June 20, 2006 - Minutes


City of Richmond Meeting Minutes

Planning Committee

 

 

Date:

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Bill McNulty, Vice-Chair
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

 


 

 

 

MINUTES

 

 

1.

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Tuesday, June 6, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

 

 

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

 

 

 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

 

 

 

3.

APPLICATION BY AJIT THALIWAL FOR REZONING AT 8311 NO. 1 ROAD FROM SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT (R1-0.6)

(RZ: 06-330497, Report: May 24, 2006 File No. 12-8060-20-8079) (REDMS No. 1893093, 1893312, 1893343)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Bylaw No. 8079, for the rezoning of 8311 No. 1 Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

4.

APPLICATION BY LAWRENCE DOYLE ARCHITECT INC. FOR REZONING AT 8200 CORVETTE WAY FROM AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6) AND COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/85) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/173)

(RZ 04-275910 - Report:  May 18, 2006, File No.: 12-8060-20-8073/8072/8000) (REDMS No. 1698164, 1451670, 1826893, 1825213, 1826897, 1698488, 1890556, 1905267)

 

 

Committee members thanked staff and the applicant for participating in discussions with respect to public amenities. The developer is prepared to incorporate a community garden on the roof podium at the Development Permit stage for use of residents only, and Committee members commented favourably on this idea.

 

 

There was brief discussion regarding how the city can communicate to developers at the beginning of the development application process what the city would like to see in terms of community amenities. It was suggested that unintended consequences may result if, at the end of the application process, the city asked a developer to explore community amenities opportunities.

 

 

It was noted that it is the right of Council and Committees to determine whether a project proceeds or not, based on what the applicant and staff present. It was further noted that the Official Community Plan guides development projects, and that while the OCP makes some issues clear, areas that are less clear give rise to negotiations with developers.

 

 

Staff agreed to a request by Committee to supply a list of development applications.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No. 8000, to redesignate 8200 Corvette Way from “Mixed- Use Riverfront” to “Mixed-Use Riverfront A” in the Land Use Map of Schedule 2.10 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100 (City Centre Area Plan), be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

 

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8000, having been considered in conjunction with:

 

·         

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

 

·         

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

 

is hereby deemed to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 882(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.

 

 

(3)

That Bylaw No. 8000, having been considered in accordance with the City Policy on Consultation during OCP Amendment, be referred to the Vancouver International Airport Authority (VIAA);

 

 

(4)

That Bylaw 8072, to amend existing “Comprehensive Development District (CD/85)” to remove reference to 8200 Corvette Way from the Bylaw, be introduced and given first reading; and

 

 

(5)

That Bylaw No. 8073, to create “Comprehensive Development District (CD/173”) and to rezone 8200 Corvette Way from “Comprehensive Development District (CD/85)” and “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C-6)”to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/173)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

5.

APPLICATION BY KASIAN ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN AND PLANNING LTD. FOR A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/34) AT 11388 STEVESTON HIGHWAY

(ZT – 06-337686 - Report:  June 1, 2006, File No.:  12-8060-20-8083) (REDMS No. 1892387, 1902711, 1898726, 1898741)

 

 

Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development, stated that the applicant is seeking a text amendment to the Comprehensive Development District (CD/34) in order to accommodate the Canadian Tire Expansion Project.

 

 

Discussion ensued and the Chair invited Jason Maynes, Development Coordinator for Canadian Tire, accompanied by Ken Mah, from Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd., to answer questions from the Committee.

 

 

Mr. Maynes and  Mr. Mah advised that:

 

 

·      

the proposed renovation will conserve the vocabulary of the building and will include removal of the indoor garden centre, expansion of the building and landscaping into these areas, the outdoor garden compound and the free-standing greenhouse;

 

 

·      

the proposed scope of the plan includes conversion of a portion of the existing warehouse space to regular retail space;

 

 

·      

there will be an exterior paint job, and some retail facade will be added to the side of the building where at present there is a blank wall; these changes will help match the exterior of the Canadian Tire store with the rest of the retail environment;

 

 

·      

landscaping enhancements are also planned.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Bylaw No. 8083, to amend the permitted density subsection (maximum size of retail trade and services area) in Comprehensive Development District (CD/34) at 11388 Steveston Highway, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

6.

AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT BYLAW 5300 TO ADDRESS SEASONAL FARM LABOUR ACCOMMODATION

(RZ  - Report:  May 29, 2006, File No.:  12-8060-20-8074/8039) (REDMS No. 1761277, 1759092, 1838455, 1835987)

 

 

Terry Crowe, Manager, Policy Planning stated that staff has worked with a various parties, including the City of Richmond’s Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), to bring forward a recommendation that will permit temporary accommodation for seasonal farm labour on farms. He stated that at this time there is no application for seasonal accommodation.

