Metro cracks down on unauthorized cabin renovations
Metro Vancouver is cracking down on rural landowners after discovering an Indian Arm couple had done $ 420,000 worth of renovations to their waterfront cabin without the proper permits.
At the same time, a second Indian Arm homeowner still hasn’t applied for the necessary permits for a new deck and addition, despite being slapped with four stop- work orders since 1998.
“That shows the reality that the Wild West exists on Indian Arm,” said Metro director and Surrey Coun. Marvin Hunt.
Metro Vancouver board members asked staff Friday to place a notice on the two property titles to make prospective buyers aware the renovations may not meet health and safety standards.
Staff also was told to pursue legal action to force the owners to get the building permits so Metro can ensure the homes meet fire safety, electrical and structural requirements.
Metro vice- chairman and Vancouver Coun. Raymond Louie said it’s important Metro Vancouver has a copy of the plans and renovations done on the homes.
“We don’t know what the quality of the work is so we could be liable,” he said.
The first property was bought in October 2010 for $ 230,000 by Nils Peter and Elsa Nilsson, according to a Metro Vancouver report.
Metro argues the couple made significant upgrades to the property without acquiring a building permit. Work included new foundations, a new floor and roof structure, new doors, windows and skylights, new decks and balconies and a new accessory building.
The couple put the home on the market in October of 2011 for $ 649,000. But a month later, Metro Vancouver slapped a stopwork order on the home because no permits had been obtained. Two followup letters to the owners were also sent but nothing has been done to acquire a permit.
The home, which also has a new septic system, is now being rented, according to Metro. The owners couldn’t be reached Friday.
The second Indian Arm property is owned by Aaron Reith, Metro records say.
Belcarra Mayor Ralph Drew said “there’s resistance to compliance” among rural homeowners when it comes to building permits, partly because the remoteness of the area means building inspectors — who must use a boat to get to properties — don’t visit as frequently.
“What we’re seeing in those areas now are much more than cabins; there seems to be a perception that all the other regulations for people living in urban areas don’t apply,” he said. “This is a health and safety issue.”