Municipal News – City of Langley
August 22, 2023
UPDATE: DCC Bylaw Update – Engagement Session and Feedback Request
As noted in previous newsletters, the City held an engagement session on August 10 on its proposed DCC increases.
At the engagement session, UDI raised questions regarding phasing and setting a delayed effective date to provide builders with additional notice to adapt to the substantial increases. UDI also recommended annual inflationary increases to reduce the potential for future increases of this magnitude. The proposed rates are:
The proposed DCC Bylaw is expected to be presented to Council for three readings in September and—after approval from the Inspector of Municipalities—brought for final adoption in December of this year.
If you have questions or comments regarding the proposed DCC increases, please send them to info@langleycity.ca by August 31, 2023.
For more information, see the presentation and FAQ document.
August 9, 2023
DCC Bylaw Update – Report
On July 24, a report went to Council on a proposed major update to the City’s Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw. The last DCC update was adopted in 2012 so the rationale behind the proposed increases is to account for new infrastructure plans (and updated OCP), significant projected growth due to the introduction of the new SkyTrain line, as well as increased construction and land costs.
The draft DCC rates are:
*This rate is higher than many municipalities as the City charges for park acquisition and development to non-residential uses. / **This is a new rate category.
The City is anticipating stakeholder engagement to occur in August so the new proposed DCC Bylaw can be presented to Council for three readings in September. The updated DCC Bylaw is expected to be brought to Council for final adoption in December of this year.
The City is hosting a virtual information session for the development community on the proposed DCC rates on Thursday, August 10. RSVP here to attend. For more information, see the full report.
Townhome and Plex-Home Best Practices Guide and Moratorium Lifted
On July 24, Council lifted the moratorium on Townhome and Plex-home rezoning applications south of 50 Avenue (i.e. South of the Nicomekl River) and directed staff to begin using the new Townhome and Plex-Home Best Practices Guide.
This new Best Practices Guide was developed based on public input received through a City survey conducted after the moratorium was placed last year. The Best Practices Guide includes new design guidelines for townhomes and plex-homes related to:
- Rooftop patios and balconies;
- Rooftop styles;
- Transportation improvements;
- Green space and landscaping;
- Building heights;
- Backyard setbacks;
- Garage styles and parking; and
- Amenity spaces.
Key design guideline changes include:
- Prioritization of peaked roof designs
- Increased visitor parking spaces above the 0.20 spaces per unit
- Increased backyard setbacks from 4.5m to 6m adjacent to Suburban/Urban Residential properties
- Limiting tandem parking to 50% in townhouse developments
For more information, see the full report.
UPDATE: Commercial and Industrial Zoning Bylaw Changes – Adopted
On July 24, Council adopted Zoning Bylaw amendments to the I1 (Light Industrial) zone as well as changes to limit proximity between specific commercial uses as part of a phased process to update the City’s Zoning Bylaw.
As noted in previous updates, the adopted Industrial Zoning Bylaw changes reduce parking requirements and increases height limits, as well as adds a provision for accessory office use. These changes are intended to align with the increased investment opportunities emerging from the SkyTrain extension anticipated for 2028. The I2 and I3 industrial and other zones will be updated as a part of the broader Zoning Bylaw update process, anticipated to be complete by mid-2024.
The adopted Commercial Zoning Bylaw changes add a new 400 metre separation distance between specific commercial uses including between ‘Beauty and Wellness Center’ or ‘Personal Health Enhancement Center’ and other ‘Beauty and Wellness Center’ or ‘Personal Health Enhancement Center’ commercial uses. These changes are intended to create more diversity of businesses in the Downtown core.
June 27, 2023
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Bylaw Changes – First and Second Readings
On June 19, Council gave first and second readings to Zoning Bylaw amendments to the I1 (Light Industrial) zone as well as changes to limit proximity between specific commercial uses as part of a phased process to update the City’s Zoning Bylaw.
