AGENDA - Special Council - 20070814SPECIAL COUNCIL
PUBLIC PLANNING
AGENDA
NO, 07-19
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CNAMBERS
AURORA TOWN NALL
PUBLIC RELEASE
10/08/07
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Aupvi A
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL - PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING
AGENDA
NO. 07-19
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
II APPROVAL OFAGENDA
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be
approved.
III PLANNING APPLICATIONS
IV READING OF BYLAWS
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4947-07.0 BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm Actions pg. B-1
by Council Resulting From This
Special Council — Public Planning
Meeting — Tuesday, August 14, 2007.
V ADJOURNMENT
Special Council — Public Planning Meeting No. 07-19 Page 2
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEMS
1. PL07-095 — Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of pg. 1
Condominium Applications
Stirling Cook Aurora Inc.
13777, 13795, 13815 Yonge Street and 74 Old
Bloomington Road
Lots 17, 18, 19, 20 Plan 166
Northeast corner of Yonge Street and Bloomington Road
Files D14-13-06 and D07-02-06
RECOMMENDED:
THAT report PL07-095 be received as information and that Council
determine their position with respect to the application, subject to public
comments received.
PUBLIC PLANNING - AUGUST 14, 2007
ENDA ITEM #
AuxouA TOWN OF AURORA
PUBLIC PLANNING REPORT No. PL07-095
SUBJECT: Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Condominium
Applications
Stirling Cook Aurora Inc.
13777, 13795, 13815 Yonge Street and 74 Old Bloomington Road
Lots 17, 18, 19, 20 Plan 166
Northeast corner of Yonge Street and Bloomington Road
File Numbers D14-13-06 and D07-02-06
FROM: Sue Seibert, Director of Planning and Development Services
DATE: August 14, 2007
RECOMMENDATION
THAT report PL07-095 be received as information and that Council determine their
position with respect to the application, subject to public comments received.
BACKGROUND
Location
The subject lands are located north of Old Bloomington Road and east of Yonge Street
(see Figure 1). The lands comprise of four (4) individual lots with a total area of 16.83
acres (6.8 hectares) having a frontage of 271.40 m (890 ft.) on Old Bloomington Road and
165.04 m (541.5 ft.) on Yonge Street. There are currently three houses located on the
subject lands.
Application Background
The applicant, Stirling Cook Aurora Inc, submitted in May 2006, a zoning by-law
amendment application and vacant land condominium application accompanied by
supporting documentation, for a 33 unit detached dwelling development at the north east
corner of Yonge Street and Old Bloomington Road. As a result of comments received
from departments, agencies and environmental peer review consultants, the applicant has
revised the original plan; and proposes to develop the subject lands for a 22 unit detached
dwelling condominium development.
The application was heard at the Public Planning Meeting held on May 23, 2007 to
consider the applications at which time Council passed the following resolution:
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 2 - Report No. PL07-095
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the application be approved in principle, subject to the resolution of
outstanding issues referred to in the staff report and the comments of Council and
the public; and
THAT staff report back to a future Public Planning meeting; and
THAT, if all documents are received in a timely manner, a Special Public Planning
meeting be scheduled prior to a regularly scheduled Council meeting in July or
August 2007.
On JUly 10th, 2007, a fourth (4t") submission was presented to the Town which included
revised plans and supporting documentation. The subject submission was circulated to all
departments, agencies, the Region of York and the Town of Aurora's environmental peer
review consultants, North -South Environmental for their comments.
Proposal
Draft Plan of Condominium
The applicant has applied to the Town to develop the subject site for twenty two (22) single
detached dwelling units under condominium tenure on lands totalling 65,488.0 m2 (16.179
acres.) in size (Figure 5 and 6). According to the 3.3 people per unit (PPU) count; this
development will provide for an estimated population projection of 73 persons. The
applicant has proposed 3.36 units per hectare (1.36 units per acre). Twenty-one (21)
dwelling units are proposed to be located on the northerly part of the site and one (1) is
proposed to be located on the southerly part of the site. A minimum 30 m (98 ft)
vegetation protection zone buffer from the woodlot (key natural heritage feature) is
proposed along units 12 to 21. A vegetation protection zone was established around the
butternut trees (key natural heritage feature) in the rear of lots 9, 10 and 11.
Twenty-one (21) residential dwellings are to be situated along an internal privately owned
and maintained ring road accessed from Yonge Street. The one (1) southerly lot is
proposed to be accessed from a cul-de-sac accessed from Old Bloomington Road; to be
constructed in the future by the Region of York and owned and maintained by the Town.
