Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: September 29, 2003
Author/Local: K Morgan/604-873-7760
RTS No. 03613
CC File No. 2608
Meeting Date: October 21, 2003
TO:
Vancouver City Council
FROM:
Chief Building Official
SUBJECT:
1628 Station Street - Extension of Building Permit
RECOMMENDATION
THAT City Council approve an extension of Building Permit No. BU421214 for 1628 Station Street until April 15, 2004.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.
COUNCIL POLICY
Article 1A.7.5.1 of the Building By-law addresses actions the City can take when an applicant, who has received a Building Permit, is not proceeding with active work under the permit. The Building By-law prohibits the Chief Building Official from granting more than one extension to a Building Permit. Any further extensions can only be approved by Council.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to request Council's approval for an extension of a permit for the construction of a building at 1628 Station Street.
DISCUSSION
Building Permit No. BU421214 was issued on June 12, 2002 for Phase I of the construction of a new five-storey laboratory/office building with grade level covered parking at 1628 Station Street. Work commenced but was discontinued at the slab-on-grade stage. The applicant applied for an extension in March of 2003 and it was approved by the Chief Building Official until October 15, 2003, subject to payment of outstanding Development Cost Levies prior to approval of Phase II under the Certified Professional Program.
Development Cost Levies (DCLs) in the amount of $303,588.60 were paid May 8, 2002 ($75,879.52 for the Vancouver DCL area and $227,709.08 for the False Creek Flats area). A minor amendment to Development Permit DE405561 was issued June 11, 2002 for alterations and the addition of 407 square meters. DCLs for this additional floor space are $17,478.30 ($4,368.56 for the Vancouver DCL area and $13,109.74 for the False Creek Flats DCL area). This was paid on September 25, 2003.All Development Cost Levies owing for this project have now been paid in full.
The owners have requested another extension due to the Biotech market remaining soft and their inability to secure an anchor tenant to date. They mentioned that the biotechnology sector has been showing signs of recovering and are cautiously optimistic that they will be in a position to proceed in the near future.
A recent inspection indicates that work has not continued.
There has been no change to the zoning for the property (I-2 - Industrial District). The Planning Department has no objection to this extension.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that Council extend this permit until April 15, 2004.
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