A Burnaby business owner has been forced to move the work he does on the Hastings Street property he rents after the city said it violates their bylaws about doing manufacturing in a residential zone.
Nick Gregson, owner of Ethical Tiny Homes, says he has been forced to find space in a different city after Burnaby turned down his appeal to continue his work at the house.
Gregson said the issue, to him, is the definition of what he’s doing. A City of Burnaby email reviewed by the NOW says that Gregson is doing manufacturing of mobile homes in an R4 zone.
“Manufacturing or processing includes those operations which are a necessary part of, and clearly related to, the production of the articles or goods specified,” reads the city email. “For the purposes of this Bylaw, the term ‘manufacturing’ may also include repairing of the items specified. ‘Mobile home’ means a single family dwelling, factory built as a unit or units, suitable for year round occupancy, and capable of being drawn or moved from place to place.”
Gregson has responded by saying the city has the wrong definition. He says the definition should be considered a “box truck” and not a “mobile home” and that what he’s doing is not manufacturing.
“I’m not a manufacturer, I do woodwork on tiny homes and other projects on a part-time basis,” Gregson wrote in a letter to the city. “It’s not an assembly line or labour force, it’s just one guy, me.”
“I don’t think you fully took into consideration my points, and overlooked the fact my box truck is not a mobile home or RV,” Gregson told the city. “By your definition, a mobile home is built in a factory to be considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle.”
The city conducted an inspection on Jan. 26 of the property. Gregson appealed for more time but was denied.
Gregson said he has worked hard to not disrupt his neighbours. Work is done between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and never on weekends or holidays. He also purchased special tools that reduce the level of noise, including not using a hammer or nails. His goal is to produce homes that will help deal with the affordability crisis.
“It’s pretty silly considering housing is more important than ever and we all agree with that. The problem needs to fixed and the noise created from building shouldn’t be the reason we don’t,” Gregson said. “It’s a shame because I grew up in Burnaby and started my business in Burnaby because I saw the need for housing. The city also offers a home business program because so many people are working from home but that was not even offered to me.”
