Following the established rules, the Saskatoon development appeals board has made a final decision regarding a residence in Nutana that exceeds the permitted height restrictions.
In its recent ruling, the board determined that granting leeway for the house’s height would go against the zoning bylaw’s purpose.
The three-story property on University Drive, valued at $1.6 million, surpasses the maximum height limit for homes in well-established neighborhoods by 1.4 meters and also exceeds the allowable width.
The violations were identified during an inspection in May when construction was nearing completion, prompting the city to issue a stop work order.
The current owners, Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, acquired the property a year ago from developer Karl Miller’s estate, who passed away in a car accident in 2023.
They claimed to be unaware of the property’s non-compliance with size regulations.
The city authorities were also unaware of the violation despite conducting multiple inspections during the construction phase, both while Miller was alive and after the Kellns hired a different company to finish the project.
Community Response
Jonathan Naylor, president of the Varsity View Community Association neighboring Nutana, expressed understanding towards the owners’ situation but supported the board’s decision.
Naylor emphasized the importance of regulations preventing excessively large houses that can negatively impact neighboring properties in terms of privacy, shading, and drainage, as well as hinder tree growth.
The City of Saskatoon’s development appeals board has decided construction on an oversized, $1.6-million home can’t continue. The 306 hears from the president of the Varsity View Community Association and a neighbor.
Naylor expressed satisfaction with the ruling as it could have set a precedent for development in various areas of the city.
However, questions remain for Naylor, particularly regarding the oversight by the previous owner and city inspectors.
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