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Planning & Development

2025 Planning Newsletters

2024 PLANNING NEWSLETTERS

Planning & Development Services

Mapping and property information, including civic addresses, assessment roll numbers, parcel identifier (PID) numbers, applicable zoning categories, etc., as well as other information, can be obtained through the iMap Geographic Information System

There are a number of different planning and land use approval requirements that may necessitate submission of an application to the RDMW. These include Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, amendments to an Official Community Plan / Zoning Bylaw / Land Use Bylaw, and Temporary Use Permit. Regardless of which of these is being applied for, the RDMW uses one form (Development Application Form) that must be completed and submitted to the RDMW. Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW planning staff to discuss proposals as a prelude to submitting a Development Application.

Bylaws that are of relevance to planning approvals and applications include:

Planning and Development Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 916, 2017

Where the applicant is not the registered owner of the property(ies) subject to a Development Application and is therefore acting in the capacity of agent for the owner(s), the following Agent Authorization Form must be completed and submitted with the Development Application:

Agent Authorization Form

Development Permit

An official community plan may designate Development Permit areas for a variety of purposes (e.g. protection of the natural environment) in accordance with the Local Government Act. Depending on the purpose of the designation of a Development Permit area, a variety of restrictions may apply such as: a) land may not be subdivided or altered; b) construction of, addition to or alteration of a building or structure must not be started; until a Development Permit has been approved by the RDMW.

Development Variance Permit

The purpose of a Development Variance Permit is to allow for a variance (change) in applicable zoning or land use bylaw regulations. Examples include relaxation of setback requirements for buildings and structures, reduction in parking requirements, increase in building height, etc. A Development variance Permit must be approved by the Regional Board and may not vary regulations pertaining to land use (permitted uses) or density.

Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment / Zoning Bylaw Amendment / Land Use Bylaw Amendment

An official community plan (OCP) provides a policy framework that includes goals and objectives pertaining to a variety of topics/issues such as housing, transportation, servicing and infrastructure, parks, economic development, social matters, the natural environment, etc., that are used to guide the growth and development of a community. An OCP includes a map, commonly referred to as a land use plan, that prescribes various land use designations (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) for both existing developed areas, and future development areas. An OCP is adopted by the Regional Board in the form of a bylaw.

A zoning bylaw or land use bylaw is intended to implement the policies of the official community plan through more detailed regulations. It will include a map which applies different zoning categories to properties within the community and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc.

In situations where a property owner wishes to use or develop property in a manner that is inconsistent with the provisions of an OCP, zoning bylaw or land use bylaw, it is possible to request consideration of an amendment. In some cases, it will be necessary to amend both the OCP and applicable zoning bylaw or land use bylaw to accommodate a proposal of this nature.

Subdivision

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure processes and approves applications related to the subdivision of land within the RDMW (for municipalities, please consult the applicable municipality). Information, including a copy of the application form required for subdivision, can be found on the Ministry’s website here

The Ministry’s Development Technician that processes subdivision applications within the Vancouver Island portion of the RDMW is located in Courtenay. For the mainland portion of the RDMW, including islands located between Vancouver Island and the mainland, the Ministry’s Development Technician that processes subdivision applications can be reached at 604-485-3610. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the RDMW as a prelude to preparing and submitting an application for subdivision.

Temporary Use Permit

The Local Government Act permits the issuance of a Temporary Use Permits in areas which have been designated to allow temporary uses in an official community plan or zoning / land use bylaw. A Temporary Use Permit allows a use to be undertaken on a temporary basis on property for which the use is not otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning or land use bylaw.

Building and Site Permits

Approval of a Building Permit is required for the siting of buildings and structures in the community of Coal Harbour. In other areas of the Regional District, while approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code, and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Residential Building Permit Guide

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for a Building or Demolition Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility – Building Permit

Application for Site Permit

Owners Acknowlegement of Responsibility – Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Plan

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