Municipal News- City of North Vancouver
August 9, 2023
UPDATE: North Shore Approach to BC Energy Step Code Requirements
At the City of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver Council meetings on July 17th, proposed changes to Energy Step Code (ESC) requirements for a coordinated North Shore approach were adopted. The District of North Vancouver Council adopted the same proposed changes on July 24th. ESC requirements will now increase from Step 3 to Step 4 for the current low carbon compliance pathway for Part 9 buildings. The existing option of Step 5 (the highest step) would remain the same, but the existing low carbon energy system incentive pathway will continue to provide a “step down” option in exchange for installing a low carbon energy system. The effective date for these changes, across the North Shore, is November 1st, 2023.
Draft Climate and Environment Strategy
At Council on July 24th, Council endorsed the draft Climate and Environment Strategy for engagement and refinement. The anticipated engagement period is September-October 2023. The project is currently in Phase 3 of the Strategy development process. City staff are working to finalize a draft Strategy that incorporates feedback from previous engagement, in addition to input from the Climate and Environment Advisory Task Force and a peer review process. Phase 4 will include sharing the draft Strategy for further community feedback, followed by Phase 5 where the Strategy will be finalized and implemented.
The draft includes four “Pathways” (Less Grey, More Green; Climate Resilient Buildings; Connected Neighbourhoods; Empowered Choices), which will include measures for the City to track progress and measure success. The “Climate Resilient Buildings” pathway direction addresses a transition to a resilient building stock through improvements to new and existing building. Objectives include:
- Implementing energy and carbon performance standards for existing buildings;
- Incentivizing and supporting low carbon, resilient retrofits, including buildings connected to the community energy system;
- Undertaking low carbon resilient retrofits of City buildings;
- Transitioning to high efficiency, zero carbon building standards that are adapted to a changing climate and extreme weather events;
- Using the development process to demonstrate leadership in resilience and innovation for buildings and sites;
- Increasing public and industry awareness and action regarding the energy and carbon performance of buildings;
- Reducing the embodied carbon of building materials and construction projects; and
- Ensuring the City’s community energy system meets its climate goals, including the transition to renewable energy.
The “Connected Neighbourhoods” pathway direction addresses building compact and mixed-use communities that support zero emission modes of transportation. Objectives include:
- Creating a City of low carbon and resilient neighbourhoods that enable access to daily needs and greenspace within a short walk or roll from home;
- Increasing the utilization and climate resilience of the City’s transit network;
- Ensuring pedestrian and active transportation networks are adapted to a changing climate;
- Supporting and enabling the switch to zero emission passenger vehicles (ZEVs) and the electrification of medium and heavy duty vehicles; and
- Reducing the need for car ownership by increasing access to zero emissions mobility sharing and car-sharing services.
More information can be found in the draft Climate and Environment Strategy.
May 2, 2023
UPDATE: North Shore Approach to BC Energy Step Code Requirements
As noted in previous UDI newsletters, the City, in coordination with the District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver, is seeking input on proposed changes to BC Energy Step Code requirements for Part 9 residential buildings (single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and smaller townhomes).
On April 20th, the City hosted a virtual workshop to get feedback from the building industry on the proposals. A recording and presentation slides from the workshop are available at: www.cnv.org/stepcode.
The City has provided a list of questions for feedback. If UDI members have comments on the proposed changes, please email environment@cnv.org by April 30th, 2023.
April 18, 2023
UPDATE: Consultation on BC Energy Step Code Requirements
The City, in coordination with the District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver, is seeking input on proposed changes to BC Energy Step Code requirements for Part 9 residential buildings (single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and smaller townhomes).
A virtual workshop will be held on Thursday, April 20th at 8:00am to provide more information and hear feedback. More information about the proposed changes can be read here.
To register for the workshop, please email environment@cnv.org by 5pm on Wednesday, April 19th.
March 7, 2023
Proposed Consultation on BC Energy Step Code Requirements
At Council on February 27th, Council directed City staff to initiate consultation with industry groups with respect to proposed amendments to the Construction Regulation Bylaw and a new mechanical permit to strengthen Energy Step Code (ESC) requirements for Part 9 buildings.
