Belleville reviewing Property Standards Bylaw in relation to heritage buildings

Avatar photo
by | Published , updated Aug 23, 2024

March 2023 – Henderson Building Property Standards order issued

In March 2023, approximately a decade after the rear wall partially collapsed and a fence placed around the property for safety, a Property Standards Order (BEPS20230165) was issued to the owner indicating the property does not conform to the standards prescribed by the Property Standards By-law 2012-79.

The order included a list of required actions, including:

  • Clearing sidewalk of debris;
  • Providing a professional engineers report on structure integrity;
  • Complete restoration of all items listed in required engineering report;
  • Repair to exterior walls so as to be free of holes, cracks, or excessively worn surfaces;
  • Repair the facia and soffit;
  • All window openings must be fitted with exterior grade doors;
  • Repair roof;
  • Replace all exterior door openings;
  • Remove all loose and unsecured objects from roof; and
  • Remove all rubble and debris from back stairs.

November 14, 2023 – Council asks Staff to review Property Standards By-law for heritage buildings

Report PP-2023-49 recommended a review of Property Standards By-law 2012-79, which states that buildings must, among other requirements:

  • Be maintained in a structurally sound condition so as to be capable of sustaining safely its own weight and any load to which it may be subject. (4.1.1)
  • Materials, which have been damaged or show evidence of rot or other deterioration shall be repaired or replaced. (4.1.2)

Unoccupied buildings that are boarded up for a period of more than 3 months must either:

  • Be repaired and brought into conformity with sections 4 through 6 of this by-law within the next three (3) succeeding months, or
  • Be demolished and the property left in a graded and leveled condition (this is not an option due to the heritage designation)

Council approved the recommendation and directed staff to conduct a review:

THAT pursuant to Report No. PP-2023-49, By-law 2004-67 be repealed in its entirety to permit the demolition of the building located at 397-399 Front Street; AND THAT Staff review Property Standards By-law 2012-79 as it relates to designated heritage buildings.

Comments

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions below and remember to keep it respectful. Please read our Community Guidelines before participating.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Do you follow municipal politics in your area?

Join us in our Discord server!