REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - OCTOBER 1, 2002
MOTION B.1

1. By-law amendment to delete the requirement to provide service bays when gas stations change from full-service to split-island (File 2501)

At the Council meeting of September 17, 2002, the following Notice of Motion was submitted and recognized by Council:

MOVED by Mayor Owen
SECONDED by Councillor Puil

WHEREAS, in 1994, in Vancouver 50 gasoline stations had service bays, only 13 gasoline stations have service bays today;

AND WHEREAS gasoline stations with service bays are not economically viable;

AND WHEREAS, gasoline stations with split-island gas pumps plus a convenience store are economically viable;

AND WHEREAS the oil companies close the uneconomical stations with service bays and leave the site empty;

AND WHEREAS closed gasoline stations create vacant spaces throughout the city and impact the convenience of motorists;

AND WHEREAS the demand on mechanics associated with gasoline stations have been significantly reduced because of:

· specialized service providers (muffler, brakes, oil change, etc. businesses)
· warranties requiring automobiles to go to the dealer for repair
· computerized services provided by modern franchised automotive repairs
· greater reliability and fewer service requirements of late model automobiles;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend relevant sections of the Zoning & Development Bylaw to delete the requirement that a change of use from a full service gasoline station to a split-island gasoline station shall include provision of service bays if service bays exist in the current full service station, and that the application be referred to a Public Hearing; and

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary by-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Clarke absent for the vote)

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver