Land Development and Variances
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The City's Zoning Bylaw regulates the use and development of property. Before planning any construction or locating any business in a commercial area, check with the City's Corporate Administrator for the current zoning of the property to determine what can and cannot be carried out on the property.
| Appeals to the Board of Variance |
| When proposed construction does not comply with the City's Zoning Bylaw with respect to building size or location on the parcel, a property owner can apply to the Board of Variance for a variation from the Bylaw requirement. It must be shown that compliance with the Bylaw is unreasonable and causes undue hardship. An example would be where the topography of a building site has unusual features such as bedrock or very steep slopes which could be considered an undue hardship to comply with the siting requirements of the Zoning Bylaw. Here an appeal to the Board of Variance may be appropriate. |
| Development Variance Permit |
| If an appeal to the Board of Variance is not available, a property owner can apply for a Development Variance Permit to vary the Zoning Bylaw's requirements for lot area coverage; front, side and rear yard setbacks; height restrictions and off-street parking. A Development Variance Permit application is brought before City Council for consideration. |
| Amendment of the Zoning Bylaw |
| When a property is not zoned appropriately for an intended use, a property owner can apply for an amendment to the City's Zoning Bylaw. These applications are brought before City Council for decision who will consider the land use policy for the area in question and any impact to adjacent property owners. Applications for an amendment to the City's Zoning Bylaw require a Public Hearing. |
| Temporary Commercial Use Permit |
| If the permitted uses of a property as set out in the Zoning Bylaw do not allow a desired commercial use, a property owner may apply for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit. These permits are for a maximum of three years and can only be renewed once. These applications are brought before City Council for decision who will consider the land use policy for the area in question and any impact to adjacent property owners. |
| Amendment of the Official Community Plan |
| When proposed development does not comply with the property's Land Use Designation as set out in the Official Community Plan, a property owner can apply for an amendment. These applications are brought before City Council for decision who will consider the land use policy for the area in question and any impact to adjacent property owners. Applications for an amendment to the City's Official Community Plan require a Public Hearing. |
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