It’s not exactly how Scott Lecy and his family envisioned their move from Steveston to a new home on St. Alban’s Road.
“I’m living beside 60 new neighbours, and I have no idea who’s going to show up. My other concern is we have two young boys and we’re living in a nice neighbourhood, not what I thought would be a transient neighbourhood,” said Lecy, speaking to the house next him that doubles as a hotel.
His first complaint to the City of Richmond came about a year and a half ago, but since then — and following several more complaints — the problem only seems to come and go.
After the first complaint Lecy said a city bylaw inspector went into the house and dismantled locks on the five bedrooms and took down numbers on the doors.
The house went quiet for a little while.
“But gradually they ramp it up again and more and more people come and go,” said Lecy, who is of the opinion the city’s bylaw department is understaffed to deal with what appears to be a growing number of bylaw complaints and inspections.
“It’s completely inadequate,” said Lecy.
An online search found that the house was linked to a mining company that operated up north. When he started complaining the company sold the house back to an individual, said Lecy.
He said the owners do not live at the house permanently, however at one point a lady came by with flowers and wine to apologize for the consternation.
“I told her I don’t drink $11 bottles of wine,” said Lecy.
“I bought the best house I could thinking I’d have nice neighbours, not 60 coming and going …some of them have dumped garbage onto my side of the fence. I freaked out on one of them, so they don’t do that anymore,” sighed Lecy.
On the day the Richmond News visited Lecy a rental car was parked on the small patch of grass inside the gate. Lecy said he’s noted the numerous licence plates (from Alberta to Manitoba) but the city told him that wasn’t enough evidence to prove there was a hotel.
Lecy said guests are now more discreet as they get picked up and dropped off with luggage.
“So on the outside it doesn’t look like there’s a lot going on,” said Lecy.
According to City of Richmond spokesperson Ted Townsend the city has conducted 17 suspected hotel investigations, 11 of which are ongoing. In July there were just seven ongoing investigations.
In 2014 the city conducted five investigations.
“Investigations are generally complaint driven, however we do also review various advertising sites, for information on possible violations,” said Townsend, who did not state if the city has issued any fines this year.
The city does allow for boarding and lodging as a secondary use for compensation, however, the property must be a permanent residence to someone, and bylaws limit temporary rentals to just two guests.
The Residential Tenancy Branch, has stated people may rent their homes on a nightly basis if it’s permitted by a municipality. The branch noted it is incumbent upon local governments to enforce zoning regulations.
