Items 7.1, 7.2 and 11.1 were brought forward and dealt with at this time.
Elaha Safi, Special Projects Advisor, Development Services, presented an overview that included key drivers of the work, summary of applications submitted and building permit activity in 2022.
Carolyn Crozier, Manager, Development Services, presented an overview that included the following:
- continuous improvement initiatives, audit and accountability funded projects
- committee of adjustment review findings, implementation, and outcomes
- urban design guidance and process review, findings, implementation, and outcomes
- development application end to end review findings, implementation, and outcomes
- proposed fee increases, municipal fee comparisons, application fees, improving cost recovery and pre -consultation.
Committee discussion on this matter included the following:
- fee structure - comparison of City fees to other municipalities
- determining the scale of applications (small vs large), ensuring all applicants receive equal service
- confirmation that provincial funding was approved and will cover total costs
- suggestion that a two-tier system be created to review and streamline larger applications vs smaller applications
- currently the planning development review team that reviews applications consists of staff also from Conservation Authorities and the Region of Peel
- standards for sustainability scores
- staff commented the threshold requires more of applicants than in the past
- subdivision assumption timelines
- improvement to the Accela program
Staff noted the comments and advised the opportunity for a two-tier system will be discussed with the Region of Peel.
The following motion was introduced.
Whereas leveraging technology – in particular Accela was a key theme for opportunities to improve identified in all three studies – end-to-end review, urban design review and Committee of Adjustment; and,
Whereas with the significant growth planned for Brampton, combined with our need to ensure we are using the best technology that meets customer service and financially prudent outcomes for the City; and,
Therefore, be it resolved that staff be directed to undertake a value-for-money review of Accela and report back to Council of the outcome of the review.
Further discussion included the following:
- fee increase to be comparable to other municipalities
- By-law 85-96 amendment in respect to fees
The following motions were considered.