Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: July 12, 2004
Author/Local: Bill Boons/7678
RTS No.04417
CC File No. 2608
Meeting Date: July 20, 2004
TO:
Vancouver City Council
FROM:
Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:
Form of Development: 760 Pacific Boulevard
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the revised form of development for this portion of the CD-1 zoned site known as 750 Pacific Boulevard (Plaza of Nations) (760 Pacific Boulevard being the application address) be approved generally as illustrated in the Development Application Number DE408507, prepared by Patrick Cotter Architect Inc. and stamped "Received, Community Service Group, Development Services, May 21, 2004," provided that the Development Permit Board or the Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character of this site or adjacent properties.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.
COUNCIL POLICY
There is no applicable Council policy except that Council did approve in principle an application to amend the CD-1 By-law to permit Casino - Class 2 on this site at the Public Hearing.
PURPOSE
In accordance with Charter requirements, this report seeks Council's approval for the revised form of development for this portion of the above-noted CD-1 zoned site.
SITE DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
At a Public Hearing on June 25, 1996, City Council approved a rezoning of this site from BCPED (B.C. Place/ Expo District) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development District). Council also approved the form of development for the existing Plaza of Nations buildings at that time, and allowed for the introduction of a Family Sports and Entertainment Use in the by-law. CD-1 By-law Number 7592 was enacted on July 9, 1996.
At a subsequent Public Hearing on January 20/21, 2004, City Council approved an amendment to the CD-1 By-law to permit a temporary Casino - Class 2, to be limited to a period of no greater than four years from initial occupancy. Enactment of the amending CD-1 By-law will be presented for Council's consideration today under a separate report.
At the Public Hearing Council noted the following condition:
"That, prior to approval by Council of an amended form of development for the Plaza of Nations complex to accommodate a temporary Casino - Class 2, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Development Permit Board".
Subsequent to Council's approval of the CD-1 rezoning, Development Application Number DE408507 has been submitted, requesting alterations and a change of use to provide for a new Casino - Class 2 to be located in Building C at the Plaza of Nations complex. The application will be reviewed by the Development Permit Board on August 16, 2004.
The site and surrounding zoning are shown on the attached Appendix "A".
DISCUSSION
The proposal involves minor alterations and a temporary change of use of Building C (Enterprise Hall) on the Plaza of Nations site, to provide for a new Casino - Class 2 that would feature 600 slot machines, 60 gaming tables, lounge/café areas, and support facilities.
A total of 106 parking spaces would be provided in the underground parking under the Plaza; an off-site parking area (10 Terry Fox Way) would provide an additional 189 parking spaces; three bus parking spaces; and a small shelter for shuttle bus customers. The changes to the underground parking and the off-site parking provisions are being dealt with under separate development permit applications.
The only changes proposed to the existing form of development would involve a new entry vestibule on the east side of Building C, and a covered walkway leading from the vestibule to the vehicle access driveway and passenger drop-off area adjacent to Building B.
Despite the condition established at the Public Hearing, the proposal is being forwarded to Council in advance of referral to the Development Permit Board in the interest of timeliness, and also noting there are no significant changes proposed to the existing form of development. In the event that the Development Permit Board imposes additional design conditions that would result in any significant change to the form of development, the proposal would be referred back to Council for review.
The proposed development has been assessed against the pending CD-1 By-law and complies to the stated regulations.
Simplified plans, including a site plan, floor plans of Building C and elevations of the proposal, have been included in Appendix "B".
CONCLUSION
In the interest of timeliness, the proposal is being forwarded to City Council for approval of the revised form of development, in advance of the full review of Development Application Number DE408507 by the Development Permit Board. It is not anticipated that the form of development will change in any significant manner as a result of the Development Permit Board's review, however, should the Development Permit Board impose additional design conditions, the proposal will be returned for Council's further review.
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