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 3 - Report No. PL07-095
The following is a breakdown of the proposal:
Single Detached
Average
Average
Area
Dwelling
Lot Area
Lot Frontage
Condominium Units
22
1188.84 M2
25.47m
27,062.09 m (6.686 acres)
0.3 ac.
84 ft.
Private Road 1 4,596.8 m (1.134 acres)
Common Elements
Woodlot and buffer (CE 6)
25,252.2 m (6.24 acres)
Private Park CE 4
3.925 m 0.97 acres
Stormwater Management Pond CE 3
2,347.2 m 0.58 acres
Rear lots Units 9, 10 and 11 CE 5
714.6 m 0.176 acres
N/E lands fronting Yon a Street CE 1
1,335.45 m 0.33acres
Island CE 2
20%3 m 0.05 acres
Total common elements
33,29.11 m 8.359 acres
TOTAL SITE 165,488.00 mz 16.179 acres
Zoning By-law Amendment
A Zoning By-law Amendment application has been submitted to rezone the lands from
"Estate Residential (ER) Zone" to a site specific "Detached Dwelling First Density
Residential (RI-X) Exception Zone", "Detached Dwelling Second Density Residential (R2-
X) Exception Zone", "Open Space (0-14) Exception Zone", "Open Space (0-9) Exception
Zone" and "Open Space (O-X) Exception Zone".
The draft zoning by-law is attached for review and comment (see Appendix 2). The by-law
is not final, as revisions are made to the By-law as further detailed designs are being
prepared and incorporated into the site specific by-law.
The "Detached Dwelling Second Density Residential (R2-X) Exception Zone" permits 21
single detached units. These lots are located along the internal ring road. The zone
provides for a minimum lot area, lot frontage, siting specifications, building specifications
for minimum floor areas, maximum lot coverage, maximum height and garage length and
width. The zone also provides for minimum landscape and buffering requirements from
Yonge Street (as per OPA 34 policies). The By-law also includes requirements in regards
to individual lots preserving a minimum of 40% of the lot area (as per policies of OPA 34)
in an open, landscaped or natural condition and shall not include an area devoted to a
swimming pool, accessory buildings, paved driveway, patio or other area covered with
impervious material. The by-law also provides for minimum parking space requirements,
driveway width and a provision in respect to manoeuvring space or driveway, where the
garage door faces an interior side lot line.
The "Detached Dwelling First Density Residential (R1-X) Exception Zone" permits one
single detached dwelling unit (located on unit 22). The zone provides for a greater lot area
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 -4- Report No. PL07-095
and lot frontage and building siting specifications than the R2 zone. The by-law provides
for the same clauses as the R2 zone in regards to lot preservation, minimum parking space
requirements, driveway width and the provision in respect to manoeuvring space or
driveway, where garage door faces an interior side lot line.
The "Open Space (0-14) Exception Zone" permits private open space and conservation.
There shall be no buildings or structures erected in this zone. The permitted activities in
this area shall only be.for the purpose of preserving, maintaining and or enhancing the
natural environment, including conservation management practices and approved trails.
The "Open Space (0-9) Exception Zone" permits buildings or structures intended for flood
or erosion control. The Stormwater Management Pond is located on these lands.
The "Open Space (O-X) Exception Zone" permits conservation and private park, including
structures accessory to a private park. This zone is located in the centre of the residential
development and will function as a private park. Lands located in the north-west corner of
the site also are proposed to be included in this zone.
COMMENTS
Yonae Street South Secondary Plan (OPA 3_4
The subject lands are within the Yonge Street South Secondary Plan (OPA 34). The
following are key sections of OPA 34 that are applicable to the subject development. The
applicant must demonstrate that they have conformed to all applicable policies of OPA 34.
The following lists the various sections of OPA 34 and how the application relates to the
policies. The actual policies are indicated in bold italics.
Section 11 .1 Block Plan
The subject lands are identified in OPA 34 by Schedule "CC' as Block C (see Figure 4).
Prior to the approval of any development within a Block Plan on Schedule "CC", a Block
Plan is required as well as supporting studies. The plan is to be approved by the Town in
accordance with section 11.1. "The Town may consider the preparation of more than
one block plan for this area, provided that it is satisfied that the applicant has
demonstrated that they have met site specific requirements identified in section
11.1.4." The applicant has submitted a block plan in accordance with section 11.1 and a
scoped block plan in accordance with section 11.1.4 and has satisfied the block plan
requirements.
Section 3.6.Cluster Residential
The lands are identified on Schedule "AA" and designated "Cluster Residential" (see Figure
3). "The gross residential density average over the constrained and unconstrained
lands is less than 5 units per hectare (2 units per acre)" as required by OPA 34. The
applicant has proposed 3.36 units per hectare (1.36 units per acre) which meets the policy.
