Acc Report
Acc Report
File: P44
Subject: RECOMMENDATION REPORT
DESIGN REVIEW FOR GROUND RELATED RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT
Contact: Alex Taranu, Manager, Urban Design
OVERVIEW:
• The purpose of this Report is to present for approval the new Architectural Control
Guidelines for Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton and the
process improvements required to implement them.
• As part of the work on this project staff hired a consultant (J. Williams Architect/
Williams Stewart Associates) to assist with the production of the guidelines, and
proceeded to assess current standards, process, identify gaps and propose
improvements to ensure a high quality of design for this type of development.
• The proposed Guidelines are taking general provisions for architectural design
from the site-specific guidelines and consolidating them in a city-wide document
including all “boiler plate” common provisions as they derive from the
Development Design Guidelines. This will result in consistent quality across the
city, simplify the site specific guidelines and streamline their processing.
Page 1 of 11
• The following steps are proposed to be taken to improve the quality of the design
and construction:
- that site specific architectural guidelines reviewed and approved in conjunction
with the Block Plan Process be more detailed with focus on site-specific
provisions related to special character areas. Where developers commit to
detailed site specific architectural guidelines upfront the architectural control
process should be simplified and shortened;
- that the approval process for Control Architects doing work in Brampton, and
the monitoring of their work, be instituted;
- that the monitoring of the Architectural Control process for compliance with the
approved Guidelines be instituted, so that all building designs and revisions are
adequately reviewed and that appropriate site review is performed by the
Control Architect;
- that the monitoring and reporting of the quality of the product by the Control
Architect on a yearly basis and in conjunction with the Subdivision Assumption
process be instituted.
• The process has been developed jointly with all industry working groups and
mutually agreed to.
• In order to perform such tasks adequate internal resources are needed. Based on
the initial assessment of the tasks and time required it is estimated that two
additional staff at the urban designer level are required to work with planning and
community design staff and the Control Architect:
- An office position
- A field position
In order to cover the costs for these positions staff has proposed that a $50/lot fee
be instituted. These measures have been approved as part of the 2007 and 2008
Budget process.
• Staff will continue to dialogue with the industry and refine the process details and
will report back to Council on a yearly basis.
Recommendations:
1. THAT the report “Design Review for Ground Related Residential Development” be
endorsed;
3. THAT City staff proceeds with the process improvements as outlined in the report;
4. THAT the By-Law instituting a fee of $50.00/lot for Architectural Control Compliance be
passed by Council substantially in the form as set out in Appendix 4 of the Report.
Page 2 of 11
1. Introduction
The purpose of this Report is to present for approval the proposed Architectural Control
Guidelines for Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton and the process
improvements required to implement them.
The proposed Guidelines will be an addendum to the 2004 Council approved city-wide
Development Design Guidelines (DDGs) and will streamline the approval process of
architectural components of the Block Plans, Community Design Guidelines and the
architectural design review for ground-related residential development (single family
detached, semis and certain types of townhouses). The Guidelines were conceived as a
flexible document to receive additional detail as it is developed.
2. Background
There is a large amount of new ground related residential development (single detached,
homes, semis and townhouses) in Brampton. In the last 6 years the City has introduced a
comprehensive planning and design mechanism based on Block Plans and Development
Design Guidelines to coordinate new greenfield development and ensure the quality and
character desired by the City and residents.
After the approval of the Block Plan the subdivision approval process begins. The City has
direct involvement in coordinating the development of the public realm. The development of
the private realm has City involvement only on those parcels and development types subject
to Site Plan Control. The vast majority of ground related residential development is subject to
privately administered Architectural Control with very little City involvement at the present
time.
3. Current situation
City strategies and policies, including Six Pillars, Flower City Strategy, the new Official Plan,
the Development Design Guidelines promote a high quality of the built environment, raising
the expectation that the City is involved in all phases of the development process. The Block
Plan and the Site Plan Approval processes occur within the provisions of the Official Plan as
well as the Development Design Guidelines, under the Planning Act and other relevant
legislation. The current planning and design process has an emphasis on Design Guidelines
being prepared as part of the Block Plan process and Design Briefs at the rezoning stage.
As part of the further detailing and implementation of the City-Wide Development Design
Guidelines (DDGs) approved in 2003, staff initiated the “Architectural Control Guidelines for
Ground Related Residential Dwellings”. Staff hired a consultant (J. Williams Architect/
Williams Stewart Associates) to assist with the production of the guidelines, and proceeded to
assess the current process, identify gaps and propose process improvements to ensure a
high quality of design of this type of development.
Page 3 of 11
The background work for process included:
• A site tour in Brampton and the Western part of the GTA to assess various subdivisions,
issues, tools used and outcome
• Consultation internally (with staff from all divisions involved) as well as externally
(development industry – developers, builders, Control Architects, architects and
designers).