City staff are proposing an increase from Step 3 to Step 4 for the City’s current low carbon compliance pathway for Part 9 buildings to achieve higher energy performance in new homes.
This change is being recommended in an effort to maintain the City’s leadership in advancing high performance construction by requiring energy efficiency standards above minimum code requirements. The City would look to continue to incentivize low carbon mechanical systems, especially electric heat pumps, through the voluntary compliance pathway which reduces emissions and increases resiliency through mechanical cooling. This would also harmonize requirements with the District of West Vancouver and District of North Vancouver to maintain consistency across the North Shore.
A new mechanical permit process is also being proposed for Part 9 homes to provide the design review and installation oversight necessary to effectively monitor the low carbon heating, domestic hot water, and ventilation systems in high performance new construction. This permit would be required for the installation of any space heating or cooling systems and domestic hot water systems, as well as for ventilation systems other than kitchen exhaust and bathroom fans. The proposed mechanical permit would consolidate information currently dispersed across building, gas, plumbing, and electrical permits, and allow for better coordination between the project designer, energy advisor, and mechanical contractor. No new technical requirements are anticipated to be created through this proposed permit process.
The full report by City staff can be read here.
City staff will now proceed with industry consultation this spring following release of the BC Building Code update, and report back to Council with results before the summer break. The timeframe for implementation of the new regulations will be informed through the engagement process and a more detailed timeline will be presented when staff next report to Council.
January 24, 2023
Mobility Strategy Implementation Update
On January 16th, Council received a report on the implementation of the City’s Mobility Strategy which included progress made to date and information on near-term priorities. Key priorities identified for exploration in 2023 include:
- Entry of the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit project into TransLink’s Business Case development process, to confirm what the technology will be (BRT, Light Rail Transit, SkyTrain, or a combination), as well as associated alignment, station locations, and options for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet;
- Development of a curbspace management framework to ensure sufficient loading zones, pick-up/drop-off zones, and accessible parking spots in high-demand locations, as well as a review of opportunities for setting/adjusting parking prices for on and off-street facilities;
- Micromobility pilot projects for e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-scooters; and
- Advancing mobility requirements for developments through prioritization of transit-oriented communities, and modernized direction to support a more predictable development process with a right-sized approach of different requirements for different locations and land-use circumstances. This will include transportation studies and establishing a clear set of transportation demand management requirements for different development types and locations, with an approach to monitoring effectiveness of various initiatives over time.
January 10, 2023
2023 Utility Rates
At Council on December 12th, the City’s 2023 Utility Rates received First, Second, and Third Reading. Proposed changes to the Water Utility, Sewerage and Drainage Utility, and Solid Waste Management bylaws would result in an 8.5% increase for multi-unit dwellings. City staff found efficiencies to bring forward the same increase for 2023 as communicated to Council in November 2021, despite challenges related to inflation.
The proposed 2023 flat rate utility fees for a multi-family dwelling are as follows:
More details on the proposed changes can be read here, in addition to the presentation made to Council and accompanying staff report.
September 20, 2022
Lonsdale Energy Corporation Feedback
A small group of UDI members has met with the senior representatives from the City of North Vancouver (CNV) and their Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC) since early 2022. As part of these discussions, UDI is surveying our members to gather feedback on their experience with the City of North Vancouver’s District Energy Utility. From a design perspective to installation, ongoing operation and bonding, we are certain that there are members out there with knowledge of the opportunities and challenges presented by the DEU system. If you can please provide this feedback through UDI, we will collate it and use it (anonymously) as part of our discussions with the CNV.
If you have any feedback, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org by end of day October 3rd.
August 9, 2022
UPDATE: Mid-Market Rental Policy and Eligibility Criteria
As noted in previous newsletters, at Council on July 25th, the Mid-Market Rental (MMR) Policy and updates to the eligibility criteria for tenant selection were approved.
City staff will now work to implement an online “register of interest” to ensure interested individuals receive direct notification when MMR units become available.
The updated MMR policy requires that upon re-let, MMR units be subject to Tenant Eligibility Criteria, prioritization approach, and advertising requirements:
- Tenant Eligibility Criteria: tenants must have a gross annual income below the Household Income Limit for the corresponding unit size for the year of occupancy, have no ownership or interest in a property where the household could otherwise occupy, and either be a City resident and/or person who has worked in the City for the last 6 months or more.
