District staff backs variances for Second Ave development but questions form, colour

A proposed seven-story, mixed-use building at 38026 Second Avenue in Downtown Squamish seeks several zoning variances. The proposal will be reviewed at the District’s Advisory Design Panel meeting on November 21.  The project includes 39 market rental apartments and 381 square meters of commercial space.

District staff supports variances

The developer has requested three variances to the zoning bylaw:

An increase in the maximum building height from 20 meters to 21.84 meters.

A reduction in required employment space from 20% to 14%.

A reduction in residential parking stalls from 39 to 29, with cash-in-lieu proposed for six of the eight required commercial parking spaces.

District staff support the variances, citing that all 39 residential units are market rental housing in perpetuity. Bicycle parking will also be provided on the first level of the apartment building, while shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces will be located on the third floor.

While staff back the variances, they have raised objections to the form and character of the building. The proposed design features a predominantly dark, grey exterior, which staff argue fails to align with district guidelines that encourage warm, natural, or vivid accent colours.  Staff also recommend more commercial space along the building’s north side for a more engaging public realm.

“Staff have requested that the architect use more colours on the exterior finishes, as the current design is mostly dark colder colours and to look for opportunities to activate the mid-block connection area,” notes a staff report to the ADP committee.

The Advisory Design Panel will review the application and provide recommendations on the building’s form, character, and landscaping as they pertain to district guidelines.