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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2004-11-01DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 6:04 p.m. Present: Chair Councillor C. Weylie Mayor C. Zehr (for part of the meeting) and Councillors J. Smola, M. Galloway, J. Gazzola and B. Vrbanovic (for part of the meeting) Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Stewart, Manager of Development & Technical Services J. Willmer, Director of Planning Services J. Witmer, Director of Building J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning R. Shamess, Director of Engineering Services D. Trask, Acting Fire Chief S. Turner, Director of Enforcement L. Masseo, Manager of Development & Design D. Ross, Senior Planner R. Mounsey, Senior Planner B. Sloan, Planner L. Lynch, Manager of Engineering Infrastructure R. Gosse, Committee Administrator DTS-04-156 - GLEN ROAD, BRANT CRESCENT, FARNHAM AVENUE PERMIT ONLY PARKING FOREST-ROCKWAY WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 156 dated October 12, 2004, regarding permit only parking on Glen Road, Brant Crescent and Farnham Avenue. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the 'Permit Only Parking' program be implemented between 8:00am and 8:00pm on the west side of Glen Road from Rex Drive to a point 116 metres north thereof; and, That the 'Permit Only Parking' program be implemented between 8:00am and 8:00pm on the east side of Glen Road from the north leg of Brant Crescent to St. Clair Avenue; and, That the 'Permit Only Parking' program be implemented between 8:00am and 8:00pm on both sides of Brant Crescent from Glen Road to Glen Road; and, That the 'Permit Only Parking' program be implemented between 8:00am and 8:00pm on both sides of Farnham Avenue; and, That each single family household residing in the affected area(s) be provided, on an annual basis, with two (2) Residential Visitor Parking Permits at no cost to the residents; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DTS-04-157 BREITHAUPT STREET ON-STREET PARKING BRIDGEPORT-CENTRE WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 157 dated October 15, 2004, regarding on-street parking on Breithaupt Street. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That a 15 minute Loading/Unloading Zone be established on the west side of Breithaupt DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 2. DTS-04-157 - 89- BREITHAUPT STREET (CONT'D) CITY OF KITCHENER Street from a point 15 metres north of Weber Street West to a point 7 metres north thereof; and, That on-street parking be permitted on the west side of Breithaupt Street from a point 22 metres north of Weber Street West to a point 21 metres north thereof for two (2) consecutive hours; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DTS-04-167 STORM DRAINAGE UTILITY REPORT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 167 dated October 22, 2004, regarding a feasibility study into the creation of a Storm Drainage Utility. Mr. R. Shamess advised that staff are proposing that in collaboration with the City of Waterloo, a consultant be hired to carry out a feasibility study into the creation of a Storm Drainage Utility. It was explained that a Storm Drainage Utility would allocate costs for the storm drainage system against property owners on a user basis. A property that creates more run off due to a higher percentage of impermeable ground cover such as a parking lot would be charged a higher rate than a property with little or no hard surfaces. Mr. G. Stewart advised that the operational costs for the storm drainage system would be removed from the tax base shifting it to the Storm Drainage Utility which may have a positive impact on the environment and provide a long-term sustainable funding source. In answer to questions raised by the Committee, Mr. Stewart advised that these charges would be for operational costs and not for new construction and would apply to all properties within the City. He added that Council would have to consider whether the charges would apply to a charity or not for profit institution. Councillor J. Gazzola suggested that the City of Cambridge be invited to participate in the feasibility study. He also suggested that since this is a relatively new endeavour for municipalities in Ontario that perhaps the Association of Municipalities of Ontario should undertake such a feasibility study which then could be applied to any municipality. Mr. Stewart responded that the study, will be looking at how a Storm Drainage Utility would apply specifically to the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Staff collaborate with the City of Waterloo in the Consultant Assignment to carry out a feasibility study into the creation of a Storm Drainage Utility as part of the Shared Services Initiative; and further, That up to a maximum of $50,000 be allocated in the 2005 Capital Budget for the City of Kitchener's portion of the Consultant assignment costs for this study." DTS-04-166 - SHARED AGENDA - HOUSING STRATEGY AROUND CONESTOGA COLLEGE (LOWER DOON) Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, advised that staff have requested that this item be withdrawn from the agenda and deferred to the November 22, 2004 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola, it was agreed to withdraw Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-166 dated October 25, 2004 and defer consideration to the November 22, 2004 Committee meeting. