Township council is scheduled to consider final approval of a major update to the rules governing how new development is serviced across Langley.

The July 13 council item and its attachments ran 467 pages. The package includes a replacement for the Township’s Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw and related changes to municipal fees.

The bylaw sets technical and procedural requirements for infrastructure connected to subdivision and development. This includes roads, sidewalks, water and sewer systems, drainage, lighting, street trees, landscaping and rain gardens.

The staff report says the update reflects current practices, policies, design criteria and construction standards. It also says the draft was circulated to the Urban Development Institute for review and refers more generally to other external feedback.

The Urban Development Institute describes itself as a non-profit association representing the development industry and related professions. The staff report does not describe any broader public or resident consultation on the draft.

At the July 13 meeting, Councillor Kim Richter asked why council had not received a staff presentation and whether public consultation had occurred.

Staff confirmed that consultation was not legally required, but that council could direct staff to hold one.

Richter moved to refer the item for public consultation and a staff presentation. Mayor Eric Woodward and Councillors Tim Baillie, Steve Ferguson, Michael Pratt and Rob Rindt opposed the referral. It was defeated 5-4.

Councillor Barb Martens then proposed a narrower referral for public consultation without requiring a staff presentation. That motion was defeated by the same vote.

Council proceeded to give Bylaws 6211 and 6225 first, second and third readings. Richter was the only councillor to oppose the main motion. 

The bylaws are currently listed for final adoption on the July 27 agenda. No public consultation is scheduled before the vote.