The overall vision for how land is to be used and developed in the District of Sechelt is established by the Official Community Plan.
The zoning established by Zoning Bylaw No. 25, 1987 specifies how the land can be used under existing rules.
The District's Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 and a number of municipal, regional, provincial and federal laws and regulations help ensure land development minimizes its impact on the natural environment.
Planning and Development Procedures Bylaw No. 566, 2018 provides the procedures for amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws as well as applications for Development Permits, Development Variance Permits and Temporary Use Permits.
Depending on the development proposal or project being contemplated, land development in Sechelt will require a property owner to make a series of applications for bylaw amendments and permits. This process often requires a property owner to engage qualified professionals to assist in this process.
The Applications Guide can help you navigate the various types of land development applications.
The following table provides some general guidance on what application or permitting process you may have to consider.
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Applications
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Purpose
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Approval by
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Official Community Plan Amendment
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Changes in land use or policy
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Council
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Rezoning Amendment
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Changes in land use or density
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Council
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Development Permit Process - Form and Character
Development Permit -Environmental Protection / Natural Hazards
Development Permit - Minor
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Design approval for commercial and multifamily development.
Requirements for the protection of the environment or to deal with natural hazards.
Development Permits are considered minor when:
- the floor area of new construction is less than 100 m2; or
- not more than 1 additional single-family residential lot is created; or
- alteration of land is being undertaken for construction of a single family dwelling; or
- the development permit is for construction or alteration of a single family dwelling
- exterior alterations are less than $40,000 in value
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Council
Council
Planning Staff (minor DP)
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Development Variance Permits
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For variances to parking, building siting, dimensions and sizing, fencing, signage or servicing requirements
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Council
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Subdivision
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Land division, parcel consolidations or property boundary adjustments
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Approving Officer
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Building Permit Application Form
Permit/Inspection Process
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Permission to build or alter buildings and many types of structures
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Building Official
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Sign Permits
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Permission to erect or replace a sign
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Planning Staff
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Engineering and Servicing Agreements
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Permission to construct new driveways, install new sewer and drain connections, construct or upgrade roads and services
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Engineering Staff
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