- Prioritization approach: Priority Matrix applies at first let, and at any subsequent re-let. First priority is tenants displaced from former building due to redevelopment (household income limits apply). Second priority is tenants displaced from other buildings in the City due to redevelopment (household income limits apply). Third priority is City residents or non-City residents who have worked in the City for the last 6 months (household income limits apply). Families that meet the Tenant Eligibility Criteria have priority for 2+ bedroom and larger units.
- Advertising requirements: Prior to first let, the MMR unit must be advertised for a minimum or one month on at least two common rental property search platforms. The platforms must not require fees or registration, and the advertisement must include full details of the available MMR units. At re-let, the required advertisement period is one week. Housing providers will be required to provide information to the online ‘register of interest’ about when MMR units will be coming available for rent.
Compliance with these policy requirements will be monitored through annual submission of information demonstrating compliance via a standardized form, coordinated with Business License Renewal. City staff will continue to explore the concept of non-profit third-party administration for tenant selection, and bring forward recommendations/proposals in future reports to Council.
The new policy and eligibility requirements are now in effect. More details can be found in the City staff report to Council here.
June 14, 2022
Tree Bylaw Update
In March of this year, The City adopted a Tree Bylaw to help strengthen the City’s urban forest and increase tree canopy cover. The Tree Bylaw will regulate management of trees on private property in multi-family residential, commercial, civic, industrial, and mixed employment areas in the City. This new Bylaw means the City is harmonizing its requirements for trees within Development Permit Areas, making it easier to understand expectations.
With this new bylaw, trees at or greater than 20 cm diameter at breast height are considered protected. Protected and replacement trees will require a Tree Removal Permit prior to removal, even without active development taking place. There are also increased measures to mitigate ecological losses by requiring three replacement trees for each protected tree removed and the payment of an ecological compensation fee. To apply for a Tree Removal Permit, a Tree Removal Application form will need to be submitted along with details of each tree proposed to be removed.
When removing a hazardous tree, a Tree Removal Permit is required and one replacement tree provided. For trees that are an imminent risk to life or property, you may cut the tree without obtaining a Tree Removal Permit; however, you will need to submit evidence within 24 hours from a qualified tree risk assessor and have the evidence approved by City Staff before removing the tree from the property.
Currently, the Tree Bylaw does not apply to zones in the City that permit two units or less or to building permits submitted prior to March 2022. Further details on the Tree Bylaw, including exclusions can be found on the City’s Trees webpage: https://www.cnv.org/your-government/living-city/trees
If you have questions, please contact treebylaw@cnv.org. A copy of the Tree Bylaw can also be referenced here.
April 20, 2022
Draft Mobility Strategy
On April 11th, Council endorsed the draft Mobility Strategy, which will guide transportation planning, policy, design, maintenance, and investment decisions for the next decade. It presents 11 strategies with supporting actions, which the City will develop a work plan for each year that portions out specific components for further planning and implementation.
Strategy 8 (page 53) outlines actions related to supporting sustainable mobility through growth and development. Actions include:
- Using land use and development to support shorter trips and sustainable mobility choices;
- Requiring most developments to provide Travel Demand Management (TDM) options for residents and/or employees (i.e. right-sizing amount and type of TDM measures);
- Reducing the amount of vehicle parking that developers are required to provide in new buildings and increasing the amount of parking for sustainable modes (i.e. establishing parking maximums for multi-unit residential buildings, and reviewing possibilities for shared off-street vehicle parking among complementary uses);
- Setting clear mobility expectations from new developments.
The Strategy also includes six “Street Types” (page 66) which tie building form and design to streets. These are based on land use context, transportation function, and design objectives which establish adjacent land use.
If you have any questions, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
April 5, 2022
Tree Bylaw Approved
On March 28th, Council approved the Tree Bylaw as part of new measures for expanding and protecting the urban tree canopy. This Bylaw applied to trees having a DBH of 20cm or more, with the exception of specific authorization to remove trees by a permit issued under the Bylaw, or by a development permit issued by the City. The Bylaw prohibits removal/damage to any part of a tree, and requires trees cut under the authority of the Bylaw to be replaced, with security provided. The fees and security amounts can be found below:
More information on applications for tree cutting/removal permits, as well as tree replacement and compensation can be found in the report that went to Council.
