TWO properties on the north end of Citrus Wynd in West Vancouver were granted permits Monday allowing for three-storey buildings along with a basement and a garage to be built on each lot.
The project is one of several variance issues to come before council in recent months.
"Shouldn't we amend bylaws so this stuff doesn't take up so much of council's time?" asked Coun. Craig Cameron.
Coun. Bill Soprovich, who cast the lone vote against granting the variance, said the basement should be included when calculating the total floor area ratio (FAR), which measures the total floor space against the size of the lot.
Each building's area will be approximately 464 square metres, not including the basement or garage.
Both buildings will also have the opportunity to exceed the district-mandated building heights by one storey. The taller of the two homes could measure 12.2 metres, requiring a variance permit of 4.58 metres.
Because tall trees isolate the lots within a low-density area, district staff recommended granting the permits.
Construction is expected to include blasting to make room for a swimming pool, prompting Coun. Michael Lewis to suggest any rock taken out of the area be utilized for foreshore maintenance.
A similar permit with several variances was issued to the properties in 2002, but expired before construction took place.
In the District of North Vancouver, the basement is not included in the FAR if the first floor is fewer than four feet above grade level. Basements are included in FAR as calculated by the City of North Vancouver. Cellars at least five feet below the average grade level around the house can be excluded from the city's measurements.
