Vernon City Hall (photo credit: Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Fast moving situation

City planning and development firing on all cylinders

Jun 19, 2021 | 8:35 AM

City of Vernon planners have been scrambling to keep up with the break neck pace of development in the municipality, but there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming was asked about the delays being experienced in getting developments approved and building permits issued.

He notes that over the past 40 years as a planner, he has seen a lot of ups and downs and the cycle is sharply up since mid 2020.

“In 2021 those numbers are up again, so we have building permit numbers that are up 48 per cent in 2021 year over year in the first quarter,” Cumming told a Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce virtual town hall meeting.

Cumming pointed out they have lost planners to other municipalities and the private sector, but the department now has four staff and will soon have six.

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He also pointed out a full review of the development permit process, which will be reviewed again at the June 28, council meeting, with three recommendations that could be game changers.

1. Make better use of the board of variance.
2. Increase the threshold for minor development permits, so they don’t have to come before council.
3. An increase in online applications and correspondence with developers.

The city employed a consultant to work with administration on streamlining planning and development.