• The draft document was circulated and discussed at a stakeholder workshop on June 25th
2007, at special meeting with the development industry (July 19th, 2007) and at a special
meeting with the Control Architects, architects and designers (Aug. 14th, 2007).
• The consultation resulted in extensive feedback (written and verbal) regarding the
document as well as the process to implement it from developers, builders, control
architects, architects and designers and the document was adjusted accordingly.
• Prior to the submission of this Report final additional consultation occurred and the
completed document was presented to the key stakeholders securing their agreement.
To develop and finalize the process an industry working group made up of senior
representatives from Mattamy Homes, Metrus Developments, Paradise Homes, Great
Gulf, Armland/Greenpark, Arista worked with Community Design staff.
A copy of the draft Guidelines are appended to the present report as Appendix 1.
The proposed Guidelines are taking general provisions for architectural design from site
specific guidelines and consolidating them in a city-wide document including all “boiler plate”
common provisions as they derive from the DDGs. This will result in consistent quality across
the City and expedite processing. The City-Wide Guidelines will be complemented through
the planning process by site-specific Community Design Guidelines (including architectural
guidelines), focused on “Special Character Areas” (see example below) and architectural
components of Urban Design Briefs for sites subject to Site Plan Control. Certain areas are
also subject to the provisions of specific guidelines such as the Executive Housing Workbook.
Page 4 of 11
The “Architectural Control Guidelines for Ground Related Residential Development” detail
general architectural provisions of the Development Design Guidelines for this type of
development and deal with city-wide provisions. The site-specific Architectural Control
Guidelines which form part of the Community Design Guidelines will provide only site specific
detail for Special Character areas and variations. They will strive to achieve a balance
between being prescriptive (and therefore easier to monitor and control) and flexible (and
therefore offering designers opportunities to be creative).
The main provisions of the Architectural Control Guidelines for Ground Related Residential
Development“ are:
• To clarify the purpose of the architectural components of the guidelines, their application
and place in conjunction with other city-wide and site specific documents
• To set up criteria for creating harmonious streetscapes (massing, repetition, corner lots,
coordination)
• To describe detailed provisions and criteria for architectural design (elements of style,
elevations, projections, details, entrances, porches, cladding and exterior materials, roofs,
grading conditions, signage and lighting)
• To establish design criteria for garages
• To identify criteria for priority lot dwellings and special character areas (corner lots, window
streets, view terminus, dwellings abutting or facing parks and other open space areas,
reverse frontage, etc)
• To outline the criteria for the preparation of the site specific Supplementary Architectural
Design Guidelines
The Guidelines also describe in general terms the internal (privately administered) review and
approval process and submission requirements. The active role of the City in the process is
subject to the present report and described in more detail in the next section.
The guidelines have been discussed with the industry and stakeholders as described above
and through their implementation stage there may be coordination and minor adjustments to
the document and process.
4. Implementation Process
There is significant interest from the public, from new home-buyers in the city for the quality of
residential construction, of the new communities developed in Brampton. The public at large
is inquiring frequently about the city’s involvement in the development and design review of
new residential development. There is a wide spread notion that the City is involved in the
process and in should assume some responsibility to enforce the policies, guidelines and
concepts described in the Block Plans and Guidelines and the Subdivision Agreement. Other
municipalities are being involved in various degrees in the design review and architectural
control process for ground-related residential development in conjunction with the Subdivision
process. Staff performed an informal survey of current practice (Markham, Whitby,
Mississauga, Oakville).
During the development of the Guidelines staff identified that there are opportunities to
improve the quality of new residential development to meet public expectations. It was also
Page 5 of 11
assessed that the communication between developer, builder, designers, control architect
and various city departments is crucial.
Appendix 2 outlines the proposed Architectural Control Protocol for ground related residential
development. The focus of the entire process is on prevention and communication rather than
more costly remediation.
Appendix 2 has been jointly prepared by MBTW-Watchorn and John G. Williams Limited, with
input from Arista Homes, Armland, Great Gulf Homes, Mattamy Homes Corp., Metrus
Developments Inc., Paradise Homes, Martin Associates Architects, and The Planning
Partnership.
With the approval of the City-Wide Guidelines the content of the site specific Architectural
Control Guidelines will be significantly reduced and the approval process streamlined. They
will be focused on provisions for Special Character Areas and variations from the City Wide
Guidelines.
If there is a commitment upfront for the quality of the development, and there is sufficient
detail in the site specific Architectural Control Guidelines for an area in the Block plan to
adequately perform design review, the approval process could be significantly shortened and
simplified.
