The Saskatoon development appeals board recently ruled on a house in the Nutana neighborhood that exceeds the city’s height regulations. The three-story home on University Drive, valued at $1.6 million, surpasses the maximum height limit for established neighborhoods by 1.4 meters and is also wider than allowed. Violations were discovered during a May inspection when the city issued a stop work order as the construction neared completion.
The current owners, Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, purchased the property a year ago from developer Karl Miller’s estate. They claimed ignorance of the size limits being exceeded. City staff were also unaware of the violation, despite conducting multiple inspections during construction. The board’s decision upheld the zoning bylaw, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood.
Jonathan Naylor, president of the Varsity View Community Association, supported the board’s ruling, highlighting the potential negative impact of oversized homes on neighboring properties. While pleased with the decision, Naylor raised concerns about the oversight by the previous owner and city inspectors.
Neighbour Douglas Tompson expressed sympathy for the homeowners, acknowledging their innocence in the situation. He speculated that the matter may escalate to court due to its complexity. The Kellns are considering their next steps, with the possibility of appealing the board’s decision within 30 days. The couple explored options to remedy the violation but found that altering the structure would be costly and impractical.
