November 8, 2016 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty, Vice-Chair
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Harold Steves
Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Absent:

Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Chak Au

Also Present:

Councillor Derek Dang

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 October 18, 2016, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

November 22, 2016, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

The Chair advised that City of Vancouver Empty Home Tax will be considered as Item No. 8A.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy

(File Ref. No. 08-4057-05) (REDMS No. 5080590 v. 4; 5175042)

Joyce Rautenberg, Affordable Housing Coordinator, reviewed the Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy, noting that (i) the City was engaged in the consultation process, (ii) the Strategy offers affordable housing guidelines for municipalities, and (iii) the Strategy has provided recommendations regarding the role of senior levels of government in supporting affordable housing.

It was moved and seconded

That the Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy, as detailed in the staff report titled “Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy”, dated October 14, 2016 from the General Manager, Community Services, be endorsed as a collaborative approach to addressing regional housing needs.  

CARRIED

2.

Affordable Housing Strategy Update – Richmond Housing Affordability Profile

(File Ref. No. 08-4057-01) (REDMS No. 5140743 v. 6)

Ms. Rautenberg updated Committee on the Richmond Housing Affordability Profile, noting that the City has received feedback from consultation sessions including themes related to funding for family housing, low end market rental occupancy management, involvement of non-profit organizations, and accessible and adaptable housing. She added that staff anticipates that phase two of the Affordable Housing Strategy will be brought forward in 2017. She further noted that the federal government has committed to extend co-op housing agreements in the city for an additional three years.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) developing incentives to increase development of market rental housing, (ii) the number of purpose built market rental housing in the city compared to other municipalities, (iii) examples of market rental policies in different cities, (iv) allocating at least 15% of the overall density of new residential developments for low end market rental units, (v) the negative impact of short-term rentals on affordable housing in the city, and (vi) advocating senior levels of government for co-op housing funding.

Deirdre Whalen, on behalf of the Richmond Poverty Response Committee, read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1), and expressed concern with regard to the growing affordable housing needs in the city.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Affordable Housing Strategy Update –Richmond Housing Affordability Profile” dated October 11, 2016, from the General Manager, Community Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

3.

Application by Lloyd Kinney for a Zoning Text Amendment to Permit a Microbrewery within the Industrial Business (IB1) Zone at Unit #110 - 12500 Horseshoe Way 

(File Ref. No. 12- 8060-20-009614; ZT16-734106) (REDMS No. 5180379 v. 2)

Mark McMullen, Senior Coordinator - Major Projects, reviewed the application noting that the security gate would be open during business hours.

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9614, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Industrial Business (IB1)” zone to allow a “Microbrewery, Winery and Distillery” at #110-12500 Horseshoe Way, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

4.

Application by Jacken Investments Inc. for Rezoning at 8111 No. 3 Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Compact Single Detached (RC2)

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009630; RZ 15-699299) (REDMS No. 5180861)

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9630, for the rezoning of 8111 No. 3 Road from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Compact Single Detached (RC2)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

5.

Application by Architect 57 Inc. for Rezoning at 4780 Steveston Highway from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Compact Single Detached (RC2)

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009635; RZ 16-737903) (REDMS No. 5101845)

Copies of an updated staff report was distributed (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), to correct the proposed rezoning of 4780 Steveston Highway originally noted as “Compact Lot Detached (RC2)" to “Compact Single Detached (RC2)”. 

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9635, for the rezoning of 4780 Steveston Highway from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Compact Single Detached (RC2)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

Cllr. Dang left the meeting (4:22 p.m.) and did not return.

6.

Application by 1080593 BC Ltd. for Rezoning at 11740 Williams Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Compact Single Detached (RC2)

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009636; RZ 16-740422) (REDMS No. 5181301)

Jordan Rockerbie, Planning Technician, reviewed the application, noting that the proposed development will include two secondary suites.

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9636, for the rezoning of 11740 Williams Road from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Compact Single Detached (RC2)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

7.

Application by Dunbar Equipment Ltd. (doing business as Don Dickey Supplies) for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit at 8540 River Road

(File Ref. No. TU 16-732636) (REDMS No. 5132450)

It was moved and seconded

That the application by Dunbar Equipment Ltd. (doing business as Don Dickey Supplies) for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit at 8540 River Road be considered at the Public Hearing to be held December 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers of Richmond City Hall, and that the following recommendation be forwarded to that meeting for consideration:

(1)

“That a Temporary Commercial Use Permit be issued to Dunbar Equipment Ltd. (doing business as Don Dickey Supplies) for property at 8540 River Road to allow the retail sale of outdoor power equipment as an accessory use.”

CARRIED

8.

