Port Moody is fine-tuning ways to ensure its residents make changes to their properties in a neighbourly way.
Two policies — a set of Good Neighbour Guidelines and a neighbourhood feedback process — borne out of council’s debate over the large homes issue were discussed at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting.
The neighbourhood feedback process will mean residents within a 100 m radius are to be notified about pending plans for a new home in the area, plans to increase an existing building’s height or an extension to exterior walls that would add 50 square metres (538 square feet) or more.
Neighbours will then be able to view the site plans and elevation drawings at city hall and provide their comments in a feedback form. The form would then be sent to the property owner, with the encouragement that they contact their neighbours directly to begin a dialogue and sort out any issues.
As well, a sign with information similar to the notification letter will be posted on site.
Costs associated with the letter distribution, sign production and staff time would be paid by the property owner.
PoMo residents will also be able to check out the detailed Good Neighbour Guidelines booklet when it’s published soon.
The committee was shown a first draft of the document, which covers issues in three main categories.
Property development and building permits outlines information and bylaws pertaining to designing a new home, planning a major addition and demolishing an existing building, and encourages owners to talk to their neighbours about how view corridors, parking and retaining walls might be affected.
Regulations on noise levels and unsightly properties, as well as parking regulations, stream and tree protection, sidewalk and boulevard maintenance and more are covered in the second section, which also suggests residents help out their neighbours during large snowfalls or other times of need.
The guidelines also cover responsible pet ownership, with regulations on licensing and off-leash dog park locations, as well as cleaning up after pets. It also notes that excessive barking or howling can be particularly disruptive for neighbours.
The online version of the guidelines include links to other city documents such as bylaws or other regulations, and can be easily updated.
Staff have proposed printing 500 copies of the document to be available at city facilities.
