392 Royal Bay Drive

A 25-unit townhouse development is proposed at 392 Royal Bay Drive in Colwood, requiring a Development Variance Permit for two Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw variances: a cul-de-sac radius reduction from 15 metres to 11 metres, and an increase in maximum total driveway access width from 7 metres to 10.1 metres to accommodate two driveways and an off-site visitor parking stall. The Planning and Land Use Committee considered the application but the transcript cuts off before any debate or decision; the committee’s recommendation remains unknown. Staff have recommended denial. The variances are technical rather than massing or density related. Staff argue the reduced cul-de-sac radius is inconsistent with council and community expectations, and the widened driveway limits space for street trees and utilities. The applicant countered with a technical memo confirming safe vehicle turning movements and emergency access via a statutory right-of-way, framing the departures as appropriate for an infill context. Only one member of the public spoke—in support, citing housing gaps for downsizing families and seniors—and no correspondence was received. The low public engagement removes one political variable, but the staff opposition is grounded in bylaw standards, not discretionary preference, which may carry weight with council. The site sits within the Royal Bay master-planned community, where townhouse construction is active and aligned with the Official Community Plan. A variance denial does not terminate the 25-unit project; the applicant could reconfigure to meet standard SDS dimensions, though that would likely reduce unit count or require a redesigned site plan. If the committee recommends approval and council concurs, the development permit would follow. The key unknown is whether councillors view these specific variances as minor adjustments suited to a built-out infill parcel or as precedents that weaken street design standards across the area. No councillor positions have surfaced publicly, so the committee’s eventual debate will determine whether the project proceeds as designed or returns for revision.

A 25-unit townhouse development is proposed at 392 Royal Bay Drive in Colwood, requiring a Development Variance Permi…