September 22, 2015 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda McPhail, Chair
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day (entered at 4:02 p.m.)
Councillor Harold Steves

Call to Order:

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

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on September 9, 2015, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

October 6, 2015, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

The Chair advised that a report on Richmond Addiction Services Society and the Richmond Youth Media Program will be added to the Delegation presentation.

1.

Daylene Marshall and Alex Nixon, Co-Chairs of the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) presented a communication tool regarding the RCSAC Social Services and Space Needs Survey, and spoke of the challenges associated with acquiring programming space in the city. They added that there is a need to be aware of potential space acquisition opportunities in the city and requested Committee’s guidance on the matter.

Cllr. Day entered the meeting (4:02 p.m.).

In reply to queries from Committee Ms. Marshall and Mr. Nixon noted that (i) the Richmond Food Bank has requested assistance in acquiring programming space from the City in the past, (ii) different community services have different needs and could take advantage of temporary spaces or spaces outside the city centre, (iii) some community services such as the Richmond Food Bank would require permanent space, (iv) programming space should be accessible to transit services, (v) there has been an effort to collaborate with different community organizations such as Richmond Caring Place Society and Richmond Pathways Clubhouse to address issues related to the acquisition of programming space, and (vi) the RCSAC will update the Committee on the matter.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the City’s involvement in assisting community groups in acquiring programming space, Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager, Community Services advised that (i) the City has been examining the feasibility of expanding Richmond Caring Place Society to accommodate community organizations, (ii) the city centre is an ideal location for community groups due to its proximity to transit services, (iii) the City receives requests for programming space from community groups and examines available options, and (iv) programming space in the city is limited, however, the City can examine a fair evaluation process to assess priorities.

Discussion ensued with respect to extending the lifecycle or repurposing vacant City buildings, and in reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Carlile noted that the City evaluates the available inventory according to the City’s needs then surplus space may be made available to community groups.

Discussion further ensued with regard to collaborating with other agencies such as TransLink for accessibility outside the city centre, and Richmond School District No. 38 for utilizing vacant schools.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the reduction of funding for youth and senior programs, Ms. Marshall noted that funding was found for Seniors Peer Counselling and ESL programs, however; these programs saw a gap in services during the period of reduced funding. In terms of funding for youth programs, Ms. Marshall noted that there was a loss in service for Youth Outreach and that the Boys and Girls Club in Richmond was not affect.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the results and Communication Tool for the annual Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee Social Services and Space Needs Survey be referred to staff; and

(2)

That staff examine the availability of space for use by non-profit community organization within the City’s inventory of buildings, and report back.

CARRIED

Rick Dubras, Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS), briefed Committee on the Communication Tool and supporting report for RASS and the Richmond Youth Media Program (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1), noting that the Richmond Youth Media Lab is growing in popularity and needs continued support from the City.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding funding for the Richmond Youth Media Lab, Kim Somerville, Manager Arts Services, noted that (i) funding was received from Vancouver Coastal Health, Telus and Viva Pharmaceuticals, (ii) staff hours for the Media Lab is based on funding, and (iii) staff are looking for new sponsorship opportunities for the Media Lab.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff receive the Communication Tool and supporting report for the Richmond Addiction Services Society and the Richmond Youth Media Program for information; and

(2)

That funding for the Richmond Youth Media Lab Program be referred to the budget process.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

2.

Application by Sumaiyya Hasan for Rezoning at 8571 No. 4 Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Coach Houses (RCH1)
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009290; RZ 14-662541) (REDMS No. 4704349)

Cynthia Lussier, Planning Technician, briefed Committee on the proposed application, noting that the proposed application would create two lots with coach house and access to the rear lane. She added that the proposed application is consistent with the Official Community Plan (OCP) for the area and that there is a servicing agreement for frontage improvements along No. 4 Road.

In reply to queries from Committee, Wayne Craig, Director, Development, noted that there is development signage on the property and that should the application proceed, public notification would be sent to neighbouring property owners prior to the Public Hearing.

