Development Permits are used to control how land, buildings, and structures are developed in areas that need special protection.
Why are Development Permits needed?
Development Permits are needed for:
- Protecting the natural environment and its ecosystems.
- Keeping development safe from hazards.
- Protecting farming areas.
- Setting rules for the look and design of commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential buildings.
When do you need a Development Permit?
You may need a Development Permit before you:
- Subdivide land.
- Start construction.
- Change the land in any way.
- Deposit or remove soil.
- Do any activity that affects protected areas.
How do I know if I need a Development Permit?
Official Community Plans show where Development Permit Areas are located.
Check with the Juan de Fuca Community Planning office before making any changes to your land to see if you need a Development Permit. Call 250.642.8100 or email for help.
Where can I find a Development Permit application?
Use the link below to go to development application forms page and find the development permit application.
Development Variance Permits are used to allow variations or relaxations of certain bylaw regulations.
A Development Variance Permit cannot change the use or density of the land.
Why are Development Variance Permits needed?
Development Variance Permits are needed to grant a property owner permission to proceed with a project that does not meet one or more land use regulations.
When do you need a Development Variance Permit?
Example of when you might need a Development Variance Permit include:
- Decreasing a building setback to accommodate a property’s shape, size or topography
- Increasing the height of a building to accommodate a building design
- Allowing more accessory floor area on a property
- Reducing the road frontage of a lot
- Changing the servicing requirements of a parcel during subdivision
How do I know if I need a Development Variance Permit?
Zoning and servicing bylaws provide regulations for setbacks, building height, accessory floor area, road frontage and subdivision servicing. If your development cannot meet one of these requirements, you may need a development variance permit.
Check with the Juan de Fuca Community Planning office to see if you need a Development Variance Permit. Call 250.642.8100 for help.
Where can I find a Development Variance Permit application?
Use the link below to go to development application forms page and find the development variance permit application.