Ultimately final architectural control approval is the responsibility of the Control Architect and
the City is involved in a Compliance review for quality assurance.
Page 6 of 11
• The Control Architect prepares the monitoring reports demonstrating that the goals and
objectives of the Community Design Guidelines have been met. Prior to final Subdivision
Assumption the Control Architect is required to submit to the City a summary binder with
sign off indicating full compliance with the Architectural Control process.
Dispute resolution
A principal focus of the Architectural Control Process is on prevention and avoidance of
conflict. More detailed and prescriptive guidelines establish clearly the conditions and
requirements for the Control Architect to achieve a quality product at the design review and
site implementation stages. The work by the Control Architect is undertaken with City’s role in
compliance review for quality assurance. The intent is to minimize a substandard product but
at times disagreements and disputes may still occur.
Main types of disputes with City involvement that could potentially arise and possibilities to
resolve them are summarized in Appendix 3.
Page 7 of 11
4.3 Control Architects in Brampton
1. Watchorn Architect
2. John Williams Architect
3. Martin Associates Architects (was Hotson Bakker Architects)
4. The Planning Partnership (was Page+ Steele Architects Planners)
1. Submission letter to be included in the list with the documents indicated above.
2. Review by PD&D staff of material and recommendation to Commissioner of Planning, Design
and Development.
3. Response to applicant regarding the City’s decision.
The Control Architects List will be reviewed annually in conjunction with the overall Council
Report on the status of this initiative. Staff will continue to dialogue with the industry and fine
tune the process details and will report back to Council.
Limitations
The process as described in the Report is focused on production housing, with privately
administered Architectural Control and City compliance review within the limitations identified
which include:
• The City doesn’t have a contract with the Builders or property owners;
• This process deals with the public realm, the exterior appearance of the buildings and it is
not meant to replace other contractual obligations or to act as quality control for
construction or materials;
Some issues related to design are subjective and guidelines are subject of interpretation
There are other types of development that are not subject to the process described above:
• Custom houses or small subdivisions in infill situations;
• Buildings subject to Site Plan Control are being reviewed by staff as part of that process;
Page 8 of 11
• Certain infrastructure elements may not be subject to Site Plan Control or other planning
processes. While the City is striving to coordinate all elements that impact the public realm
we may not be able to have a formal design review process for them.
Based on the approval of the present report the proposed process will be implemented.
In order to perform the tasks described adequate internal resources are needed. Based on the
initial assessment of the tasks and time required it was estimated that two additional staff at
the urban designer level are required:
1. An office position to coordinate internally, review and provide clearance of conditions and
liaison with the Control Architect.
2. A field position for compliance review and process quality assurance for construction
stage, coordination with the Control Architect, review progress and monitoring reports, and
submission of final clearance for subdivision security reduction and assumption.
These two positions have been approved as part of the 2008 Budget process.
Providing resources to perform design review for the Architectural Control Process will allow
the City to be actively involved and to increase the quality of the built environment and
improve processing review of plans in the city, particularly the ground related residential
development.
Based on the approval of the present report the new process will be implemented for new
applications for plans of Subdivision and applications that have not received yet draft plan
approval.
Staff will continue to dialogue with the industry and refine the process details from the lessons
learned. It is planned to have annual meetings with the industry representatives to review
compliance and process improvements.
5. Financial Implications
In order to cover the costs for two new staff to carry out this work, a fee of $50 per lot has
been proposed to be paid prior to or at the time of registration of Subdivision. This fee would
cover the work involving review of guidelines, Control Architect work and documentation, site
conditions, streetscapes, approved drawings, meetings with CA and builder, site visits and
monitoring reports. Based on the updated growth forecast of approximately 2,000 residential
units in 2008, and the expected start of the program being September 1, 2008 the revenue
collected would equate to $34,000. Fees will begin to be collected immediately following
Council approval of the By-Law.
The base budget currently includes $250,000 in revenue related to this fee, however it is
anticipated based on the forecast for residential units in 2008 that only $34,000 would be
collected. This is equates to a $216,000 net expenditure impact in 2008.
The costs associated with the two new staff were included and approved in the base budget
for 2008.
Page 9 of 11
If this report and proposed fee are not approved, implications such as public dissatisfaction,
increased number of complaints and conflicts would continue and the compliance review
function for quality assurance would not occur.
Conclusions
• The public is more demanding and sophisticated and expressed clear concern demanding
the city to be involved.
• Communication is critical and ongoing dialogue to identify what our expectations and that
of the community are.
• Certainty is important and the guidelines are a vehicle to identify the process.
• We are moving towards improving the process not to burden.
• The process will improve timely review and processing.
Next Steps
Based on the approval of the present Report staff will proceed with the implementation.