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9290, for the rezoning of 8571 No. 4 Road from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Coach Houses (RCH1),” be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

3.

Application by Interface Architecture Inc. for Rezoning at 11671 and 11691 Cambie Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Low Density Townhouses (RTL4)
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009293; RZ 14-670471) (REDMS No. 4563973)

Mr. Craig briefed Committee on the proposed application, highlighting the following:

§   

the proposed development will consist of 21 townhouse units;

§   

the proposed development will be designed to meet EnerGuide 82 standards;

§   

the proposed development will provide cash-in-lieu contributions towards the City’s Public Art and Affordable Housing Fund;

§   

a public information meeting regarding the proposed development was held for neighbouring residents on September 9, 2015 and concerns were expressed with respect to parking and potential increase in traffic;

§   

a servicing agreement will facilitate frontage improvements along Cambie Road and Mellis Drive as well as intersection upgrades to Bargen Drive and Cambie Road; and

§   

a pedestrian walkway through the site to Cambie Road is proposed.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that access to the proposed development will be through Mellis Drive and that the proposed signal upgrades to the intersection of Bargen Drive and Cambie Road will help address traffic concerns. Donna Chan, Manager, Transportation Planning, added that staff can examine synchronizing traffic lights with the pedestrian signals.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the proposed tandem parking on-site, (ii) the lack of on-street parking and traffic volumes along Mellis Drive, (iii) reducing the proposed building setbacks, (iv) the number of units proposed in the development, (v) a site access from Cambie Road, (vi) utilizing an adjacent commercial lot occupied by Coast Capital Savings as an access point to the site, (vii) sending public notification in multiple languages, and (viii) notification and attendance of the public information meeting for the proposed development.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig advised that there is an existing townhouse complex to the north of the proposed development.

Discussion ensued with regard to restricting parking along Mellis Drive and in reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Chan noted that Mellis Drive is a local road and on-street parking is permitted. She added that prior to the proposed application, the City has not received complaints related to on-street parking issues in the area. She further noted that an assessment conducted by the City in 2011 of developments with tandem parking has found that there is no strong correlation between tandem parking and on-street parking.

Discussion then took place with respect to the timeline of the proposed future intersection improvements on Cambie Road and No. 5 Road, and in reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Chan noted that work on the signal improvements and the illuminated street signs can proceed once the cash contribution is received from the developer.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig advised that the developer would be responsible for signal upgrades at the intersection of Cambie Road and Bargen Drive, and that the developer will provide a cash contribution towards signal upgrades at the intersection of Cambie Road and No. 5 Road.

Peter Thackwray, 11888 Mellis Drive, expressed concern regarding the proposed development with respect to (i) pedestrian safety, (ii) coordination on signal lights along Bargen Drive, (iii) visibility along corner of Mellis Drive, (iv) potential increase in traffic, (v) the limited availability of on-street parking in the area, especially during church services and special events, and (vi) vehicles parking on restricted areas, violating fire regulations.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Thackwray noted that his townhouse complex does not have vehicle access to No. 5 Road and that there is traffic congestion in the area during peak hours.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ken Chow, Architect, Interface Architecture Inc., noted that (i) the applicant has examined options and worked with the City to address traffic and parking issues, (ii) secondary suites in the area could be contributing to issues related to traffic and limited on-street parking, (iii) speed bumps and parking restrictions along Mellis Road could be possible options to address traffic safety concerns, (iv) it is difficult to project how the proposed walkway to the site will be utilized by pedestrians, (v) future vehicle access to No. 5 Road could alleviate traffic in the area, (vi) the developer is prepared to upgrade the traffic signals at the intersection of Bargen Drive and Cambie Road, and (vii) access through the adjacent lot occupied by Coast Capital Savings may not be appropriate as mixing commercial and residential traffic may create conflict.

Discussion took place with regard to alternative options to relocate development access from Mellis Drive through to the adjacent lot occupied by Coast Capital Savings or from Cambie Road.