March 22, 2022
Mid-Market Rental Eligibility Requirements
City staff have proposed changes to Mid-Market Rental Eligibility Requirements, and are bringing the new policy back to Council in spring 2022. The proposals are summarized in a consultation letter UDI received from the City on February 17th, alongside the report that previously went to Council. UDI submitted a letter to the City on March 11th, with feedback on the proposed changes.
March 8, 2022
Lonsdale Energy Corporation Survey
Following up on a meeting held with the City of North Vancouver and Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC) staff regarding challenges UDI members have been experiencing with the LEC, UDI is collecting feedback to provide for ongoing discussions.
Some challenges discussed include developments being unable to meet return temperature requirements and get back development bonds, the costs associated with trying to meet requirements, as well as the transition of the LEC towards a low-carbon energy source.
If you have any projects that are connected to, or will be connecting to, the LEC district energy system, kindly complete this survey by end of day Friday, March 11th.
February 23, 2022
Development Application Fees Update
As of January 31, 2022, Council has approved updated development application fees. These new fees will take effect as of March 1, 2022. Specific fee changes can be referenced in the industry notification letter received by UDI on February 7th.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
MMR Eligibility and Advertising Criteria
In December 2021, Council directed staff to bring forward a new policy to establish additional criteria regarding tenant selection for mid-market rental (MMR) housing. The City is now gathering feedback on the proposed approach prior to returning to Council with the new policy in spring 2022.
The proposals are summarized in a consultation letter UDI received from the City on February 17th, alongside the report that went to Council.
Currently, MMR units are based solely on household income. To better target low to moderate income renters, including people that work in the City, staff recommended additional eligibility criteria be introduced that required tenants to be either:
- CNV residents; and/or
- People who have worked in the CNV for six months or more.
To ensure MMR units are benefitting renters, staff also recommended the stipulation that tenants should not own or have an interest in a property which the household could otherwise occupy.
There is also a proposed prioritization approach. Currently, where there is more than on eligible applicant, it is at the discretion of the building owner to select the tenant. Staff are recommending priority be afforded to:
- Displaced tenants who meet the baseline eligibility criteria for an appropriately sized unit in the development that resulted in their displacement;
- Families that meet the baseline eligibility criteria for 2 bedroom and larger units.
Additionally, providers of MMR units should advertise MMR properties on common property search platforms subject to a minimum advertisement period, as well as on a City-created and administered online ‘register of interest’ that enables individuals to register their interest in renting MMR units, to be directly notified when one becomes available.
The above recommendations would apply on re-let.
If you have any comments or feedback, please Heather Park at hpark@udi.org by end of day Friday, March 4th so that UDI can provide consolidated feedback to City staff.
February 8, 2022
Mobility Strategy
The City is currently conducting engagement on its Draft Mobility Strategy. UDI recently participated in an engagement session with City staff on January 31st.
Strategy 8 on page 42 of the draft is where the majority of development related Actions can be found. These include:
- Utilizing land use and development to support shorter trips and sustainable mobility choices;
- Requiring most developments to provide Travel Demand Management (TDM) options for residents and/or employees;
- Reducing the amount of vehicle parking that developers are required to provide in new buildings and increase the amount of parking for sustainable modes; and
- Setting clear mobility expectations from new developments.
There is also a Summary document available, alongside the Strategy’s webpage, to learn more. Staff are working towards a final version for City Council consideration in Spring 2022. If you have any feedback, the City has extended its deadline to complete the online survey until February 11th at 4pm.
January 25, 2022
Mobility Strategy Session
There will be a UDI session on the City’s draft Mobility Strategy on January 31st from 11:00am-12:00pm. Staff will be making a brief presentation on the development of the Draft Mobility Strategy and highlight key components. A discussion and Q&A session will follow for stakeholders to provide perspectives on the strategy. Most development-related actions can be found within Strategy 8 on pages 42-43.
