REPORT TO

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

PRESENTED: MARCH 9, 2009 – PUBLIC HEARING REPORT: 09-27

FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION FILE: 11-06-0174
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 100564
(PLATINUM GROUP ENTERPRISES LTD.)

PROPOSAL:
Development Permit to modify existing
Development Permit (DP No. 100497) by
eliminating a freestanding amenity
building from a townhouse development
currently under construction at 22225 –
50 Avenue.

RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY:
That Council authorize issuance of
Development Permit No. 100564, subject
to three (3) conditions and one
volunteered contribution.

RATIONALE:
The proposal complies with the
Murrayville Community Plan,
Comprehensive Development Zone CD-
69, and the Development Permit
guidelines.
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 2

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council authorize issuance of Development Permit No. 100564 to Platinum Group
Enterprises Ltd. for property located at 22225 - 50 Avenue, in accordance with Attachment B,
subject to the following conditions:

a) Deletion of the “Amenity Building” shown on Schedules “B”, “K”, “L”, “P”, “R”, and “S” of
Development Permit No. 100497;
b) Landscaping plans in vicinity of the previously planned amenity building being in substantial
compliance with attached Schedules “A”, “B” and “C”, to the acceptance of the Manager of
Parks Design and Development;
c) Landscaping to be secured by letter of credit at the building permit stage; and further

That Council accept the proponent’s offer to provide to each townhouse purchaser, a one year
family pass to the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Development Permit No. 100564 may be issued to Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd. to eliminate
a freestanding amenity building from a townhouse development currently under construction at
22225 – 50 Avenue. The development continues to comply with the Township’s land use
policies and, in staff’s opinion, with the Development Permit guidelines of the Murrayville
Community Plan (see Attachment A).

The rationale provided by the proponent for the removal of the amenity building, includes the
provision of additional open space with enhanced landscaping, access and playing area. This is
considered to be of higher value to the residents, providing outdoor and more active recreational
opportunities.

The amenity building previously contemplated was intended to primarily provide meeting and
storage space with washrooms and a cooking area, as opposed to health clubs, exercise
equipment, pool or sauna, generally associated with larger (+/- 6,000 sq. ft.) facilities. The
proponents’ market research has indicated that such facilities are under utilized and the
development less attractive to prospective purchasers, due to the higher amenity fees.

Staff recommend that revised Development Permit No. 100564 be issued and that Council
accept the proponent’s offer to provide to each townhouse purchaser, a one year family pass to
the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre.

PURPOSE:
This report is to provide information and recommendations concerning proposed Development
Permit No. 100564 for property located at 22225 – 50 Avenue.
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 3

SUBJECT
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 4

ZONING BYLAW NO. 2500

Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 5

Site plan from previously approved Development Permit –

SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT
(i.e. showing amenity building)
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 6

Revised Site Plan – SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT

(minus amenity building)
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 7

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
REFERENCE:
Owner/Applicant Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd. (Avtar Johl)
201, 12837 – 76 Avenue
Surrey BC V3W 2V3

Legal Description: Lot B Section 6 Township 11

New Westminster District Plan BCP29975

Location: 22225 – 50 Avenue

Area: 1.8 ha (4.5 acres)

Existing Zoning: Comprehensive Development Zone CD-69

Murrayville Community Plan: Multi Family Three

(maximum density 41 units per ha/ 16.5 units per
acre)
E.S.A. Designation: E.S.A.# 066 – Murrayville Urban Area
(Rating - #3)

BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The subject 1.8 ha (4.5 acre) site was previously owned by the Township and was sold to
Pacific Pointe Homes (Murrayville) Ltd. after a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2006 involving
Township lands north of 50 Avenue between 221A and 223 Streets.

The site was rezoned to Comprehensive Development Zone CD-69 in April 2008. Development
Permit No. 100497 was issued at the same time for a 73 unit townhouse development and
included a 250 m2 (2,688 ft2) amenity building at the south end of the site (near the proposed
site entrance from 50 Avenue). Relevant schedules from Development Permit No. 100497
(Schedule B – Site Plan; Schedule K – Amenity Building Elevations; Schedule L – Amenity
Building Floor Plan) are attached to this report as Attachment B for information purposes.

The property was subsequently purchased by Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd., which applied
for building permits to construct the proposed townhouse project. Platinum is currently building
the initial phase of townhouses and has requested the elimination of a previously proposed
amenity building from the project.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The CD-69 zoning of the subject site was written to accommodate the development proposal
submitted by the previous owner (Pacific Pointe Homes (Murrayville) Ltd.). Although the CD-69
zone does not specifically require an amenity building to be provided, it does require buildings
and structures to be sited in accordance with the provisions of a Development Permit.
Development Permit No. 100497 which was issued on April 7, 2008 required development to be
in substantial compliance with attached schedules, indicating a 250 m2 (2,688 ft2) amenity
building (with basement and main floor levels) at the south end of the site. Details of the
amenity building are shown in Attachment B. Staff note that the amenity building as originally
proposed was to contain meeting space, office, bathroom and storage areas on the basement
level, with additional meeting space, bathrooms and kitchen facilities on the main floor level.
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 8

In order to eliminate the amenity building from the proposal, a revision to the original
Development Permit is required. Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd. has applied to revise the
original Development Permit to eliminate the previously proposed amenity building, and has
provided the following “Rationale for Removal of Amenity Building” in support of the request:

“Rationale for Removal of Amenity Building

The landscape plan has been revised to reflect replacing the amenity building with open green
space.

