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A Guide to requesting
relaxation to a Bylaw
This document is also available in
PDF format.
The purpose of a Development Variance
Permit (DVP) application is to request a relaxation to a City Bylaw.
This may include requests to relax yard setbacks, lot coverage, height,
parking space, signage, subdivision servicing or mobile home park siting.
A DVP can not be used to vary the use or density of land or to vary
floodplain specifications (See the Rezoning Brochure for use or density
changes).
When to get a variance permit
If you would like to construct any building, structure or sign that does
not comply with all applicable City Bylaws, you may request a
development variance permit. Or if you would like to propose a reduction
to the amount of servicing required, number of parking spaces or other
requirements, a development variance permit may be appropriate.
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Important Note:
You can not increase density or change the permitted use of
a property through a variance. |
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 and Land Use maps displayed in
the Planning Department.
Step 2: Determine
what a reasonable request would be.
You will be requesting to be an
“exception to the rule”. Be sure you have a good reason for making your
request. It may be helpful to speak with Planning Staff as to the
feasibility of your proposal.
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 with the application form at the
Planning Front Desk. Your application must be complete before Staff can
accept your application.
What happens to your
application
Many people will be required to review your application before it is
considered by Council.
Notices will be sent out to
neighboring property owners, with a comment period. Planning Staff will
review your application and prepare a memo. Staff may be required to
refer the application to outside agencies (examples: the Ministry of
Transportation and Highways, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of
Health).
The application will then be reviewed
by the Planning Committee at the next available meeting (meetings are
monthly). The Planning Committee will make recommendations to Council.
Council will consider adopting the
recommendations of the Planning Committee at the next Council meeting
(meetings are bi-weekly). Council has the option to approve, deny, table
or require changes.
If the application is approved, Staff
will prepare a Development Variance Permit. A copy of the permit, once
signed, will be placed on the Title and it will be binding to the
property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How
long will it take to process my application?
Processing times vary. Meeting schedules, Staff workload and complexity
of the project factor into how quickly the application can be processed.
You can expect your application to take at least 6-8 weeks. If you would
like to start construction at a particular time, it is wise to plan
ahead and apply early to avoid delay.
Are
my neighbours going to be notified?
Yes, neighbours within 100 metres of your property will receive a
notice. Neighbours will have the opportunity to view your file and
submit comments.
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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