Official Community Plan Amendments - Arterial Road Policy

(File Ref. No. 10-6350-00) (REDMS No. 5055217 v. 5)

Wayne Craig, Director, Development, noted that a memorandum providing additional information on the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments on Arterial Road Policy and Affordable Housing Strategy Review was distributed to Council (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2) and briefed Committee on said amendments, highlighting that:

§   

consultation on the proposed amendments were conducted via (i) a series of public open house meetings. (ii) referral to School District No. 38 Richmond Centre for Disability (who attended the open houses), and (iii) meetings with stakeholders in the development industry;

§   

enhancements to setback and maximum height requirements for sites facing single-family units are proposed;

§   

the proposed amendments will provide clarity on the location of lane accessed homes along arterial roads and a funding strategy to construct connecting lanes;

§   

areas have been identified where new housing forms such as duplexes and triplexes could be developed; and

§   

a density bonus for townhouse development applications would be considered, provided that approximately 15% of the overall density be allocated for low end market rental units.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig noted that (i) the proposed amendments include requirements for a 6.0 metre rear yard setback for sites adjacent to single-family lots, and provisions to allow for a maximum 1.5 metre ground floor projection to the rear yard setback, (ii) townhouse, duplex and triplex development will be subject to a development permit, (iii) sundecks are typically oriented toward the interior drive aisle, (iv) applicants are encouraged to develop accessible units, (v) the proposed amendments will provide capacity for approximately 5800 duplex, triplex and townhouse units, and (vi) should the proposed amendments proceed, it is anticipated that the proposed amendments will be brought forward to the December 19, 2016 Public Hearing for adoption.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 9603, which amends Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, by:

(a)

replacing the existing Arterial Road Policy in Section 3.6.1 with the Arterial Road Land Use Policy;

(b)

replacing the existing Arterial Road Guidelines for Townhouses in Section 14.4.13 with the new Arterial Road Guidelines for Town Houses;

(c)

adding the new Arterial Road Guidelines for Row Houses and Intensive Residential Guidelines for Duplexes and Triplex; and

(d)

designating all duplex, triplex and row house development sites along arterial road as mandatory Development Permit Areas;

be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Official Community Plan Bylaw 7100, Amendment Bylaw 9604, which amends Official Community Plan Bylaw 7100, by replacing the Steveston Area Land Use Map in Schedule 2.4 be introduced and given first reading;

(3)

That Bylaw 9603 and Bylaw 9604, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(b)

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

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

(4)

That Bylaw 9603 and Bylaw 9604, having been considered in accordance with Official Community Plan Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is hereby found not to require further consultation.

The question on the motion was not called as amendments to the motion regarding proposed setback enhancements and lifting restrictions on the locations of row homes was introduced; however failed to receive a seconder.

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

8A.

City of Vancouver Empty Home Tax

(File Ref. No.)

Copies of a City of Vancouver staff report titled, “Encouraging Homes for Renters: Emerging Approach on Empty Homes” dated September 13, 2016, related to the empty home tax was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3).

It was moved and seconded

That staff analyze the City of Vancouver staff report titled, “Encouraging Homes for Renters: Emerging Approach on Empty Homes”, dated September 13, 2016, and report back.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) the applicability of a similar tax in Richmond, (ii) working with the Province on issues related to affordable housing, (iii) the impact of short-term rentals on affordable housing, and (iv) referring the City of Vancouver staff report to staff for analysis.

The question on the referral was then called and it was DEFEATED ON A TIE, with Cllr. McNulty and Mayor Brodie opposed.

It was moved and seconded

That the City of Vancouver staff report titled, “Encouraging Homes for Renters: Emerging Approach on Empty Homes”, dated September 13, 2016, be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Steveston Buddhist Temple

Mr. Craig advised that the Steveston Buddhist Temple Society will be hosting a public consultation meeting regarding a proposed rezoning application to accommodate congregate care units scheduled for November 16, 2016.

(ii)

Single-Family Development on Trites Road

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Craig advised that it is anticipated that the single-family development rezoning applications along Trites Road will be brought forward in the next few months.

(iii)

Tree Bylaw Information Sessions

Gavin Woo, Senior Manager, Building Approvals and Gordon Jaggs, Tree Preservation Coordinator, briefed Committee on the previous Tree Bylaw Information Session, noting that positive feedback was received and that the next session is scheduled for November 24, 2016 at the West Richmond Community Centre.

Discussion ensued with regard to the promotion of the information sessions, and Mr. Jaggs noted that the event is promoted through posters in City community centres, newspaper advertisements and the City’s website. It was then suggested that the event be posted on the West Richmond Community Centre’s marquee board.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:48 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, November 8, 2016.

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Vice-Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator