Development Permits

As described in the Primer on Development in  this website, development permits are needed in those areas where they are prescribed in the Official Community Plan. The OCP also describes which aspects of development are of particular concern in each area and require approval by council.

There are three different development permit fees prescribed in the Land Use Procedures Bylaw, depending on the complexity of the development. These are:

• $25 for a downtown facade development permit
• $125 for a simple development permit dealing with four or fewer residential units
• $250 for all other development permits.

The procedures for development permit application and approval are outlined below:

1. Submit an application form accompanied by the applicable fees and plans of the proposed development. In the case of a downtown facade change , the plan must show the proposed changes, list materials and include colour samples. In the case of a subdivision, these will include the proposed subdivision plans. For all other applications, it will consist of site plans showing access, parking, landscaping and building locations; building elevation or perspective drawings; and proposed signage.
2. For downtown facade permits, your plans will be reviewed by the Downtown Revitalization Design Committee, which is appointed by council. You are encouraged to attend this review meeting to answer questions and discuss options with the Committee. A municipal staff member (usually the building inspector) will attend these meetings and will prepare a report to council on the results of the meeting plus any other staff comments or recommendations.
3. For other the facade-related development permits, no committee meeting is required. Instead, staff prepare a report with recommendations to council. This report is presented to a regular council meeting, typically two to four weeks after your application is received. More complex applications take longer.
4. Council reviews your application at a regular open council meeting. You are encouraged to attend this meeting to answer questions. You will also be given an opportunity to describe your proposal to council in person, if you wish.
5. Council will approve or disapprove your application by resolution. If approved, it may be subject to certain conditions set by council. A common condition is placing an irrevocable letter of credit with the Town for 125% of the value of any landscaping related to the permit.   

Once your development permit is approved by council and all of their conditions are met, staff are authorized to rule on your accompanying building permit or subdivision application as the case may be.