Commercial Lands Approvals
From due diligence through to concept design, Nethery Planning can support commercial and employment land owners in building the retail and service spaces people need for shopping and work.
Concept design
Due diligence research
Site plan and zoning approvals
Case Study
Commercial/Industrial Plaza in Hamilton
Scope of Work
R&G Development retained Nethery Planning to pursue planning approvals for a 10-unit commercial/industrial condominium development on a vacant and underutilized site within a key corridor in Hamilton. The initial scope included securing a minor variance to address reduced parking requirements and the contemplation of a Zoning By-law Amendment to expand permitted uses on the site.
Nethery Planning’s role included a comprehensive review of the applicable zoning framework, analysis of permitted uses and parking standards, and preparation of a planning strategy to support the proposed development. This involved evaluating potential tenant configurations, identifying opportunities within the existing Zoning By-law, and coordinating with City staff to confirm interpretation and application of zoning provisions.
Challenges and Solutions
The Zoning By-law for the commercial/industrial zone does not align well with the smaller, multi-unit development, limiting the range of permitted uses for small-scale businesses. At the same time, parking requirements are geared toward larger commercial/industrial uses, resulting in a parking demand that exceeded what the site could reasonably accommodate.
Nethery Planning addressed this by undertaking a detailed review of permitted uses and parking standards and working collaboratively with City staff to identify a viable path forward within the existing zoning framework.
Outcomes
Through strategic planning and careful alignment of permitted uses, Nethery Planning developed a tenant mix that eliminated the need for both a Zoning By-law Amendment and a Minor Variance, saving the client both extensive time and money.
Case Study
Markham Sports Centre Minor Variance
Scope of Work
Preparation of two Minor Variance Applications to expand the range of uses permitted within the existing health centre. The first variance allowed the addition of a small retail store selling sports-related equipment. The second variance permitted a golf simulator as an accessory recreational use. Our team prepared detailed planning opinion letters, coordinated with municipal staff, and presented before the Committee.
Challenges and Solutions
The zoning framework for the Business Park Employment designation limited the range of accessory uses. Nethery Planning demonstrated through planning rationale and precedent that the proposed retail and recreational uses were consistent with Official Plan policy, maintained the intent of the Zoning By-law, and remained subordinate to the site’s primary function.
Outcomes
Both variances were approved, enabling the property to evolve as a modern, multi-use facility within Markham’s Business Park Employment area.
Case Study
Meadowlands Preschool
Scope of Work
Preparation of a Minor Variance request, site sketch, and Planning Justification Report to support the Minor Variance. Our team prepared a presentation to Council which detailed the four tests of a Minor Variance, which was supported by a staff recommendation for approval of the Minor Variance request.
Challenges and Solutions
There were no new designs, developments, or construction proposed as a part of the Minor Variance application, but rather an increase in capacity in the already existing daycare. Many planning applications consider structural changes, but in this case, there was only a change to recognize the existing capacity for expansion and allow for a continuation of the use.
Outcomes
The Minor Variance was granted, with the note that a building permit is required for the alteration to increase the capacity of the existing day care.