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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
January 30, 2004 | |
Author: |
Carlene Robbins | |
Phone No.: |
604-873-7535 | |
RTS No.: |
03946 | |
CC File No.: |
2701 | |
Meeting Date: |
February 26, 2004 |
TO: |
Standing Committee on Planning and Environment |
FROM: |
City Building Inspector |
SUBJECT: |
2610 Charles Street
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 2610 Charles Street (Lot 2, Block 36 DL Sec 33 N E Qtr THSL Plan 4396 PID 003-149-731) in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building had been used as an illegal methamphetamine lab and was closed by the Police, Fire and City Inspection Staff due to unsafe conditions resulting from chemical contamination.
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.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to request approval to file a 336D Notice against the title to 2610 Charles Street to warn prospective purchasers of the unsafe condition of this building due to chemical contamination from the production of methamphetamines.
BACKGROUND
The building at 2610 Charles Street was constructed prior to 1930 and is approved as a single family dwelling. It is located in an RS-1S Single Family Dwelling District.
DISCUSSION
On January 7, 2004, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a call from a neighbour regarding smoke pouring out of the vents in the roof of the building at 2610 Charles Street. The Fire department responded and discovered that there was no fire, however, they observed chemicals and laboratory glassware in the building and vapours emitting from a clandestine lab operation. The Police and HazMat teams were called in to investigate as well as an Environmental Inspector from the Licenses and Inspections Department. The neighbours on either side of the building were evacuated.
After obtaining a search warrant, the Police Drug Squad, HazMat Team and staff from Licenses and Inspections and Health Canada entered the building. A chemical disposal company was also called to the scene. The team discovered a very large lab and a number of containers of chemicals including red phosphorous and three propane tanks.
Upon completion of the investigation and chemical removal, the building was closed and posted with a NOT SAFE TO OCCUPY notice and BC Hydro disconnected the electrical service to the building.
The owner of the property was sent written notification that this building had been closed due to the safety concerns. The owner was also advised that she would be required to hire an Environmental Consultant to inspect the building and submit a report to the City confirming the level of residual contamination in the building.
Subsequent to these actions, staff received a phone call from the property owner. The owner advised that she did not wish to repair the building and was intending to list it for sale. She was advised to have her realtor contact the City and was also notified that this report would be brought before Council to request that a warning notice be filed on title.
The building has been posted with a DANGER notice and a warning that no person should enter without personal protection including a respirator.
CONCLUSION
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 is a risk to health due to unsafe conditions in this building from the chemical contamination.
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