An established military surplus business on 12th Street is seeking to expand the building to allow more commercial space and add residential units.
Council has received a preliminary staff report about a development permit and development variance permit being sought for 744 12th St. and 1204 Eighth Ave. A staff report stated that the applicant is proposing to consolidate the two lots and built a two-storey addition that consists of additional commercial space, space for entrances to the residential units and three residential units on the second level.
Although the new commercial space would require nine parking spaces and the residential units would need four parking spaces and one visitor's space, no parking is being provided as part of the application.
"I am having great difficulty with what I saw in this proposal," said Coun. Betty McIntosh. "They can't design any parking?"
The development variance permit application would vary sections of the zoning bylaw relating to commercial parking, residential parking, residential visitor parking and off-street loading.
A staff report states that the proposal supports heritage objectives by retaining and reusing the 1938 building and social objectives by providing market rental housing. If a completely new building was proposed, there would be no reason to consider a parking variance of this magnitude.
"However if the existing building is to be retained, then the provision of any parking on this site becomes a challenge," stated the report.
Jim Hurst, a development planner with the city, told council that the applicant would have to step up the building in order to extend the commercial space and parking under the building.
"It would not give him, from his opinion, usable floor space," he said.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said Dave's Surplus (now called DS Tactical) is a "very viable" business.
"Police come from all across the Lower Mainland to buy their supplies, legitimate supplies," he said. "It is a really strong anchor business for 12th Street."
At its July 8 meeting, council received the preliminary staff report.
The report says the public should be consulted about the proposal before council formally considers the application.
