Chapters 18, 19 & 20 Flashcards
Local Government Law, Taxes on Real Property, Building Design & Construction
What are the three levels of government?
Federal Government, Provincial Government, Local Government
What does the Federal Government have jurisdiction over?
Airports, areas surrounding airports, rivers, lands not subject to municipal zoning regulations
What does the Provincial Government have jurisdiction over?
Agricultural, Health, environment
Who is the local government created by?
The Provincial government
What is the OCP?
- Official community plan
- Encourages local governments to prepare for long range plans dealing with future developmnt
What does the OCP include?
- Density of residential development
- Location of commercial, recreational, highways, sewers
- Location of sand, gravel deposits & public facilities
What is a zoning bylaw and what does it include?
Regulates ONLY CURRENT LAND USE and divides the land
- official MAP
- schedule of regulations
- definition of key terms (density, parking suites…)
How many meetings are there to vote for bylaws?
- after the first or second reading, the local govt. requires a public hearing
Land use contracts
1971-1978. Special types of zoning made between property owner and local govt.
- Terminated Land use contract & states that non-conforming use will be permitted to continue
Non-conforming use
GRANDFATHERED (may continue through change of ownership)
Legal Non-Conforming use
Loses status if the use is discontinued for a continuous period of 6 months (90 days in Vancouver)
Board of variance
UNDUE HARDSHIP
- established by every local govt.
- they do not amend the bylaw
- may make exceptions to zoning bylaws
The Board of Variance MAY:
- Regulate size, shape, dimensions of land parcels
- May prescribe standard of improvement
- May require developer to provide roads, lighting…
Development permits:
Area must be designated to special needs to the natural environment
- Energy conservation
- Water conservation
- Reduction of greenhouse emissions
Licensing bylaws
Ways for municipalities to regulate activity by regulation of land use
What is the purpose of STRAA?
- Short Term Rental Accommodations Act
- Return short term rental housing to the long term housing market
Purpose of STRAA
To return short-term rental housing to long-term housing
What are the maximum fines under STRAA for violating short-term rental bylaws?
Increased from $2000 to $50,000 for maximum fines and from $1000 to $3000 (per day) for municipal ticketing fines
What do Subdivision Bylaws regulate?
Size, shape, and dimensions of land parcels in subdivisions
What is included in PIPA
- name, DOB, physical characteristics, income & description of an individual
Fill in the blank: The _______ provides an exception to existing regulations.
Development Variance Permit
True or False: Oral tenancy agreements are enforceable under the Residential Tenancy Act.
True
Which entity is responsible for preparing written tenancy agreements according to the Residential Tenancy Regulation?
Landlords
What does the Agricultural Land Commission Act (ALR) mandate?
Preservation of 5M hectares of land for agriculture
What are the two main types of taxes?
- Taxes on the Purchase or Sale of Real Property (GST 5%) BUYERS obligation to pay - sellers collect as an agent for the govt.
- Taxes paid while holding Real Property
What is PTT?
PTT is a registration tax that applies to any transfer of an interest in real property at the time the transfer is registered at the LTO.
PTT ranges
1% on the first $200k
2% on value greater than $200k-$2m
3% on portion greater than $2m + 2% on the remainder
What is the mill rate?
The mill rate is the tax applied with respect to each $1000 of net taxable value.
What is the FTHB program threshold?
The threshold is increased from a fair market value of $500,000 to $835,000, with the 1st $500,000 being fully exempt.
What is the Newly Built Home Exemption Program?
Introduced in 2016, the threshold increased from $750,000 to $1,100,000, with partial exemptions available for values between $1,100,000 and $1,150,000.
What is the Empty Homes Tax?
- If unoccupied for more than 6 full months, subject to 3% EHT
- Requires annual declaration
- Due on 10th business day of April
What is the Speculation and Vacancy Tax?
A provincial tax that applies to property owners in BC in designated taxable areas and requires an annual declaration.
Vacancy Tax Exemptions:
- Canadian citizen or PR and NOT a satellite family member
- Tenancy agreement must be at arms length
Satellite Family
- Untaxed worldwide earner
- Any individual or spouse who declares less than 50% of their total income on Canadian tax returns
What are property tax exemptions?
Properties owned by the Crown, churches, and places of worship may be exempt, along with partial exemptions for farms and certain residential properties.
Last date for filing an appeal to the Review Panel
January 31st
Taxes are due…
July 1st
When are assessment notices mailed out?
December 31st
When is the deadline for filing an appeal to the Board?
April 30th
What motivated the BC Government to pass the Homeowner Protection Act?
The epidemic of the ‘leaky condo’ motivated the BC Government to pass the Homeowner Protection Act, to increase consumer protection and improve the quality of construction.
What is the 2, 5 10 rule?
