Scott Davis 174 Grandview Heights Rd. Gibsons, BC V0N 1V3 (604) 886-6890 July 11, 2017 Andre Boel Planner Town of Gibsons 474 South Fletcher Road / Box 340 Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0 RE: Barefoot Gecko Mexican Cantina 444 Gower Point Rd. Gibsons, BC PID 010-746-447 Dear Andre, On behalf of our client, Sally Graham restaurateur and in design collaboration with Architect Stephen Hanneman, we are submitting applications for development permit, development permit variance and sign permit for the proposed restaurant. Thank you. Scott Davis
Scott Davis 174 Grandview Heights Rd. Gibsons, BC V0N 1V3 (604) 886-6890 July 11, 2017 Sign Permit proposal summary for Barefoot Gecko Mexican Cantina 444 Gower Point Rd. Gibsons, BC PID 010-746-447 Summary review of Signage as part of a Development Permit in Area 5. Basis There are no existing signs on the property. The proposed new sign area is 42 sf [3.9m2]. It is comprised of wall mounted raised profile letters in a character font combined with a unique letter that represents a Gecko in silhouette. The highest point of the sign is 12ft above the ground. An image is attached that represents the colors of the painted composite materials on the building exterior. Signage The signage for this business was designed to be in complete harmony with the character of the front and rear building facades. This wall mounted character sign is architecturally coordinated with the overall design, architectural features and finishes of the building. The size, scale, style and center wall location and height is oriented to the bike rider and pedestrians. Material and lighting The sign is composite material that has a wood texture for improved performance and reduced maintenance. The letters are individually crafted and hand painted. The sign will be illuminated from overhead goose neck wall mounted lamps. Mounting The front facade is a covered front porch behind an arcade. The gable roof wall is enhanced with an arched grid window with open shutters. The front gable represents a pediment. The sign is incorporated and mounted on the pediment and painted a coordinating color. Number of signs 1 facing street, 1 facing parking area. According to Sign Bylaw 3.1.2 the sign on rear building wall is not counted as it is only visible from within the business property boundaries. This wall sign is planned in a similar scale as the street façade. The design intention for this sign is to create a welcoming appearance for the accessible and bicycle parking entrance.
July 11, 2017 Scott Davis 174 Grandview Heights Rd. Gibsons, BC V0N 1V3 (604) 886-6890 RE: Barefoot Gecko Mexican Cantina 444 Gower Point Rd. Gibsons, BC PID 010-746-447 Summary of Town of Gibsons Planning maps and schedules Map 1 - Planning Area = Development Permit Area 5 / Sub-Area H Map 2 Parks = not adjacent to a park Map 3 Trail & Cycle Network = located along a Primary cycle route Map 4 Neighbourhood = Harbour NPA Map 5 Future Road Network = Type 1 collector street Map 6 Water System = Zone 1 Gibsons Well Map 7 Sewer System = public sewer - rear R.O.W.12767 Map 8 Stormwater System = storm sewer - easement BJ18545 Map 9 Eelgrass beds = not applicable Schedule A - Zoning Bylaw = C5 Downtown Commercial Schedule B OCP Land Use = Medium Density Residential Schedule C Geotechnical Hazards = no hazard listed Schedule D Environmental = not environmentally sensitive area Schedule E Form & Character = Village scaled building / enhances character Schedule F Gibsons Aquifer = Gibsons Aquifer Lower Gibsons Subarea Gibsons Well Head Protection Area Summary review of Schedule A C5 Zoning Bylaw. 1145. Application and Intent. The OCP changed to Medium Density Residential so the C5 zone is outdated. 1146. Permitted Uses (6) Restaurant is a permitted use. 1148. Lot Area is 557.4m2 (6,000 sf) > min = 235.0 m2 (2530.0 ft2) 1149. Lot Width is 15.24m (50-9 ) > 7.5m (24.6ft) 1150. Lot Depth is 36.58m (120-0 ) > 30m (98.4ft) 1151. Setbacks Front = 0, Rear = 3.0m (9.8ft) Side = 0, Side abutting RM zone = 3.0m (9.8ft) 1152. Lot Coverage is (5,382sf) < 90% of lot area = 5,400 sf 1153. Height existing roof is 20-6 < 7.5m (24.6 ft) 1154. Parking & Loading Parking 601. 1/45m2 (484sf) Roof area is 1358 sf = 2.8 or 3 spaces. Loading 613. 1 space required. 1155. Landscaping plans are submitted.