Within the Cluster Residential designation, "buildings shall not covermore than 12%of
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 5 - Report No. PL07-095
all the lands with a Cluster Residential designation. To the greatest extent possible,
lands with a Cluster Residential designation shall be retained in an open or natural
condition.... and shall not form part of individual lots, or similar area devoted to
exclusive use in a condominium". The applicant has submitted documentation that the
lots have been sited so that the woodlot and vegetation cover has been retained in their
natural condition and connectively to the existing forest to the east of the site has been
preserved. A 30 m (100 ft.) vegetation protection zone has been provided to the rear of
Lots 12 to 21 and a vegetation protection zone was established around the butternut trees
(key natural heritage feature) in the rear of lots 9, 10 and 11 to ensure that these areas are
preserved (see Figure 2). The applicant has provided that buildings shall not cover more
than 12% of the subject lands. Staff support the creation of a common element block for
these lands and the lands being rezoned to an "Open Space (0-14) Exception
Zone"(Appendix 2). Staff also suggest that a Restrictive Covenant be placed on title. All
these measures are intended to be put in place to protect the natural area.
Within the Cluster Residential designation, "the proposal shall conform to policies that
apply to the Cluster Residential designation including the preservation of a minimum
of 40% of the lot area in a landscaped and or natural condition and shall not include
any area devoted to a swimming pool, accessory buildings, paved driveway, patio or
other area covered with impervious material'. The applicant has provided supporting
documentation, which states that all lots will have a minimum of 40% of the lot area in a
landscaped or natural condition. The proposed By-law includes zone requirements which
ensure the preservation of a minimum of 40% of the lot area in a landscaped and or
natural condition. Provisions will also be included to ensure that the 40% area does not
permit swimming pools, accessory buildings, paved driveway patio or other area covered
with imperious material.
Appendix A Urban Design Guidelines
In order to preserve and enhance the existing rural character of the Yonge Street corridor
as it passes through the Plan Area, "a natural border to Yonge Street shall be
preserved and new development shall be setback a minimum of 60 m (200 ft.) from
the centreline of Yonge Street and include extensively landscaped areas which
preserve existing landscape components and where necessary include additional
areas planted with native species trees and shrubs on both municipal and private
property and respect the existing topography of the sites, to the maximum extend
possible". The proposal provides that the new development is setback 60 m (200 ft) from
the centreline of Yonge Street. As shown on the draft plan of condominium, part of the
lands fronting Yonge Street are to remain as open space and the proposed stormwater
management facility also fronts Yonge Street. These lands are required to be landscaped
as approved by the Town's Leisure Services Department.
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 6 - Report No. PL07-095
Environmental Land Use Policies
The Environmental Impact Assessment indicates that in accordance with OPA 34 mapping
there are no Environmental Protection Areas and related ecological buffers on the subject
lands. However, the report indicates that there are Key Natural Heritage Features and
Minimum Vegetation Protection Zones on the lands which are identified through OPA 48
(Figure 2). One of the main purposes of the block plan and EIS, however is to identify
these features that may have not been identified within the secondary plan. The
identification of the Key Natural Heritage Features and Minimum Vegetation Protection
Zones within the EIS indicates that there are Environmental Protection Areas and related
ecological buffers on the subject lands and these must be protected in accordance with the
policies of OPA 34 and 48. In addition, Environmental Protection Areas are to include
areas supporting regionally, Provincially or nationally significant plant and animal species in
York Region as designated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources such as the
Butternut trees. The applicant has updated the block plan and supporting documentation
to reflect the Key Natural Heritage Features and Minimum Vegetation Protection Zones
located on the property.
Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM)
The lands are located with the "Settlement Designation" of the Oak Ridges Moriane
Conservation Plan (ORMCP) implemented through OPA 48. In addition, Schedule "K' of
the OPA 48 indicates that the lands contain "Significant Woodlands - Key Natural Heritage
Features" and related "Minimum Vegetation Protection Zones", Schedule "M" indicates that
the lands have both "High Aquifer Vulnerability" and "Low Aquifer Vulnerability" areas and
Schedule "L" indicates that the lands are a "Category 1 (Complex) Landform" area. This
settlement designation permits all uses approved within OPA 34. The ORMCP policies
must also be addressed along with the policies of OPA 34 in the review of the application.
Conclusion of Peer -Review
The supporting environmental materials were reviewed from the perspective of natural
heritage, landform conservation and hydrogeology to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) implemented
through OPA 48 and OPA 34. The peer review was provided by North South
Environmental.