For more information, visit the project’s Let’s Talk page. If you have any questions, or are interested in attending the session, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
December 14, 2021
Mid-Market Rental Eligibility Criteria
On December 6th a report on Proposed Mid-Market Rental (MMR) Eligibility Criteria was approved by Council. The purpose of the report was to seek Council direction to bring forward a policy to establish additional criteria regarding tenant selection for MMR units. Currently, MMR units are based solely on household income. To better target low to moderate income renters, including people that work in the City, staff recommended additional eligibility criteria be introduced that required tenants to be either:
- CNV residents; and/or
- People who have worked in the CNV for six months or more.
To ensure MMR units are benefitting renters, staff also recommended the stipulation that tenants should not own or have an interest in a property which the household could otherwise occupy.
There is also a proposed prioritization approach. Currently, where there is more than on eligible applicant, it is at the discretion of the building owner to select the tenant. Staff are recommending priority be afforded to:
- Displaced tenants who meet the baseline eligibility criteria for an appropriately sized unit in the development that resulted in their displacement;
- Families that meet the baseline eligibility criteria for 2 bedroom and larger units.
Additionally, providers of MMR units should advertise MMR properties on common property search platforms subject to a minimum advertisement period, as well as on a City-created and administered online ‘register of interest’ that enables individuals to register their interest in renting MMR units, to be directly notified when one becomes available.
The above recommendations would apply on re-let. Next steps include staff undertaking targeted consultation with rental developers, housing advocates, and other relevant stakeholders on the above proposals. To read the full report to Council, see here.
Inclusionary Zoning Policy Approaches to Affordable Housing
On December 6th a report on Inclusionary Zoning Policy Approaches to Affordable Housing was approved by Council. The purpose of the report was so that staff could be directed to report back with inclusionary zoning recommendations that would support delivery of affordable housing in line with the key principles in the report.
The report introduces the inclusionary zoning work underway that will support the recalibration of the City’s approach to securing on-site affordable housing.
To ensure alignment with the OCR and wider Council objectives relating to housing, and
focusing on the delivery of housing through the Density Bonusing and Community
Benefits Policy, it is recommended that policy options for affordable housing align with
the following principles:
- Rebalancing of the approach to inclusionary zoning to prioritize direct delivery of affordable housing units over affordable housing cash contributions for all types of residential development;
- Creating greater diversity in the type of affordable housing delivered throughout the City by widening the range of affordable housing delivered through the policy as well as the type of sites delivering affordable housing;
- Calibration of the policy to retain development viability alongside maximizing affordable housing delivery;
- Enabling flexibility for innovation and alignment with current/future affordable housing funding streams within a consistent, equitable and transparent policy framework;
- Consideration of other community benefits that could be secured in combination with affordable housing.
Staff will be exploring a number of strategies as part of the work that would align with the above principles. These include:
- A set percentage of affordable housing units (rental and/or ownership) from all residential developments above a certain size;
- The scope for achieving affordable housing provision as part of smaller projects in lower density neighbourhoods;
- The potential for a different pathway for large scale development seeking an OCP amendment or requiring a master planned approach;
- The interaction of inclusionary zoning with other regulatory tools and priorities such as increasing delivering of family sized units and supporting energy efficient buildings.
The full report can be read here. A package of policy options will be developed and presented to Council for consideration in early 2022.
2022 Utilities Update
On December 6th, all proposed utilities bylaw amendments were adopted including the Water Utility Bylaw (page 27), Sewerage and Drainage Utility Bylaw (page 32), and the Solid Waste Management Service Bylaw (page 37). The full Agenda package can be found here.
Land Sale: 2701 Westview Drive
The subject site at Cypress Gardens (2701 Westview Drive) is being offered for sale through Colliers. The City of North Vancouver wishes to clarify the City’s position with regard to the redevelopment potential of this site.
This briefing is intended to help prospective purchasers understand both the existing development potential for this site, as well as the process and degree of uncertainty related to any other form of development.
November 16, 2021
Climate and Environment Strategy Consultation
The City has formally launched the first round of public and stakeholder consultation on the Climate and Environment Strategy (CES). Once complete, the CES will be the City’s playbook of actions to cut its carbon pollution and improve the natural environment over the next decade.
