Zoning

A completed application form, with Contaminated Sites waiver form, signed by all owners of the property. If the application is not signed by the owner, a completed Agent Authorization form or a letter from the owner authorizing someone to act on their behalf is required, or if owned by a registered company, by all listed signing directors.

You will need to a Proof of Ownership document such as a Tax Notice, Certificate of Title, etc. 

If the owner is registered as a corporation, a copy of corporate registry search or certificate of incorporation, including a list of current directors, dated no more than seven days prior to the date of the application, and the application form must be signed by the authorized representative(s) of the corporation.

For changes to the permitted land uses, include a a site plan or diagram which shows the following: 

• Location of proposed development with building dimensions and setbacks, including roads
• Siting of existing dwelling, sheds, garages, other outbuildings and physical features of the property

To amend a designation to allow subdivision, include the proposed subdivision layout including approximate dimensions of proposed lots, and locations of roads, utilities, and physical features of the property.

The Zoning Amendment Application Fee must be paid.

For information about fees, visit our Land Use Permit Fees, Forms and Timelines page.  

The Development Services Department prepare a draft report.

A report is written based on applicant’s information and forwarded with the draft permit to various government and technical agencies (such as Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, etc.) for comment.

An updated report is taken to the Regional District Board including the comments received from all agencies. Applicants receive a copy of the staff report for their information. Depending upon the complexity of the proposal, the matter may go before the Board once or twice before a draft bylaw is authorized and receives first reading and authorization is given to hold a public hearing.

A Notification of Application sign may be erected on the parcel a minimum of 14 days before the start of the public hearing. Please see Notification Signs Pamphlet for further information on the sign requirements. A notice stating the intent of the bylaw and the time and place of the hearing is delivered to landowners within a minimum of 200m (600 ft) of the subject parcel. A similar notice is also published on the Regional District and social media account.  It may also be published in a local newspaper. All those who believe they have an interest in the application can express their comments by either submitting a letter or addressing the hearing in person.

If the public hearing is not held at a Regional District Board Meeting, a report is written to the Regional District Board including the minutes of the public hearing. With this information, and the details of the application, the Regional District Board makes a decision regarding the application. Any substantial changes made to the bylaw will require an amended second reading and an additional public hearing, prior to consideration at the Regional District Board meeting for third reading and possible adoption.

Should Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approval be received, the Regional District Board may consider adoption of the bylaw. An adopted bylaw is then signed and dated and the amended zone goes into effect immediately.  If a zoning bylaw amendment application is approved to allow subdivision an additional application to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is required for their approval. This is the technical side of the subdivision project, where access, roads, water supply, sewage disposal and other development requirements are considered.