Item needing variance. 1151. Setback Side abutting RM zone = 3.0m (9.8ft) The proposed side entry and patio are not in compliance with the 3m side setback. The existing building has an easement on the opposite side. This easement and necessary parking limits possible expansion of the building. The kitchen and toilet expansion in the rear were fundamental to the restaurant operation. The only available expansion areas are this side and front yards. The restaurant requires an accessible entrance and the existing building on crawlspace is elevated above the sidewalk at Gower Point Rd. The rear door from the parking provides accessibility. The restaurant needs an inviting front. A covered year round dining porch overlooking the street will be a welcoming design feature. For safety and improved circulation the front entrance is located to the side under an archway. Year round protection of the front steps is provided by a glass covered trellis. The gated side patio area is leveled with the rear parking to provide continuous accessibility between the indoor and outdoor areas. In consideration of this development permit variance request the patio, fence, arches, gates, glass trellis are open style architectural elements with limited visual impact. The majority of this side yard is open space with an equal effect as a 3m setback from the neighbour. Summary review of Development Permit Area 5 / Sub-Area H. 510(1) Height existing roof is 20-6 < 7.5m (24.6 ft) Item needing variance. 510(2a) Setback Gower Point Rd. = 3.0m (9.8ft) The proposed front porch is not in compliance with the 3m front setback at Gower Point Rd. The covered year round dining porch is an important design feature of the restaurant. We respectfully ask for special consideration. The curve along Gower Point Rd. and sidewalk in front of this property is a unique circumstance which results in the appearance of a 2.5m and larger setback. The road frontage between the property line and sidewalk is 8ft / 2.5m at the driveway edge of the porch and 15 ft at the neighbor s side. There is 11ft setback at the entry. This wide road frontage will be the inviting front entry of the business so it will be attractively landscaped and well maintained. In support of this development permit variance request the landscape will have an equal effect as a 3m setback from a sidewalk. Summary review of Harbour Area Plan. 2.1 Themes & Vision. Village scale and character Positive - organically grew out of a home Accessible Waterfront Positive - easy walk to waterfront path Environmental Sensitivity - Positive - similar impact as multifamily housing Proximity to Nature - Positive - drought tolerant landscape Social Activity Positive - village stroll street front dining porch Heritage Positive - Spanish historical claim over BC coast Working Harbour Positive - adding to and supporting harbour Views Positive - no view impact for neighbours Economic Viability Positive - unique name and creative business plan, jobs, dining options, increased parking, encourages alternate transportation.
2.2 Character Area Legacy Residential an array of varied housing types that developed organically over time and offers potential for infill. The proposed restaurant does not create any housing units. As an employer it will draw from the local area. The building organically grew out of a single family home. The proposed restaurant is small scale and fits within a Legacy Residential neighbourhood character. The property is at a low elevation and surrounded by residential and multifamily zoned land. The rear properties enjoy a view over this modest roof line. The Harbour Plan and OCP support future consolidation of residential lands to multifamily up to 4 stories. This small lot contains a right of way and access easement which makes consolidation more difficult. Consolidation starts with a residential developer with long term vision and finances. Multifamily zone and density limits developer interested in this property. If anyone was keen to consolidate this property it would not have gone up for sale. The current subdivision pattern surrounding this lot shows a good potential for future consolidation. This small property and one story roofline can be surrounded without negative effects to either side. Its organic character and village scale is suitable with a Legacy Residential Neighbourhood. 2.3 Vision Statement Facilitate balanced development that ensures the ongoing attractiveness and the social, cultural, economic and environmental vitality of the Harbour Area, recognizing the unique and crucial role it plays in the life and economy of Gibsons. The proposed restaurant has an aggressive and creative marketing plan for residents and tourists. Like its name the Barefoot Gecko, it will be unique and memorable. Barefoot Gecko is a name for a gecko that lives on the west coast of Mexico. The name has a high quality food association because it sounds familiar to the legendary Barefoot Contessa. This brand will be heralded by Foodies & Dining enthusiasts. Food quality, service and enjoyment factors will be off the charts. This development will employ local residents and provide year round dining, take out and local delivery services. Its theme in simple terms is a Mexican Cantina which will be highlighted by authentic architectural finishes. Its hospitality features include a grand fiesta sized front porch, welcoming fireside entry and gated side patio. The quaint sized interior décor will be true to its Mexican heritage. This development will increase bike, car and disabled parking spaces beyond the minimum. The rear parking, trash and loading supports the street front village character along a bike and walking route in this Legacy Residential neighbourhood.
5.1.9 Limit the extent of retail and service commercial development in Gibsons Landing to Gower Point Rd and Marine Drive to ensure pedestrian accessibility and enjoyment and to create a concentrated shopping core. This proposal does not agree that a concentrated shopping core is beneficial to the life and vitality of Gibsons. In daily life the road and sidewalk does not end at Holland Park. Tourists and locals walk, bike ride the bus and drive by this property daily. The Gibsons Landing Shops have a pedestrian and automobile focus. The closest bike friendly areas are not near dining businesses. The landing shopping area is up hill and 320m away. The distance apart is clearly evident and locals acknowledge this area is the Marina District. This subarea along Gower Point Road starts uphill with George Hotel passes the Public Market, Yacht Marina and ends at the Ritz Inn motel. The street in front of this commercial property is a Type 1 collector street. It is a primary bicycle route, primary city bus route and the sidewalk is well used as a popular walking route. This subarea is noted for having creative economic leaders in Gibsons. The restaurant business will increase economic opportunities along a bike route and support the nearby motel. Its business plan will promote this area for tourism. Its food and social hospitality will enhance the daily life and vitality of this neighbourhood. Summary review of DPA-9. Contamination potential - this development permit is for a restaurant with a commercial kitchen that strictly follows Food Safe Handling and Provincial Health guidelines. The potential contaminants are typical trash, compostable food waste, household / food safe cleaning chemicals that are typically consistent with multifamily residential buildings. DPA-9 exempts multifamily buildings and by association we suggest that this proposed restaurant poses the same level of contamination risk to the aquifer. Well Head Protection - this development permit is located approximately 145 meters from Gibsons Well 1, 160 meters from standby Well 2 and 180 meters from Well 3. The one story building, paved parking and landscape have existed for many years. There is no foreseeable risk for any well head. Foundation Depth - this development permit is proposed to reuse an existing one story commercial building on crawlspace with one story addition of a covered patio on crawl space and convert of a rear porch into a commercial kitchen with concrete slab. The foundations for this type of building are less than 1.5 m below grade and typically consistent with a one story single family residence. DPA-9 exempts single family buildings and by association we suggest that this proposed building poses the same level of risk to the aquifer. Thank you. Scott Davis