The Development Permit System is a new planning tool in Ontario's Planning Act. This presentation, which I gave on Feb. 15, 2010 at an internal training session, discusses some history on Vancouver's implementation of a similar system.

1. Zoning Variance DPS practically integratesofficial plans as well Site Plan

3. Negative language

5. M5V Life Condo

6. …he was determined to create a strong planning department with adequate resources that could distance itself from developers’ interests, establish independence within the city bureaucracy, and provide clear advice to the city council. The Conversation Ray Spaxman

7. The Conversation “commodity and firmness” [are] left to the regulations while the “delight” [is] pursued through the guidelines and careful design negotiations (interview) Ray Spaxman

8. Downtown Study Team Reports, 1974 Retain the legally defined standards but add explicit guidelines against which proposals are evaluated. Establish a committee to manage permits and negotiate Require dialogue at the concept stage ‘53 Vancouver Charter allows city to innovate

9. Where an area is zoned CD-1 … and Council has approved the form of development, the Development Permit Board may approve the issuance of permits…provided however: (a) the development is consistent with the intent and purpose of this by-law and any applicable official development plan… ODP Governs Development

10. In draft form – originally imagined by former Vancouver planner Larry Beasley – the new, high-density development of 1,100 residential units seemed merely a dreamscape. But with the athlete’s village … Vancouver has scored big-time. Getting the job done required impressive collegiality and political will. Lisa Rochon, The Globe and Mail, Feb. 13, 2010

11. Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan

12. 2.1.3 Integrated community 2.1.6 Integrated transit 2.1.12 Demonstrated sustainability 2.1.2 Distinct neighbourhood precincts 2.1.4 Street hierarchy Southeast False Creek 2.1.1 Development is to create a legible overall form that reinforces the idea of the False Creek “basin” 2.1.9 Clustered community services 2.1.5 Connected public open spaces and parks Official Development Plan 2.1.7 Vibrant commercial heart 2.1.8 Waterfront animation 2.1.10 Heritage recognition 2.1.11 Incremental varied development

13. Skeletal Official Plan Policies Minimal content – just enough to enable by-laws General Development Permit By-law Policies – and guidelines – applicable throughout municipality Precinct by-law Precinct by-law Precinct by-law Precinct by-laws replace “secondary” plans Use complete application provisions creatively

14. Zoning Variance More local control and better conversation Site Plan