The following items are clarifications, interpretations or amendments our customers should be aware of.
Item 1
Policy No. 181 (new)
Interpreting Localized Depression during a Zoning Bylaw Review - Single and Two Family
Residential Dwellings
POLICY:
The City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw does not define localized depression. The
department’s past practice has been to use the B.C. Building Code definition of localized
depression when determining grade elevation.
ACTION:
The Building Code addresses the concept of “localized depression” in its definition of
grade as it applies to the determination of building height. Building elements to be
considered as localized depressions are pedestrian and vehicular entrances to a building.
The zoning bylaw defines the calculation of building height and perimeter wall height,
and is determined by measuring from the average building grade, which in turn, is
determined by the lower of natural grade or finished grade.
From time to time, the City receives applications for single and two family dwellings
where the entire rear elevation is depressed to accommodate sunken patios, exit stairs,
landings and at times, garage doors. While it is recognized that entrance features facing the
rear are permitted and often necessary, depressing the entire rear elevation below grade to
serve entrances is not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the building size regulations. In
addition, a true localized depression by its own definition is, “limited” or “extraordinary”,
and should not dominate the entire wall face. As a result, the following rules will apply
when staff is examining applications:
1. A localized depression shall not factor into the average building grade calculation.
2. The aggregate length of landings, stairs and patios serving pedestrian and vehicular exits will be
limited to 25 percent of the total length of the wall in elevation. Any depression in excess of the
allotted 25 percent on that wall shall have its lowest elevation factored into the average building
grade.
3. A sunken patio entirely below a covered deck shall not be taken into account when determining
the 25 percent allotment.
4. Individual window wells are not included in this interpretation.
5. One contiguous window well serving two or more windows or connected to a stair or patio on
one building face shall be factored into the 25 percent allotment.
Note:
The information contained herein is provided as a courtesy to our customers. This is not a complete list of
bylaw amendments. The responsibility for obtaining the most up-to-date version of municipal bylaws and
regulations rests with the design professional, and can be found at www.coquitlam.ca.
Thank you in advance for not responding to this email. If you require clarification on any of the above
items, please contact the Building Division at 604 927-3441, or contact the Plans Examiner/File Manager
currently working on your project.
Best Regards,
Jim Bontempo
Manager Building Permits - Approvals
City of Coquitlam Building Division
Planning & Development
604 927-3465