Implementation of the new process will begin with the current resources and staff will proceed
urgently to secure the dedicated resources approved.
A monitoring and evaluation process will be initiated and lessons learned will be discussed
with the industry and Control Architects. An education process will begin to ensure that all
parties involved are aware of the process.
A communication plan will be developed and meetings with the development industry will be
organized in conjunction with the Corporate Communications Division.
Future Reports will indicate to Council the progress and improvements of the process and the
built product in Brampton.
Page 10 of 11
Respectfully submitted:
________________________ ____________________________
Page 11 of 11
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
Appendix 1
“Architectural Control Guidelines for Ground-Related Residential
Development in Brampton”
(attached)
A2 – page 1 of 6
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
Appendix 2
Architectural Control Protocol Summary
For Ground - Related Residential Development
LEGEND:
CA = Control Architect
OF = City Staff (Office Function)
FF = City Staff (Field Function)
ACGGRRD = Architectural Control Guidelines for Ground Related Residential Development
DDG = Development Design Guidelines
CDG = Community Design Guidelines
UDB = Urban Design Brief
OSG = Open Space Guidelines
ACG = Architectural Control Guidelines
SACG = Supplementary Architectural Control Guidelines
ACGGRRD and will include a community vision outline, priority lot plan, treatment
of special characters areas and site-specific design criteria. This will include the
use of photos and sketches to illustrate concepts.
4) City staff / OF review and sign off on the CDG or UDB.
It is also important to include Explanatory Notes (1) on the Community Information Maps, and
in the Notice Requirements contained within the Subdivision Agreement, Schedule I.
“The following steps will only apply to Priority Lot Locations and Special Character
Areas.”
A2 – page 3 of 6
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
“In order to secure Registration, Brampton Staff will need to clear the draft plan conditions
referred to in Step 2 above to the City Development Planner, stating that the appropriate
documentation has been submitted.”
A2 – page 4 of 6
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
4) CA will notify FF only when significant changes on site occur that CA deems as not
meeting the intent of the guidelines as per the above Condition ‘C’.
5) CA will forward site-monitoring reports to FF annually per community.
6) FF verifies site monitoring reports and confirms in writing that due process was
followed. If there are issues, FF in conjunction with CA makes analysis of the
causes and lessons to be learned.
Step 6 (Changes)
1) If minor changes occur to individual models that are in accordance with the
approved guidelines for the subject development, the CA interprets the ACG
accordingly and implements the review and approval process.
2) If minor changes occur to community vision that deviate from the approved
guidelines for the subject development, the CA prepares an ‘Addendum’ and
submits for City approval by the Director of Community Design.
3) If major changes occur to community vision that deviate from the approved
guidelines for the subject development, the CA prepares a SACG and submits for
City approval by the Director of Community Design.
4) OF manages the review and approval of the SACG or ‘Addendum’.
Step 7 (Completion)
1) CA submits a letter of Final Completion to the FF. The Director of Community
Design provides clearance letter to Works & Transportation for subdivision
assumption.
2) For security release and Subdivision Assumption, CA provides the City with a copy
of project binder at completion, including all periodic and annual site monitoring
reports, field notes and comments, etc., in accordance with City Standards and
Criteria at that time.
A2 – page 5 of 6
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
(1) The following note should be included on the Community Information Map:
”This community is subject to Architectural Control. Models available for sale have to be pre-
approved by the Control Architect and certain models may not be available for some of the
lots. Check with your builder the particular situation for the model and lot you intend to
purchase.”
By requiring that priority lots and other implications on the models available through
Architectural Control are indicated on the Community Information Map we want to make sure
information is available to potential purchasers and that the models have been reviewed and
secured preliminary approval from the Control Architect (thus fulfilling the provision of the
Draft Plan Approval.)
A2 – page 6 of 6
Design Review for
Ground-Related Residential Development in Brampton
Appendix 3
Dispute Resolution
Errors and disputes are difficult to avoid but risks will be significantly minimized through the
following steps taken:
Standards for documents, more detailed and prescriptive, process to deal with changes
(minor, addendums and Supplementary Guidelines) and errors (types A, B, C as described
in Appendix 2).
City ‘s involvement throughout the process to ensure compliance and quality assurance.
Extensive communication, consultation and coordination process.
Assurance of proper documentation throughout the process, including clearance to
Buildings Division.
Evaluation and assessment of the output and the work quality of the Control Architects.
Clearance of final securities release at assumption to Director of Community Design.
Note: this summary table doesn’t try to capture all the potential sources of disputes but rather illustrate
the ones that are most likely to occur. The system in place could be adapted to respond to the other
potential disputes that may arise, through consultation and agreements.
A3 – page 1 of 1