Agenda Index City of Vancouver

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets

FROM:

City Building Inspector

SUBJECT:

Demolition of Nuisance/Dangerous Building at
1730 East 5th Avenue

RECOMMENDATION

COMMENTS

POLICY

Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter enables Council by resolution or by-law to declare any building, in or upon any private or public lands a nuisance or dangerous to the public safety or health and by such by-law or resolution, to order that building to be removed by the owner, agent, leasee or occupier thereof

Section 336D of the Vancouver Charter provides a mechanism whereby the City of Vancouver can warn prospective purchasers of contraventions of City By-laws relating to land or a building or structure. It provides that if the City Building Inspector observes a condition that he considers is of a nature that a purchaser unaware of the contravention, would suffer a significant loss or expense if the by-law were enforced against him, he may recommend to City Council that a resolution be considered directing the City Clerk to file a notice against the Title to the property in the Land Title Office.

BACKGROUND

This is a multiple conversion dwelling approved for three (3) dwelling units that was constructed in 1911. It is located in an RT-5 Two Family Dwelling District.

The Community Police Office advises that they have received numerous complaints from neighbouring residents about the activities of the tenants in this building and Police personnel have responded to several calls at this address.

At the request of the Community Police office, a coordinated inspection of the building was carried out by the District Inspectors. The inspection revealed that the building had been altered and was being occupied as eight (8) separate units without permit or approval. The inspection revealed that there were livability and life safety deficiencies throughout the building including but not limited to the following:

Because of the above, the building was certified to be in an unsafe condition and the owner of the property was ordered to have the building vacated by August 8, 2000.

Following issuance of the order, City staff together with a Public Health nurse, found new accommodation for one of the tenants who is a senior citizen.

DISCUSSION

In its present dilapidated and unsafe condition and without any management or control being exercised by the property owner, the building is detrimental to the neighbourhood. It is in violation of the Vancouver Building, Electrical and Standards of Maintenance By-laws and the Provincial Gas Safety Act & Regulations.

It is therefore recommended that City Council declare the building a nuisance and dangerous to public safety and order the owner to demolish the building, remove all demolition debris and provide a chain-link fence around the perimeter of the property to prevent trespass and/or dumping.

In addition, it is recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the Certificate of Title to the property in order to warn prospective purchasers of Council’s Resolution.

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R E S O L U T I O N

Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Vancouver:

in the preceding paragraph, the City Building Inspector is hereby authorized

expense of the owner. The City Building Inspector may dispose of any resulting debris by selling to the contractor any material he may agree to purchase and delivering the rest to a disposal site.

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cs000914.htm


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