MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN OFFICE, 1027 ALDOUS STREET, SMITHERS, B.C., ON THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009, AT NOON.

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1 FILE: /APC #06 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN OFFICE, 1027 ALDOUS STREET, SMITHERS, B.C., ON THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009, AT NOON. Commission Members Present: Frank Farrell - Chairperson Eerik Lilles Nicola Papps Dave Pellow Bob Mitchell Bill Garner Commission Members Absent: RCMP Member Council Liaison: Councillor Charlie Northrup Advisory Present: Deborah Sargent, Chief Administrative Officer Mark Allen, Director of Development Services Alison Walker, Planner Recording Secretary: Dorothy Cardinal, Development Services Clerk 1. CALL TO ORDER F. Farrell called the meeting to order at 12:14 p.m. 2. DELEGATIONS 2-1 Rod Smith, landowner of 4921 Fourth Avenue, attended the Advisory Planning Commission meeting to speak on Item 5-1, a request to vary Section of the Zoning Bylaw No by reducing the interior side yard setback from 3 metres to 0.5 metres. Rod Smith explained to the members that he is requesting the variance to place a shop close to his property line. He stated that some of his neighbours have erected shops in recent years right up to the property line. He explained that moving the shop within the required setbacks would prevent him from storing his boat in the shop. Councillor Northrup asked about the private waterline easement located directly under the planned location of the proposed shop. R. Smith explained that with the digging required for the shop, the waterline would be located and his shut-off would be in the floor of the shop; making it more accessible than it is now. He added that a replacement water line could be run around the shop in the future. A. Walker advised that neighbouring residents would have an opportunity to comment on the proposed Development Variance Permit application and the construction over a private easement. There was further discussion regarding the roof drainage and the location of the doors. The Commission thanked Mr. Smith for attending the meeting and providing information. 2-2 JD Rowlund, Sales and Marketing Manager for the Sunshine Inn,

2 3. MINUTES Minutes of the Advisory Planning Commission meeting Page 2 attended the meeting to address item 5-2, a request to vary the Sign Bylaw No by increasing the permitted area and height of the proposed freestanding sign. JD Rowlund spoke of the proposed location and the size of sign to advertise the Sunshine Inn. He explained that a 24 ft. sign would provide greater visibility, specifically with a planned three-storey building to be built between the Highway and the Inn. The sign design company recommended the sign height and size. He added that it would be in the Town s best interest to have more visitors staying at the Inn. Councillor Northrup expressed his concern with setting precedent by allowing one property owner to amend the Sign Bylaw; it would open the door to other property owners wanting to do the same. The Commission thanked JD Rowlund for his delegation. 3-1 LILLES/ THAT the minutes of the Advisory Planning Commission meeting held June 2, 2009 be approved, as circulated. 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES/UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4-1 None. 5. REPORTS / CORRESPONDENCE A ITEMS 5-1 Report DEV from A. Walker, Planner, regarding development variance permit application DV09-01 ( th Avenue). A. Walker advised that the reason for a 3 metre setback was for fire truck access for properties with a private water system. She spoke of her site visit and that the applicant s neighbour was permitted to build a shop last year without a Development Variance permit. Members commented on the fact that the property owner was willing to take the risk of building over a private waterline system. Alternate fire protection access was discussed. MITCHELL/ THAT Council approve Development Variance Permit application DV09-01 to vary Section of the Zoning Bylaw No by reducing the interior side yard setback from 3 metres to 0.5 metres. 5-2 Report DEV from A. Walker, Planner, regarding Development

3 Page 3 Variance Permit application DV09-02 (3883 Highway 16). A. Walker reviewed the application and provided members with a history of the original Development Variance Permit for the Sunshine Inn. She asked members to consider that aside from the proposed height and area of the sign, the type of sign proposed does not fit into the Alpine Theme, which is a mandatory part of the Sign Bylaw in Development Permit Area No.1. The increase in number of signs on the building is already permitted in the existing Development Variance Permit, but a free-standing sign is not permitted on the hotel property. The wall packs used to light the parking area were discussed regarding the angle and shining out onto the streets. The fact that the applicant is in contravention of the original Development Permit due to the mounted backlit signs and flashing neon OPEN signs was discussed. LILLES/ THAT Council deny Development Variance Permit application DV09-02 to vary Section 12.1.f of the Sign Bylaw, No. 1450, by increasing the permitted height of the proposed freestanding sign from 5 metres (16 ft) to 7.3 metres (24 ft) and increasing the permitted area from 10m 2 to 14 m 2. MITCHELL/ THAT Staff address the use of wall packs on the Sunshine Inn, to ensure that they only illuminate the parking area and not the street. Staff advised that they would also address the Development Permit requirements with specific reference to not permitting backlit signs and flashing neon OPEN signs. 5-3 Report DEV from A. Walker, Planner, regarding Development Permit Amendment application D09-01 (3760 Third Avenue). At 1:05 pm E. Lilles excused himself from the discussion regarding Report DEV due to conflict of interest and the remainder of the meeting. A. Walker introduced the Development Permit Amendment application and explained the proposed sidewalk and parallel parking in front of the development property. She stressed that the on-street parking is for the general public and does not affect the required off-street parking, provided for in the approved Development Permit. Town staff have suggested raised flowerbeds with irrigation be added at both ends of the parallel parking (curb transitions) to offset the loss of grassed, green space. Councillor

4 Page 4 Northrup expressed his opinion that the flowerbeds were unnecessary, an expense to the applicant and a responsibility for the Town to maintain. Others felt the design would compliment the Main Street design and show continuity in the downtown core, but expressed concern with pedestrian traffic crossing the street to access the Post Office. M. Allen advised that if safety becomes an issue, installing a mid-block crosswalk is possible. THAT Council approve the Amendment to Development Permit application D09-01 for property located at 3760 Third Avenue provided that: In the curb transition areas there are curbed raised flowerbeds with irrigation. B ITEMS THAT the following B Item be accepted for information as received: 5-4 Development Services Department Report for May OTHER BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS 6-1 A. Walker advised the Commission of N. Papps s letter of resignation from the Advisory Planning Commission and her pending move to Prince George, B.C. Councillor Northrup, on behalf of Council, thanked Nicola for her valued input during her time on the Commisssion. 6-2 Councillor Northrup suggested that if members know someone in the community that would be a good addition to the Advisory Planning Commission, that the Town would be accepting applications. D. Sargent advised the Commission that the Town accepts applications for new committee members on an ongoing basis. 6-3 F. Farrell stated that he is fine with Chairing the Advisory Planning Commission but is open to E. Lilles, if willing, being the Deputy Chair or Co- Chair. 7. UPDATE FROM COUNCIL 7-1 Excerpts of Minutes from the June 9, 2009 Regular Council meetings. 8. UPDATE FROM STAFF 8-1 None.

5 Page 5 9. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held when necessary. 11. ADJOURNMENT THAT the meeting be adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Frank Farrell Chairperson MA/dc Mark Allen Director of Development Services Certified a True and Correct Copy of the minutes of the Advisory Planning Commission meeting held June 25, 2009 at noon in the Town Office at 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, B.C. Deborah Sargent Corporate Administrator