Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: September 15, 2003
Author/Local: K Morgan/604-873-7760
RTS No. 03634
CC File No. 2701
Meeting Date: October 9, 2003
TO:
Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
FROM:
City Building Inspector
SUBJECT:
Warning to Prospective Purchasers of
2942 East 7th AvenueRECOMMENDATION
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 2942 East 7th Avenue (Lot 13, Block 17, District Lot Sec 36 N Hlf THSL, Plan 1314) 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.
DISCUSSION
The building at 2942 East 7th Avenue was constructed in 1942 as a one family dwelling and is located in an RS-1S (One Family Dwelling) District.
A Building Permit was issued in June, 2000 for the construction of a new detached two-car garage with vehicular access from the lane at the rear. The permit received final inspection approval in September, 2000.
As a result of a complaint, on September 8, 2003 our inspection services reported that the basement and detached garage at the rear were being used as separate living quarters, for a total of three dwelling units, without permit or approval in contravention of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws. It was also reported that the property was for sale. The advertisement stated that the property contains three units
An order is being sent to the owner to cease the use of the basement and garage as separate living quarters, remove the cooking facilities, remove all unapproved alterations in the garage and provide the required parking.
CONCLUSION
As the property is currently 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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