Building Better Business and Development Services

The District continues to implement key actions identified in the 2011/12 Core Service Review to target improved service delivery and communications. New land development procedures bylaw and policies underway are intended to update and clearly define procedures for all land development applications and streamline the application approval process.

New Proposed Land Development Procedures Bylaw 2229, 2012

Bylaw 2229 will replace the District’s existing 15 year old procedures bylaw and address OCP, zoning bylaw amendments or an existing land use contract, issuance of development permit, development variance or temporary use permits, as well as application for subdivision or strata conversions.

New Delegated Permit Approvals

Under the Community Charter, a Council may, by bylaw, delegate its powers, duties and functions to an officer or employee of the municipality. Bylaw 2229, 2012 would specifically enable Council to delegate authority to District staff (General Manager) to approve certain land development permits, as specified in the new bylaw:

• Downtown Development Permits (DP Area 2), subject to certain criteria for buildings and structures
• Development Permits within DP Area 1 & 11 (Protection of the Natural Environment; Riparian Areas) for land development proposals up to two dwelling units
• All Site and Landscape changes (new landscaping, exterior lighting, signage, outdoor patios, community gardens, public art installations)
• Structures and Buildings (standard buildings of 600 m2 and three storeys or less, building additions or repairs, building facade improvements, material or roof material changes, accessory buildings, exterior equipment placement, signage)
• Temporary Use Permits for development proposals of 185.8 m2 or less, excluding liquor sales with or without conditions

Eligible Development Permits and Temporary Use Permits are also afforded a reduced application fee of $500.

Why Delegate?

Council delegation of certain land development approvals has been identified as a ‘quick win’ to streamline and expedite the current development approval process. Projects that

Currently all development approvals, with the exception of subdivisions, are authorized by Council which can add several weeks to the overall project timeline.

Check out three proposed procedural policies to support land development approvals process:

Draft Landscape Security Policy

This updated landscape security policy provides increased clarity and ensures consistent procedures are applied to all development approvals requiring a landscape bond. The policy specifies the requirement for a cost estimate and the form, amount and release of the security upon inspection following the required landscape maintenance period. Several ‘development-friendly’ bonding procedures to assist both small and multi-phase projects are also introduced. Read the draft policy.

Draft Land Development File Extension and Closure Policy

This policy supports timely processing, management and open communications on active development files and outlines protocol for requests to extend previously-approved permits that have lapsed. Read the draft policy.

Land Development Information Policy

This policy addresses both applicant and municipal roles in publicly communicating active land development applications and municipal projects to ensure that development information is communicated to the public in a timely, clear and accessible way. Read the draft policy.