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A Guide to Amending your
Property’s Zoning Designation
This document is also available in
PDF format.
Each property within the City limits has
a Zoning designation. Collectively, they direct the density and type of
growth within specified areas or ‘zones’. The purpose of a Rezoning
application is to amend the Zoning Bylaw to change a property’s Zoning
designation.
When to ask for Rezoning
If you would like to use your property for a use not listed in the ‘uses
permitted’ section of your zoning district, or would like to increase
the density of development, (subdivide land less than the permitted lot
area or width, increase floor area ratio, etc.), then you can apply for
a rezoning.
What to do before you apply
Step 1: Know the
OCP and Zoning Requirements for your property.
You will need to know what Official
Community Plan and Zoning designation your property has. You can ask
Planning Staff or reference the Zoning map and Land Use map (Schedule C)
displayed in the Planning Department.
Step 2:
Determine what Zoning you would like to request.
You will need to evaluate your
proposal in terms of the Zoning Designations identified in the Zoning
Bylaw. Most proposals will be able to fit into existing designations;
however, a site-specific zone called a comprehensive development zone
can also be applied for.
Step 3:
Determine if your requested Zoning is compatible with the Official
Community Plan.
It is required that the Zoning is
compatible with the Official Community Plan. If it is not compatible,
you may apply for an Official Community Plan amendment either before or
concurrent with your Rezoning application (See OCP Amendment Brochure).
Step 4:
Consider the appropriateness of your request.
Zoning designations take into account
surrounding land uses and impacts to adjacent properties (views,
privacy, health, safety, etc.). Be sure to consider your request in
these terms, as not all applications will be considered appropriate by
Council.
Step 5: 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 (Checklists available at the front desk). Your
application must be complete before Staff can accept your application.
What happens to your
application
Your complete application will be reviewed by Staff, Advisory Planning
Commission and Planning Committee before it goes to Council. A technical
report will outline the proposal in terms of the appropriateness of the
use, past precedent and Council policy.
After review by the Advisory Planning
Commission, the Planning Committee will make recommendations to Council
on how to process the application at the next available meeting (Monthly
meetings). Council has the option to give the Bylaw First and / or
Second readings, request changes or more information, table or refuse
it.
The Bylaw must receive three readings
before adoption. Between First and Third Reading, a public hearing will
be held. It will be advertised for two weeks in the newspaper before the
meeting and neighbors within a 100 metre radius will receive notice.
Council will consider all comments raised at the public hearing. Then,
Council has the option to give Third Reading and Final Adoption, table
it, refuse it or request changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How
long will it take to process my application?
Processing times vary. Meeting schedules, Staff workload and the
complexity of the project factor into how quickly the application can be
processed. You can expect your complete application to take at least 10
to 12 weeks.
Are
my neighbours going to be notified?
Yes, neighbours within 100 metres of your property will receive a notice
and will have the opportunity to view your file and submit comments. A
public hearing will also be held and advertised in the newspaper for two
weeks prior to the meeting.
Can
I go to the meetings?
Yes, you can attend the meetings. Please notify Staff of which meetings
you would like to attend.
What
happens if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can reapply six months after the
refusal date.
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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