The District of North Vancouver council will vote on a development permit for an eight-unit townhouse project at 3568 and 3572 Mount Seymour Parkway at its Dec. 1 council meeting. Planning staff recommend that council approve the permit, which replaces a previous version that expired in 2018.
The proposal includes eight three- and four-bedroom units in three buildings arranged around an internal drive aisle. Six units would be located in a main building, while two smaller buildings would each hold one unit. Homes range from 129 to 159 square metres and include private patios and second-storey balconies. Building heights would range from 11.5 to 13.5 metres.
Staff say the project complies with the site’s zoning and Official Community Plan.
Because the site falls within several Development Permit Areas, the project must meet requirements for building design, energy and water conservation, wildfire protection, and streamside protection. The site borders Taylor Creek, which requires a 15.5-metre setback, removal of invasive plants, replanting with native species, and a six-foot fence along the riparian area.
Vehicle access would come from a rear lane off Parkgate Avenue. The project includes 18 parking stalls, 16 for residents and two for visitors. Four units require tandem parking, which needs a variance. Staff support the variance because it reduces the building footprint and preserves more open space.
Public consultation for the earlier permit took place in 2014. Residents raised concerns about traffic, tree loss and privacy. In response, the developer redesigned the rear lane with a narrower paved section, landscaping pockets, a meandering layout to protect mature trees, and cedar fencing. According to the report, 76 trees behind The Atrium will be kept, while 11 off-site trees will be removed with owner approval and replaced.
The developer also must submit an acoustic report, follow wildfire construction guidelines, use low-flow fixtures and drought-tolerant landscaping, and meet stormwater requirements. A construction traffic management plan must also be approved and will require a monitoring camera at Seymour Road and Mount Seymour Parkway.
Staff note that two nearby projects may soon move forward, and coordination will be needed to minimize combined construction impacts.
