Annual Report 2014

City of surrey Overviews

Planning & Development Department

The primary functions of the Planning & Development Department are to prepare land use plans, bylaws and policies for consideration by City Council; and undertake application reviews and approval processes consistent with Council-approved plans, bylaws and policies in support of planned, orderly and sustainable development of the City. The Department’s mandate is accomplished through activities of the following six divisions:

AREA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT, NORTH & SOUTH Area Planning & Development implements Council-adopted bylaws and policies in relation to the use and development of land. This work involves receiving and reviewing applications, and making appropriate recommendations for land development projects, as well as preparing reports to Council. BUILDING Building administers Council adopted bylaws and policies related to building construction. This work involves servicing residential and commercial building plan reviews, performing building, plumbing and electrical field review services, and the administration of the Tree Preservation By-law and the Sign By-law. The Building Division is also responsible for providing professional advice to City Council, the Board of Variance, other City departments and the public on building construction related matters. CIVIC FACILITIES Civic Facilities plans, designs and constructs new facilities, and maintains and operates the City’s existing building inventory, which includes redeveloping and modifying buildings, and administering an ongoing preventative maintenance program. The division leads energy saving initiatives throughout the City, including lighting and HVAC system upgrades.

COMMUNITY PLANNING Community Planning develops land use plans and policies in support of the planned and orderly development of the City. The division administers the Official Community Plan (OCP), General Land Use Plans, Neighbourhood Concept Plans (NCP), Local Area Plans, zoning bylaw amendments and monitors the City’s growth management strategies. Community Planning also supports the Heritage Advisory Commission, Environmental Advisory Committee, Agricultural and Food Security Advisory Committee and the Social Planning Advisory Committee. The division provides graphic and mapping services for the department and supports the corporate Geographical Information Systems (GIS) services. ADMINISTRATION & SPECIAL PROJECTS Administration & Special Projects provides general administrative support services, records management, budgeting, information technology deployment and support, Enterprise Content Management implementation and customer service.

2 0 1 4 A c c o m p l i s h m e n t s

• Successfully applied for a three-year contract from the Federal Government to coordinate and facilitate a Local Immigration Partnership Program in Surrey. • Completed the Poverty Reduction Plan. • Facilitated a successful federal grant application for additional supportive housing in Surrey.

• Developed an on-line Plumbing Permit application/payment process. • Completed and received Council approval of new Development Permit Areas for protection of hazardous conditions. • Replaced gas chlorine systems in pools with new liquid chlorine systems. • Completed the draft Action Plan to end homelessness in Surrey.

• Completed and received Council approval of a new Official Community Plan for the City. • Completed and received Metro Vancouver Board approval of the Regional Context Statement. • Implemented Building Permit approval process enhancements that created efficiencies, enhanced services, and reduced costs for builders.

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