The Saskatoon development appeals board has upheld regulations regarding a house in Nutana that exceeds height restrictions. The board determined that granting leniency would go against the zoning bylaw’s purpose. The three-story residence on University Drive, valued at $1.6 million, surpasses the maximum height limit for established neighborhoods by 1.4 meters and also exceeds the allowed width. Violations were identified during an inspection in May when the house was nearing completion, leading the city to issue a work stoppage order.
The current owners, Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, acquired the property a year ago from the late developer Karl Miller’s estate. They claimed ignorance of the size restrictions. Despite multiple inspections conducted by the city during construction, including additional ones after a different company took over the project, the violations went unnoticed.
Jonathan Naylor, president of the Varsity View Community Association, supported the board’s decision, emphasizing the importance of regulations to prevent oversized structures that can impact neighboring properties negatively. While pleased with the outcome, Naylor expressed surprise at the oversights by the previous owner and city inspectors.
Douglas Tompson, a resident near the property, also welcomed the board’s ruling but expressed concern over unresolved issues. He defended the current homeowners, labeling them as blameless victims caught up in the situation.
Speculation arises about potential legal action due to the complexity of the matter. The Kellns are considering their next steps, with Curtis Kelln mentioning the impracticality of removing the third story without significant reconstruction costs. The appeal board’s decision can be challenged at the Saskatchewan Municipal Board within the next month.