Report to: General Committee                                                Date of Report: January 15, 2007

SUBJECT:                          Incentive Program- Extended Driveway By-law

PREPARED BY:               W. Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement & Licencing, x4851

RECOMMENDATION:

That the incentive program outlined in the report entitled “Incentive Program- Extended Driveway By-law” be approved;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The report requests approval for a ten point incentive program to facilitate resident re-construction of existing driveways to bring them into conformity with new by-law regulations. The incentive program is one of several incentives staff were directed to develop with approval of the Extended Driveway By-law in June 2006.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

A $25,000 communication budget was approved as part of the Extended Driveway Project. This initiative requires $5,500 of the budget, with $10,000 being already committed for a residents guide, leaving a balance of $9,500.

1. Purpose                     2. Background                      3. Discussion                        4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units)             6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To facilitate the implementation of an incentive program to encourage residents to comply with the new extended driveway by-law regulations.

BACKGROUND:

An extensive public consultation process for extended driveways was held in the early part of 2006. Throughout the process residents advised of their belief that a common standard for driveway and boulevard construction and allowances for on-site parking should exist across the Town. Resident responses included comments that if the Town were to amend the by-law, the Town should implement a program to assist current homeowners, firstly in not requiring any removal of paved surfaces (unless over 80% of the front yard is surfaced) and secondly with having their existing driveway construction brought into conformity with the amended by-law. It was agreed to actively enforce the by-law on a go forward basis for new or modified construction.

Council’s direction, following input from the public and the Working Group on Extended Driveways included several initiatives be implemented, along with the amending of the by-law amendment. Those initiatives included: a communication program, licencing of contractors, continuing prohibition of overnight parking and an incentive program for the conversion of existing non-complaint driveways.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

The following table details ten initiatives staff developed in response to Council’s direction for an incentive program to voluntarily encourage residents to comply with the new by-law. The intention of the initiatives is to:

§         provide technical assistance to residents on by-law regulations and design practices;

§         reduce resident re-construction costs;

§         further communicate the extended driveway program;

§         reward and recognize urban design excellence in driveway construction.

The initial communication is a brochure that is to be delivered to every household in Markham.  A copy is attached hereto.  In addition, work is ongoing on a manual containing information on all matters of importance to home owners.

Potential Incentives Table

The following table lists identified incentives for implementation.

#

Incentive

Details

Cost (1)

1

By-law Compliance Services

Staff from By-laws will attend properties and offer on-site by-law compliance assistance.

Operating Budget

2

Removal of landscaping/ driveway materials

(Two year program)

Removal of material  of non-complying municipal boulevards on a cost recovery basis

Cost recovery

basis

3

Curb Cut Adjustments

Will occur as part of normal maintenance plan and timing

Operating Budget

4

Minor Variance Fee Rebate

Offer a $500.00 rebate for successful minor variance applications for unusually shaped or configured lots. (Existing driveways only)

Operating Budget

5

Front Yard Design Package

Staff from by-laws, urban design, operations will prepare a free package for residents on front yard design and landscaping tips.

$1,000

Communication Budget

6

“Congratulations” Certificate

Develop a “congratulations” certificate for residents advising that an inspection of their driveway has confirmed compliance with the by-law

$500

Communication Budget

7

Street Tree Replacements

Provide a species appropriate tree for any driveway re-construction freeing up additional space to accommodate a street tree

Operating Budget

8

Contractor & Landscaper Web Site Listing

Include a section on By-law’s Extended Driveway web site where residents can source licenced contractors and landscapers

$1,000

Communication Budget

9

Public Display Centres

Establish a series of public displays at libraries, civic centre and community centres advertising the incentive program

$2,000

Communication Budget

10

Driveway Construction Awards Program

Establishment of an annual awards program to recognize the best of new driveway and driveway re-construction projects

$1,000

Communication Budget

(1) Costs are included in the approved Extended Driveway Communications Budget

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

See attached template

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Reducing the amount of hard surfaced areas within residential areas will reduce storm water run off into storm sewer systems and watercourses and increase the amount of soft landscaping.

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

The initiative program aligns with two elements of the Community Vision. The first is “community excellence” which will be furthered enhanced through the design elements of driveway construction and the avoidance complete conversion of front yards for parking. The second is “preserving our natural and built environment” through a built community form that balances hard surface elements and natural landscape elements.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Planning & Urban Design

Operations

Corporate Communications

RECOMMENDED

BY:    _____________________       _________________

S. Birrell                                    A. Taylor

Town Clerk                               Commissioner, Corporate Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Financial Template