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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
February 16, 2005 | |
Author: |
Pattie Hayes | |
Phone No.: |
604-873-7787 | |
RTS No.: |
04936 | |
CC File No.: |
2701 | |
Meeting Date: |
March 17, 2005 |
TO: |
Standing Committee on Planning and Environment |
FROM: |
City Building Inspector |
SUBJECT: |
1246-1248 Lakewood Drive
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THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 1246-1248 Lakewood Drive, Lot 4 Except the east 32 feet of Lot C, Block 135, District Lot 264A, Plans 1278 and 1771, PID 014-686-503 in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building has been used as an illegal marijuana grow operation on two occasions and there are contraventions of the Vancouver Building and Electrical By-laws related to this unapproved use.
The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.
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.
The purpose of this report is to request approval to file a 336D Notice against the title to
1246-1248 Lakewood Drive to warn prospective purchasers of By-law violations.
The building at 1246-1248 Lakewood Drive was constructed prior to 1969 and is approved as a two family dwelling. The building is located in an RT-4 (Two Family Dwelling) District.
In February of 2001, this building was closed by the Vancouver Police Drug Squad and City Inspectors because it was being used as an illegal marijuana grow operation. The power and gas to the building were disconnected and the owner was advised that she was required to go through the inspection and re-occupancy permit process. A re-occupancy permit was issued on June 1, 2001 for this building.
In February of 2005, the Vancouver Police reported that this building was again being used as a grow operation. The services to the building were disconnected again and the owner has been asked to come into City Hall to meet with City staff to discuss the situation.
The owner will be advised that a new departmental policy had been initiated to handle "repeat" grow ops, which is to request Council approval for the filing of a warning notice on title these properties.
Although the building is not currently listed for sale, it is recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property so that any prospective purchasers will be warned that the building has been used previously as a marijuana grow operation on two occasions and that there are violations of the Vancouver Building and Electrical By-laws related to this unapproved use.
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