REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: March 31, 2021 Report No. DEV-21-024
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Karen Hay, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Development Variance Permit - 836 Viewfield Road (Driftwood Brewery)
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council resolves that Development Variance Permit No. DVP00113 [Appendix A of staff report DEV-21-024] authorizing an increase to the size of a liquor lounge at a beverage manufacturing location (in the Light Industrial zone), consistent with the architectural plans provided by Finlayson Bonet Architecture Ltd., all stamped “Received February 17, 2021”, and including the following relaxations to Zoning Bylaw 1992, No. 2050, be approved, and staff be directed to issue the permit and register the notice on the title of the property located 836 Viewfield Road [PID 003-882-497; Amended Lot 5 (DD 238951I), Section 11, Esquimalt District, Plan 808]:
Zoning Bylaw 1992, No. 2050 Section 53 (3)(b) Floor Area - Liquor Lounge: To allow an increase to the permitted floor area for a Beverage Manufacturer Liquor Lounge from 60 square metres to 160 square metres, for a variance of 100 square metres.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Declaration of Climate Emergency
Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 2922
Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050
Parking Bylaw, 1992, No. 2011
Development Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw, No. 2791, 2012
Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw, 2012, No. 2792
Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw, 1997, No. 2175
Local Government Act
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Resilient and Diverse Economic Environment: Boost investment in the local economy and promote the growth and diversity of businesses.
BACKGROUND:
Appendix A: DVP00113 - 836 Viewfield Road - liquor lounge
Appendix B: Air photo, Light Industrial zone & mail notice
Appendix C: E-mail from Craig Hunter
PURPOSE OF APPLICATION:
The applicant is requesting a variance to allow additional liquor lounge area for a beverage manufacturer in Esquimalt’s Light Industrial zone. Driftwood Brewery is in the process of relocating and consolidating their operation at this location in Esquimalt. This variance is required before the provincial liquor license application can be considered.
CONTEXT:
Applicant: Gary Lindsay, Driftwood Brewery
Owner: Robert Gritten, 836 Viewfield Holdings Ltd.
Architect: Finlayson Bonet Architecture Ltd.
Property Size: Metric: 8,120.72 m2 Imperial: 87410.7 ft2
Existing Land Use: Light Industrial - Beverage Manufacturer under construction
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: Light Industrial
South: Light Industrial
West: Light Industrial
East: Light Industrial
Zoning: Light Industrial [I-1]
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN ANALYSIS:
As the proposal includes a beverage manufacturing type of business (brewery), with a proposed liquor lounge and patio/picnic area, this use would conform to the Industrial designation of the site.
Section 7.2 of the Official Community Plan (OCP) provides policies that support the expansion of business opportunities on lands designated ‘Industrial’ on the Present Land Use Designations map and ‘Business’ on the Proposed Land Use Designations map, including:
OBJECTIVE: To encourage the maintenance and viability of the business sector within Esquimalt to provide for local employment and a diversified tax base.
• Policy: Consider innovative proposals that intensify the light industrial uses.
• Policy: Support public and private initiatives that enhance the aesthetics and identity of the Esquimalt Business Park.
ZONING ANALYSIS:
Zoning Bylaw 1992, No. 2050 places a 60 square metre limit on the size of a liquor lounge operation located in the Light Industrial [I-1] zone. In the Light Industrial zone liquor lounges must be associated with a beverage manufacturer. Licensed liquor establishments in commercial zones have no floor area limits. The proposed floor area of the liquor lounge at just under 160 square metres (1711 square feet) includes the food and drink service preparation area (commercial kitchen) and the washrooms.
Provincial regulations distinguish between tasting areas and liquor lounges with limits on the size of beverages (beer flights of 3 - 6 ounces) that can be offered and limits on the consumption of other manufactures products on site. The liquor lounge endorsement would allow flexibility in providing for full size beverage consumption at this location.
PARKING ANALYSIS:
The parking proposed for this use has been confirmed to comply with Parking Bylaw 1992, No. 2011.
COMMENTS FROM ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION:
The DVP application was considered at the regular meeting of the Advisory Planning Commission held on March 23, 2021. The committee made a recommendation to approve as it is well suited to the Industrial area, will not negatively impact neighbouring landlords, and is added economic development for the Township.
TIMELINE:
February 17, 2021 - Development Variance Permit application received
March 23, 2021 - Advisory Planning Commission provides a recommendation and comments
March 26, 2021 - Variance mail notifications sent
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
This use has the potential to boost investment in the local economy and promote the growth and diversity of businesses in Esquimalt. The Advisory Planning Commission has supported this application.
2. Organizational Implications
This Request for Decision has no organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
This Request for Decision has no financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
Providing improved services in Esquimalt means residents can spend less time traveling to businesses outside the municipality, while improved diversity of businesses supports economic sustainability.
5. Communication & Engagement
As this application includes a Development Variance Permit, notices were mailed to owners and occupiers of parcels within 50 metres [164 ft.] of the subject property. Notices were mailed on March 26, 2021 indicating that Council would be considering the requested Development Variance Permit on April 12, 2021. To date, the Development Services Department has received one e-mail (Appendix “C”) in response to these notifications.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council resolves that Development Variance Permit No. DVP00113 [Appendix A to Staff Report DEV-21-024] be approved, and staff be directed to issue the permit and register the notice on the title of the property located at 836 Viewfield Road [PID 003-882-497; Amended Lot 5 (DD 238951I), Section 11, Esquimalt District, Plan 808].
2. That Council resolves that Development Variance Permit No. DVP00113 [Appendix A] be approved with conditions, and staff be directed to issue the permit and register the notice on the title.
3. That Council deny Development Variance Permit No. DVP00113 [Appendix A], with reasons.