Staff Report — Bylaw No. 1992 (Zoning Definitions & Suite Enforceability)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bylaw is to revise and clarify the definitions of suites and kitchens as well as to provide clarity to the general provisions of Zoning Bylaw No. 300. These changes are being proposed in order to address clarity and enforceability issues of the Zoning Bylaw as directed by Council in the spring of 2021 by way of the Bylaw Department’s report to Council regarding their Secondary Suite Enforcement Policy. Additionally, a new definition of “public assembly and entertainment use” is being proposed.

BACKGROUND

In spring 2021, the Planning and Bylaw Enforcement Departments submitted to Council a list of amendments to Zoning Bylaw No. 300 with the intention of clarifying and creating more enforceable definitions. At this time, the Bylaw Enforcement Department also reviewed their Secondary Suite Enforcement Policy, receiving direction from Council to work with the Planning Department to ensure the continuity between this policy and the Zoning Bylaw. The changes to the suite and kitchen definitions and the general provisions were subsequently left out of the spring updates to ensure that any Council and Departmental desires were incorporated.

COMMENTS

In order to provide the most user friendly and informative guidance documents, it is important to revisit existing definitions and policies to ensure they meet the needs of today’s issues as well as mitigating those of the future. The Planning Department and the Bylaw Enforcement Department have collaborated on the fine-tuning of these definitions and provisions to ensure that they support the continued operation of each Department without detracting from the original intention. The purpose of these updates is not to inhibit or make difficult the day-to-day dealings of the public, but rather ensure that their actions are performed with due care for themselves and the community as a whole.

OPTIONS

Option 1

That the Planning, Zoning and Affordable Housing Committee recommend that Council:

1. Consider proceeding with First Reading to Bylaw No. 1992 as drafted;

OR

Option 2

1. Take no action at this time with respect to Bylaw No. 1992.

Submitted by

Wolfgang Schoenefuhs, Planning Technician

Concurrence

• Matthew Baldwin, MCIP, RPP, Director of Planning
• Leah Stohmann, MCIP, RPP, Deputy Director of Planning
• Lorne Fletcher, Manager of Community Safety and Municipal Enforcement
• Chris Aubrey, Fire Chief
• Jerry Worobec, RBO, CRBO, Manager of Building
• Yari Nielsen, Parks Manager
• Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng, P.Geo, Director of Engineering
• Adrianna Proton, Manager of Legislative Services
• Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
• Marie Watmough, Acting Director of Corporate Services
• Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer

:wcs