10 - Wednesday, November 4, 1987 - North Shore News Collins to sign copies CONTROVERSIAL News Get This Straight Doug Collins will be signing and selling copies of his new book this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the News offices, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Van- couver, Tie hardback edition of The Best and Worst of Doug Collins ($16.95), published by North Van- couver’s Whitecap Books, features 100 columns collected from Col- lins’s Get This Straight column over the past three years. “T will be there ready to sign your books,’? Collins promised Tuesday, ‘but please don’t bring your rotten tomatoes.”’ For information call the News offices at 985-2131. BAN OF USE OF WATER OUTDOORS The use of water for sprinkling or upon gardens, lawns or giounds or in respect of pools is banned until further notice. Residents are encouraged to conserve water for essential use only. These measures are necessary because the District's Eagle Lake reservoir is almost exhausted due to the present unprecedented drought. Patrols will be organised and the ban enforced. Enquiries should be addressed to the Municipal Engineering Department at 922-1211. fb Le OF: fe ® Free Makeovers * Door Prizes * Refreshments : * Modelling Demonstration * See Mode! Portfolios * See the latest Fashion Tapes from Milan, Paris & New York B.A. Lambert, P. Eng. Director of Operations COURSE INFORMATION ON: —~ Fashion Merchandising - ~ Makeup .irtistry — Modeiling — Acting John Casablaneas | SCHOOL OF MODELLING _ AND CAREER COLLEGE 688-0328 400 - 626 W. Pender, Vancoaver, BMW. MUNICH GERMANY THE ULTIMATE ORIVING MACHINE es) Park Shore 985-9344 108 Bowset Ave. North Vancouver Motors Ltd. 985-9344 | THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER REGISTRATION OF ILLEGAL SUITES BEGINS In response to numerous community concerns, your Municipal Council has adopted new policies ad- dressing the matter of illegal suites in single tamily homes. This has proven to be a difficult and con- tentious issue affecting most municipalities throughout the Lower Mainiand. As you may know, second suites have bean and continue to be Illegal in all cases in single family homes. Council proposed to legalize accommodation for family (“in-law suites”) in single family zones with similar legislation to that of neighbouring municipalities. The new bylaw adopted in July of this year, however, resulted in a legal challenge and that change to allow family suites in our Zoning Bylaw was quashed in the courts. We are appealing the court decision, but at this time we cannot differen- tiate between the suites occupied by family and other illegal suites. As your elected representatives, we have attempted to deal with this very difficult problem in a fair and reasonable manner. This municipality is not alone in addressing the problem and the majority of Council have stated that they are not prepared to be the only municipality in the Lower Mainland to legalize suites. There is strong concern that we would be inviting a total breakdown of our single family areas. On the other hand, it is recognized that a number of illegal suites exist now and were constructed outside the law. We estimate that 2,000 units or some 10% of our single family homes contain illegal suites. Even if it were physically possible, we would not be acting responsibly to evict that many suite occupants at one time in consideration of the major effect it would have on both te- nant and landlord. Your Municipal Council has therefore adopted a Registered Illegal Suite Policy to allow for a gradual phase-out of illegal suites. The specifics of that policy include: : 1. Appiications for registration of illegal suites will be accepted between November 1, 1987 and April 30, 1988 only. . Inspections will take place to ensure that illegal suites meet health and safety standards. . At least two off-street parking spaces must be provided in homes containing illegal suites. 4, Starting in 1988, payment of an annual fee equivalent to water user and sewer charges for an addi- tional residential unit. (For example, for the full year 1987, this fee would be $122.38). 5. Suites that meet these conditions can then become Registered Illegal Suites, upon signing of an agreement with the District of North Vancouver. 6. Action against Registered Illegal Suites will be temporarily deferred (until June 30, 1995 at the latest). While there has been considerable discussion and opinion put forward about our Bylaw, you should be aware that the courts have upheld it on a numbe: of occasions. After April 30, 1988, on receipt of written complaint, the municipality will enforce its bylaw against those iliegal suites not registered. Therefore, if you have an unregistered suite after April 30, 1988, please note that you run the risk of having it shut down should the municipality become aware of its existence. Upon reading the information below, you may have some additional questions. Information on our, policies and implementation procedures as well as application forms can be obtained from the Municipal Hall by contacting the Property Use Inspector's Office at 984-4161. MAYOR AND COUNCIL DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER: APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF ILLEGAL SUITES ; In order to implement Council's policy to permit the gradual phase-out of illegal suites, the following procedures have been adopted. 7 APPLICATION tla BEGINS — NOVEMBER 1, 1987 DS — APRIL 30, 1988 No Applications wil Be Accepted After April 30, 1988 . lf you do not apply to register your suite by April 30, 1988 and the municipality receives a complaint, we will enforce the Zoning Bylaw to ensure the closure of the suite. inspections Each suite for which a Registered Illegal Suite application, has been received within the specified period... 4 will be inspected for compliance with British Columbia or Canadian building, plumbing, gas and elec: - : trical codes, and regulations as applicable. The necessary inspections can be carried out by Municipal siaff, or by a registered professional engineer, ‘a registered architect or a certified building inspector employed by the applicant. . Fees if the applicant wishes to utilize the Municipatity’s inspection services, a fee of $200 will be charged. However, that fee will be waived for those who apply between November 1, 1987 and February 29, 1988, If the applicant employs a registered professional engineeer, a registered architect, or a certified building inspector, ihe fee will be set by the contracting parties. a Agreement with Owner i An existing illegal suite may be accepted as a Registered Illegal Suite provided that it meets the re-- quirements, including compliance with health and safety requirements, provision of a minimum of two: off-street parking spaces and payment of an annual fee equivalent to the water and sewer charges for an additional residentia! unit. Upon registration, an agreement will be signed in which the District will undertake ‘to defer action against the suite on the basis of its illegal existence in a single family residential building for a period of up to June 30, 1995 as follows: a. Should the ownership of the property change after June 30, 1993, the agreement. will be terminated as of the date of ownership change. b. Regardless of ownership, the agreement will be terminated on June 30, 1995 at the latest. The applicant will agree to observe the conditions of the agreement, which will be registered as a _ covenant against the property in priority to any charges or leases. Failure to comply with all condi- tions may result in the cancellation of the agreement. Upon termination of the agreement, the building and property must be returned to lawful single family residential use. Phase Out If ownership changes after June 30, 1993, the suite must be immediately eliminated. All other suites are to be phased out by June 30, 1995 at the latest. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Full information as well as application forms to register illegal suites will be available at the Municipal Hall from November 1, 1987 onward. For application forms, information and explanation contact: Property Use Inspector's Office, Building Department 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, B.C. V7N 2K9_ Telephone: 984-4161 - Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except statutory holidays).