Proposed Industrial Zoning Bylaw Changes:
Proposed changes will provide opportunities for existing businesses and new developments to make the best use of industrial land and align with the increased investment opportunities emerging from the SkyTrain extension anticipated for 2028.
The I2 and I3 industrial and other zones will be updated as a part of the broader Zoning Bylaw update process, anticipated to be complete by mid-2024.
Proposed Commercial Zoning Bylaw Changes:
Proposed changes would incorporate a new 400 metre separation distance between specific commercial uses. These changes are intended to foster business variety in the Downtown core and promote a balance between specialty retail, restaurants, and personal service uses. The changes will add a requirement for a 400 metre separation distance between ‘Beauty and Wellness Center’ or ‘Personal Health Enhancement Center’ and other ‘Beauty and Wellness Center’ or ‘Personal Health Enhancement Center’ commercial uses.
Urban Forest Management Strategy – Public Engagement
On June 19, a report went to Council providing an update on the development of the City’s Urban Forest Management Strategy (UFMS). The City has commenced a City-wide approach to urban forest management with a 30-year planning horizon to determine a clear direction for urban forest growth and management until 2050. The strategy will include:
- Understanding the current condition of the urban forest;
- Addressing current challenges facing the urban forest;
- Development of a vision for the future;
- Establishment of objectives and targets; and
- Development of guidelines for implementation of the UFMS.
The City has launched public engagement on the Urban Forest Management Strategy including a virtual Open House, which will be held on June 27 from 6pm-8pm, and a survey, which will be open from June 8 to July 16. Learn more on the City’s webpage.
The feedback received will inform the draft Urban Management Strategy, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023. A second round of community engagement will take place over the Fall and Winter of 2023 with the finalization and endorsement of the UFMS in early 2024.
May 16, 2023
UPDATE: Proposed Changes to Flood Construction Levels – Adopted
On May 1, Council adopted amendments to the Floodplain Elevation Bylaw, which sets a minimum acceptable Flood Construction Level (FCL) of 1.8 metres above the Natural Boundary of the parcel’s closest smaller creek (including Baldi Creek, Brydon Creek, Pleasantdale Creek, Muckle Creek, and Langley Creek) for all habitable construction within Nicomekl River, Murray Creek, and Logan Creek floodplain boundaries.
For more information, see the full report.
UPDATE: Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Regulation Amendments – Adopted
On May 8, amendments to the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Regulations Bylaw, Fees and Charges Bylaw, and Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw were adopted by Council.
As noted in previous UDI newsletters, key proposed changes include the following additional requirements:
- Added requirement for property owners to install inspection of chambers at the property line;
- Added list of required steps to connect or disconnect sanitary or storm services to the City’s sanitary/storm sewer pipe collection systems;
- Increased construction value threshold requirement during building permit applications for updating sanitary and/or storm sewer service from $100,000 to:
- $200,000 at the time of the building permit application OR
- $250,000 in the last 12 months from the time of building permit application (this amount includes the construction value at the time of application)
For more information, see the full report.
May 2, 2023
Proposed Changes to Flood Construction Levels – First, Second, and Third Readings
On April 17, amendments to the Floodplain Elevation Bylaw received first, second, and third readings. The Floodplain Elevation Bylaw sets a minimum acceptable Flood Construction Level (FCL) for all habitable construction within Nicomekl River, Murray Creek, and Logan Creek floodplain boundaries to reduce the exposure to risk for new development and alleviate potential damages due to flooding.
The proposed changes apply to new development within the City and sets the FCL for parcels neighbouring smaller creeks. The FCL is 1.8 metres above the Natural Boundary of the parcel’s closest smaller creek (including Baldi Creek, Brydon Creek, Pleasantdale Creek, Muckle Creek, and Langley Creek).
For more information, see the full report.
Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Regulation Amendments– First, Second, and Third Readings
On April 17, several changes to the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Regulations Bylaw, Fees and Charges Bylaw, and Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw received first, second, and third readings.
The proposed changes include added requirements for property owners and increased construction value threshold for updating sanitary and/or storm sewer service.
