A Development Permit initiates an opportunity to review proposed developments to ensure that they comply with the policies and objectives of the Official Community Plan (OCP), including design and environmental guidelines. A Development Permit may be required when the Official Community Plan designates an area for one, or more, of the following purposes:

1. Environmental - Protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity.
2. Hazard - Protection from development in hazardous conditions.
3. Form and Character - Establishment of objectives for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multifamily and intensive residential development.

Form and Character Development Permits are required for new construction and additions to Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, and institutional development, except where exempted by the OCP. Development Permits may also be required for any subdivision or development where land is within an Environmental or Hazard Development Permit Area.

A Development Variance Application may be applied for in order to vary a development bylaw (e.g. Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Bylaw). A Development Variance Permit cannot vary the use or density of land. In these cases a Rezoning would be required.

Where a Council has enacted a zoning bylaw, the Local Government Act requires it to establish a Board of Variance. The Board of Variance is an avenue for appeal on the interpretation and the strict application of certain local government provisions and regulations. The Board functions separately from Council and has its own authority under the Act.

The Board of Variance is not an appeal board for local government policy decisions, and it cannot replace decisions of elected officials. The municipal council confines it to considering variances that will not impact adversely upon a policy decision or change the intent of a bylaw adopted. Variances can be granted, respecting bylaw requirements, for the siting, dimensions, or size of buildings, but cannot be granted to vary the use or density provisions of a bylaw.

Subdivision and Development Servicing Development Bylaw No. 902
Development Permit Application Form