TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 27, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-017
TO: Council
FROM: Alex Tang, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Development Variance Permit Application - 604 Nelson Street
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council
1) Approve Development Variance Permit No. DVP00182 for the variances outlined in Staff Report DEV-26-017; and
2) Direct staff not to issue the Development Variance Permit until the necessary amendment to the original Development Permit is approved.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant is requesting variances to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050 to accommodate the underground parkade. The applicant states that this variance would facilitate an efficient and functional underground parking layout. The setbacks for the Principal Building at and above the First Storey would remain the same.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant is proposing to construct a 6-storey, commercial residential mixed-use building. The applicant is requesting variances to the Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050 to accommodate the underground parkade. In particular, the applicant is requesting a variance to the setback along Nelson Street for the portion of the Principal Building below the First Storey.
In addition, staff have determined that a portion of the parkade in the northeast corner of the building will protrude above ground. Staff have been working with the applicant on potential architectural enhancements to this area to improve the aesthetic of the streetscape. Staff are recommending that Council approve DVP00182 subject to the applicant first obtaining an amendment to the existing development permit that incorporates architectural enhancements into the portion of the parkade that is exposed above ground in the northeast corner of the building.
CONTEXT:
Applicant: Aquila Pacific Developments Ltd.
Owner: Nelson Esquimalt Development Ltd., Inc.No. BC1308317
Architect: Formed Alliance Architect...
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