Key proposed changes are summarized below:
- Added requirement for property owners to install inspection of chambers at the property line;
- Added list of required steps to connect or disconnect sanitary or storm services to the City’s sanitary/storm sewer pipe collection systems;
- Increased construction value threshold requirement during building permit applications for updating sanitary and/or storm sewer service from $100,000 to:
- $200,000 at the time of the building permit application OR
- $250,000 in the last 12 months from the time of building permit application (this amount includes the construction value at the time of application)
For more information, see the full report.
April 4, 2023
Latecomer Policy – Approved
On March 20, Council approved the proposed Latecomer Policy. The City will use this policy as a framework to secure individual latecomer agreements with developers and to determine and collect Latecomer fees.
During the Council meeting, Council indicated they would like to add a minimum amount to the administration fee in addition to the 2% of the cost of providing Excess Service and Extended Service that was initially proposed to ensure the City can recuperate all its administration costs. This will come forward as a separate amendment to the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw.
For more information, see the full report.
July 27, 2021
Proposed Zoning Bylaw Paring Amendments
At the Township of Langley Regular Council Meeting of July 12 a report related to the Zoning Bylaw with respect to parking requirements was received by Council and was referred back to staff to bring forward reports and bylaws with Fort Langley separate.
The Report recommended that staff review cash-in lieu amount for on-site parking currently as an option for development in Fort Langley and a new cash-in lieu option on-site parking in both Fort Langley and Aldergrove commercial core areas.
Outlined in the report are also specific parking requirements for uses such as retail, office, financial institutions and restaurants. Additionally, the bylaw proposes adding new requirements for bicycle parking and end-of trip facilities, and to increase parking requirements to accommodate persons with disabilities.
June 29, 2021
Airtightness and Step Code Requirements Survey
The Township of Langley is seeking input to help collectively improve the construction practice of stakeholders in the building industry achieve airtightness more successfully.
The Township of Langley in partnership with UBC are surveying members of the construction industry including: drywallers, window installers, framers, insulation installers, plumbers, HVAC industry, electricians, cladding installers, general contractors and others. The results of this project will be made available to all industries across BC and intend to help reduce the challenges with meeting increasingly challenging airtightness targets including meeting Step Code requirements more easily, eliminating final blower door test failures, and avoiding costly improvements that would be required late in the construction stage to meet energy based requirements.
See the survey link here: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/AirtightnessSurvey
Please complete the survey by Friday, July 2nd.
All responses will be treated confidentially. No personal data will be recorded.
Thank you in advance for participating in this effort. For questions, please contact Kevin Ramlu, kramlu@tol.ca.
March 23, 2021
New Watercourse Protection Bylaw (information purposes) Mar 8
At Langley City’s Regular Council Meeting of March 8 a report on a newly Proposed Watercourse Protection Bylaw was received by Langley Council for informational purposes. (see the report on p.24). The Watercourse Protection Bylaw is meant to control and prevent issues from occurring at the construction site. The proposed new Watercourse Protection Bylaw makes a number of changes that are intended to improve staff’s ability to monitor and enforce the bylaw. One of the more significant proposed changes is to replace TSS with a Water Turbidity Measurement. Also included in the report are proposed changes to the:
- Water quality monitoring criteria
- Construction inspection, monitoring and reporting frequency
- Offences penalties and remedies
The main tool for ensuring compliance with the Watercourse Protection Bylaw is the ability for staff to issue an immediate stop work order which won’t be lifted until the infraction is remediated.
March 9, 2021
Housing Needs Report
Langley City’s Housing Needs Report is on the agenda for their Regular Council meeting of 22 February (pg. 347).
In the Spring of 2019, the Province mandated that local governments complete housing needs reports by April 2022. At Langley City Regular Council Meeting of February 22 the Housing Needs Report (see p.347) was received by Council. The purpose of the report is to “identify the number and type of housing units needed to meet current and anticipated needs for at least the next five years.” The report will assist the City for new OCP policies and Zoning Bylaw regulations that support the development of new housing.
