet were unsightly and are not permitted in this area. As well, vinyl siding is strictly prohibited anywhere in the municipality. Approved exterior cladding materials include kiln-fired brick, glass, or natural stone - preferably granite. Asphalt shingles are not permitted - only cedar shakes, slate, or approved metal designs. Oh, and lastly, I don't see the landscaping plan in your drawing package. When will we be able to take a look at that, including the details on the paving stone that will make up your driveway? Please make the appropriate revisions to your design, and you will be welcome to resubmit your revised building plans, including your proposed landscape plans, at a later time for review and approval."
So, now your new house will indeed have to look much more attractive than the sort of houses typically built in most places in Ontario, and the entire neighborhood that you plan to build in does look stunning. Truly a showcase.
Unfortunately, you won't be a part of it though. It will now cost you $365,000 to build your house to the standard that will adhere to the municipal minimum design standards for private developments. If you want to continue with your dream, you will have to move to the next town up the road, where no such requirements exist. You start flipping through the Yellow Pages, looking for a good moving company....