Over the last few months, the City has been developing early ideas for a vision, goals, and set of strategies to build this new plan around. A framework has been developed based on input from community members, best practices in climate and environmental research, and the guiding principles in the City’s Official Community Plan. This draft vision and set of goals and strategies provides a starting point for the new plan. Before going further, the City wants to make sure it reflects what is important to partners and the broader community.
To participate, visit the project website at the City’s Let’s Talk page to learn more about this initiative and read about early ideas for the plan’s vison, goals, and strategies. The City has created a survey to gather input and feedback on what’s been developed so far. The survey will be open through to November 26th, 2021 until 4:00 PM and can be accessed here.
Feedback received will be used to refine the vision, goals, and strategies before starting to develop a full draft plan later this Fall, and through the Winter.
Good Neighbour Program Reminder
As infill development becomes more active, there has been a rise in community complaints surrounding management of vacant properties. If members could please keep in mind the Good Neighbour Program, and ensure the messaging gets passed down to the contractor level, the City would greatly appreciate it. Additional information can be found in this pamphlet.
If you have any questions please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
October 19, 2021
UPDATE: Open Appendage/Retractable Balcony Enclosure
On October 4th, Council adopted the Revised Balcony Enclosure Guidelines. Key revisions include replacing the definition of “Open Appendage”, exclusion from the Gross Floor Area (GFA), and allowing retractable balcony systems by no longer requiring that they be at least 40% enclosed. The updated definition of GFA deletes Section (11) in its entirety and replaces it with the following:
“(11) Open Appendages, as follows:
(a) Balconies, Porches and Decks;
(b) Corridors, stairways, and landings that provide required access to habitable rooms up to a maximum of 10% of maximum Gross Floor Area.”
The changes will make it easier to design buildings and calculate an Open Appendage. In addition, they will now allow for retractable glazing as an outright Building Permit application. Alongside the new definition, the unenclosed percentage requirements for an Open Appendage to qualify for a GFA exemption are being removed from several GFA definitions, since these are now the same and are contained within the new definition of Open Appendage.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
October 5, 2021
Notice of Motion: Rent to Own Housing Model
At the Council meeting on September 21, Council unanimously passed a Notice of Motion directing staff to explore the Rent To Own Model by working with the development industry and financial institutions. Staff are to report back to Council with recommendations on how this model could apply to the City to increase home ownership for moderate, to middle income earners. This reflects a key priority of the City to provide a diverse housing supply that meets the needs of all residents, which it has also been exploring through the Balanced Housing Lab project in an effort to address the housing challenges facing middle-income earners. The Notice of Motion has also come from interest in a private development within the City with 8 rent to own units that had over 800 people expressing interest.
July 27, 2021
Revised Balcony Enclosure Guidelines
On July 19th, Council recommended the Revised Balcony Enclosure Guidelines be considered and referred to Public Hearing. Subject to the adoption of the amendment, Council endorsed the revisions. Key revisions include replacing the definition of “Open Appendage” to mean…”an unenclosed part of a building that projects beyond the exterior walls and which:
- may or may not be covered by a roof or floor above;
- may or may not be recessed into the building;
- is finished as exterior space with drainage;
- has at least 50% of the vertical planes along the perimeter of the Open Appendage unenclosed. The perimeter calculation shall be calculated as per Figure 2-2;
- for purposes of calculating the unenclosed portion of the Open Appendage, clear retractable glazing is deemed to be unenclosed provided that:
- the glazing at no point provides a complete seal/separation from the exterior (i.e. an air gap must be provided);
- when in its retracted state, the Open Appendage complies with the minimum 50% unenclosed requirement in subsection iv above; and
- all retractable glazing on the building must have a uniform appearance.
Other key components of the update include exclusion from the Gross Floor Area (GFA) and allowing retractable balcony systems, by no longer requiring that they be at least 40% enclosed. The updated definition of GFA deletes Section (11) in its entirety and replaces it with the following:
“(11) Open Appendages, as follows:
(a) Balconies, Porches and Decks;
(b) Corridors, stairways, and landings that provide required access to habitable rooms up to a maximum of 10% of maximum Gross Floor Area.”
