Okay, I've had it.
Can we please get a citation for the oft-repeated "Only 3 storeys allowed in Uptown?
Because looking at the zoning map, it looks like most of it is C8-25 to me, which allows 75m in height.
Okay, let's break out the Official Plan. (page 47)
You want to know what kinds of developments are held to that standard?
Literally every condo development in downtown Toronto.
You want to know what happens when you allow development without this kind of design review?
The King St N student canyon.
You want to know what a development can look like that, through setbacks and massing, can preserve the 4-storey character of a main street, while still providing high density?
Five St. Joseph
In this case, the half of the block fronting Yonge is retained, while the half of the block fronting St. Nicholas has a condo tower. While I don't see Waterloo approving a 48-storey tower in Uptown, I see no reason to think that a similar development that is within the 75m height in the zoning map could not eventually be approved, subject to design review that maintains the character of King St.
The development process is always a give-and-take. This is why Zoning exists. So that if you want to push the envelope, that there are checks, balances, and leverage to make sure that you do it well.
Can we please stop bitching and moaning about how development in Uptown is impossible, and accept that development fronting King St is simply held to a higher standard?
Can we please get a citation for the oft-repeated "Only 3 storeys allowed in Uptown?
Because looking at the zoning map, it looks like most of it is C8-25 to me, which allows 75m in height.
Okay, let's break out the Official Plan. (page 47)
Quote:(4) It is a policy of this Plan to encourage, reinforce and improve theIf you want to build more than 4 storeys (16m), specifically fronting on King St, you have to go through design review to maintain the character of the neighbourhood.
architectural integrity of buildings within the Uptown Waterloo Urban
Growth Centre, particularly those fronting onto King Street through such
means as urban design guidelines and the Zoning By-Law. In order to
maintain and enhance the character of King Street as the City’s
mainstreet, for buildings that immediately abut King Street within the
Uptown Urban Growth Centre, the Zoning By-Law will contain provisions that require:
(a) a minimum height of 6 metres, being 2 full storeys; and,
(b) a maximum height of 16 metres for buildings that immediately abut
King Street between William Street and Young Street.
(i) For properties within the Main Street height limit on Schedule
‘B1’ – Height and Density, minor increases in height beyond
16 metres may be considered by way of an Amendment to the
Zoning By-Law, subject to the applicant demonstrating to the
City’s satisfaction that the four storey built form character and
massing of the streetscape is maintained through an appropriate
upper storey façade setback and other massing and supporting
design strategies. Applications for Zoning By-Law Amendments
and Site Plan approval that seek to exceed 16 metres shall be
accompanied by an urban design study, as identified through the
pre-consultation meeting process and through the Site Plan
review and approval process, justifying how the proposed height
addresses the City’s primary urban design objectives, design
guidelines and standards to the satisfaction of the City.
You want to know what kinds of developments are held to that standard?
Literally every condo development in downtown Toronto.
You want to know what happens when you allow development without this kind of design review?
The King St N student canyon.
You want to know what a development can look like that, through setbacks and massing, can preserve the 4-storey character of a main street, while still providing high density?
Five St. Joseph
In this case, the half of the block fronting Yonge is retained, while the half of the block fronting St. Nicholas has a condo tower. While I don't see Waterloo approving a 48-storey tower in Uptown, I see no reason to think that a similar development that is within the 75m height in the zoning map could not eventually be approved, subject to design review that maintains the character of King St.
The development process is always a give-and-take. This is why Zoning exists. So that if you want to push the envelope, that there are checks, balances, and leverage to make sure that you do it well.
Can we please stop bitching and moaning about how development in Uptown is impossible, and accept that development fronting King St is simply held to a higher standard?