City staff dragging feet on “zoning capacity” report?

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On February 1, 2011, Council approved a motion by Clr Ellen Woodsworth calling on City staff to report back within thirty days regarding the existing zoning capacity in Vancouver. This refers to the amount of additional population Vancouver could accommodate without rezoning. On many lots in Vancouver, existing buildings are built to lower than the approved floor space ratios and heights. Citizens have heard about estimates that Vancouver could accommodate all of its expected population increase for decades without the need for rezoning if buildings were gradually rebuilt up to already-approved limits.

Information related to the motion is here (agenda, video, minutes, and text of motion by Clr Ellen Woodworth). CityHallWatch will report back if and when we hear more on this topic.

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20110120/csbu20110120ag.htm
(concluded on Feb 1, 2011 in Committeed on City Services and Budgets)
“Density in Vancouver”

Text of motion:
WHEREAS
1. The City of Vancouver is planning for future growth.
2. The City of Vancouver is committed to preserving and strengthening the
diversity of neighbourhoods.
3. The height and density of buildings and areas within the neighbourhoods
are dependent on what zoning capacity is required to meet that growth.
4. Neighbourhoods are supporting the need for more environmentally, affordable
housing but are concerned about density that has not led to more overall
affordability.
5. In order to plan for the future we need to know what capacity the city has
now.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council request staff to report back, at a meeting
available to the public, the total existing zoned capacity in the City of Vancouver and
its neighbourhoods. This report should be transparent and include all zones in the city
(including but not limited to RA, RS, RT, RM, FM-1, C, C-2, C-3A, FC-1, IC-3, HA, CD,
CD-1, FCCDD, DD, CWD, DEOD, FSD and BCPED);

FURTHER THAT these breakdowns of data should also show total capacity in each
zone, methodology and assumptions; and

FURTHER THAT this work should be completed as a priority within 30 days.

One thought on “City staff dragging feet on “zoning capacity” report?”

  1. City Planning has obviously been told to assign a lower priority to this report for it will likely show that sufficient density could be achieved under present zoned capacity.
    And that would not satisfy the planning department’s dance with the developers and council’s need for greater tax revenue.

    Reply

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