2010 Annual Report - City of Vernon

PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICESThe new public library started construction in 2010, next to a new office building.Both buildings are on the City’s main street, 30 th Avenue.PURPOSEPlanning and Building Services is responsible for the implementation of Municipal bylaws andpolicies related to the planning and sustainable growth of the community. The Division strives tofoster a positive public attitude towards planning and the City's approach to growthmanagement, and actively engages the community in the development of neighbourhood plansand other initiatives.The primary responsibilities of the Division include land use planning and related policydevelopment; building permit and inspection services; subdivision, rezoning and developmentpermit applications; environmental planning; community outreach and transportation demandmanagement initiatives. The City’s Economic Development function also works within theDivision. The Division works with all City departments and Regional partners in the delivery ofthese services.HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010Permit activity remained robust in 2010, with 363 building permits being issued compared to366 in 2009. Building permit values, however, dropped considerably from 2009, when $165million in building permit values were recorded, a slight drop from 2008’s record high of $169million, the highest in the City’s history. Building permit values in 2010 were $74 million. 2008 and 2009 were very high because of twosignificant projects in the city, Sparkling Hill Resort and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital expansion. Overall, housing starts declined from 232 in2009 to 174 in 2010, although there was a marked increase in the number of single family detached starts, which increased from 95 in2009 to 146 in 2010. Business licensing continues to be strong, with 3,192 business licenses being issued in 2010 compared to 3,117business licenses in 2009.The priority implementation items addressed in 2010 included:OUTLOOK FOR 2011• Complete the neighbourhood plan forthe City Centre, including a phasedimplementation strategy to begin in2011• Undertake a neighbourhood plan forthe Foothills Neighbourhood Centre• Implement key recommendations of theservice delivery review• Implement new development approvalprocesses• Review and update the Airport MasterPlan• Continue implementation of theBusiness Retention and ExpansionProgram, with an emphasis on retail andprofessional service sectors• Develop investment and workerattraction programs• Complete the Invest in Vernon website• Undertake development of anemployment lands inventory• Update the Tree Protection Bylaw andintroduce several new tree protectionpolicies for both public and privateproperty• Develop School Travel Plans for twolocal elementary schools• Develop a staff travel plan for the Cityof Vernon and work with localbusinesses on the development of stafftravel plans• Continued participation in thedevelopment and completion of theRegional Growth Strategy• Community consultation and preparation of the draft City Centre Neighbourhood Plan.• Completion of neighbourhood plan updates for Bella Vista West and the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre.• Participation in the development of a master plan for Polson Park, including coordination of the new Polson Park Pavilion.• Commenced review of all development approval processes to correspond with the new growth strategy and streamline the processfor applicants.PAGE 27CITY OF VERNON 2010 ANNUAL REPOR