Vancouver City Council |
CITY OF VANCOUVER
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, September 30, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law.
PRESENT:
Deputy Mayor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
*Councillor Anne Roberts
*Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Ellen WoodsworthABSENT:
Mayor Larry Campbell (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Jim Green (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Sam Sullivan (Leave of Absence)CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator
*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Bass in the Chair, to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Stevenson absent for the vote.)
At 7:40 p.m., Councillor Roberts declared Conflict of Interest for Item No. 1, as she is an employee of Langara College. Councillor Roberts left the Council Chamber and did not return until the conclusion of the vote on item 1 at 7:45 p.m.
1. TEXT AMENDMENT: 100 West 49th Avenue
An application by Brook Development Planning Inc. was considered as follows:
Summary: |
The proposed amendment would increase the permitted floor area to accommodate a new library. |
The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.
Staff Comments
Tom Phipps, Planner, Major Projects Group, was present to respond to questions.
Applicant Comments
Deanna Douglas (Bursar, Langara College), Chuck Brook, Brook Development Planning, and Peter Joyce (Bunt and Associates) were present to respond to questions.
Summary of Correspondence
Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.
Speakers
The Deputy Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none were present.
Council Decision
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the application by Brook Development Planning Inc. to amend CD-1 By-law No. 4412 for 100 West 49th Avenue (Langara College) to add 1 500 m² of total permitted gross floor area and to allocate 1 100 m² of existing floor area of ancillary use to be used for instructional purposes generally as set out in Appendix A to the Policy Report "CD-1 Text Amendment - Langara College" dated July 6, 2004 be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Roberts and Stevenson absent for the vote)
VARY THE AGENDA
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Order of the Agenda be varied to deal with Item 3 prior to Item 2.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Note from Clerk: Items have been minuted according to agenda order for clarity.
2. TEXT AMENDMENT: 800 West 12th Avenue
An application by Bunting Coady Architects was considered as follows:
Summary: |
The proposed amendment would permit an underground power plant as a principal use. |
The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions as set out in the agenda of the Public Hearing.
Staff Opening Comments
Tom Phipps, Planner, Major Projects Group, provided a brief overview of the application.
Applicant Comments
Brent Alley (VGH) and Biljana Ljubojev (Bunting Coady Architects), representing the applicant, were present to respond to questions.
Summary of Correspondence
Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.
Speakers
The Deputy Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.
Eric Whiteway, on behalf of www.dogparks.bc.ca (two petitions filed) requested the VGH planning committee look at the active use of adjacent park space and consider an area be designated as an official full-time, off-leash dog park on the VGH property.
Staff Closing Comments
Larry Beasley, Director, Current Planning, advised an off-leash dog park could be considered as part of the planning process, and suggested the delegate be invited to participate in that process. In response to questions from Council, staff commented on the relative efficiencies of the heating facility, and also noted the existing park sculpture will be relocated adjacent to the Banfield Pavilion; a permanent location will be found once plans for the heritage park are finalized.
Council Decision
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the application by Bunting Coady Architects to amend CD-1 By-law No. 4472 for Vancouver General Hospital to permit an Underground Power Plant as a principle use for steam and power generation generally as set out in Appendix A to the Policy Report "CD-1 Text Amendment - Vancouver General Hospital (Underground Power Plant) 800 West 12th Avenue" dated July 5, 2004 be approved, subject to the following conditions:
a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Bunting Coady Architect, in plans stamped "Received City of Vancouver" March 31, 2004 provided that the Director of Planning may approve alterations to this form of development when approving the detailed scheme of development as outlined in (b) below.
b) THAT, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning, who shall have particular regard to the following:
i) Design development better integrate landscape, and open space/structures lighting design, with the potential Willow Street pedestrian corridor and public open space on the Nurse's Residence site.
ii) Design development to the public art component to clarify design intent, functionality and anticipated maintenance protocols to ensure on-going use and longevity.
Note to applicant: Testing of systems prior to installation is encouraged to ensure that field operations involving pedestrian interaction, is achievable.
iii) Confirmation of required signage.
Note to applicant: Conceptual design and location should be submitted if signage is anticipated. Consideration should be given to an interpretive aspect that informs the public of the site's use/function.
iv) design development to take into consideration the principles of CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) having particular regard for:
a) providing open visibility into the park from adjacent streets and pedestrian ways;
b) providing less dense, more useable landscaping adjacent to existing parking structure; and
c) reducing opportunities for graffiti.
v) Provision of a Landscape Plan illustrating common and botanical name, size and quantity of all existing/proposed plant material. Plant material should be clearly illustrated on the Landscape Plan and keyed to the Plant List. The landscape plan should include the public realm treatment (to the curb) and all existing or proposed street trees, adjoining walkways, surface materials, and public utilities such as lamp posts, hydro poles, fire hydrants, etc. should be noted.
Note to applicant: All street trees, adjoining walkways, surface materials, and public utilities such as lamp posts, hydro poles, fire hydrants, etc. should be noted. Further comments may be outstanding.
vi) Provision of arboricultural services, where necessary, including submission of reports, site supervision and letters of undertaking.
vii) Provision of tree removal/protection/replacement plan.
viii) Design development to overall open space design to better integrate the pedestrian circulation paths from within the site, across Willow Street and to proposed adjacent development.
ix) Design development to overall open space design to minimize opportunities for crime.