 

 

Discussion ensued with Mr. Crowe providing the following details:

 

 

·      

if accommodation for seasonal farm labour is no longer required the manufactured dwellings can be easily removed with limited impact on agricultural land;

 

 

·      

any seasonal farm labour accommodation building that does not meet the requirements outlined in the Zoning and Development Bylaw 5300, or is no longer required for accommodation of season farm labour, will be removed;

 

 

·      

the dwellings will not be considered permanent dwellings;

 

 

·      

dwelling inspections will be conducted by Richmond’s Community Bylaws and Building Approvals staff to ensure that the buildings are occupied by temporary farm labour only during the specified period, and to ensure compliance with conditions;

 

 

·      

only one seasonal farm labour accommodation building, located on one lot, is permitted per “farm operation”

 

 

·      

the City is concerned with land use, while Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is concerned with farm labour wages and labour conditions; HRSDC can do its own inspections;

 

 

·      

if farmers want to utilize an existing building on their property for seasonal farm labour accommodation they can do so, providing all the requirements apply, and the city will conduct a review to determine the number of occupants who can reside in the dwelling;

 

 

·      

the City will require that a rezoning application be approved to allow seasonal farm labour accommodation, on a site-specific basis.

 

 

The Chair invited Bruce May, a member of the City of Richmond’s Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) to address the Committee. Mr. May stated that it is difficult for farmers to find labourers. Farmers are required to pay labourers from Mexico at least minimum wage. The federal government, through HRSDC, conducts inspections of farm conditions to ensure that labours are accommodated properly. Mr. May thanked city staff for their work, and thanked committee members for their support.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That, as per the report dated May 29, 2006 from the Manager of Policy Planning:

 

 

(1)

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8074, proposing text amendments to Schedule 1 of Official Community Plan Bylaw 7100 to include policies that address the permitting of Seasonal Farm Labour Accommodation to enhance agricultural viability in the City of Richmond, be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8074 having been considered in conjunction with:

 

 

 

·   

The City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

 

 

 

·   

The Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Management Plans;

 

 

 

is hereby deemed to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 882(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.

 

 

(3)

That Bylaw No. 8074, having been considered in accordance with the Council Policy on Consultation During OCP Development, is hereby deemed not to require further consultation.

 

 

(4)

Bylaw No. 8039, to amend Zoning and Development Bylaw 5300, to establish special regulations to permit Seasonal Farm Labour Accommodation, on a limited, site specific basis, on lands zoned Agricultural District (AG1), be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

7.

CITY CENTRE AREA PLAN UPDATE – PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND PROPOSED PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

 (Report: June 15, 2006 File No.: 08-4045-20-10) (REDMS No.1923903)

 

 

Terry Crowe circulated copies of the City Centre Area Plan (CCAP) Open House Presentation Material (Schedule 1) to committee members, stating that:

 

 

·      

the City Centre Area Plan Update and Implementation Strategy involves consultation with the public, and the first open house is to be held during the week of July 18-22, 2006;

 

 

·      

to achieve the vision of a world class urban centre for the City Centre, four goals are proposed: build a complete community, build green, build economic vitality, and build a legacy;

 

 

·      

this can be accomplished by the creation of urban villages throughout the city, which are linked by public transit;

 

 

·      

Richmond can be a liveable city with maximum buildout;

 

 

Discussion ensued with Mr. Crowe advising Committee that:

 

 

·      

height restrictions in Richmond are a key issue and the City is encouraging Transport Canada to establish and communicate its work program quickly;

 

 

·      

the plan to create high density, liveable, transit oriented development communities around Canada Line stations includes the desire to make Richmond pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly by promoting a culture of walking and cycling;

 

 

·      

not every proposed urban village will include all amenities to suit all residents’ desires, but the public consultation in July, 2006 will give residents an opportunity to identify what they would like to see included, and staff will get a better idea of what amenities the public desires;

 

 

·      

despite summertime distractions, the July, 2006 dates for consulting the public are important so that staff can bring details back to the Committee, and then to Council, before the end of December, 2006;

 

 

·      

the build green approach should, and can, include energy conservation, and a lessening dependence on fossil fuels;

 

 

·      

the consultation findings will enable Council to better manage growth in the City Centre to 2021, and to bring the City’s interests forward when participating in the OCP and 2031 GVRD LRSP updates;

 

 

·      

staff recommended holding a workshop for the City – School Board Liaison Committee to better acquaint the Committee with the CCAP Update study material, and in addition it can present the material to the Richmond School Board.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That, as described in the Manager, Policy Planning report: “City Centre Area Plan Update – Preliminary Findings & Proposed Public Consultation Process”, dated June 15, 2006, staff proceed with the public consultation process for the City Centre Area Plan Update.

