City of Surrey 2016 Annual Report

CITY OF SURREY OVERVIEWS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Planning & Development Department is primarily responsible for preparing land use plans, by-laws and policies for consideration by City Council; and undertakes application reviews and approval processes. The department has the responsibility for the following divisions/sections:

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.

SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE The Sustainability Office is responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in the Surrey Sustainability Charter with the overriding goal of making meaningful advances in sustainability in the City of Surrey to the benefit of present and future generations.

2 0 1 6 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

• Completed construction of new arts space in City Centre (10660 City Parkway). • Planned and delivered Agriculture Week, including farm tours, a lecture series and public event highlighting agriculture in Surrey. • Received recognition and awards for the design/construction of the Grandview Heights swimming pool complex. • Completed citywide conversion from chlorine gas to liquid in all pools, reducing risk.

• Commenced the Land Use Contract (LUC) termination process, presented 159 LUC termination reports to Council. • Completed and received Council approval of the Surrey City Centre Plan. • Supported RCMP growth with construction of new and renovated space in former City Hall building. • Completed and received Council approval for Streamside Protection Measures, including changes to the Zoning Bylaw to define riparian protection areas and new Environmental Development Permit guidelines in the OCP.

• Released an updated Sustainability Charter 2.0 to continue to grow the City with a viable sustainable vision with a focus and sensitivity to long-term impacts. • Completed Phase 1 of the Urban Aboriginal Partnering Strategy, in collaboration with numerous community partners. • Led the policy and community partnership in responding to the Syrian Refugee Re-settlement in Surrey, including coordination of community partners and organizing welcoming and community awareness program and events.

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