The City of Delta is further beefing up a bylaw to deal with unsightly properties.
That’s the assurance planning director Marcy Sangret offered council during a recent discussion on a letter of concern by a Lyon Road homeowner over the demolition of a neighbouring house and the huge mess left behind.
WorkSafeBC had to step in to cease all work because the developer had not done any abatement, or received clearance for the hazardous material.
“The fact is the City of Delta does not require developers to do hazardous material abatement before getting their demolition permit. Therefore, it is very likely that developers and builders are just demolishing homes, loading the debris into trucks, which could very likely include hazardous material and dumping this material at landfill sites. All of this happening around us does not create a positive atmosphere for living,” wrote Carel Schoch, also outlining a number of other concerns including tree loss in the community.
Planning staff told council at their April 11 meeting that the site in the 6400-block of Lyon Road in North Delta has seen some improvement since the letter and its accompanying photo was written last month.
City staff are working with the builder, a professional abatement contractor hired by the builder and WorkSafeBC to ensure correct abatement processes are in place and inspections are being followed.
WorkSafeBC is checking the site for water suppression of the demolition material, air monitoring and correct disposal of materials.
Delta staff will also continue to monitor the property.
Staff will also report back whether an abatement contractor had been hired prior to the house being torn down.
In addition, amendments have been written recently for the building and plumbing bylaw to give building officials and inspectors additional authorities when it comes to unsightly properties, said Sangret.
