New Westminster is pondering a policy around the conversion of office space to residential use in the downtown.
In response to concerns about the potential for converting existing office space in the downtown, city council asked staff to develop a policy to address any requests.
"I really like the report and the recommendations," said Coun. Jonathan Cote. "I think it's what council had in mind when we started talking about this topic."
A recent staff report to council states that rezonings are currently required in order for an office to be converted to residential uses. As part of the rezoning process, council can consider issues such as preservation of heritage values, provision of affordable housing, environmental features (such as greenhouse gas emission reduction), and community amenities and public realm improvements.
"Although there has not been a strong demand for office conversions in the downtown in recent years, interest has been expressed recently and it is important to have a policy to assess such proposals in those cases where the city has discretion, such as rezoning," stated a staff report. "A draft policy has been prepared that is supportive of city employment objectives without unduly limiting a property owner's ability to adapt to market conditions."
The draft policy states that office conversions to residential uses would not be permitted when the office vacancy rate in the area is below five per cent or when the office vacancy rate for the area is between five and 10 per cent, and the long-term trend in the vacancy rate is decreasing. The draft policy also recommended that: existing commercial uses at street level be retained in areas where those uses were identified in the downtown community plan; and proponents of office conversions be encouraged to meet with planning and economic development staff to determine if there are any incentives or tools that can be applied to increase the viability and success of the commercial property. The draft policy suggested that any new residential units that are created must be liv-able, compatible with surrounding uses and support the city's sustainability objectives.
Cote said he'd like the policy to state that conversions should require that the residential be for market rental or non-market housing.
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy believes the length of vacancy of a commercial property may also be relevant.
"If a property has been vacant for 10 years or more, I think that is the argument it is economically unviable."
Council referred the draft policy back to staff to incorporate council's suggestions.
