CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

June 25, 1998

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, June 25, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law.

PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen

Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Daniel Lee (Items 3 - 6)
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price (Items 1, 2 and 4 - 6)
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Civic Business)

Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Sick Leave)

CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL:

Nancy Largent

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price ,

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair, to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. Text Amendment: Arbutus Industrial Lands

(Vine & Arbutus Streets, 10th & 11th Avenues: Loading Bays)

An application by the Director of Land Use and Development was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment would permit the Director of Planning, with advice from the City Engineer, to determine the required number of loading bays for developments at 2790 Vine Street, 2725 Arbutus Street, and 2111-2197 West 11th Avenue/2176 West 10th Avenue.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, advised that the flexibility of the loading bay requirement is supported by both the Engineering and Planning Departments.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and no one came forward.

MOVED by Cllr .Bellamy,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Text Amendment: 800-1100 Pacific Boulevard (Quayside)

An application by the Director of Land Use and Development was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendments would allow the transfer of floor space between non-market sites, exclude floor space for child daycare facilities and amend the parking requirement for family non-market housing.

The Director of Land Use and Development recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Jonathan Barrett, Planner, advised that the application is non-controversial, andoffered to answer any questions.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

Mayor Owen called for speakers for and against the application and no one came forward.

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Lee arrived at this point in the proceedings.)

3. Rezoning: 1200 Hamilton Street

Councillor Price declared conflict of interest on item 3, due to his having purchased a condominium in the vicinity. Councillor Price then left the meeting at 7:43 p.m., and did not participate in the discussion or the vote.

An application by Hancock Brückner Eng and Wright Architects was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed rezoning from HA-3 to CD-1 would allow for the construction of a hotel with ground floor commercial space, including the importation of heritage density.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application, subject to the following conditions as proposed for adoption by resolution of Council:

(a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Hancock Brückner, Architects, and stamped "Received City Planning Department, December 12, 1997", provided that the Director of Planning may allow minor 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 more effectively reflect a contemporary form, compatible with the heritage vernacular within the area, through refinements to exterior detailing and finishes;

(ii) Design development to take into consideration the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) having particular regard to reducing opportunities for:

Theft in the Underground Parking. Note: Theft from and of auto is very prevalent in the downtown area. This can be alleviated by providing full separation of commercial and hotel users including separate gating, elevator and stair use. The use of the third level as area for valet parking would not be considered positive. An alternative is to use the first level as valet parking, and move the security gate to the entrance of the second level.

Break and Enter. Note: This can be achieved by routing commercial underground users directly outside rather than into the hotel lobby (in coordination with the fire department). Access from the elevator to the hotel floors must be limited to hotel patrons only. The service elevator should only be accessible by key.

Mischief in Alcoves. Note: Exits on the lane should be designed so an alcove is not created. This can be achieved by moving the exit doors so they are flush with the building.

Fear in the underground by improving visibility and security in accordance with section 4.12 of the Parking By-law.

(iii) Clarification is needed regarding where the stairs from Hamilton Street go up to;

(iv) Reference to Mainland Street adjacent to the site is to be deleted from the plans, as this is a City lane;

(v) The canopy proposed over the lane is to be deleted;

(vi) The canopy proposed on Davie Street adjacent the lane must be set back a minimum of 0.61 m (2 ft.) from the face of the curb, and the Hamilton Street canopy must provide a minimum 0.61 m (2 ft.) clearance from the existing power poles;

(vii) Arrangements to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services for encroaching cornices;

(viii) Arrangements to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and the Director of Legal Services to ensure access to the amenity areas (game room/lounge, exercise room and steam room) by employees; and

(ix) If payment in lieu of parking is pursued, it will be supported based on the development being short a maximum of 18 parking spaces, noting that a provision of two sets of tandem valet parking spaces will be supported although the locked-in set of tandem spaces cannot be counted as part of the parking provision.

