Three Port Coquitlam homeowners are on a tight rein after being ordered by city council this week to fix up their properties - or face a notice on title.
On Monday, Section 57 hearings were held for four owners who had failed to update their lots after repeated requests by city inspectors.
Council placed a notice on title for an Inverness Street owner who did not appear at the council meeting; however, the other three homeowners were given leniency - albeit, for a short time - after pleading their cases.
The owner of a Central Avenue duplex had done alterations and additions without the required building permits or inspections. Letters from city staff about the illegal work date back to 2008, according to a staff report.
As well, the owner of a Coast Meridian Road home - who has been trying to sell his land - was given until Jan. 31 to make the necessary repairs (a permit for his original work was issued in 2004) while a Fraser Avenue homeowner was allowed "a reasonable amount of time" to make amends on improper construction (city letters date back to 2010 and four enforcement tickets were issued this year for failing to comply).
The intent of a Section 57, which is allowed under the provincial Community Charter, is to notify present and future owners of the outstanding structural issues and to encourage compliance. It is also aimed at lessening the liability for the municipality.
Other PoCo news:
Port Coquitlam residents wanting to make a difference at the municipal level have a week to apply for a citizen advisory job.
Applications will be accepted by the city until Dec. 22 for residents keen on volunteering on one of four committees: community safety (emergency services, bylaw); healthy community (arts, culture); smart growth (planning, homelessness); and transportation solutions and public works (traffic, utilities).
To learn more, call 604-927-5212, email [email protected] or visit online at portcoquitlam.ca/committee.
Meanwhile, the city continues to seek volunteers year-round in the areas of arts and culture, parks and recreation, emergency preparedness, special events and kids, youth and seniors programs. Call the volunteer co-ordinator at 604-927-7906 or visit portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer.
@jwarrenTC
