For some reason, planners argue that “neighbours change over time” and this is meant to be a reason why this kind of variance can’t be allowed. Makes no sense to me, as future neighbours would know what they are getting into when they buy. Perhaps there needs to be a notice period preventing someone from agreeing to a variance and then selling their house before the variance activity has been completed.

This process is available where I am, but spending thousands of dollars to consultants, meeting with City Planners, attending hearings, and months of waiting with no guarantee scare away a lot of folks.