This change allows significant improvements to the site and neighbouring area.

1. As this development and the neighbouring development to the west are both higher density
relative to single family development, this will be significant open space in the area.
2. Open space such as this will allow more active recreation versus passive uses. Younger
children will be able to run, kick a soccer ball or play catch with a baseball under the
watchful eyes of parents. Families will certainly be attracted to such a community.
3. Open space such as this will provide relief for the residents of this complex adding to the
lower density nature of this quality townhouse development.
4. Open space will allow better views and additional sunlight into the rooms and yards of
adjacent homes.

Additional reasons for the removal of the amenity building are as follows:

1. The feedback we have received from purchasers of past projects is that the usage of the
amenity building is extremely low and they would rather avoid the higher strata fees
resulting from having an amenity building.
2. In our experience amenity buildings only make sense where the development is large
(greater than 150 units) and the size of the amenity building is such that it provides a full
array of recreation choices and upscale furnishings. Residents will only utilize amenity
buildings in those situations where the amenity building offers feature such as health clubs,
pool, sauna, steam, indoor play court, concierge services, amenity staff etc. The
development must be of a large scale to ensure the viability of both the initial capital costs
and the ensuing operating costs of such a facility. The size of our development does not
justify the provision of such an amenity building.
3. It does not make sense to construct an underutilized on-site amenity building when this
location is within walking distance of superior amenities in the Murrayville area which are
underutilized.
4. An amenity building in this size of development does not allow for the hiring of amenity staff
resulting in a significant burden upon volunteer strata council members who must oversee
the operation of the amenity building. Issues such as administration of keys, repair and
upkeep, theft of equipment, and damage are difficult to manage. It is difficult to have all
residents take a high level of responsibility for the care and maintenance of an amenity
building. The assessment of who is responsible for any damage lends itself to internal
discord.
5. All of the units in this development are over 2,000 square feet, which is more comparable to
that of single family homes rather than many of the higher density townhouse developments.
With units of this size there is limited demand for additional indoor amenity areas as the
units themselves provide ample space for the provision of resident needs.
6. Marketing staff feedback is that the vast majority of purchasers are very happy when they
discover there is no amenity building and the associated costs and responsibility.”
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 9

Revised Proposal:
The proponent has amended his plans to include additional landscape works on the former
amenity building site. Revised plans have been submitted by the project’s landscape architect,
and are attached as Schedules to Development Permit No. 100564 (see Attachment C to this
report). The layout of the landscaped amenity area near the south entrance to the development
has been revised by reorganizing the play area (shifting it to the south) to allow better access by
users to the sod lawn area. A pedestrian entrance to the amenity area has been added on its
south edge, highlighted by an architectural trellis. Seating areas have been rearranged and
several additional “spring toys” incorporated. The proposed revisions have been reviewed and
accepted by the Manager of Parks Design and Development.

Other Considerations:
In addition to the above, the proponent has volunteered to provide one year family passes to the
W.C. Blair Recreation Centre to each townhouse purchaser. As the Blair Centre is within
walking distance of the site, the intent is to introduce purchasers to its facilities and programs
(as apposed to construction of the on-site amenity building).

Policy Considerations:
The proposed deletion of the amenity building from the development requires Council’s approval
as the amenity building was included in the previously approved Development Permit. The
proposal, in staff’s opinion, continues to comply with the Development Permit Guidelines of the
Murrayville Community Plan (see Attachment A) and with the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw.
The subject property is designated as a mandatory Development Permit area to allow Council
the opportunity to review the form, character and siting of development. The amenity building
was considered to be a component of the development’s form and character.

Before registering a phased strata plan, the applicant must first obtain the approval of the
Township’s Approving Officer (on “Form P – Phased Strata Plan Declaration” under the Strata
Property Regulation) concerning the phasing of the development and provision of common
facilities. In this case, the proposed deletion of the common amenity building must be approved
by Council (through approval of the subject Development Permit application) before the
Approving Officer is able to sign “Form P”.

