Land Use and Development Hub

An Official Community Plan (OCP) provides long‑term guidance and policy direction on a wide range of community matters, including land use, transportation, housing, parks, and infrastructure.

OCPs are developed through extensive public consultation and are intended to reflect the shared values, priorities, and aspirations of residents within the planning area. The Town of Oliver uses its OCP to help guide decision‑making on important topics such as economic development, transportation, recreation, environmental protection, and community services.

The OCP also designates land for specific purposes, including residential, commercial, retail, office, industrial, and park uses. While the OCP does not commit the Town to proceed with any specific project, all future bylaws and Council decisions must be consistent with the policies set out in the plan.

Find a copy of Oliver's Official Community Plan at the link.

An Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment is required when a proposed development or land use does not align with the current OCP land‑use designations or policies.

You may need to apply for an OCP amendment if your proposal would:

• Change the land‑use designation (e.g., residential to commercial)

• Increase density or building intensity beyond what the OCP allows

• Introduce a use not contemplated in the current plan

• Significantly alter the scale or character of development

• Conflict with existing OCP goals or policy direction

OCP amendments are intended for long‑term, community‑wide planning changes, not minor site adjustments. Applications typically involve technical review and public consultation, and approval is at the discretion of Council.

In some cases, an OCP amendment must be approved before a zoning amendment can be considered, as all zoning must be consistent with the OCP.

Applications to amend the Official Community Plan must be submitted in writing by the property owner or an authorized agent, using the appropriate application form and accompanied by the required fee. If the property is owned by a numbered company, a current corporate search identifying the company directors must be provided, and the application must be signed by a director.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent describing the proposed development or land use, including the anticipated community or neighbourhood benefits, potential impacts, and how the proposal supports the objectives of the Official Community Plan. A current State of Title Certificate, issued no more than 30 days prior to application, and copies of all relevant non‑financial charges registered on the property must also be included.

Supporting materials such as a scaled site plan and preliminary development plans are required to illustrate the proposed layout, access, buildings, and other relevant features of the site. Additional information or studies may be requested as part of the review process.

Once submitted, Town staff will review the application for completeness and circulate it to relevant Town departments, agencies, and authorities. The proposal will be evaluated for consistency with municipal bylaws and policies, and a technical report will be prepared for Council’s consideration.

Public notification and consultation may be required in accordance with the Local Government Act, including public notice, written submissions, and a Public Hearing where applicable. Council may approve, refer, table, or deny an application at any stage of the process. Even if all requirements are met, approval is not guaranteed.

Application Submission & Completeness Review (4–6 weeks)
Before submission, applicants typically consult with planning staff, prepare studies and drawings, and assemble the required materials. Once submitted, Town staff review the application to confirm all required information has been provided.

Staff Review & Public Notification & Consultation (2–10 weeks)
The application is circulated to relevant Town departments, agencies, and ministries. Staff evaluate the proposal’s consistency with the OCP, zoning, and other applicable policies and prepare a report for Council. If public notice or a Public Hearing is required, notification is provided in accordance with the Local Government Act. This includes advertising, neighbour notification, written submissions, and posting signage on the subject property.

Council Readings & Adaption (1–3 Council meetings)
Council considers the application and may approve readings of the amending bylaw, request changes, refer the application, or deny it. Additional time may be required if conditions are imposed or revisions are requested. Once all conditions are satisfactorily addressed and any required approvals are received, Council may adopt the amendment bylaw. The applicant is then notified of the final decision.

Estimated Overall Timeline:
Most OCP amendment applications take 3 to 12 months from submission to adoption, though more complex proposals may take longer.