District of North Vancouver staff is advising the council a carport in the Blueridge neighbourhood should undergo a heritage inspection before it can be demolished by the owner.
The carport is located on an empty lot adjacent to the historic Kovach Residence that is included in the District’s Community Heritage Register.
The detached carport is also mentioned on the Community Heritage Register, and both have the same owner.
The carport was built in 1967 and is described in the Community Heritage Register as the “original square-plan garage, with its pyramidal roof and sculpted finial”.
On October 17 2019, DNV received an application to demolish the carport.
While the district’s Community Heritage Register contains properties with heritage value and character, it does not provide permanent legal protection.
The applicant wants to subdivide two lots into three and build a home on the northerly lot where the carport presently stands. The owner says he would like to keep the carport, if possible.
District staff, meanwhile, is suggesting an inspection to assess the condition and heritage value of the carport.
“The inspection will help determine if the carport has heritage value, and its extent. If it is determined that the carport has limited or no heritage value, it may be appropriate to remove it from the Community Heritage Register and issue the demolition permit,” staff says.
If, however, heritage value for the carport is confirmed upon inspection, the demolition permit would continue to be withheld until necessary approvals have been issued with regards to alteration, staff say.
Staff has also advised the owner any potential subdivision would mean a discussion related to the lots’ heritage characteristics and potential heritage value conservation.
The district’s heritage plan encourages the retention of properties and landscapes that have heritage or cultural value. As such, district makes efforts to identify and retain properties with heritage value.
Staff is suggesting that a heritage inspection on the carport be conducted as soon as possible, and that the demolition order remain in effect until the heritage inspection is complete.
Meanwhile, staff will continue to discuss and review redevelopment options with the owner.
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