Alexander James Robinson and Hannah Larman applied for Development Variance Permit DVP00180 at 942 Wollaston Street, Esquimalt, to reduce the rear setback from 4.5 m to 1.5 m for an existing accessory building. Council denied the application at its May 4, 2026 meeting by a 2-4 vote. Mayor Desjardins and Councillors Armour, Cavens, and Helliwell opposed the variance; only Councillor Brame voted in favour.
All four public submissions opposed the variance, citing reduced setback impacts, privacy and security concerns, and the fact the variance was sought after construction had already occurred. With the DVP denied, the accessory building's non-conforming rear setback remains non-compliant with the Zoning Bylaw. The applicants will either need to bring the structure into conformity or pursue an alternate approval pathway, though the vote suggests limited council appetite for after-the-fact variances of this nature.
A rezoning application for 942 Wollaston Street in Esquimalt, submitted by Alexander James Robinson and Hannah Larman, was denied by Council at the May 4, 2026 meeting. Mayor Desjardins and Councillors Armour, Cavens, and Helliwell opposed the application.