Building and Bylaw Enforcement Report

Protective Services & Community Services Report

TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: February 4, 2014 FROM: Paul Hurst, Fire Chief MEETING DATE: February 11, 2014 FILE NO.: 7200-70

BULIDING AND BYLAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives this report for information;

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To update the Committee on the operations of the Building and Bylaw Department.

BUILDING:

The end of December and the month of January has been a month of change. The building department has officially moved into its new headquarters and is settling into the routine of business with no issues. During this period we have taken in the permits for Eagle Creek to begin review as they continue excavations and blasting, as well as for the development at 1900 Watkiss Way. These developments will make great contributions and changes to the Town.

The Building Department is currently working with 1701 Island Highway contractors which are now at drywall stage. 2311 Watkiss has foundations in place and should be into the framing portion soon. 235 Island Highway has one building framed and is beginning the second. The department is continuing to monitor the CRD Pump Station and the new Public Safety Building construction. Aside from the regular routine of file reviews, inspections and monitoring, we are actively continuing education through required seminars and courses.

BYLAW:

The transition from Development Services to Fire is going well, we are working with Development Services Clerk to establish a filing and tracking system for Bylaw complaints. At the direction of Council, preparing a bylaw amendment to the Animal Control bylaw to prohibit feeding of wild animals. That report and amendment will come forward at the March Committee of the Whole for review.

January has been a busy month with an increase in complaints specific to parking and subsequent un-registered secondary suites.

Notable files for the month:

• at the request of the owner, a Task Force consisting of RCMP, Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation, Building/ Bylaw Enforcement, and Fire Department attended the residence to inspect for unlawful use and alleged illegal activity. Working with the Team and owner, the Ministry is assisting in finding alternative accommodations for the tenant. This property is an ongoing concern in the neighborhood and an offer of assistance was conveyed to the owner, who indicated his willingness to market the property for sale or re-development.
• After two months of enforcement with the landlord and occupants, the current tenants have vacated the property as of the end of December. The property has been cleaned up of debris and conforms with current Bylaws as it pertains to Unsightly Premise and use, particularly yard and garage sales. The owner of the property has been advised of the current bylaws and previous enforcement issues. Bylaw Officers will monitor
• A working group consisting of the RCMP, Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation, Building/ Bylaw Enforcement and the Fire Department attended the property as a result of an RCMP and Fire file. Bylaw confirmed an unlawful occupancy of the premise and the occupant has been referred for suitable accommodations by the Ministry. Building/Bylaw and Fire will now work with the owner towards compliance of relevant codes and bylaws.
• The Director of Protective Services, the Bylaw Officer and representatives of the Queens Harbor Master toured the Esquimalt Harbour to assess live aboard vessels and encroachments, inspections of outstanding dock issues and current applications. Currently 6 vessels remain in the Esquimalt Harbor.

DIRECTORS COMMENTS:

The initial transition from Development Services to Protective Services has gone well. I recognize the extra time and effort put forth by all staff involved in making this move happen smoothly.

Comprehensive reviews of both departments are taking place and will continue over the next couple of months to create efficiencies, establish guidelines and understand current practice. Again, staff involved has been very helpful and willing to move forward towards a successful transition.

Presently Building/Bylaw is working on amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw, reviewing the Streets and Traffic Bylaw, and working with Development Services on implementing the Marshall Swift formula for assessing building permit fees.

Meetings have taken place with the Township of Esquimalt, City of Victoria, and City of Colwood in an effort to recognize best practice for Bylaw enforcement. As well, we have met with representatives from the Ministry of Highways and CRD Parks on issues of mutual concern and interest. Finally, meetings with CRD Animal Control and SPCA have occurred to address bylaw amendments and issues of common concern.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives this report for information.

SUBMITTED BY: Gary Faykes, Building Official

SUBMITTED BY: Enzo Calla, Bylaw Enforcement Officer

REVIEWED BY: Paul Hurst, Director, Protective Services

REVIEWED BY: Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer