The owners of a multi-million-dollar West Vancouver property are asking the local council to reconsider its decision to demolish an unpermitted structure built behind their main home. The small building, which resembles a secondary residence, was constructed without the required permits.
Registered owners Omid Gerami, Kamran Gerami, Naib Gerami, and Ayesheh Mansouri received a July 21 resolution ordering them to take all steps necessary to obtain a demolition permit within 30 days. Instead, the group formally requested the council to review its decision on August 20.
A reconsideration hearing will be scheduled during a future regular council meeting. According to the district’s communications director, Carrie Gadsby, the owners will have up to ten minutes to present their case, with the possibility of additional time at the mayor’s discretion.
The unpermitted building sits near a steep slope adjacent to Brothers Creek. It first drew attention after a complaint about a “large new structure on the property” was made to the district on May 15, 2024. District staff confirmed that no building permits had been issued for the structure or for the wildfire development permit area where it stands.
Following the complaint, a building inspector visited the property on May 16, posting a stop work order. By July 21, the owners had been fined $14,800 for the unpermitted construction, of which $500 had been paid.
The owners claim they are currently in litigation with the builder and argue that he is responsible for the lack of permits. However, Shahin Construction Ltd., the company that carried out the construction, maintains that the property owners are accountable. CEO Matt Minapour stated he halted work because he believed the owners intended to build a secondary home without proper authorization.
Under the district’s Building Bylaw, property owners are ultimately responsible for obtaining and complying with all required permits. The council report notes that the Geramis and Mansouri did not attend the previous council meeting and sent no representatives to contest the original vote, which passed unanimously.
The unpermitted structure has raised concerns due to its location on a steep slope and within a wildfire development area. The district’s director of planning, Jim Bailey, emphasized the need for compliance with safety and zoning regulations.
The upcoming reconsideration hearing will allow the owners to present arguments for why the demolition order should be altered or delayed. The council will review the case and may request further documentation or evidence before making a final decision.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in West Vancouver with illegal secondary residences and underscores the legal responsibilities of property owners. Local authorities continue to enforce building regulations strictly to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Residents and stakeholders in the district are closely watching the outcome, as it may set precedent for how unpermitted constructions are handled in the region.
The council’s decision will clarify whether the Geramis and Mansouri must proceed with demolition or if other legal remedies could apply. The district encourages property owners to seek proper permits before beginning any construction projects to avoid similar disputes.
As of now, the district has not announced a date for the reconsideration hearing, but it will take place during a regular council session in the coming weeks.