CARRIED

 

8.

APPLICATION BY PETER YEE FOR REZONING AT 8680 NO. 3 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT (R2-0.6))

(RZ 05-294804 - Report:  May 29, 2006, File No.:  12-8060-20-8082) (REDMS No. 1457790, 1504087, 1504517)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Bylaw No. 8082, for the rezoning of 8680 No. 3 Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Townhouse District (R2-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

9.

APPLICATION BY SAL BHULLAR FOR REZONING AT 11540 WILLIAMS ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT 0.6 (R1-0.6)

APPLICATION BY DHINJAL CONSTRUCTION LTD. FOR REZONING AT 11680 WILLIAMS ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT 0.6 (R1-0.6)

(RZ 06-331753/RZ 06-334342 - Report:  June 1, 2006, File No.:  12-8060-20-8080/8081, cross-reference 08-4430-00) (REDMS No. 1895331, 280092, 1660044, 1713110, 1735795, 1763711, 1898155, 1898157, 1897947, 1897949, 1898018)

 

 

Jean Lamontagne reported that the proposal is consistent with the development direction already established for the area between Francis Road and Bowcock Road. He also stated that the proposed development is in compliance with the interim Arterial Road Redevelopment Strategy and with the Lane Establishment and Arterial Road Redevelopment Polices as outlined in the Official Community Plan.

 

 

A brief discussion ensued and Mr. Lamontagne provided the following information:

 

 

·   

staff can look at areas for convertible housing to establish if this area is appropriate for that type of development;

 

 

·   

an independent review of servicing requirements for storm and sanitary concluded that no upgrades to the existing systems are required to support the proposed development.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That the following recommendations be forwarded to Public Hearing:

 

 

 

“That Single Family Lot Size Policy 5434 for the area bounded by Williams Road, No. 5 Road, Steveston Highway, and Shell Road (Section 36-4-6), adopted by Council on November 18, 1991, be amended to:

 

 

 

(i)

Remove all properties fronting on Steveston Highway from Seaward Gate to No. 5 Road;

 

 

 

(ii)

Permit properties fronting on Williams Road from Shell Road to No. 5 Road, properties fronting on No. 5 Road from Williams Road to Seacliff Road, and properties fronting on Steveston Highway from Seaward Gate to Shell Road, to rezone and subdivide in accordance with the provisions of Single Family Housing District 0.6 (R1-0.6) or Coach House District (R9), provided that vehicle accesses are to the existing rear laneway only.  Multiple-family residential development shall not be permitted in these areas.

 

 

 

(iii)

Permit properties fronting on No. 5 Road from Seacliff Road to Steveston Highway to rezone and subdivide in accordance with the provisions of Single Family Housing District 0.6 (R1-0.6) or Coach House District (R9), provided that vehicle accesses are to the existing rear laneway only.”

 

 

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8080, for the rezoning of 11540 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1 0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading; and

 

 

(3)

That Bylaw No. 8081, for the rezoning of 11680 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1 0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

 

 

10.

REGULATING THE BC HOME AND PROPERTY INSPECTION INDUSTRY

(Report:  June 7th, 2006, File No.:  01-0150-01) (REDMS No.1847096)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That the report (dated June 7th, 2006, from the Manager, Building Approvals), regarding Regulating the BC Home and Property Inspection Industry, be received for information.

 

 

(2)

That a copy of this report be forwarded to the Building Policy Branch of the Provincial Office of Housing and Construction Standards for consideration during the current review of Building Safety Systems.

CARRIED

 

 

11.

MANAGER’S REPORT

 

 

 

(1)

Affordable Housing -  There was no report forthcoming.

 

 

 

(2)

City Centre Plan - There was no report forthcoming.

 

 

 

(3)

Steveston Study - There was no report forthcoming.

 

 

 

(4)

Official Community Plan/Liveable Region Strategic Plan Review - There was no report forthcoming.

 

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That staff investigate the idea of a Civic Centre Master Plan to include the Minoru Place Activity Centre/Minoru Park.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the meeting adjourn (5:22 p.m.).

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, June 20, 2006.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sheila Johnston
Committee Clerk