Even more streamlining is coming at Delta City Hall.
Council at its Feb. 13 meeting approved further recommendations to empower staff to deal with what has been described as routine responsibilities of council to improve efficiency as well as improve the city's responsiveness to developers, owners and applicants.
The city will streamline the approvals process for various development applications by delegating authority to the director of community planning and development for riparian and foreshore development permits, some liquor licence applications, public consultation opportunities for Official Community Plan amendments and the signage required.
When it comes to liquor licence applications, the delegation will include such things as hours of liquor service, structural changes to increase capacity, temporary use areas, a restaurant to host karaoke or a manufacturer to have a lounge to serve patrons their product.
A staff report notes that the provincial government determines the types of liquor licence applications which require public consultation and comments from local government. Currently, each of those applications require a resolution from council, however, it is common for local governments to delegate to staff where the anticipated impact is minor.
“Council approval was required to have karaoke nights in the City of Delta, so, that’s a great example of streamlining our application process. I do not believe council should be involved in deciding whether or not a venue can host karaoke,” said Coun. Dylan Kruger.
The staff report added the delegation of authority to the planning director is anticipated to reduce processing times for applications by several weeks, but the delegation does not include outdoor patios located on municipal land or where variances to zoning are required.
