Six houses at Skyridge will be built a little more forward than usual because the land behind them inclines downward.
"The six lots are located on steep terrain and the intention behind the variance request is to move the homes closer to Horizon Drive to avoid the steep drop at the rear of the property and need for larger retaining structures," reads a report to council.
Council voted unanimously in favour of granting variances that would give the lots, all of which are on Horizon Drive, shorter setbacks.
Their front yard setbacks are now six metres, down from 7.62 metres. The rear setbacks have been adjusted to ensure the building is getting built in a more forward position, rather than being constructed at a larger size.
Bryan Daly, development and subdivision co-ordinator, said staff support the motion and later added it wouldn't affect the boulevard.
There were three comments received that spoke out against the proposal, at least one of which was written on behalf of seven or eight nearby homeowners, he said.
Mayor Karen Elliott did not vote on the matter. She recused herself, citing the possibility of a perceived conflict of interest.
Elliott, who has a consulting business, said she has done some work for Diamond Head Development, the company behind Skyridge. Her children also attend the newly-constructed Montessori school in the area.
The school was part of the Skyridge project.
As part of an amenity contribution for the setback variances, Diamond Head gave $15,000 to fund a local trail connector between Dowad Drive and Brackentrail.
The proposed path will connect to Dowad Drive via an onsite trail that is being built on the new Montessori School site, a staff report says.