Staff recommends that DP100564 be issued subject to three (3) conditions, plus acceptance of
the proponent’s offer to provide one year family passes to the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre to
each townhouse purchaser. Staff have notified adjacent property owners that this Development
Permit application is being considered at its next meeting, and they may attend and speak to the
matter should they deem necessary. They have also been provided with a copy of this report.
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 10

Council’s consideration of the Development Permit request must be based on the form,
character and siting of the proposal. If Council concurs, staff recommends that the
Development Permit be issued as attached.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Knall
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNER
for
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

RK/JG

ATTACHMENT A Murrayville Community Plan Development Permit Guidelines

ATTACHMENT B Excerpts from existing Development Permit No.100497:
Schedule B – Site Plan
Schedule K – Amenity Building Elevations
Schedule L – Amenity Building Floor Plan
ATTACHMENT C Development Permit No.100564:
SCHEDULE A –Landscape Plan - former Amenity Building area
SCHEDULE B – Plant List
SCHEDULE C – Trellis Details at former Amenity Building area
Development Permit Application No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 11

ATTACHMENT A
EXCERPT FROM MURRAYVILLE COMMUNITY PLAN:

3.4 Residential Development Permit Area

Multi Family and adjacent Institutional areas are designated as development permit areas
under Section 945(4)(e) of the Municipal Act to establish objectives and provide
guidelines for the form and character of development. These areas are shown as
Development Permit Area A on Map 3.

The objective of the development permit area designation is to ensure safe and attractive
multiple family neighbourhoods and to reduce conflicts with adjacent uses. The
development permit guidelines for this area are:

(a) Development should be designed to integrate with and be compatible with adjacent
development with respect to siting of buildings, exterior finish and design. Pitched
roofs shall be encouraged.

(b) Buildings should be designed and sited so that sun penetration to roads and
adjacent properties is maximized.

(c) Landscaping shall be required to enhance the appearance of the development.

Careful consideration shall be given to retaining as many of the existing trees as
possible. Buildings and parking, loading and storage areas should be screened
from adjacent roads and single family residential development. Garbage
receptacles and other service areas should be screened. A landscaping plan shall
be submitted as part of a development permit application.

(d) Building materials, design and massing shall support the creation of an attractive
residential environment. The use of "untreated" concrete or "unfinished" metal or
aluminum as a final building finish shall not be permitted.

(e) Signs should be designed so that they are compatible with buildings.

(f) Walkways should be developed to ensure convenient access to and from adjacent
commercial and institutional uses. For security, walkways should be lighted and
allow overview from adjacent dwellings.

(g) Ravine and creek areas shall be treated under the provisions of Development
Permit Area F, Section 3.11.
PROPOSED
AMENITY
BUILDING
Attachment B

SCHEDULE B
SITE PLAN
 SCHEDULE K
AMENITY BUILDING ELEVATIONS
 SCHEDULE L
AMENITY BUILDING FLOOR PLAN
 ATTACHMENT C
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY

Development Permit No. 100564

This Permit is issued this _______ day of ____________, 2009 to:

1. NAME: Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.

ADDRESS: 201, 12837 – 76 Avenue

Surrey BC V3W 2V3

2. This permit applies to and only to those lands within the Municipality described as follows and
to any and all buildings, structures and other development thereon:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot B Section 6 Township 11

New Westminster District Plan BCP29975

(hereinafter called the “said lands”)

CIVIC ADDRESS: 22225 – 50 Avenue

3. This Permit is issued subject to compliance with all of the Bylaws of the Municipality of
Langley applicable thereto, except as specifically varied or supplemented by this permit as
follows:

a) Deletion of the “Amenity Building” shown on Schedules “B”, “K”, “L”, “P”, “R”, and “S” of
Development Permit No. 100497;
b) Landscaping plans in vicinity of the previously planned amenity building being in
substantial compliance with attached Schedules “A”, “B” and “C”, to the acceptance of
the Manager of Parks Design and Development;
c) Landscaping to be secured by letter of credit at the building permit stage;

4. The land described herein shall be developed strictly in accordance with the terms, conditions
and provisions of this Permit and any plans and specifications attached as a Schedule to this
Permit which shall form a part hereof.

This Permit is not a Building Permit. All developments forming part of this Development
Permit shall be substantially commenced within two years after the date the Development
Permit is issued. This permit shall have the force and effect of a restrictive covenant running
with the land and shall come into force on the date of an authorizing resolution passed by
Council.

It is understood and agreed that the Municipality has made no representations, covenants,
warranties, guarantees, promises or agreement (verbal or otherwise) with the developer other
than those in this Permit.
Development Permit No. 100564
(Platinum Group Enterprises Ltd.)
Page 2

This Permit shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION PASSED BY COUNCIL THIS ____ DAY OF __________, 2009.

SCHEDULE A – Landscape Plan (Amenity Area around previously planned

Amenity Building)
SCHEDULE B – Plant List
SCHEDULE C – Amenity Area Trellis Detail

ȱ
 SCHEDULE A
LANDSCAPE PLAN (AMENITY AREA AROUND
PREVIOUSLY PLANNED AMENITY BUILDING)
ȱ
 SCHEDULE B
PLANT LIST
ȱ
 SCHEDULE C
AMENITY AREA TRELLIS DETAIL