Terms of reference
The Urban Design Panel Bylaw establishes the Panel, and describes its membership and duties.
Function and authority
Panel meetings are open to public attendance but the meetings are not a forum for public comment. Depending on the type of project process, there are always opportunities for public input.
Information icon Recording and filming of the panel by the public is not generally allowed.
Meeting schedule
Panel meetings are held every two weeks throughout the year. Special meetings are convened when necessary. The meetings are normally held on Wednesdays at 3pm in the Joe Wai Meeting Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue and virtually through Webex. Public attendance is permitted, however, the public may not address the panel.
Meeting procedure
The panel meetings are conducted by the elected chairperson in the following manner:
- The Development Planner introduces the project to the panel (referring to its location, context, background, scope and response to established bylaws and design guidelines)
- The applicant is given the opportunity to clarify any aspects of the plan to the panel (no presentation is required of the applicant)
- The panel members review the project material and provide comments and observations
- The Chairperson summarizes the comments of the panel
- The Chairperson presents a motion to either support the project, support the project with recommendations, or recommend resubmission
- The Chairperson asks city staff if they have any final comments before the vote
- The Chairperson asks the panel for a mover and a seconder for the motion, calls the vote and announces the result
- If the motion does not pass, then the chairperson asks a panel member to move another motion, call the vote, and announce the result.
Attendance requirement
Members may miss no more than two consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the panel. Membership will be terminated following the second such absence.