The changes will make it easier to design buildings and calculate an Open Appendage. In addition, they will now allow for retractable glazing as an outright Building Permit application. Alongside the new definition, the unenclosed percentage requirements for an Open Appendage to qualify for a GFA exemption are being removed from several GFA definitions, since these are now the same and are contained within the new definition of Open Appendage.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
Residential Tenant Displacement Policy and UDI Letter
On July 12th, Council endorsed the updated Residential Tenant Displacement Policy, a policy to mitigate the impacts resulting from redevelopment of rental buildings on current tenants.
The updated policy applies to all rezoning applications made after the adoption date of the policy. The updated policy will not apply to current rezoning applications (submitted prior to the adoption date of the updated policy).
Key updates can be referenced below. UDI also wrote a letter to the City commenting on the updated policy, which can be read here.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
July 13, 2021
Residential Tenant Relocation Policy Update
The City of North Vancouver has provided notice of proposed updates to the City’s Residential Tenant Displacement Policy, which are being considered by Council at their July 12th meeting. The agenda package for the meeting, including the full draft of the policy can be viewed here.
The draft of the policy includes updates in response to the Council Notice of Motion that directed staff on proposals reflecting increased financial assistance for tenants based on length of tenancy, and increased support for low income and marginalized tenants who face additional barriers in securing stable and affordable housing.
Key proposed updates include:
- Widening the applicability of the policy to apply to all rezoning applications that propose to redevelop or demolish any building or combination of buildings containing five or more dwellings occupied by tenants as their primary place of residence
- Increasing the baseline amount of financial compensation from 3 months’ rent to 4 months’ rent
- Introducing additional financial compensation for tenants whose tenancy began 5 years or more prior to the date of the development application, calculated at a rate of $25 per month for each full month’s tenancy beyond 5 years
- Introducing a flat rate payment for moving expenses based on unit size
- Clarifying the types of additional assistance that low income tenants and other facing barriers may request (generally these would be addition services provided by the Tenant Relocation Coordinator, such as support with accessing social housing or connecting with non-profit services)
- Specifying that the Tenant Relocation Coordinator should be an independent, third party professional
- Clarifying that displaced tenants have the first right of refusal to rent any mid-market rental units in the new building (provided the tenant meets the eligibility criteria for MMR unit at the time it’s first available for rent), and that where there are more tenant wishing to exercise their first right of refusal than available MMR units, the developer will be responsible for selecting a tenant in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Agreement.
The updated policy applies to all rezoning applications made after the adoption date of the policy. The updated policy will not apply to current rezoning applications (submitted prior to the adoption date of the updated policy).
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
June 15, 2021
Housing Needs Report Survey
The City of North Vancouver is currently conducting outreach to inform its Housing Needs Report. These Housing Needs Reports are a requirement for municipalities to complete every 5 years and will be used to inform the City’s housing policy.
The City held a virtual focus group earlier this month for multi-family builders and has now launched a stakeholder survey for organizations working in the City or serving its residents. The survey is open until June 30th, and if you are working in the City, we would encourage you to take a few moments to share your thoughts.
A general overview on the project can be found on the City’s Housing Needs Report webpage.
June 1, 2021
North Shore Neighborhood House Redevelopment Project
The City has an ongoing public engagement opportunity for the North Shore Neighbourhood House, which is going through a redevelopment process. Staff are looking for feedback on their initial proposals for the project through their Let’s Talk CNV page. The page includes a project outline and description of the proposals as well as a public survey.
If you want to share your thoughts on this project please visit the page here: https://letstalk.cnv.org/north-shore-neighbourhood-house
March 23, 2021
Non-Residential EV Charging
On March 8, City Council gave the first three readings to a bylaw amendment that will create new EV-readiness requirements for non-residential developments.
The bylaw will require that a minimum of 45% of parking spaces provided in non-residential uses are EV-Ready as follows:
- 10% of parking spaces are EV-Ready for opportunity charging (Level 2 charging on dedicated circuits)
- 35% of parking spaces are EV-Ready for a minimum workplace charging (Level 2 charging with EVEMS)
- A minimum of one parking space is EV-Ready
If approved, the requirements will apply to parking spaces provided for all non-residential uses, including commercial, industrial, public and assembly building uses.
There are a few additional amendments in the bylaw, including applying the residential and non-residential EV-Ready requirements to “disability parking spaces”. The EV-Ready disability parking spaces will count towards the requirement that 45% of non-residential parking spaces are EV-Ready.