Natural Heritage
Comments have been received on the natural heritage component of the 4th submission
documents. It has been concluded that with the latest round of documents the applicant
has provided that:
- the significant woodlands are now recognized and protected;
- there is no development extending into the significant woodlands (other than the
one residence which is acceptable);
- the 30 m minimum Vegetation Protection Zone has been properly identified and
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 7 - Report No. PL07-095
there are no lots extending into it;
the EPA to the east has been recognized and an effort made to characterize it and
provide some inventory;
some protection has been provided for the butternut; and
there has been some recognition of indirect impacts of the development.
It is concluded that "there has been a substantial refinement made to the development
concept from a natural, heritage perspective. Although there are some minor details that
require a response from the applicant, in our opinion the proposed application conforms to
the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and meets the requirements of OPA 34 with
respect to Natural Heritage".
Landform Conservation
Comments have been received on the landform conservation component of the 4th
submission documents. The comments provide that Landform Conservation Plan meets
the requirements of the ORMCP and the landform requirements of OPA 34.
Hydrogeology
Comments have been received on the hydrogeological component of the 4th submission
documents. It has been concluded that documentation has addressed all of the
outstanding hydrogeological issues of previous peer review comments and has addressed
the requirements of the ORMCP and OPA 34.
It was also noted that an item arising from the resolution of the hydrogeological issues
relates to groundwater impact from stormwater infiltration from the southwest depression
which was confirmed to have no surface water outlet. In order to address this potential
concern it is recommended that groundwater quality be monitored within the underlying silt
to sandy silt soil adjacent to the southwest depression and the proposed stormwater pond.
Zoning By-law Amendment
Planning and Building staff have worked with the applicant on the proposed zoning by-law
to ensure compliance with OPA 34 polices, to ensure that the by-law is consistent with
similar approved residential zones in the Town and to ensure that when the applicant is
prepared to receive a building permit, the plans meet the zone requirements. As indicated,
the by-law is not final, as revisions are made to the By-law as further detailed designs are
being prepared and incorporated into the site specific by-law.
Two matters have arisen in the review of the proposed by-law which are outside the normal
site specific zone requirements. They include the proposed maximum height of the
buildings and with respect to the manoeuvring space or driveway, where the garage doors
face an interior lot line.
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 8 - Report No. PL07-095
Height
The applicant proposes a maximum height of 13.4 m (44 ft.). The proposed height is
greater than other maximum heights within other R1 and R2 zones in which the maximum
heights ranges from 10.0 m (32.8 ft.) to 11.0 m (36.0 ft). It is noted that building height
according to the by-law is measured between the average finished grade and the mean
distance between the eaves and ridge of a gabled roof. The applicant has provided a
justification letter in regards to the request for the maximum height of 13.4 metres (see
appendix 1). The applicant has submitted that the proposed dwelling units are designed
with floor to ceiling heights of approximately 3.0 m (1 Oft.); which are higher than the
average home. With the varied topography, the applicant has stated that many of the units
allow for walkout conditions which expose some area of the basement. The applicant also
provides that the designs of the homes require large roof areas and tall roofs in order to
allow the upper storeys to be built into them.
In a preliminary review of other municipalities (including Town of Richmond Hill, Town of
Markham and the City of Vaughan), it was noted that the average maximum height was
approximately 11.0 m (36 ft.). The municipalities stated that the measurement of the
height depends on the type of roof etc.
Staff have taken into consideration the type of homes and designs proposed by the
applicant and have worked with the applicant in that regard, however, at this time, staff
would like to further investigate the impacts of the proposed maximum height at 13.4 m (44
ft.).
Manoeuvring Space or Drivewa
With respect to manoeuvring space or driveway, the applicant's request that where the
garage doors face an interior side lot line, the minimum required manoeuvring space or
driveway shall be 5.8 m (19 ft.); whereas, the Building Department has stated that they
prefer a 6.0 m (19.6 ft.) manoeuvring space or driveway. The Town does not currently
have a provision in the by-law regarding garage doors facing an interior side lot line and
manoeuvring space or driveway. Staff would like to investigate this further, to ensure
proper manoeuvring space is provided for all types of vehicles. Staff are working with the
applicant in this regard.
Departmental and Agency Comments
The applications were circulated internally and externally and to date the following
comments were obtained:
Building Administration Department
The Building Administration Department and Planning Department has reviewed the latest
submission and draft zoning by-law amendment and have been working with the applicant
on the by-law. (see above under Zoning By-law Amendment)
The Department suggests that warning clauses should be included in all offers of purchase
PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 9 - Report No. PL07-095
and sale detailing site specific restrictions, which may be necessary to ensure landscaped
areas and open space remain intact. Setback restrictions are required. Other technical
issues such as drainage and building code related items will be addressed at the time of
building design.