2 years material & labour
5 years for the building envelope including water
10 years for structural defects
Soft vs Hard change
Soft change: Same measurements stated in a diff way (eg: 2 x 4 inches is now 38mm x 89mm)
Hard change: Actual change in measurement
What is a site plan?
A drawing of the plan for the development and intended use
Damproofing
Damp proofs below grade on foundation (on side of house at bottom)
What is Superstructure?
Built upon foundation of the house. Think of a skeleton.
Building envelope is like the skin to protect the houses internal environment
What is a joist?
A joist is a horizontal frame used to support the floor. (like a horizontal stud)
What is a stud?
The vertical framing used to construct walls. (like a vertical joist)
What is a beam?
Used to support vertical loads in the absence of the vertical wall under the load
Column?
A solid or built up post UNDER a beam or point load
Truss?
Pre-fab roof or floor support structure (like a pre-engineered roof)
Header and Lintel?
HI - Header: Supporting structure over an INTERIOR opening
LE - Lintel: Supportive structure over an EXTERIOR opening
What is sheathing in construction?
Sheathing is lumber that covers the walls under the siding.
Plate?
horizontal lumber that studs rest on the bottom and top of framed walls
What is the purpose of exterior cladding?
Exterior cladding is a coating on a structure intended to protect against weather infiltration.
eg: Stucco, Aluminum, Wood…
What are the key features of high-efficiency windows?
Key features include
- double or triple panes of glass
- low emission (Low-E) coatings
- gas fill in sealed units (argon, krypton)
- insulated spacers
- insulated window frames.
Types of windows (thermal & non thermal)
- single, double glazed ( 1 vs 2 layers of glass)
- non-thermal broken (SPACE BETWEEN)
- thermal broken window (our house, plastic in the middle to reduce heat conduction)
Vertical pivoted window
horizontally opening window that pivots in the centre
Vertical single hung window
Opening slides vertically
Hopper window
think upside down doggy door
Awning window
opposite of hopper window
Casement window
opening portion is hinged on the side & opens outward
What does insulation do?
slows conduction, blocks airflow by creating air pockets that are surrounded by thermal resistant materials
What is the R-Value in insulation?
The R-Value is the combined resistance to the flow of heat; the greater the value, the greater the resistance to heat flow. (found between studs & behind vapour barrier)
What are the common types of plumbing materials?
Common types include copper, plastic, galvanized, cast iron, and lead.
NOT ALUMINUM
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is connected to the main plumbing waste drain and is typically located at least 10 ft away from the home.
- Can be cast iron, plastic (abs) & lead
Glassfibre batt
“cotton candy”
Blown glassfibre
chopped up & blown through a hose into a space eg: attic
Cellulose Fibre
made from shredded newsprint + chemicals to prevent Fungi & Fire
Polystyrene
high density sheet material
- to go containers
Rigid glassfibre
rigid sheet material
Spray in foam insulation
foamed polyurethane insulation
What are the advantages of electrical baseboard heating?
Advantages include no heat duct or pipes, independent control of each unit, and clean operation.
What is the minimum electrical service required in a home?
The minimum electrical service required in a home is 100 amps.
L shaped gable
Shed or lean-to
Mansard roof
Gambrel roof (barn)
Zinc strips
prevent moss build up on the roof
Dormer
room extension for extra floor area & windows for upper level
What are design defects in residential housing?
Design defects are incurable physical issues such as main entrances through bedrooms or inadequate lighting.
What materials are commonly used for plumbing?
- Copper - (most common) if pipes are not clean, water will appear blue/green
- Plastic - Easy to puncture from nails
- Galvanized - (pre 1955 - 30-50 years) must check joints for leaks in areas of repair between old & new pipes
2 types of Elevators
Cable or Hydraulic
Watts = ?
Watts = volts (pressure) x amps (current)
- minimum 100amps in a home
Electrical baseboard heating advantages & disadvantages
Advantages:
- no heat duct or pipes
- no central furnace system
- very clean
- moderate rapid response
- mostly convection with some radiation
Disadvantages:
- Lack of air filtration
- Baseboard occupies space
Central gas-fired forced air (convection heat)
Advantages:
- Rapid response
- air filtration
- compact
- clean
Disadvantages:
- Requires ductwork under main floor
- air ducts require heating
Forced hot water with baseboard units
Advantages:
- Steady & consistent
- convenient
- clean
- mostly convection with some radiation
Disadvantages:
- occupies wall space
- lack of air filtration
- slow response
- system can freeze
Wood fired space heater
Advantages:
- reduced heating expenses
- thermostat control
- both radiant & convection heat
Disadvantages:
- rooms without will be cool
- inconvenience adding fuel/removing ashes
- hard to prevent smoke/ash dust
Classical house style
flat or low slope roof, 2-3 storeys, open porches
What is the Victorian style of housing?
