The Saskatoon development appeals board upheld regulations by denying an appeal for a house that exceeds height and width limits in the Nutana neighborhood. The three-story home on University Drive, valued at $1.6 million, surpasses the maximum allowable height by 1.4 meters and is wider than permitted. Violations were identified during an inspection when the house was near completion, leading to a stop work order by the city.
The current owners, Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, purchased the property from developer Karl Miller’s estate and claimed they were unaware of the size restrictions. City staff, who conducted multiple inspections during construction, also did not detect the violations. The decision pleased Jonathan Naylor, president of the Varsity View Community Association, who emphasized the importance of upholding regulations to prevent adverse impacts on neighboring properties.
Despite the decision, questions remain about how the violations went unnoticed by the previous owner and city inspectors. Douglas Tompson, a nearby resident, expressed sympathy for the homeowners, noting they were blameless in the situation. Speculation suggests the matter may escalate to the courts due to its complexity, with the option to appeal the board’s decision within the next 30 days. The Kellns are considering their next steps, as altering the structure to comply with regulations would involve significant costs and reconstruction.