Development Permit
The Official Community Plan includes several designated development permit areas that align with the Local Government Act. If your property falls in a development permit area, you may need a development permit before beginning work.
Application Process
An application may take several months and require approval by Council. In some cases, development permits can be approved by staff (delegated) and obtained within days to months depending on the scope of the project. Some smaller developments may be exempt from development permits.
For a complete explanation of the process, see the development permit application and the delegated development permit application below.
Development Permit application
Delegated Development Permit Application
We are Here to Help
Contact us to discuss whether your project requires a development permit. For major or complex development permit applications and rezonings, schedule a pre-application meeting with staff to help save you time and improve the process.
Relevant Resources:
- Official Community Plan
- Rezoning and Development Policy
- Tenant Protection During Redevelopment Process
- General Urban Design Guidelines
- Downtown Core Area Plan (for properties within the Downtown Core Area)
- Other city policies and guidelines
Variance Permits
Development Variance Permit
If your project requires variances and does not require a development permit, you can apply for a development variance permit. In some cases, minor variances can be approved by City staff with a delegated development variance permit. Please contact us if you are uncertain of application requirements.
Development Variance Permit application
Delegated Development Variance Permit application
Board of Variances
The Board of Variance has the authority to grant minor variances from the building regulations specified in the Zoning Bylaw, but cannot vary land use, density limits, on-site parking or landscaping. The Board focuses primarily on matters of hardship relating to siting, dimensions and size of buildings. Learn more about the Board of Variance and how to apply.