CASTLE The Victorian style features a steep shingled roof, peaked turrets, and an asymmetrical façade.
What characterizes the Arts and Crafts architectural style?
The Arts and Crafts style features fine woods, joinery, massiveness, strength and evokes a sense of quality warmth & craftsmanship.
What are the characteristics of Bauhaus architecture?
Bauhaus architecture features a flat roof, one or two storeys, irregular or asymmetrical mass, little or no detail on flat walls, irregular grouped windows, and large windows for transparency.
What defines the Shingle style of architecture?
Shingle style has long, sloping shingled roofs, irregular massing, shingled walls (occasionally clapboard), and grouped and irregular windows.
What are the characteristics of West Coast architecture?
West Coast architecture features low sloped shingled roofs, irregular mass, angular roofs with large overhangs, and large glass areas, often blending with modern architecture.
What are the main features of Prairie architecture?
Prairie architecture is typically one storey with a low, sloped shingled roof, horizontal lines, irregular mass, and large windows that enhance transparency. GROUND HUGGING MASS
Shingle style home
- new England style
- Long sloping shingled roofs
- irregular massing
- grouped irregular windows
Georgian housing style
- from early England
- medium sloped roof
- 2-3 storeys
- red brick/white trim
Elizabethan housing style
- from England dates 1600s
- tudor style
- post & beam construction
What is the Narrow Lot or Vancouver Special style?
Narrow Lot or Vancouver Special is a two-storey structure with a low sloping roof, shallow balcony, and often includes self-contained suites on the first floor.
What characterizes the Po-Mo architectural style?
Po-Mo architecture features one or more storeys, very irregular massing, and often includes stucco with bright colors and historical details.
Cape cod housing style
- Eastern coat of the US
- steep shingled roof
- Central chimney
- 1.5-2 storey building
- atlantic coast
French style house
- from Paris
- 3 storeys
- first two of masonry & top with shingled pr metal mansard roof & windows
Chalet style house
- eg: swiss
- VERY steep wood shingled roof
- 1-2 floors plus attic
- wood balconies
What is environmentally conscious design in architecture?
Environmentally conscious design includes one or two storey buildings with solar panels and is oriented to the sun, facing challenges like market demand and regulatory prohibitions.
What is a bay window?
A bay window is an extension of the floor and walls to increase room size, often covered with a SEPERATE ROOF, and not considered additional floor area in development applications.
What is a dormer?
A dormer is a mini-roof extension, providing extra floor area, head room, and light in the upper level.
What is a cathedral entrance?
A cathedral entrance features a high ceiling mounted on the next storey above, creating a high entrance hall, often using an A-Frame roof design.
What is a vaulted ceiling?
A vaulted ceiling follows the roof line of the building, often found in post and beam homes, where the ceiling is the bottom surface of the roof joists.
What are the STRUCTURAL METHODS for housing classification?
Housing styles classified by structural method include
- Log
- A-Frame
- Brick
- Stone
- Concrete Block
- Post
- Beam
- and Plank
- Western Platform Wood-Frame
What defines a ranch home?
A ranch home is typically one storey, often incorporating a garage, under a continuous sloping roof, and located on larger lots.
What are the characteristics of water-efficient green housing?
Water-efficient green housing is designed for healthy living and requires minimal care and maintenance.
What are weather barriers in energy-efficient buildings?
Weather barriers include materials like tar paper and stucco that stop moisture from reaching building materials, enhancing durability and lowering maintenance costs.
What is the function of vapour barriers?
Vapour barriers, such as polyethylene and some paints, prevent moisture from reaching building materials, enhancing durability and lowering maintenance costs.
What is a continuous air barrier?
A continuous air barrier includes gaskets, weather-stripping, and caulking, trapping heated air inside the building and reducing heating/cooling bills.
What are heat barriers/stabilizers?
Heat barriers/stabilizers include insulation and radiant heat barriers that create air pockets to lower heating/cooling bills and maintain steady room temperatures.
What is mechanical ventilation in energy-efficient buildings?
Mechanical ventilation, such as Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), circulates air, removes stale air, and refreshes air every three hours.
What are ENERGY STAR® windows?
ENERGY STAR® windows feature two panes with Low-E coating and argon gas fill, minimizing heat loss and improving indoor comfort.
What is the EnerGuide Rating?
The EnerGuide Rating is a scale from 1-100 indicating the efficiency of a building, with higher numbers representing more efficient buildings.
What are R2000 Homes?
R2000 Homes are energy-efficient homes that must follow a checklist of mandatory standards to obtain certification for high performance.
What does LEED Certified mean?
LEED Certified refers to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, a certification for sustainable building practices.
