12 - Sunday, May 24, 1987 - North Shore News CONCERNS IN NORTH VAN DISTRICT Mayor addresses illegal suite problem TO NORTH Vancouver District residents: In response to numerous com- munity complaints and concerns, your municipal council has recent- ly adopted new policies addressing the matter of illegal suites in single-family homes. As you may know, this has proven to be a dif- ficult and contentious issue affec- ting most municipalities throughout the Lower Mainland. In January of this year, council appointed a task force, repre- senting different points of view and different areas of the municipality, to hold public meetings and thoroughly review all aspects of the situation. In early April, the task force presented a comprehensive report to council, setting forth the issues and the possible options to deal with this problem. , Council has now adopted policies in regard to illegal suites which we believe best represent the - different interests and needs of the residents ‘of.our municipality and which reflect a reasoned, fair ap- proach to achieve compliance with the municipal bylaws. The major changes follows: . Present -—— second suites illegal in all cases in single-family homes. Proposed — family residential units (‘in-law suites’’) to be per- mitted. . Present — immediate termina- tion of illegal suites required when identified. Proposed — illegal suites permitted on a temporary basis with up to a five-year phase-out period upon registration and agreement to meet district regulations. Present — illegal suites may not comply with health and safety standards. Proposed —- suite in- spections required for family resi- dential units and registered illegal suites. Present — parking problems often experienced with illegal ‘suites. Proposed — two off-street parking spaces required for family residential units and registered il- legal suites. Present — no.limitations on the number of kitchens in single-fami- ly homes. Proposed — only one cooking facility or kitchen allowed in a single-family home except when jit contains.a family residen- tial unit. Existing second kitchens are as will be legally non-conforming but» no new. second kitchens are to be “constructed.” .- : Present. — action on zoning bylaw infractions initiated upon receipt of written complaint. Pro- posed — no change; enforcement of zoning infractions (following registration period) on receipt of written complaint. Present — maximum fine upon conviction of zoning bylaw infrac- tion — $500. Proposed — max- imum’ fine upon conviction raised to $2,000. Some residents have asked a number of questions on the action being taken by council. I will try to respond to those most frequently raised. . Question: Why are we acting on this issue now when it has been around for so long? Answer: The number of illegal suites being constructed in existing or new single-family homes has in- creased to the point that it is seriously affecting some neighborheods, creating parking problems, destroying older areas by removing existing homes and constructing purpose-built “duplexes”? in zoned single-family areas. Our existing bylaws are not coping with these problems. Question: Why can’t we con- tinue to act only on the basis of complaint? Answer: The number of com- plaints has increased considerably and we must act on every one ... whether or not they are creating ‘‘problems’’ in the neighborhood. We cannot be selective in enforcing our bylaws. There is a great deal of - uncertainty as to who might be reported next. The proposed new policies will clearly alter landlord and tenant alike to the transi- tion/phase-out of this accom- modation. Question: Why don’t you legal- ize suites in single-family homes? Ans-ver; This mun‘cipality is not alone i.) addressing; the problem and for us to throw the doors wide open — as one of the only municipalities to do so in the Lower Mainland — would be, in the opinion of the majority of council, inviting a total breakdown of our single-family areas, The fact that a number of suites exist now and are being con- structed outside the law leads me to believe that legalization would simply result in a significant change and increase of suites in our single-family areas with the resultant effect on neighborhood character. ; I trust this explains the efforts of your elected representatives to deal with this very difficult problem in a fair, rational manner. More information on our pro- posed policies and implementa- tions can be obtained from the municipal hall by calling our social planner, Mrs. Lenna Jones, at © 987-7131 for further details. You may also wish to keep this letter for reference and informa- tion pertaining to the public hear- ing on the zoning bylaw changes scheduled for June 15. Mayor Marilyn Baker District of North Vancouver PRE-VACAT ont ss at pes SUR _— “TALKABOUTA i Now- cet sizzune ‘SAVINGS ON FROM 4 P155/80R13 * Retailer may sell foriess Between May 15 and June 15, 1987, we're selling Atlas Ultca MK V all-season, steel-belted radials at savings almost too hot to handie, Performance rated to 80,000 km and backed by the ATLAS ULTRA MK V ALL-SEASON, STEEL-BELTED RADIALS! famous Atlas Road Hazard Guarantee, Atlas Ultra MK V sadials are designed with an aggressive European block tread and deliver outstanding year-round traction. handling * and salety. Don't be disappointed. 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