TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2024 Report No. DEV-24-020
TO: Council
FROM: Mikaila Montgomery, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development
SUBJECT: Development Variance Permit Application - 500 Park Place
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve Development Variance Permit No. DVP00144 and direct staff to register the notice on the title of the property.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Core Project Management, on behalf of the Township of Esquimalt, has applied for a variance to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050 to accommodate the development of Esquimalt’s new Public Safety Building. The request is for a variance to the south setback, the height, and the parking requirement.
BACKGROUND:
Applicant: Core Project Management (on behalf of the Township of Esquimalt)
Owner: Township of Esquimalt
Designer: hcma architecture + design
Property Size: 2,789.54m²
Chronology:
• December 21, 2023 - Application received.
• February 20, 2024 - Advisory Planning Commission.
Advisory Body Recommendations:
The Advisory Planning Commission reviewed the application at the regular meeting on February 20th, 2024. The APC recommended Council approval based on the variance being minor in nature and the provision of an off-site parking alternative.
Referral Comments:
Engineering Services: The proposed parking, building setback, and building height variances will not have an impact on the engineering aspects of this property. Engineering has no requirements for this Variance Permit application.
Community Safety Services (Building Inspection): No concerns. Subject to review for Building Code and Bylaw compliance at time of Building Permit application.
ANALYSIS:
The new Public Safety Building at 500 Park Place will house the Fire Department as well as the Emergency Operations Centre and an office for the Capital Regional District (CRD). The proposal requires variances to section 67.125, CD-138, Zoning Bylaw 1992, No. 2050:
• A variance to height, from 15 metres to 15.9 metres
• A variance to the Carlisle Avenue setback, from 13 metres to 11.5 metres
• A variance to off-street parking, from 41 underground parking stalls to 2 surface stalls.
Discussion should focus on how the variances may impact the use and enjoyment of the neighbouring properties and whether the variances are appropriate for the context and site.
Zoning Analysis:
The parcel is zoned Comprehensive Development Zone CD-138 which permits the Fire Hall, Government Office and Professional Office uses.
Parking Analysis:
Forty-one (41) Underground Parking stalls are required in CD-138 (Zoning bylaw, 1992, No. 2050). 2 surface parking stalls are proposed. Staff will be required to park off site at other municipal properties. Fire department staff currently park at Archie Browning Sports Centre next to the temporary Fire Hall.
Short term bicycle parking: 3 short term spaces are proposed along Park Place. It is worth considering that the proposed Parking Bylaw will require a minimum of 6 short term for this building type.
Long term bicycle parking: A secure, indoor bike parking room with 10 spaces is proposed. The proposed Parking Bylaw will require 11 spaces, and 50% of those spaces will be required to have access to an electrified 110V outlet.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council approve and issue Development Variance Permit No. DVP00144 and staff be directed to register the notice on title.
2. That Council approve Development Variance Permit No. DVP00144 with conditions and staff be directed to register the amended notice on title.
3. That Council deny Development Variance Permit No. DVP00144 with reasons.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good governance and organizational excellence
Climate resilience and environmental stewardship
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial impacts.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
As this is a Development Variance Permit application, notices (Appendix “F”) were mailed to owners and tenants of properties within 50 metres (164 ft) of the subject property. Notices were mailed on March 4, 2024.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
The Development Variance Permit must be issued before the Building Permit is approved.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Bill Brown, Director of Development
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
3. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix A: Site Location
Appendix B: DVP00144
Appendix C: DVP Memo
Appendix D: Architectural Drawings
Appendix E: Landscape Drawings
Appendix F: DVP notice
Appendix G: Staff Presentation
Appendix H: Architect’s presentation