Frontage Works Program

New requirements in Coquitlam’s Frontage Works Program will ensure all new homes built in southwest Coquitlam will contribute to upgrading adjacent streetscapes to a modern urban standard, including curbs, gutters, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and rear lane improvements.

Previously, one-for-one replacements of single-family homes were exempt from this requirement, leading to a mix of old and new streetscape standards.

The updated Frontage Works Program will help create a consistent, modern standard, improving both safety and aesthetics.

Improving Streetscapes in Southwest Coquitlam

Streetscape improvements through the Frontage Works Program will take place in single-family, duplex and other designated housing areas in southwest Coquitlam, and include:

Streetscape upgrades or cash contributions; and,
Cost-recovery from future development and subdivision applications on streets where the City completes the upgrades.

Streetscape improvements will include:

Concrete curb and gutter;
Separated concrete sidewalks with landscaped boulevards on both sides of the street;
Road repaving;
Street trees;
Rear lane improvements;
Street lighting; and
Underground work (storm, sanitary, water) if necessary.

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Overview of Changes
As of Jan. 5, 2018, anyone submitting a development or subdivision application for a new single-family home in southwest Coquitlam is required to either:
- Upgrade the section of street adjacent to their property to current standards; or
- Make an equivalent cash payment towards City-funded streetscape upgrades.
If the City has already upgraded the streetscape, applicants will be required to pay for the improvements made at the time of redevelopment.
Exemptions
The new requirements do not apply to:
- Existing homes that are not undergoing development;
- Applications submitted before Jan. 5, 2018;
- Additions, renovations including repairs on fire damaged homes (unless the home is substantially reconstructed);
- Projects with an estimated value of less than $150,000.
Fees for Improvements

Developers and builders typically have the option to pay a fee to the City at the time of the development or building permit application and the City will do the improvements in the future as part of the Frontage Works Program,based on the City’s priorities.

The fee will vary, based on factors including the streetscape elements required, length of street frontage, existing features on the street, and construction costs at the time.

Refer to Schedule F of the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw.
Impact on Parking

The streetscape improvements will have a minimal impact on legal street parking. The road pavement will typically be 8.5 metres wide, which will permit legal, parallel parking along both sides of the street.
Improvement Schedule
The City will complete a number of improvement projects each year, on a block-by-block basis.

Frontage Works Improvement Projects 2019

Locations:
- Charland Avenue from Blue Mountain Street to Lebleu Street
- Harris Avenue from Blue Mountain Street to Boileau Street
- Quadling Ave from Lebleu Street to Marmont Street
Improvements:

Street improvements include new separated concrete sidewalks with landscaped boulevards on both sides of the street, road repaving, street lighting and any necessary underground work.

Further information will be updated prior to construction commencing this spring or summer.
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the acceptable methods of payment?

Cash, Cheque, Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Are existing BC Hydro leased lights an acceptable solution?

No, BC Hydro leased lights are not acceptable. The installation of City street lights are required.

As applicant, can I construct the required improvements myself? If so, what do I need to submit and how long do I have?

Yes, applicants have the option to construct the required improvement themselves. The applicant can choose to physically construct the required works and a detailed Servicing Requirements letter outlining associated requirements including Engineered design, plan submission, securities, inspection fees, insurance and construction related requirements can be provided. The applicant will have 6 months from the date of signature on the Frontage Works Cash Deposit Agreement form to physically construct the required improvements as outlined in the Servicing Requirements letter to Bylaw standards.

When will ‘my’ fronting street be scheduled for improvements?

The City will complete a number of improvement projects each year, on a block-by-block basis. Streets are prioritized and are scheduled accordingly.

BC Hydro is requesting detailed design drawings from the applicant to do their design, are these available?

Detailed design drawings are typically available if a developer has hired a civil consultant to prepare offsite servicing drawings for them. If the Frontage Works Program is offered midstream of the detailed drawing review process then they should be available, otherwise there is a chance that they have not been prepared.

What do I need to know about updating the services for my property?

Information on the storm, sanitary and water services for home construction can be found on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/utilities. Questions? Please email epw@coquitlam.ca or phone 604-927-3500.

Where do I apply for a driveway access permit?

The driveway access permit application and further information can be found on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/driveways. Questions? Please email epw@coquitlam.ca or phone 604-927-3500.
Requirements

Requirements in Coquitlam’s Frontage Works Program ensures that all new homes built in southwest Coquitlam contribute to the upgrading of adjacent streetscapes to a modern urban standard, including curbs, gutters, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and rear lane improvements. The Frontage Works Program helps create a consistent, modern standard, improving both safety and aesthetics.