Aaron Chan, traffic consultant for the proposed development, spoke on the potential impact of the proposed development on traffic in the area, noting that (i) it is estimated that based on general growth, the intersection of Bargen Drive and Cambie Road will reach capacity in the near future, (ii) the proposed development is estimated to generate approximately nine cars per hour and would not be a significant factor to traffic in the area, (iii) the preferred access to the site is through Mellis Drive since right-in-right-out movement of traffic from the proposed development to Cambie Road could pose a safety risk, and (iv) an actuated pedestrian signal that is proposed for the intersection of Cambie Road and Bargen Drive would improve traffic in the neighbourhood.

Discussion ensued with regard to traffic volumes and pedestrian safety in the area, and in reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Chan noted that the proposed pedestrian walkway, would provide access to Cambie Road and No. 5 Road.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. Chan advised that street parking analysis was not done as part of the traffic assessment completed for the proposed development.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Application by Interface Architecture Inc. for Rezoning at 11671 and 11691 Cambie Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Low Density Townhouses (RTL4), dated September 10, 2015, from the Director, Development, be referred back to staff to examine options to address matters related to:

(1)

on-street parking along Mellis Drive;

(2)

traffic flow along Mellis Drive and Bargen Drive; and

(3)

pedestrian traffic in the area;

and report back in one month’s time.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) installing recessed sidewalks along Cambie Road, (ii) the impact of churches, schools and parks on traffic in the area, (iii) utilizing the adjacent lot occupied by Coast Capital Savings as a possible access point to the site, (iv) the impact of secondary suites on traffic in the area, and (v) retaining the proposed vehicle access to Mellis Drive.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding information on legitimizing secondary suites, Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development, noted that information on legitimizing secondary suites is available at City Hall.

Winnie Tsang, 11888 Mellis Drive, referenced her correspondence (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and expressed concern regarding the proposed development with respect to potential parking restrictions in the area further limiting parking options for residents as well as the potential safety risks to pedestrians at night due to reduced visibility.

The question on the referral was then called and it was CARRIED.

4.

Application by GBL Architects Inc. for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “High Rise Apartment and Artist Residential Tenancy Studio Units (ZHR10) – Capstan Village (City Centre)” Zone at 8888 Patterson Road and 3340 Sexsmith Road
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009269; ZT 15-700276) (REDMS No. 4713132 v. 2)

Mr. Craig briefed Committee on the proposed application, highlighting the following:

§   

20 artist live-work (ARTS) studios were secured as part of the proposed development’s amenity contribution;

§   

these ARTS units would be subject to the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy requirements;

§   

each unit was design to achieve a clear overhead height of 4.5 metres for at least 25.0 square metres of the work area;

§   

18 of the 20 units achieved the overhead height by providing moveable walkways over a portion of the work area;

§   

the applicant now proposed fixed-in-place walkways to replace the previously proposed moveable walkways to access the balconies within these units;

§   

the proposed fixed-in-place walkways will not compromise the usability of the ARTS units; and

§   

to provide additional benefit to the Arts District, the developer has proposed to provide four work-only studios in the final phase of development.

The Chair advised that the four work-only studios proposed for the final phase of development are in addition to the 20 ARTS units.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that (i) the studio space will be on the ground floor, (ii) studio space will have a washroom, and (iii) the work-only studios will have an agreement registered on title to ensure they function as commercial units and that they are rented at below market rates to artists that have an annual household income of $57,750 or less.

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9269, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “High Rise Apartment and Artist Residential Tenancy Studio Units (ZHR10) – Capstan Village (City Centre)” zone, a site-specific zone applicable only at 8888 Patterson Road and 3340 Sexsmith Road, to revise the required ceiling heights of the Artist Residential Tenancy Studio units and permit community amenity space for the purpose of constructing four (4) affordable, work-only, art studios.

CARRIED

5.