The changes will also introduce a 10% EV-Ready requirement for residential visitor parking spaces.
The Zoning Bylaw requirements are proposed to take effect on January 1, 2022. Projects submitted for Building Permit prior to January 1, 2022 would not be required to comply with the amended bylaw, while projects submitted on or after January 1, 2022 would be required to comply.
If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra McColman.
Development Service Process Improvements
Also presented at Council on March 8 was a report on development service process improvements. The report updates Council on some internal process improvements staff are working on and sought Council direction to bring forward bylaw amendments that will help modernize triggers and clarify off site requirements.
Staff are intending that these initiatives will improve service to property owners and builders when it comes to ease of application, predictability of review, and reduction of the current backlog.
May 1, 2020
See here for City of North Vancouver News Releases
See here for City of North Vancouver updates on COVID-19
April 23rd How Does City Hall Deliver Services during a Pandemic? With a Strategy. https://mailchi.mp/cnv/cityview-enews-for-april-23-2020
April 16 City of North Vancouver E. News COVID Update https://mailchi.mp/cnv/cityview-enews-for-april-16-2020-x2nzt7vnme
March 27 Public hearings on Hold during COVID-19 https://www.cnv.org/your-government/news-room/whats-new/2020/3/27/public-hearings-on-hold-during-covid19
March 23rd – Metro Mayors Ask Province to Provide Urgent COVID 19 Fiscal Support https://www.cnv.org/your-government/news-room/news-releases/2020/3/23/metro-mayors-ask-province-to-provide-urgent-covid-19-fiscal-support
COVID-19 Updates (Coronavirus Disease) https://www.cnv.org/city-services/health-and-public-safety/emergency-preparedness/covid-19
November 25, 2019
Balanced Housing Lab
The Balanced Housing Lab initiative was introduced at the recent North Vancouver UDI Liaison meeting. The project will develop implementable housing solutions for working individuals on the North Shore. This work will be facilitated by Urban Matters and will involve West Vancouver, the Squamish Nation, School District 44, provincial and federal politicians, BC Housing, the UBC Housing Research Collaborative, and thought leaders in business, real estate, planning, and others with a direct connection to the issue or implementing solutions.
Sessions will begin in December and will run until March 2020. For a full list of sessions and details on how to participate, please visit the City’s webpage. Application deadline is December 2, 2019.
October 29, 2019
Building Housing Lab
City staff provided a presentation on a new council initiative entitled the Balanced Housing Lab. This project will seek to identify opportunities and high impact actions to address the urgent need for housing facing low and moderate income earners. Some strategic goals include:
- Generate innovative workforce housing solutions through co-creation and collective action
- Involve diverse array of stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience
- Increase rental and ownership options for individuals and families with annual incomes between $50,000 – $100,000
- Partner with all levels of government and other stakeholders to implement solutions
City staff will be recruiting participants from industry to test ideas that arise from the Lab. Members of the UDI City of North Vancouver Liaison committee will be participating in this initiative. Please contact Marissa Chan-Kent for further information.
December 10, 2018
Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy
On December 10, the City of North Vancouver Council will be presented with a report regarding electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements for new developments. The recommendations in the report include amending the Zoning Bylaw to require 100% of residential parking spaces and parking spaces for shared vehicles to be equipped with an energized outlet capable of providing Level 2 charging or a higher charging level for an electric vehicle. The requirement would include parking spaces in single family homes, duplexes, multi-family buildings and parking spaces for shared vehicles, and exclude residential visitor parking spaces and parking spaces for secondary suites. Equipping all residential parking spaces with electric vehicle charging infrastructure is recommended as the simplest, most equitable, future-proof and cost-effective approach. The requirement would allow for energy management systems which reduce the electrical supply required by buildings and associated costs. The report also recommends amending the Sustainable Development Guidelines to include a measure that 20% of commercial parking spaces and 20% of residential visitor parking spaces are equipped with energized outlets capable of providing Level 2 charging or a higher charging level for an electric vehicle. UDI had the opportunity to provide feedback to city staff during the creation of this report. If you have any questions, please contact Marissa Chan-Kent at 604.661.3033.
See here for the website for the City’s EV strategy and here for the strategy.
