Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: July 5, 2004
Author/Local: S Hearn/6476
RTS No.04406
CC File No. 2604
Meeting Date: July 20, 2004
TO:
Vancouver City Council
FROM:
Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:
Form of Development: 600 Abbott Street
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the form of development for this portion of the CD-1 zoned site known as International Village (600 Abbott Street being the application address) be approved generally as illustrated in the Development Application Number DE408032, prepared by Hancock Bruckner Eng + Wright Architects and stamped "City of Vancouver, Community Service Group - Development Services June 3, 2004", provided that the Director of Planning 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 the form of development for this site when the rezoning was approved, following a Public Hearing.
PURPOSE
In accordance with Charter requirements, this report seeks Council's approval for the form of development for this portion of the above-noted CD-1 zoned site.
SITE DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
At a Public Hearing on June 22, 1989, City Council approved a rezoning of this site from BCPED and DD to CD-1 Comprehensive Development District. Council also approved in principle the form of development for these lands. CD-1 By-law Number 6747 was enacted on October 23, 1990. Companion Guidelines (International Village CD-1 Guidelines) were also adopted by Council at that time.
On September 1, 1992, Council approved amendments to the CD-1 By-law allowing relaxations to the minimum parking standards. This amendment (By-law No. 7051) was enacted on November 17, 1992.
On June 23, 1994, Council approved a further amendment, revising the 20% affordable housing policy for major projects. The amendment (By-law No. 7324) was enacted on May 18, 1998.
On December 14, 1995, Council approved an additional amendment, increasing the maximum number of residential units, changing the mix and location of social housing, including payment-in-lieu; changing the form of development and adding a new tower on parcel E; revising the view corridors through the site; increasing the height of all the towers (all within the existing height limit of 91 m - 300 ft); adjusting the parking standards; and other required consequential amendments to the False Creek North Official Development Plan and Sign By-law. The amendment (By-law No. 7658) was enacted November 5, 1996.
On March 25, 1997, Council approved an amendment that deleted the maximum tower width; deleted the minimum street edge height requirements; increased the permitted tower height in Sub Area 4; and corrected wording pertaining to residential parking requirements. The amendment (By-law No. 7728) was enacted April 22, 1997.
The site is located at the Southeast corner of Abbott and Keefer Streets. Andy Livingstone Park is immediately to the East and Expo Boulevard forms the southern boundary. The site and surrounding zoning are shown on the attached Appendix "A".
Subsequent to Council's approval of the CD-1 rezoning, the Development Permit Board approved Development Application Number DE408032. This approval was subject to various conditions, including Council's approval of the form of development. The latter condition is one of the few outstanding prior to permit issuance.
DISCUSSION
The proposal involves construction on Sub-Area 5 of this CD-1 (consisting of 6 Sub-Areas) of a 25-storey residential tower; a 31-storey residential tower; a 6-storey midrise building with retail at grade. A total of 457 dwelling units; 9,893 sq. ft. of commercial space; and parking for 581 vehicles is provided. An additional interim parking lot for 65 vehicles is also provided. (Some of the proposed parking will become the required parking for future phases of this development.)
The proposed development has been assessed against the CD-1 By-law and Council-approved guidelines and responds to the stated objectives.
Simplified plans, including a site plan and elevations of the proposal, have been included in Appendix "B".
CONCLUSION
The Development Permit Board has approved Development Application Number DE408032, subject to various conditions to be met prior to the issuance of the development permit. One of these conditions is that the form of development first be approved by Council.
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