ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: December 22, 1998
Author/Local: GLougheed/7721
RTS No. 367
CC File No. 5311

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Subdivision and Strata Title Coordinator
SUBJECT:	Strata Title Conversion - 1994-1996 West 12th Avenue

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the application to convert the previously-occupied building at 1994-1996 West 12th Avenue (Lot 1, Block 406, D.L. 526, Plan 1949) to strata title ownership be approved.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council Policy is reflected in the City's Strata Title and Cooperative Conversion Guidelines, which outline factors which Council will consider in reviewing applications for converting previously-occupied buildings to strata title or cooperative ownership.

PURPOSE

Council approval is required for an application to convert the previously-occupied building at 1994-1996 West 12th Avenue (Lot 1, Block 406, D.L. 526, Plan 1949) to strata title ownership.

BACKGROUND

The site is zoned RT-8 and is developed with a two-family dwelling, which was originally constructed in 1941. Pursuant to Development Permit No. DE400731 and Building Permit No. BU403438, a two and one-half storey, plus basement, addition was constructed at the rear of this dwelling in 1996. The owner proposes to create two strata lots.

One of the units is owner-occupied and the other is tenanted. The tenant has indicated his support in writing for this application. The owner has indicated in a notarized declaration submitted with the application that the strata lots will not be marketed at this time; the existing occupancy will continue indefinitely.

The location of this site is shown below in Figure 1.

Figure 1

DISCUSSION

Section 9(2) of the Condominium Act states that Council shall not approve the conversion unless the building substantially complies with applicable City by-laws. In this case, a two-family dwelling is a conditionally approved use in the RT-8 District, and the building substantially conforms with the regulations of the District Schedule. Therefore, should this building be extensively damaged or destroyed by fire, the site could be redeveloped to the same extent that it is presently developed. As such, an `advisory' covenant for prospective purchasers is not recommended in this case.

STAFF ANALYSIS

In addition to Planning Department staff, the City Engineer and the City Building Inspector have reviewed this application. As the building contains only two dwelling units, the Manager of the Housing Centre has not been asked to comment.

The City Engineer has no servicing or dedication requirements for this site.

The City Building Inspector reports that inspections have been carried out and it has been determined that the building substantially complies with all relevant City By-laws.

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, and on the applicant's compliance with the City's Strata Title and Cooperative Conversion Guidelines, the Subdivision and Strata Title Coordinator supports this application.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver