Vancouver Board of Variance. Tony Tang Chair.

Jag Dhillon introduced Tony Tang who is the Chair of the Vancouver Board of Variance.

Tony is a Mechanical Engineer by profession and it truly dedicated to his service.

It takes time to look at each application and Tony takes the time to closely examine each one.

Tony said their main purpose is to look for the hardship in each case.

Does the denial of planning permission for an applicant cause a hardship for someone or if it is approved will that cause a hardship.

The City funds the board but it is independent.

The only person paid is the secretary Louis Ng.

All others are volunteers.

The charter was passed in 1953.  This was to set up a balance of power to the planning department.  City council may not interfere with the board.

There are 5 members each with a 3-year term.

Civic officials set zoning and the planning department set the rules.

We then look at exceptions.

We meet weekly and physically look at all applications before we have the hearings.

Applications now cost $400 each.

We also look at parking and sign regulations as well.

Any signs larger than the by law we look.

We also look at old house that are being re-built, even if to the same specifications they were originally built to.  The property inspector will go and send us a report of what they want to do.  They may need to apply for a new development permit.

If it is non-conforming we need to approve it.  If it is refused you can take it to the Board of Variance.

If you have an irregular sized lot and cant make the set backs required then we would look at it and see if this causes a hardship.

We have to look at the property.

We are an informal court system.  The planning department speak, and then you speak then anyone that opposes you.  Then you get a chance for a closing statement.

Sometimes the decision is very tough.  Causes me sleepless nights!

We do have the power to allow but it is a power we need to exercise carefully and with thought.

Harreson thanked the speaker.