City council discussed keeping the city building permits at "status quo" at their Jan. 21 committee of the whole meeting.
Status quo means keeping the current limit of 24 months plus the option for a 12-month, $150 extension to complete projects, and the purchase of a new permit once the 36 month limit is reached, based on the market value of work remaining.
Council discussed the options, after input from Gary Muraca, the city's chief administrative officer and Gary Deane, the city's manager of planning and development.
In April of 2019, the city doubled the length of time building permits would be valid for, in order to address construction delays related to supply chain issues, etc.
"Since that time we haven't had hardly any problem with people getting their projects done," Deane told the council in attendance.
Building permits are valid for 24 months initially, and can be renewed for an additional 12 months for $150. This gives a total of three years for developers to complete their projects.
Council received a request in October of 2024 from Janda Group to look at the building permit bylaw, after the redevelopment project at Boitanio Mall property faced a number of delays. Acting mayor at the time, Scott Nelson, brought forward a request to look at changing the building permit bylaw and council requested a report from staff.
Staff explained in their report at the Jan. 21 committee meeting the new building permit cost is based on the market value of the remaining construction yet to complete. Currently, building permits are $150 per $10,000 of estimated market value, with an additional $6 per $1,000 for the rest of the value.
A report by Deane provided four options for council to consider: status quo; adding a second opportunity to extend the permit by a further 12 months for $150; reducing the fees for permit renewals; or increasing the time allowed for the original permit.
After explaining the potential costs and benefits to the city for each option, Deane's report recommended the city retain the current status quo for building permit timelines and fees, but said if the city is looking for providing additional flexibility, then the option to reduce the renewal fees would provide the best balance between flexibility and cost recovery. The report notes the projects which exceed the 36-month timeframe are often larger projects requiring a large amount of staff time.
To read a more detailed explanation, go to the city's website and read the full report in the committee of the whole agenda package.
Since the extension of the timeline, Deane said there has only been one project go beyond the three years.
Staff asked for direction from council.
Deane clarified some misinformation the council had regarding construction and development within the city, with around 160 building permits issued within the city of Williams Lake last year.
"We had a good number of houses built," said Deane. He said infill density is coming, with one coach house built and inquiries regarding more.
Deane said there is a great desire out there for housing construction in the city.
"Staff does a lot of stuff here trying to encourage development within the city, we work with developers quite closely. I know some of the councillors talk to us on a regular basis, they know exactly where we're at on trying to push these forward," said Deane.
Councillors at the committee meeting voted unanimously in favour of putting the recommendation to maintain the status quo forward to a regular council meeting for adoption.
Coun. Joan Flaspohler was the sole councillor absent from the meeting, with Coun. Michael Moses attending remotely.