Note to applicant: Structures in park-like settings may pose an opportunity for loitering, crime, graffiti and other property damage. To increase site safety, all proposed structures, interactive art, water features, and landscape massing will require further Staff review, detailed drawings and revisions, where necessary.
x) Design development to submit a detailed lighting plan to increase safety, ensure night way finding and minimize glare to adjacent sites.
xi) provision of detailed large scale (1/4" or 1:50) architectural sections and elevations, illustrating the detailed treatment of amenities on slab: vents, art installations, hard surface areas (typical), water features and planters.
xii) Design development to public realm to anticipate future comments on street design pending adjacent site development, input from stakeholders, Engineering Streets Division and Park Board.
Note to applicant: New street trees should be noted "Final species, quantity and spacing to the approval of the City Engineer and Park Board." Contact Eileen Curran (871-6131) of Engineering Streets Division regarding street tree spacing and quantity. Contact Bill Stephen (257-8587) of Park Board regarding tree species).
xiii) Design development to landscape/public art amenities to anticipate future comments or request for detailed drawings and written specifications.
xiv) Provision of sufficient site seating (wheelchair access).
xv) Design development to ensure proposed pre-cast concrete planks and hard surfaces are not hazardous or hinder wheelchair movement.
xvi) Provision of an Operations Management Plan.
Note to applicant: The plan should address general operations, site maintenance, systems emissions, lighting, acoustical performance, landscape, security and communication protocols to ensure that impacts to residents and pedestrians are minimised.
v) Provision of a Construction Management Plan.
Note to applicant: The plan should address the anticipated length of construction activity, and related site management including staging, security, parking, deliveries, storage, debris, dust, noise, lighting and communication/24 hour liaison to ensure that impacts to residents and pedestrians are minimised.
vi) Incorporation of acoustical measures in the final design as outlined in the acoustic report submitted by Daniel Lyzun & Associates on May 28, 2004 and concurred with by the Medical Health Officer (Senior Environmental Health Officer) in order to reduce noise impacts by the site on the surrounding neighbourhood.
c) THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, the registered owner shall:
i) Make arrangements to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Planning to require that the operation of the Underground Power Plant meets or exceeds the GVRD's Current Emissions Standard for Stationary Combustion Processes.
ii) Clarify all charges registered in the Land Title Office against title to the lands (a charge summary, including copies of all charges, must be provided) and include the modification, extension or release of any charges deemed necessary by the Director of Legal Services.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. TEXT AMENDMENT: 2851 Heather Street
An application by Brook Development Planning Inc. was considered as follows:
Summary: |
The proposed amendments would permit alterations and additions to the existing Nurses' Residence building and also add day care and fitness centre as permitted uses. |
The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions, as set out in the agenda of the Public Hearing.
Staff Opening Comments
Tom Phipps, Planner, Major Projects Group, provided a brief overview of the application.
Applicant Comments
Nigel Baldwin (Architect), Brent Alley (VGH) and a representative of Concert Properties were present to respond to questions.
Summary of Correspondence
Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.
Speakers
The Deputy Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.
Eric Whiteway, President, VR25 19 Strata Corporation, spoke in general support of the application, but voiced his concerns related to reduced parking.
Staff Closing Comments
Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, responded to concerns raised by the delegation regarding parking.
Council Decision
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the application by Brook Development Planning Inc. to amend CD-1 By-law No. 4472 for Vancouver General Hospital to increase maximum permitted heights for new structures, decrease minimum setback requirements, add standard residential floor space exclusions, decrease residential parking requirements and add Fitness Centre as a permitted use in sub-area C, in order to permit partial retention and additions to the Nurses' Residence for Multiple Dwelling, Child Day Care and Fitness Centre uses generally as set out in Appendix A to the Policy Report "CD-1 Text Amendment - Vancouver General Hospital (Nurses' Residence) 2851 Heather Street " dated July 5, 2004 be approved subject to the following conditions:
a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Nigel Baldwin Architects, in plans stamped "Received Planning Department" May 21, 2004 provided that the Director of Planning may approve alterations to this form of development when approving the detailed scheme of development as outlined in (b) below.
b) THAT, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning, who shall have particular regard to the following:
i) Design development to the west elevation to reduce apparent project scale.
Note to applicant: Further consideration should be given to fenestration patterning, related proportions of openings and architectural detailing.
ii) Design development to the westerly portion of the West 12th Avenue fronting building to improve the massing relationship to the Willow Street pedestrian corridor as well as the on-site and Energy Centre open space.
iii) Design development to clarify, and refine the use of materials for both structures to appropriately distinguish one from the other while respecting the overall design intent for architectural expression informed by the existing building to be retained.
iv) Design development to ensure that entries are appropriately announced for visitors.
v) Confirmation of studio unit's bed area enclosure system to ensure adequate daylight access when needed.
vi) Design development to the Heather Street frontage at the southeast corner to better mediate grade and more carefully screen/secure daycare play space.
vii) Design development to overall landscape design to improve quality and better integrate on site circulation associated with the future park and Willow Street interface. Special attention to the design quality of the auto court is required.
viii) Design development to "green" the West 12th Avenue building roof.
