ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: July 8, 2002
Author/Local: C.Robbins/604-873-7535

RTS No. 02859

CC File No. 2701

P&E: July 25, 2001

TO:	Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
FROM:	City Building Inspector
SUBJECT:	Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3476 East 4th Avenue

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 3476 East 4^th Avenue, Lot 12, Block 93, Section 29 THSL Plan 3672, PID 012-337-480, in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

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 to be a contravention of a by-law relating to the construction or safety of buildings; or as a result of that condition, a building or structure is unsafe or unlikely to be usable for its expected purpose; or 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 building was constructed in 1946 and is approved as a single family dwelling. It is located in an RS-1S District.

On July 2, 2002, this department received a complaint that an unauthorized dwelling unit had been installed at the rear of this building.

A search of our records for this property indicate that in 1985, two separate permits were issued permitting a rear addition as well as alterations to the roofline and windows at this location.

In response to the complaint, the Property Use Inspector inspected the building on July 4, 2002 and reported that another 1-storey addition (approximately 26' x 10') has now been constructed at the rear of the building and that this area was being used as additional living accommodation without permit or approval.

The Inspector also reported that the building is currently listed for sale.

The owners of the property have been sent written notification to either make application for the required Development Permit, Building Permit and trades permits for this addition and dwelling unit or to remove the unauthorized work. They have also been notified that this report was to be presented to Committee.

DISCUSSION

As the property is listed for sale, it is recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property so that any prospective purchasers will be warned that there are violations of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building.

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