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 5. DTS-04-164 - 90- CITY OF KITCHENER DISCUSSION PAPER - DESIGN BASED APPROACH TO CITY BUILDING KITCHENER BY DESIGN The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 164 dated October 28, 2004, regarding a proposed 'design-based' approach to City building with recommended general design principles and action plan. Mr. R. Mounsey advised that a growing number of municipalities are incorporating urban design considerations into their decision making process and are moving towards a design based approach to City building. He explained that a design based approach builds on the urban design framework and includes strong political leadership, integrated teamwork and innovate implementation strategies. He added that this is particularly important for the City of Kitchener in context with the Provincial Planning Act Reforms, Provincial and Regional Growth Management Strategies, the rising Knowledge and Creative based economy and the strong development activity in the City. Mr. Mounsey gave a presentation highlighting various aspects of the staff report, providing examples of how a design-based approach has been utilized in other municipalities and their effect on enhancing the development of those municipalities. Mr. Mounsey concluded his presentation advising that urban design is intrigal to the development of the City and will offer a design-based approach to City building resulting in higher quality development, neighbourhood identity and improve the quality of life for the residents and businesses within the City. Councillor M. Galloway advised that the report and discussion on urban design appears to be directed towards the downtown area and questioned how this initiative would be applied to the suburban areas. Mr. R. Mounsey advised that the suburban areas are as important as the downtown and the urban design guidelines and principles would be applied to existing and future subdivision developments. In answer to questions raised by the Committee, Mr. Mounsey advised that the next steps would be to further discuss the issues and principles, develop a frame work for current projects and future investment decisions and develop strategies to align different aspects of various development projects. He added that at this time Council is being requested to endorse in principle the general design principles and recommended action plan. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-164 be received for information and discussion; and, That the recommended General Design Principles, as outlined below be supported in principle: Decision Making Process: That urban design considerations are a primary focus, and incorporated into all projects and decisions that contribute to the public realm in order to promote design quality. Identity and Place-Makinq: That new neighbourhoods be designed to have a distinct character and access to high quality public spaces to improve liveability and the quality of life for the city's diverse population. City Landmarks: That higher quality design expectations, and opportunity for architectural expression, be applied to major landmark locations, including city gateways, neighbourhood gateways, major public facilities and key redevelopment sites. Streetscapes: That City streets be recognized as an extension of the open space system, and that the City encourage streetscape designs that respect the surrounding context and improve the quality of the public realm; and further, That the following Action Plan be approved in principle: Communication: That staff be directed to circulate Development and Technical Services Report DTS-04-164 to appropriate stakeholders for information and DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 - 91- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DTS-04-164 - KITCHENER BY DESIGN (CONT'D) discussion including: Region of Waterloo; Waterloo Region Home Builders Association; Grand Valley Association of Architects; CURA; the Urban Design Working Group; and further, That any future initiatives identified in, or arising from, Development and Technical Services Report DTS-04-164 be subject to further consultation with appropriate advisory or liaison committee. Public Art: That staff be directed to examine the potential of a cultural corridor along King Street and present recommendations to Council. Development Standards: That staff are directed to investigate appropriate and flexible development standards and regulations for re-urbanization areas to support a compact built form and infill development. Nei,qhbourhood Design: That City staff continue to work with the development industry, and gain public comments, regarding the implementation of proposed neighbourhood design guidelines to address a range of issues including on-street parking and road pattern, park space, design considerations, and entrance features further discussed in DTS Report 04-161. Incorporate the Recommended Urban Design Principles into the Urban Design Manual." Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered and Mayor C. Zehr left the meeting. DTS-04-165 SHARED AGENDA - PARKING IN SMALL LOT SUBDIVISIONS AND KITCHENER BY DESIGN - NEIGHBOURHOODS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 165 dated October 26, 2004, regarding the Neighbourhood Design Initiative and parking in small lot subdivisions. Mr. B. Sloan advised that the staff report has been submitted to discuss two related items: parking in small lot subdivisions which was previously raised by Councillor Galloway and the Neighbourhood Design Initiative. Mr. Sloan advised that the proposed Neighbourhood Design Initiative is part of a design-based approach to City building that was discussed earlier in the meeting. He explained that staff have identified the need to strengthen the current practice of dealing with matters of new subdivisions such as increased access/egress points for a subdivision, common activity, park space, woodlot management, variety of lot widths and dwelling types and general design features. As a start to addressing these matters, staff initiated discussion at a neighbourhood design workshop in