Approve CD-1 Rezoning: 3205 Arbutus Street

Motion 5 · Public Hearing, April 25, 2023

Carried Location 3205 Arbutus Street Moved by Adriane Carr, Sarah Kirby-Yung

Summary

A rezoning application by Yamamoto Architecture proposes to rezone 3205 Arbutus Street (at the southwest corner of 16th Avenue and Arbutus Street) from C-1 (Commercial) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District, replacing an active gas station with a four-storey mixed-use building containing 54 secured market rental units and ground-floor commercial space.
The rezoning would increase the floor space ratio (FSR) from 1.20 to 2.56 and raise the maximum building height from 10.7 m (35 ft.) to 19.2 m (63 ft.), consistent with the Secured Rental Policy framework.
The 1,558.5 sq. m site is situated in the Arbutus-Ridge neighbourhood, adjacent to a four-storey mixed-use building to the north (The Ridge/Loblaws City Market), with RS-1 single-detached houses to the east, south, and west.
Nearby amenities include the Arbutus Greenway (50 m away), several parks within 1.3 km, Kitsilano Community Centre, and multiple childcare facilities; local schools (Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary) are projected to be operating under capacity by 2031.
The proposal requires amendments to both the Sign By-law and the Noise Control By-law to establish appropriate regulations for the new CD-1 district.
Staff recommended approval in principle, finding the application consistent with the Secured Rental Policy and the broader Vancouver Plan goals for expanding rental housing supply.