Leisure Services Department
The Department has commented that the subject development will result in the removal of
trees. The proposed tree removal will reduce the existing tree canopy by over 3.3 acres on
the property, however, extensive rehabilitation and compensation planting has also been
proposed. The department provides that the standard draft plan conditions will be required
to be fulfilled by the applicant including the need to provide a Vegetation Preservation and
Restoration plan; landscape design plans which detail the installation of street .tree
planting, landscape structures, subdivision entry features, buffer planting or any other
landscape features required by Urban Design Guidelines of OPA 34. Also, the owner's
required to provide landscape design plans and implement landscape works on -site forthe
stormwater management facility in accordance with the MOEE Stormwater Management
Practices Planning and Design manual and in accordance with Town standards. The
applicant has acknowledged the requirement for a lighted, hard -surfaced pedestrian path
and bicycle route to be designed and implemented along the Yonge Street frontage within
the right of way, and assurance that the applicant will coordinate with the Region to ensure
sufficient right-of-way width exists.
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department has provided that in regards to the future turning circle on
Old Bloomington Road, the south-east location is acceptable. The location and
configuration of the turning circle must be approved by the Region of York as well as the
Town. Town staff required that the configuration must be without any retaining walls.
Staff is willing to work with the applicant and the Region in regards to the configuration.
The Regional Municipality of York
Planning staff has not received a formal comment from the Region of York Planning
Department. Staff have met numerous times with engineering and planning staff on the
location and configuration of the proposed cul-de-sac.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
TRCA staff have indicated that they will provide a comment prior to the public meeting that
can be presented at that time.
Other
The Central York Fire Services Department, The Town of Richmond Hill, York Region
District School Board, Bell Canada and Ministry of Transportation have indicated that they
have no objection to the proposed applications.
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PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 - 10 - Report No. PL07-095
OPTIONS
At the Public Planning Meeting, taking into consideration comments from staff and
residents, Council has the options of:
■ Approving the applications in principle, subject to the resolution of outstanding
issues;
■ Resolving that these applications be brought back to a further Committee or Public
Meeting upon resolution of the major outstanding issues; or,
Denying the applications outright.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Development and other charges including cash -in -lieu of parkland are payable through the
approval process.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The Strategic Plan contains objectives to ensure high quality, comprehensive community
planning to protect the overall investment of citizens in the community. Critical review of
the subject application through the Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of
Condominium process will facilitate this objective.
SERVICING ALLOCATION
The subject application is ranked 4th by the Matrix for the Allocation of Servicing Capacity.
The application is for 22 units, and therefore allocation is available. If/when Council
considers approval of the draft plan; Council will have the option of allocating these units.
PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT
This proposed development "is consistent with" policy statements issued under the
Planning Act.
CONCLUSIONS
An application has been submitted for a Zoning By-law Amendment and Vacant Land
Condominium. The application has been reviewed to ensure compliance with OPA 34 the
Secondary Plan for the area, and OPA 48 the Town's Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation
Plan conformity Official Plan Amendment. The original application was for 33 units, as a
result of comments received from departments, agencies and environmental peer review
consultants, the applicant has revised the original plan; and proposes to develop the
subject lands for a 22 unit detached dwelling condominium development. The revised
plans have addressed issues raised through the review of the Environmental Impact
Studies, the comments of the TRCA and staff. Subsequent to public input, if Council are
generally in support of the proposal, it is recommended that Staff finalize the conditions of
draft plan of condominium approval and the zoning by-law.
—10—
PUBLIC PLANNING — AUGUST 14, 2007
August 14. 2007
ATTACHMENTS
-11-
No. PL07-095
Figure 1 - Location Plan
Figure 2 - Key Natural Heritage Feature & Hydrologically Sensitive Features Map #7
Figure 3 - OPA 34-Land Use Schedule
Figure 4 - OPA 34-Block Plan Schedule
Figure 5 - Draft Plan of Condominium
Figure 6 - Concept Plan
Appendix
Appendix 1 -Letter form Gartner Lee Limited dated August 9, 2007
Appendix 2 -Draft By-law and Schedules
PRE -SUBMISSION REVIEW
Management Team Meeting — August 8, 2007
Prepared by; Cristina Celebre, Planner
Extension 4343
'�/' '1z4L_1'1
Sue S iberf 4.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Director of Planning and Development
Services
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