Staff Report: COMMUNITY AMENITY CONTRIBUTION POLICY

Planning & Development Report

TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: June 6, 2019 FROM: J. Chow, Senior Planner MEETING: June 11, 2019 FILE NO: 0340-20-40 Policies – Dev. Serv.- Community Amenity Contribution Policy

COMMUNITY AMENITY CONTRIBUTION POLICY

RECOMMENDATION:

That the June 6, 2019 report from the Senior Planner titled “Community Amenity Contribution Policy” be received for information and comment.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES’ COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE:

1. To present the current draft community amenity contribution policy for review and comment on proposed rates.
2. To propose an informational open house to representatives of the local development industry on June 24, 2019

BACKGROUND:

Following a series of major rezoning applications in the past few years, a question arose from Council on what an appropriate level of community amenity contributions (CACs) might be when rezoning for new development. Reports report discussing why a policy should be considered were presented at the June 12, 2018 and April 9 Committee of the Whole meetings. The information in form those reports is summarized in Attachment 1.

DISCUSSION:

1. Draft Policy

The latest draft policy is presented in Attachment 2 for review and comment. The proposed rates are:

The policy would apply to rezoning applications where residential uses are proposed. Other local municipalities that include commercial use the policies in conjunction with density bonus provisions in the zoning bylaw. Cash amenities would typically be secured in a covenant at the time of rezoning for contribution at the building permit stage.

The rates are in the mid to upper range of other four municipalities with CAC policies as shown in Attachment 3.

2. Open House

Staff proposes to send information and open house invitations to local development industry representatives, as was done for the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. Staff proposes an open house for 9:00-11:00 am on Monday June 24. Staff will report back on the comments.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the June 6, 2019 report from the Senior Planner titled “Community Amenity Contribution Policy” be received for information and comment.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Chow, MCIP, RPP Senior Planner

REVIEWED BY: James Davison, MCIP, RPP Acting Director of Development Services

ATTACHMENTS

1. Community Amenity Contribution Backgrounder (4 pages)
2. Draft Community Amenity Contribution Policy (4 pages)
3. DCC and CAC comparisons