May 2004. The staff workshop generated a number of key issues that need to be further examined in the design of Kitchener's new subdivisions and developed several important planning principles that should be considered in the Neighbourhood Design Initiative. Mr. Sloan concluded this part of his presentation advising that the intent of the project is for staff and consultants involved in subdivision planning to move forward with the same objectives and principles in order to raise the level of expectation for subdivision design. Mr. Sloan advised that in regard to parking issues in small lot subdivisions, a concern previously raised by Councillor M. Galloway, staff and the Councillor have met to discuss the issues and concerns. He explained that with respect to planning matters Council has approved new zoning for residential areas with increased minimum lot width and addressed garage and driveway width. In addressing the issue of parking within specific existing small lot residential subdivisions, the removal of various parking by-laws could create operation and safety problems and that staff were not recommending removal of the regulations regarding parking over the sidewalk or on the boulevard or the removal of the three hour time limit. He also explained that the 1.5 metre driveway clearance requirement for driveways is intended to maintain sufficient DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 - 92- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DTS-04-165 KITCHENER BY DESIGN - NEIGHBOURHOODS (CONT'D) vehicle clearance for residents to turn in and out of driveways and elimination of this requirement would make enforcement extremely difficult. Councillor M. Galloway raised a concern with respect to small lot subdivisions and the fact that residents cannot conform with many of the parking by-laws. He suggested that since these by- laws cannot be complied with, perhaps the City should adjust the by-laws in these areas. Mr. S. Turner advised that staff could look at changing parking by-laws in specific areas and could come back to the Committee with a report. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the action plan for the Neighbourhood Design Initiative (a 'Kitchener by Design' project), to include public and industry consultation, as a method of continually improving new subdivision development and healthy neighbourhoods within the City of Kitchener be endorsed; and, That any further action with respect to the request to review on-street parking issues with small lot subdivisions be considered as part of the Neighbourhood Design Initiative; and further, That staff prepare a report for a future Development and Technical Services Committee meeting on the impact, within small lot subdivisions, of by-laws that can not be complied with." DTS-04-16O ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 04/15/TC/DR MODEL HOME POLICY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 160 dated October 14, 2004, recommending that zone change application ZC 04/15FFC/DR, a general regulation within the zoning by-law to permit more than one dwelling unit on a lot for the purposes of construction of a model home, be approved. Mr. J. Witmer advised that the current zoning by-law allows for only one building permit to be issued for the whole plan of subdivision prior to registration, as only one dwelling unit is permitted on a lot. This would only allow one model home to be constructed for the subdivision. He further advised that the building industry has expressed a desire to have several units for display and to have the units available for viewing by the general public prior to registration of the plan of subdivision. Mr. Witmer added that staff have met with the building industry and have developed appropriate conditions to permit the construction of model homes which are listed in the staff report. Mr. Witmer concluded his presentation advising that staff are recommending approval of the zone change application in the form shown in the proposed by-law attached to the staff report. There were no delegations in attendance to speak on the matter. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 04/15FFC/DR, to change a general regulation within the zoning by-law to permit more than one dwelling unit on a lot for the purpose of the construction of a "model home" as defined within the zoning by-law, be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated October 14, 2004, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-160." WATERLOO REGION IN THE 21st CENTURY: HOUSING A COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR Messrs. Jeff Schumacher and Rob Horne, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, attended giving a presentation on the Region's housing study entitled 'Waterloo Region in the 21st Century- A DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17 2004 8. WATERLOO REGION HOUSING (CONT'D) IN THE - 93- 21st CENTURY: CITY OF KITCHENER A COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR Community Action Plan for Housing'. Mr. Schumacher advised that this draft housing plan was completed as part of the Region's Growth Management Strategy and as a means of determining the state of housing within the Region, identifying housing needs and to develop a strategy to address these needs. He reviewed the proposed action plan which included growth management, urban design, community development, enhancing accessibility, affordability and guiding success for implementation of the strategy. They concluded their presentation advising that the Region will consult with various stakeholders in the Region of Waterloo, finalize an action plan to be presented to Regional Council, then implement and monitor the plan. 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. R. Gosse, Deputy City Clerk