The Report includes several dozen data points include:
Staff also identify several key areas of local need in Report, including:
February 10, 2021
Langley City Draft OCP & Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan
Langley City now has a draft Official Community Plan (OCP), as well as a draft Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan. Both of these documents will provide direction on growth and development in the City of Langley for years to come.
If you would like to provide feedback on the draft plans there is an online survey that is open until February 21 2021.
Langley staff are hosting a virtual open house to discuss the Draft Official Community Plan (OCP) on Tuesday, February 9 2021 from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm.
Another virtual open house will be held to discuss the Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan on Wednesday, February 10 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
May 5, 2020
Tax Relief Measures
To ease the financial pressures on taxpayers during these challenging times, Langley City Council has proposed an amended 2020-2024 Financial Plan. The overall property tax increase of 6.67% has been adjusted to 1.83% and Business Class properties and Light Industrial Class properties have modified from 7% to average increase of 2.01% and 2.14% increase respectively.
“The City was able to accomplish this by reducing the tax increase to bridge the funding gap from $1.95 million to $535,000 by taking numerous substantial measures including:
- Deferring the borrowing of $10 million in 2020 as part of the Nexus of Community Plan to 2021, which will eliminate the debt servicing costs of $827,664 or 2.83%
- Postponing several new staffing positions until future years, a reduction of $120,855 or 0.42%
- Reducing the contribution to the Capital Works Reserve for infrastructure renewal from $100,000 to $50,00
- Increasing new building permit revenue projections by $400,000 or 1.37%. This revenue projection may not be substantial in future years and will be reassessed for 2021.”
The property tax penalty for residential property owners was previously 5% after the July 2 tax due date and a further August 2. In 2020, the penalty will be reduced to 2% after the July 2 tax due date, and a second penalty date will be extended to October 1 at 8%. The Province has mandated that Business Light Industrial and Non-profit classed properties will have one penalty date of October 1 at 10%.
See here for the full update.
April 21, 2020
Reconsideration of Industrial and Commercial property taxes referred to Staff
At the Regular Council Meeting on April 6th, in response to correspondence from the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, Council referred the request to reconsider 2020 increases to Industrial and Commercial property taxes to staff for review and consideration.
See here for the video from the April 6th meeting.
April 16, 2020
For news and announcements from Langley City see here
April 6th Council Meeting Highlights https://city.langley.bc.ca/news/april-6-2020-council-meeting-highlights
March 23rd Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update– Permit, License and Inspection Services
March 20th Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Ensuring the health and safety of Langley City residents and staff https://city.langley.bc.ca/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update-march-20-2020
March 19th COVID-19 Update and EOC Activation: Joint Mayors’ Announcementhttps://city.langley.bc.ca/news/covid-19-update-and-eoc-activation-joint-mayors-announcement
March 18th COVID-19 Update https://city.langley.bc.ca/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update-march-18-2020
March 16th COVID-19 Update https://city.langley.bc.ca/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update-march-16-2020
March 10, 2020
Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan
Langley City now has a draft concept for the Nicomekl River District Neighbourhood Plan. On March 4th, 2020 Langley City hosted an open house and presented the draft concept. The two information boards presented at the open house can be found here: Introduction, and concept. It is anticipated that the plan will be completed sometime in March 2020.
January 28, 2020
OCP & Zoning Bylaw Update/Survey
In 2018 Langley City Council endorsed a new vision called the Nexus of Community to shape the community into a more walkable, livable, and sustainable place for all residents. To do this, Langley City is updating City’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw. There is a survey available online to gain insights on the land use concept and range of important topics that impact the community, like housing, transportation, jobs, the economy, and the environment. Get more information and take the survey here.
November 25, 2019
OCP and Zoning Bylaw Updates Housing Forms Workshop
The City of Langley is hosting an OCP and Zoning Bylaw Updates Housing Forms Workshop on 27 November from 9am-12pm. Please register for the workshop here.
