HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-121-94Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee
Date: Monday, October 3, 1994
Report #: PD- 121 -9 �-ile #:
Subject: REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
File
Res. # CaS�i1 BUG -� /�i
By -Law #
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and
Administration Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report PD- 121 -94 be received for information;
2. THAT Council's decision and a copy of Report PD- 121 -94 be forwarded
to the U.D.I. and the Durham Home Builders Association.
REPORT:
1. BACKGROUND:
1.1 In the latter part of 1990, Council authorized Staff and a
consultant to prepare a Development Charges Policy Report pursuant
to the requirements of the Development Charges Act, 1989.
1.2 As a result of the Study, a Policy Report was approved by Council
in February, 1992 and subsequently Development Charges By -law 92-
105 was passed.
1.3 By -law 92 -105 has been amended by By -law 93 -74 which changed the
index from construction cost to building cost and to freeze the
indexing to October 31, 1994, all at the request of the Durham Home
Builders Association.
2. NEED FOR REVIEW
2.1 Section 6(1) of the Development Charges Act states that a
Development Charge By -law expires five (5) years after the date it
comes into force. This in effect, will invalidate the
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PAPER YCLIt
THIS IS PRPVED O 1 REDYMD PAPER
REPORT NO.: PD- 121 -94 PAGE 2
Municipality's Development Charge By -law in March of 1997. Since
sufficient time is required to conduct a comprehensive review, the
review process must commence well in advance of the expiry date of
the current by -law.
2.2 Two and one half years have lapsed since Development Charges By -law
92 -105 was enacted. During this time period the Municipality has
sustained continuous growth in the residential sector. At the same
time, the Municipality has also undertaken several capital work
projects in various locations to meet the needs resulting from new
growth. As market force continues to influence the growth
direction in various communities, the pressure of growth may have
shifted from one area to another. It therefore becomes necessary
to review the current list of capital works to ensure future
expenditure are expended in areas of imminent growth.
2.3 Although the Clarington Draft Official Plan has yet to be approved,
it does provide some vital information pertaining to future urban
growth projection. Information such as population density
allocation etc. are new information that are both timely and up -to-
date and will be very useful in the Development Charge review
exercise.
3. THE REVIEW APPROACH
The Review will commence immediately and consists of three (3)
Phases:
Phase 1: involves the gathering of data and information including
background information gathered through the Official Plan
Review process, examination of standards of services,
review status of reserve accounts, as well as review the
status of all plans of subdivisions.
Phase 2: requires detail examination and analysis of all
information gathered, leading up to the determination of
areas that would be developed within the next ten (10)
years plus a preliminary listing of all capital works and
projects to meet the future growth needs. Financing of
all works and services will be reviewed including
available dollars from Provincial grants and general tax
revenue.
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REPORT NO.: PD- 121 -94 PAGE 3
Phase 3: involves consultations with the U.D.I. and the Durham
Home Builders Association. Draft policy report will be
prepared including a listing of all proposed capital
works and services as well as the proposed development
charge quantum. Public meetings will be held and a new
Development Charge By -law will be enacted by Council.
4. RESPONSIBILITY
4.1 The review will be directed and guided by the Director of Planning
with senior staff from all departments including the Library and
the P.U.C. participating in regular working sessions.
4.2 Unlike the first Development Charges Study, this Review process
will be strictly performed by in -house senior staff, many of whom
have gained substantial knowledge through previous involvements
within the consultant. In addition, solicitor's involvement will
be kept to an absolute minimum and will only be used where legal
advice is needed on the interpretation, of the grey areas in the
Development Charges Act.
5. CONCLUSION:
This Report is prepared for the information of Council, the U.D.I.
and the Durham Home Builders Association. During the next seven
(7) month review process, staff will advise Council from time to
time as to the process of the review.
Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P.
Director of Planning
and Development
FW *j ip
26 September 1994
Reviewed by,
W.H. Stockwell'
Chief Administrative
Officer