A Guide to subdividing land

A Guide to Minor Subdivisions

This document is also available in PDF format.

The purpose of a Subdivision application is to alter a legal lot by adjusting, adding, or removing lot lines. A minor subdivision is only for lot line adjustment, consolidation or highway widening. A major subdivision is the division of land into two or more parcels (See Major Subdivision Brochure).

When to subdivide
If you would like to adjust the lines of a lot, or widen the highway, you will need to apply for a minor subdivision. If you are removing lot lines (i.e. consolidating lots), a minor subdivision is needed if the lots are not on the same legal plan. Lot consolidation for lots on the same legal plan can be done through a lawyer.

What to do before you apply

Step 1: Figure out your proposal.

You will need to know what you are proposing in relation to what is existing. You will need an accurate site plan showing the legal lot lines and proposed lot lines.

Step 2: Know the Zoning Requirements for your property.

You will need to know what Zoning designation your property has. You can ask Planning Staff or reference the Zoning maps displayed in the Planning Department. Once you know your Zoning, reference the Zoning Bylaw for the minimum lot size and width is required for your zoning designation (the Zoning Bylaw is available on the City’s website or in the Planning Department).

All lots must meet the minimum requirements (Note: the minimum lot size and width are different for lots serviced by septic than for sewer). New lots cannot be created that do not meet the zoning requirements except when consolidating lots (See Rezoning Brochure if your lots do not meet the Zoning Requirements).

Step 3: Begin to prepare your application

What you need for an application
A complete list of what is required for your application is listed in the Submittal Checklist and Site Plan Checklist, including applicable fees. The checklists are available at the Planning Department Front Desk. Your application must be complete before Staff can accept it.

What happens to your application
Preliminary Approval

Initial Review: Staff will review the application to make sure that all the needed information has been submitted and that the OCP, Zoning and other applicable Bylaw requirements have been properly addressed. Additional information may be requested.

Referrals: Staff will then send referrals to outside agencies (BC Hydro, Local Utilities, etc.). The outside agencies have 30 days to comment.

Preliminary Decision: After the comment period, Staff will advise the applicant if the application has been granted conditional approval or denied. If the application receives conditional approval, Staff will draft a preliminary layout approval letter (PLA). The PLA is valid for 120 days. (It may be extended for an additional 120 days at the discretion of the Approving Officer.) During the 120 days, the applicant must submit all applicable documents (see checklist).

On a zoning map, each color represents a different zone. Each zone has different ‘rules’ for lot size.

Final Approval

Final Approval: The Approving Officer can grant final approval or will send a letter notifying that final approval is being withheld. All items listed in the submittal checklist (front and back) and all items listed in the PLA will be required to receive final approval.

Registration: Once final approval is received, the applicant will be responsible for submitting the approved, signed plans to the Land Title Office in Kamloops for registration. Within 14 days, the applicant is required to submit to the City: plans, text documents and the State of Title certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to process my application?
Processing times vary. Staff workload, and complexity of the project factor into how quickly the application can be processed. Preliminary Approval will take at least 6 weeks, as a comment period is required.

Are my neighbours going to be notified?
Notification is not required.

This publication is intended to provide general information only. It is not intended to be used as an official interpretation of the various codes and regulations in effect.

Updated January 2007

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