Note to applicant: Consideration should be given to private, or common open space uses for the roof.
ix) Provision of a conceptual lighting plan for public open space and auto court.
Note to applicant: Coordination with the Willow Street pedestrian corridor lighting intent is required. Fixtures should minimize glare for residents.
x) Provision of a maintenance and security plan for the on-site open space.
xi) Provision of a Construction Management Plan.
Note to applicant: The plan should address the anticipated length of construction activity, and related site management including staging, security, parking, deliveries, storage, debris, dust, noise, lighting and communication/24 hour liaison to ensure that impacts to residents and pedestrians are minimized.
xii) design development to take into consideration the principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) having particular regard for:
a) reducing opportunities for theft in the underground parking areas;
b) reducing opportunities for break and enter to ground level spaces; and
c) reducing opportunities for mischief, such as graffiti, specifically through increasing open visibility of public and semi-public areas.
xiii) Design development to overall open space design to improve response to programming requirements, CPTED guidelines, compatibility with adjacent sites, way finding and circulation patterns.
Note to applicant: Further consideration should be given to the auto court design (circulation, paving patterns, grade changes and plant massing) to enhance livability and ensure safety for pedestrians. Further consideration should be given to improving pedestrian walkways that integrate the commons, auto court, daycare, Willow Street corridor and VGH Energy Centre. Applicant should liaise with City Staff and adjacent site design consultants to ensure compatibility with VGH Energy Centre, Willow Street corridor, and VGH Precinct future projects.
xiii) Consideration should be given to restrict west bound, left hand vehicle turning into the auto court.
Note to applicant: At the discretion of City Engineering Streets Division and Planning Staff.
xiv) Design development to the public realm along 12th and 13th Avenue to change design of street trees, sidewalk and inner boulevard.
Note to applicant: At the discretion of City Engineering Streets Division and Park Board, and in keeping with preferred public realm design, provide street trees in a continuous curbside lawn strip (4' wide). New street trees should be noted "Final species, quantity and spacing to the approval of the City Engineer and Park Board." Contact Eileen Curran (871-6131) of Engineering Streets Division regarding street tree spacing and quantity. Contact Bill Stephen (257-8587) of Park Board regarding tree species.
xv) Design development to the public realm provide double row of trees along 12th Avenue, and 13th Avenue, to increase pedestrian interest.
xvi) provide detailed large scale (1/4" or 1:50) architectural sections and elevations, illustrating the detailed treatment of the townhouse public realm interface including planter walls, stairs, gates, guardrails, landscaping, soil depth (indicating any underground structures), patios and privacy screens.
Note to applicant: The planting depth required for the long term health of the inner row of trees is 4 feet near the sidewalk and 3 feet near the town house retaining wall. In order to achieve this, the underground slab will need to angle downwards. All proposed planting areas require sufficient soil depth, irrigation and drainage to ensure that trees, shrubs and groundcover will survive.
xvii) Provision of arboricultural services, where necessary, including submission of reports, site supervision and letters of undertaking.
xviii) Design development to The Commons, to increase pedestrian interest, provide a double row of trees around perimeter of the lawn area planted on a wide band of compacted crushed gravel, and situate benches within the inner row of trees.
xix) Design development to provide benches adjacent to sidewalks along 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue, where possible.
xx) Design development to provide landscaped bench areas on corner of Heather Street and 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue.
xxi) Design development in front of Nurses residence along Heather Street and on inner boulevards to delete sodded lawn and provide suitable shade tolerant groundcover or low layered planting to increase pedestrian interest.
Note to applicant: All layered planting or groundcover to be located on City property at the discretion of City Engineering Streets Division.
xxii) At discretion of Planning Team, patio planter walls at the street level should be stepped in 2'-0" increments to avoid 4'-0" high walls along the street.
xxiii) Design development to provide layered planting, low hedging adjacent to all onsite and street level patio walls (suggest 1'-0" high Winter Gem Boxwood) at the discretion of City Engineering Streets Division.
xxiv) Provide sections (minimum scale 1/4"=1'-0") through all patios and green roofs (street level, above grade, rooftop).
xxv) Design development to provide permanent seating in auto court drop off area.
xxvi) Provide automatic irrigation system and irrigation hose bibs for plant beds.
Note to applicant: Notate locations on landscape plan.
xxvii) Provision of Child Day Care Facility Plans approved by the B.C. Ministry of Health Services Community Care Facilities Branch.
c) THAT prior to enactment of the CD-1 by-law, the registered owner shall at no cost to the City:
i) Enter into any agreements modifying existing obligations relating to the design, construction and maintenance of the proposed public open space that result from the proposed amendments to By-law 4472, as may be required by the Director of Legal services in consultation with the General Manager of Parks and Recreation.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted, and the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare and bring forward the necessary by-law amendments.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Special Council adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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