The Saskatoon development appeals board has upheld regulations regarding a house in the Nutana neighborhood that exceeds height and width limits. The three-story home on University Drive, valued at $1.6 million, surpasses the maximum height allowed by 1.4 meters and is wider than permitted. The violations were discovered during an inspection when the house was near completion, leading to a stop work order from the city.
The current owners, Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, who purchased the property from the late developer Karl Miller’s estate, claimed they were unaware of the size violations. City inspections conducted during construction failed to identify the discrepancies. Despite sympathizing with the owners, Jonathan Naylor, president of the Varsity View Community Association, supported the board’s decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties.
While pleased with the ruling, Naylor expressed surprise at the oversight by the previous owner and city inspectors. Neighbors, including Douglas Tompson, also welcomed the decision but raised concerns about unresolved issues. Speculation abounds that the matter may proceed to court due to its complexity, with the option to appeal the board’s decision to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board within 30 days. The Kellns are evaluating their next steps, considering the challenges and costs associated with potential modifications to comply with regulations.
