Two new bylaws, one focused solely on subdivision and the other focused on works and services, have been adopted. The Subdivision Bylaw includes application and procedure details, and the Works and Services Bylaw includes new and updated drawing standards, design criteria and supplemental detailed drawings.
Storm Backlog
Due to recent major rain events, the City is addressing a significant backlog of underground service requests and is prioritizing storm-related repairs. Developer-driven water, sewer and storm service installations may be temporarily delayed.
Before starting a new construction project, you must get all necessary permits. What’s required depends on both the type of project and its location.
First, you’ll need to determine if your project requires development approval before applying for a building permit. To determine this, you will need to know the development permit area, zoning and heritage status of your property and what is allowed in that zone. If the work you would like to do doesn’t require a development permit, heritage alteration permit or rezoning, the information on the Building & Renovating page will help you apply for any required permits.
For many commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-unit residential developments over three units, and for any property where existing tenants will be affected, you will need a development permit.
Apply for building and other permits, inspections, secondary suites, garden suites and house conversions if you do not require a development permit or rezoning
The Zoning Bylaw is the main document that regulates what a property can be used for, the density of development and the size and siting of all buildings and off-street parking.
In many cases there is additional development potential under the existing zoning, however, a development permit may be required to redevelop a site. In some cases it may be possible to apply to amend the current zoning to allow for additional density or a new use on a property. Refer to the Rezoning Policy for guidance before submitting a rezoning application.
The Zoning Bylaw establishes general land use regulations for the City as well as specific regulations for every property in the City based on zone. Each property in the City is mapped to a specific zone which defines the regulations for that zone. Select a property on VicMap to see the applicable zoning; consult the Zoning Bylaw to determine what is permitted in your zone.
Secondary suites are subject to the British Columbia Building Code. Secondary suites must be built with all required building permits.
Secondary suites are subject to the British Columbia Building Code. Secondary suites must be built with all required building permits.
A house conversion is when an existing house is converted to a different residential use, such as a single family dwelling to a multiple dwelling building. Conversions are generally permitted in the low-density General Residential District-1 Zone (GRD-1 Zone) in Zoning Bylaw 2018 and require a building permit.
The requirement to consult or notify neighbours of proposed development depends on the type of development being proposed and the type of approvals required from the City. There is no requirement for consultation or notification for building permits, subdivision or development permits, and heritage alteration permits that comply with all bylaws.
Property owners and occupants within 100 metres of a proposed rezoning are notified by mail about meetings with the Community Association Land Use Committee and the date of Council's decision on the application.
Owners and occupants of properties adjacent to a proposed development variance permit, development permit with variances or heritage alternation permit with variances are notified by mail with the date of Council's decision on the application.
Owners and occupants of adjacent properties are notified of Board of Variance hearing dates.
The City encourages all applicants with development proposals to consult with neighbours and the Community Association Land Use Committee to understand their concerns and minimize impacts.
A development permit is often required for properties in a development permit area and approval is required before the development, construction or alteration of the land. Development permit areas are specified in the Official Community Plan and are designated to promote form and character objectives for intensive residential, commercial, industrial and multi-family development. Development permit areas are also designated for tenant protection and for environmental considerations (e.g., shoreline protection).
