Development Applications

From Vision to Approval

Supporting growth and helping shape a strong, connected community.

You may need one or more approvals before starting a project. These are called development applications. They help ensure new development aligns with City bylaws and the community’s long-term plans, and are based on legislative process and law under the Local Government Act (Part 14).

Types of Applications

Depending on your project, you may need to apply for one or more of the following:

  • Development Permit (DP): for design, environmental protection, hazardous areas, or specific areas identified in the Official Community Plan.

  • Official Community Plan Amendment (OCP Amendment): To change City policy or land use designations.

  • Zoning Amendment (Rezoning): to change a property use or density.

  • Development Variance Permit (DVP): to vary specific zoning requirements, such as parking minimums, setbacks or height.

    • There are two avenues to receive a variance, through a standard variance application (Council considered), or through the Board of Variance (must be minor and be an outcome of a non-financial hardship).

  • Subdivision: To change the boundaries of a legal lot (either through lot consolidation, boundary adjustments, or the creation of new lots from a parent parcel.

  • Temporary Use Permit: An alternate to a rezoning, which allows a temporary change in permitted use for up to three years (subject to an additional three year renewal).

City staff can help you determine which applications apply to your project. You can apply for a DP, OCP amendment, rezoning, DVP, or TUP through this application.

You may need a development application if you are:

  • Building a new home or addition
  • Changing the use of a property (e.g., residential to commercial)
  • Developing in a designated Development Permit Area
  • Adjusting zoning regulations (e.g., setbacks, height)
  • Creating new lots

Some minor projects or repairs may not require planning approvals. Check with City Staff to understand application triggers and exemptions.

We recommend contacting the Planning Department before submitting a land use application.

A pre-application meeting can help you:

  • Confirm what approvals are needed
  • Understand application requirements
  • Identify any issues early
  • Save time during the review process

Before Staff can accept any application, the applicant must include the following:

  • A completed application, signed by the property owner
  • A copy of a recent land title (within 30 days) and any non-financial encumbrances (easements, covenants).
  • Conceptual drawings and/or site plans if applicable
  • The application fee [link to the development procedures bylaw fees tab

For each land use application, a fees required to cover statutory notices and administrative costs. The application fees are stated below:

  1. Amendments to:
    1. the Official Community Plan Bylaw $750
    2. the Zoning Bylaw $750
    3. a land use contract $600
  2. Issuance of a:
    1. development variance permit $150
    2. development permit $150
    3. temporary commercial or industrial use permit $150
  3. Board of Variance:
    1. Application to the Board of Variance $75

*Subdivision fees are based on the total number of parcels created. Check with planning staff for a fee estimate based on a proposal.