Application by Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks Ltd. for a Zoning Text Amendment to Permit a Microbrewery within the Industrial Business (IB1) Zone at 11220 Horseshoe Way
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009295; ZT 15-705936) (REDMS No. 4719530 v. 4)

Mr. Craig briefed Committee on the proposed application, noting the following:

§   

changes to Provincial legislation would allow microbreweries to (i) have a retail outlet component to sell liquor produced on-site, (ii) sell related promotional paraphernalia, and (iii) apply for a liquor serving lounge;

§   

the applicant would be required to follow the City’s liquor licensing process before opening the lounge component;

§   

the proposed location for the proposed microbrewery is appropriate for its use; and

§   

should the application proceed, Council is also being asked to provide staff with direction to add the Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use to commercial zoning, where liquor service is permitted.

In reply to queries from Committee with respect to public notification, Mr. Craig noted that there is rezoning signage on-site, and that should the application proceed to Public Hearing, notification would be sent to the surrounding neighbourhood. He added that as part of the lounge service component of the proposed application, the City’s Business Licensing public consultation process would be required, including installing signage on-site, direct mail notification and newspaper advertisement.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that staff are not recommending that the Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use be added to all industrial zones, however; the Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use should be added to commercial sites where liquor service is permitted.

Discussion ensued with regard to opportunities to locate wineries and breweries in industrial and commercial zones instead of on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) lands.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that (i) the City previously introduced regulation limiting wineries and winery accessory uses on ALR land, and as a result, no applications for wineries on ALR land have been received, (ii) the proposed uses would allow breweries and wineries to be located in appropriate areas of the city, and (iii) staff will examine applications outside of the approved zones on a case-by-case basis.

Discussion ensued with regard to the public consultation process and in reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig advised that should the proposed application proceed, a subsequent bylaw amendment will be introduced to allow for Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use, which would require a separate Public Hearing.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that areas of the city where a Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use would be recommended includes Steveston Village, City Centre, Capstan Village and the Riverport Entertainment area. He added that staff are not recommending limiting the number of lounges in areas where liquor service is permitted.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mark McMullen, Senior Coordinator - Major Projects, noted that the proposed application would be licenced as a manufacturer, with the associated lounge auxiliary to the primary operation.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Erceg advised that more information on Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery use will be provided in a future staff report.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9295, for a Zoning Text Amendment to create a new “Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery” use and amend the “Industrial Business (IB1)” zone to allow a “Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery” at 11220 Horseshoe Way, be introduced and given first reading; and

(2)

That staff be directed to prepare a report and zoning bylaw amendment for future consideration by City Council to include the “Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery” use in specific commercial zoning districts.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to potential odours from distillery operations.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Homes on ALR Land

Mr. Erceg informed Committee of a recent trend where applications received by the City propose excessively large homes on ALR land. He noted that the City has cancelled four of said applications to date. He added that the proposed homes can be up to approximately 20,000 square feet in size and resembles more closely to a hotel than a single-family home. He further noted that applicants have the option to re-submit cancelled applications or challenge the cancellation.

In reply to queries from Committee, Gavin Woo, Senior Manager, Building Approvals, noted that other municipalities have encountered similar applications for excessively large homes on ALR land and have taken steps to cancel said applications. He added that he was not aware of any applications for buildings resembling a clubhouse.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) potential inquiries from applicants, (ii) potential regulatory changes, and (iii) banning all structures on ALR farmland.

As a result of the discussion, staff were directed to forward the information on applications for large homes on ALR land to Metro Vancouver.

(ii)

Public Information Meeting – Rezoning Application for Rod’s Lumber

Mr. Craig informed Committee of a public information meeting hosted by the applicant for the proposed rezoning application for Rod’s Lumber in Steveston Village, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on October 8, 2015 at McMath Secondary School. He added that notification for the meeting includes direct mail notification to properties within a 50 metre radius, special notices provided to stakeholders and advertisement in the local newspaper. He further noted that City staff will be present at the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:41 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, September 22, 2015.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda McPhail
Chair

Evangel Biason
Auxiliary Committee Clerk