(c) THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, the registered owner shall:

(i) Make arrangements to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services for provision of street trees adjacent the site;

(ii) Make arrangements for all electrical and telephone services to be undergrounded from the closest existing suitable service point; and

(iii) Provide a soils remediation plan in the form of an approval in principle from the Ministry of the Environment.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, reviewed the application, and explained that a rezoning was required only to accommodate the additional density requested. The application otherwise meets the requirements of HA-3 and generally meets public objectives. Use and character fits Yaletown. In addition, the application is importing heritage density, and thereby supports the retention of heritage buildings.

Most area residents have been supportive. However, there have been concerns regarding cabaret as a possible use. In response, the applicant has agreed to exclude cabaret and pub use. Parking is also a concern, but there is parking available in the area, and Engineering supports payment-in-lieu of parking for up to 18 spaces.

Applicant Comments

Paul Merrick, Architect, reviewed particulars of the application with references to the Yaletown context. Design, shape, size and materials of the building are sympathetic to Yaletown buildings and their warehouse origins.

Mr. Merrick also read a letter from Robert Lemon, former City Heritage Planner,indicating that the project has the unanimous support of the Vancouver Heritage Commission.

Summary of Correspondence

A review of the correspondence on this application indicated the following:

· eight letters in favour of the application;
· one letter opposed to the application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and two speakers were heard.

Paul McCrea, area businessman, supported the application for a first-class building.

Ian Hallam, 200 Block Davie Street, was concerned that this primarily residential area is already noisy, and should not be made worse by development. The Bar None Cabaret in this vicinity already causes noise problems, and there are difficulties in enforcement. Although the applicant has agreed to delete the cabaret use, a Class 2 Restaurant, which permits dancing and amplified music, will still be permitted. Mr. Hallam enquired whether this would be any different than a cabaret. Mr. Hallam also objected to the height of the building.

In response to Mr. Hallam's query, the Mayor explained that Class 2 Restaurants have earlier closing hours than cabarets, and fewer performers are permitted.

Bernice Klaudt, 1000 Block Burrard Street, declined the opportunity to speak when called upon.

The Mayor ascertained that no other people present wished to speak.

Staff Closing Comments

Larry Beasley, Director of Central Area Planning, answered questions about the use of payment-in-lieu of parking funds. Mr. Beasley advised that payments go into the Parking Reserve, and are usually used in the area from which the money came, for projects to address parking needs there. However, Council could consider other uses.

Council Discussion

Council was prepared to support this application. Noise was not considered a factor, because there have been no noise complaints concerning Class 2 Restaurants in a hotel formany years. Also, the restaurant is not expected to open directly onto the street. Council was also prepared to accept payment-in-lieu of parking, as recommended by staff, but was inclined to consider putting it to broader use. Staff were asked to report back accordingly. A Council member requested that the report back include comments from the applicant regarding possible uses for payment-in-lieu of parking funds.

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the application be approved, subject to the conditions as set out in this minute of the Public Hearing;

FURTHER THAT staff report back on broader uses to which payment in lieu of parking funds might be put, including transportation or greenways.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Price not present for the vote)

(Councillor Price returned to the meeting at 8:05 p.m.)

4. Text Amendment: 750 Burrard Street

(Transfer of Density to 1200 Hamilton Street)

An application by the Director of Land Use and Development was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment would allow the transfer of heritage density to the rezoning site at 1200 Hamilton Street.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, explained the purpose of the transfer of density.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

Mayor Owen called for speakers for and against the application and no one came forward.

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Text Amendment: 750 Burrard Street

(Transfer of Density to 1000 Robson Street)

An application by the Director of Land Use and Development was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment would allow the transfer of heritage density to a development site at 1000 Robson Street.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, explained the purpose of the transfer of density.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

Mayor Owen called for speakers for and against the application and no one came forward.

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Text Amendment: 750 Burrard Street

(Transfer of Density to 808 Bute Street)

An application by the Director of Land Use and Development was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment would allow the transfer of heritage densityto a development site at 808 Bute Street.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, explained the purpose of the transfer of density.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

Mayor Owen called for speakers for and against the application and no one came forward.

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED BY Cllr. Don Lee,

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 9:50 p.m.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver