Development Planning

LAND DEVELOPMENT

Developing buildings and land in the Municipality is often a multi-stage process and usually involves interaction not only with Planning Staff, but with Municipal Staff in other departments (e.g. Engineering and Building), as well as with Council and the General Public. 

GETTING STARTED

As every property and development proposal is unique, and application requirements can vary, please contact Planning Staff by phone: 250-746-3119 or by email: planning@northcowichan.ca to discuss your project and application requirements prior to submitting an application.  Planning Staff are here to guide you through the process and to advise if a Pre-Application Meeting is necessary prior to your submission.

Application Guides

The Application Guides below are designed to help you understand the various development processes and to help you properly prepare your development proposal.

Development Application Form with Checklist

Once you have read through the relevant Application Guide, you can prepare your development proposal and complete an application.

Agent Authorization Form

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

To submit your complete application package you can:

  • Send by mail, courier or in-person at 7030 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan BC  V9L 6N8 - Attention: Planning Department
  • Drop in Drop Box located at the front entrance of the Municipal Hall, 7030 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan BC - Attention: Planning Department

Application Fees

  • Please refer to the current Planning Application Fees when submitting your application.  Application fee payments can be made by Debit, Cheque or On-Line Banking.  We are currently not set up to accept payments by Credit Card.

OTHER APPLICATIONS

Agricultural Land Reserve Application 

Use the Agricultural Land Reserve Application (links to Provincial Agricultural Land Commission site).

  • Exclude land from the ALR
  • Include land from the ALR
  • Subdivide land in the ALR
  • Use land in the ALR for non-farm purposes

Board of Variance Application 

The Board of Variance addresses appeals for variances that are considered “minor” and where compliance would cause “undue hardship” to the property owner.  In order for the Board of Variance to grant a variance, it must be of the opinion that the variance does not:

  • Result in inappropriate development of the site;
  • Adversely affect the natural environment;
  • Substantially affect the use and enjoyment of adjacent land;
  • Vary permitted uses and densities under the applicable bylaw; or
  • Defeat the intent of the bylaw;
  • Vary the application of an applicable bylaw in relation to residential rental tenure.

If your request does not meet the above conditions, a Development Variance Permit is another application process that may be more suitable.  Planning Staff can help you determine your best option before submitting your application. Please refer to the Board of Variance Guide for more information.

Temporary Mobile Home Permit Application

Please complete the Temporary Mobile Home Permit Application for New Temporary Mobile Home Permit Applications and for Annual Renewal Applications.

Subdivision Application 

Please contact the Engineering Department for Subdivision Applications.

Please refer to the Other Useful Resources section for additional development process information and helpful links.

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