More streamlining is happening at city hall.
Staff recently updated council that work is underway on a comprehensive development application procedures bylaw update that would include, among other things, the delegation of sign bylaw variances to the general manager of development. The goal is to streamline the approval process for sign variances.
Another application to vary the city’s sign regulation recently had to go through council for approval.
The applicant proposed to install a projecting sign on the second-storey of a commercial building at the corner of Delta and Bridge streets in Ladner Village. The business at 4841 Delta St. is located on the second floor and the proposed three-foot-six by one-foot-six sign would be at a height of 21-feet.
Council had to approve the height variance from the maximum 16-foot height of a projecting sign. Except for the height, the projecting sign would meet all other regulations in the sign bylaw.
Staff noted that is anticipated that the bylaw update to streamline the approval process will be brought for council’s consideration in the fall of 2023.
It would be the latest in a series of streamlining moves at city hall.
Council earlier had approved a bylaw to delegate decision-making authority on a number of procedures to staff, including many existing procedures that had been considered routine.
The city also streamlined the approvals process for various development applications by delegating authority to the director of community planning and development for riparian and foreshore development permits, some liquor licence applications and public consultation opportunities for Official Community Plan amendments including the notification signage required.
When it comes to liquor licence applications, the delegation to staff included such things as hours of liquor service, structural changes to increase capacity, temporary use areas, a restaurant to host karaoke or a manufacturer to have a lounge to serve patrons their product.
Some of the other approved streamlining moves include the city’s procurement policy, allowing the city manager and director of finance to approve awarding contracts up to $300,000. Funds must already be allocated in the city’s financial plan and appropriate procurement processes must still be followed.
Previously any purchase contracts $50,000 or over had to get a final stamp of approval from council.
Regular procurement reports are to be provided to council detailing the contracts that have been approved under the streamlined process.
