ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Date: June 13, 1997 CC File: 2701 TO: Vancouver City Council FROM: The City Building Inspector SUBJECT: Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 7380 Sherbrooke Street - Lot 34, Block 25, DL 200, Plan 2591 RECOMMENDATION THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the Certificate of Title to the property at 7380 Sherbrooke Street in order to warn prospective purchasers that there is a contravention of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing. COUNCIL POLICY The Vancouver Charter, Section 336D, provides a mechanism whereby the City of Vancouver can warn prospective purchasers of contravention of City By-laws relating to land or a building or structure. Section 336D of the Vancouver Charter provides that, if the City Building Inspector observes a condition that he considers: (a) to be a contravention of a By-law or regulation relating to the construction or safety of buildings or structures; or (b) as a result of that condition, a building or structure is unsafe or is unlikely to be useable for its expected purpose during its normal lifetime; or (c) the contravention is of a nature that a purchaser, unaware of the contravention, would suffer a significant loss of expense if the By-laws were enforced against him; he may recommend to City Council that a resolution be considered, pursuant to Section 336D (2), directing the City Clerk to file a notice against the title to the property in the Land Title Office. DISCUSSION In September of 1993, the District Building Inspector observed an addition being constructed to the rear of the building at the above location without permit or approval in contravention of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws. A STOP Work Notice was posted on the building and the owner was directed to obtain permits. An application for Development Permit was refused by the Director of Planning because the development did not meet the required floor space ratio, external design and site coverage set out in the Zoning By-law. A subsequent appeal to the Board of Variance on February 8, 1995 was refused. Charges have been laid against the owner twice and on each appearance in Provincial Court the owner has pleaded guilty and been fined. Because the owner has not removed the unauthorized addition, the Law Department is commencing injunction proceedings and has recommended the filing of a 336D Notice. The 336D Notice will ensure that in the event the building is put up for sale, any prospective purchaser is made aware that there is a contravention of the by-laws related to this building and that the purchaser may suffer a significant loss or expense if the by-laws were enforced against him. * * * * *