New Westminster is trying to get a handle on plumbing fixtures in garages.
Council has directed staff to prepare amendments to zoning that would limit plumbing fixtures in garages to one sink and one toilet. A staff report notes that the current zoning bylaw doesn’t address the issues of plumbing fixtures in detached accessory buildings on residential lots containing a single-family or duplex dwelling, which has allowed applicants to install an unlimited number of fixtures.
According to the staff report, the city is experiencing a trend where plans for garages are showing multiple plug-in fixtures and “rough-ins” that are meant for a hot water tank, washer and dryer, tub/shower, bathroom toilet and sink, utility sink – or a combination of these things. The city is concerned about the potential for these spaces to be converted to dwelling units.
“Detached accessory dwelling units are currently not permitted in New Westminster,” said the report.
Shops at New West gets noise exemption
An atrium will soon be installed atop the SkyTrain guideway at New Westminster station.
Council has extended an exemption to the city’s construction noise bylaw to allow crews to compete the installation of the glass atrium at the mall attached to the New Westminster SkyTrain station. The exemption allows work to be done between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mondays to Saturdays until March 15.
The project involves the construction of an atrium above the SkyTrain guideway that runs through the mall. The work can only be done when the SkyTrain guideway is not operating.
More taxis coming to New West
Four new taxis – including three accessible vehicles – will be hitting the streets of New Westminster.
Council has directed staff to prepare amendments to the city’s commercial vehicle bylaw to permit two additional taxi licenses (both accessible vehicles) for Royal City Taxi and two more licenses (one accessible and one conventional vehicle) for Queen City Taxi. The companies have received approval for the licenses from the Passenger Transportation Branch.
“The city’s seniors advisory committee and the access ability committee were consulted on the request to increase the taxi licenses,” stated a staff report. “Both committees supported the request.”
