Planning and Development
The Planning and Development Services Division provides coordinated service delivery to the community and development industry related to all aspects of community planning and development.
Service areas include:
- Long-range planning
- Current planning & development review
- Building inspections & permits
- Business licensing
- Bylaw enforcement
- Sustainability planning
- Environmental management
The objectives of the department are timely and effective service delivery, and ensuring that all land use decisions consider the social, environmental and economic community values articulated through the District's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and Official Community Plan.
Contact the Planning Department:
Tel: 604-885-1986 ext. 8459
Email Us
Upcoming Meetings
Zoning Bylaw Renewal
The new Zoning Bylaw 580 has replaced Zoning Bylaw 25, which was originally adopted by Council 35 years ago. The District of Sechelt has undergone significant changes since that time, and time has come to create a new updated zoning bylaw that aligns itself with the District's core planning documents. Learn more at: yoursaysechelt.ca/zoningrenewal
Development Process Overview
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. 580, 2022 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.
| Application | Purpose | Approval By |
|---|---|---|
|
Changes in land use or policy |
Council |
|
|
Changes in land use or density |
Council |
|
|
Development Permit Process - Form and Character |
Design approval for commercial and multifamily development. |
Council
|
|
Development Permit -Environmental Protection / Natural Hazards |
Requirements for the protection of the environment or to deal with natural hazards. |
Council |
|
Development Permit - Minor |
Development Permits are considered minor when: - exterior alterations are less than $40,000 in value |
Planning Staff (minor DP) |
|
For variances to parking, building siting, dimensions and sizing, fencing, signage or servicing requirements |
Council |
|
|
Land division, parcel consolidations or property boundary adjustments |
Approving Officer |
|
|
Permission to build or alter buildings and many types of structures |
Building Official |
|
|
Permission to erect or replace a sign |
Planning Staff |
|
|
Permission to construct new driveways, install new sewer and drain connections, construct or upgrade roads and services |
Engineering Staff |
Application Checklist
Sustainability Checklist
Planning Fee Schedule
Planning Frequently Asked Questions
Land Use
|
Q: Are tiny homes or homes on wheels permitted in the District of Sechelt? |
|
No, tiny homes are not permitted as they do not meet the minimum zoning requirements for building width “No building containing a dwelling unit shall have a width less than six (6.0) metres, of which at least seven point three (7.3) metres (twenty-four (24.0) feet) or forty (40%) percent of the building length (whichever is greater) is enclosed climate-controlled habitable living area.” |
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Q: Can I build a basement suite or secondary suite on my property? |
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Yes, secondary suites are permitted on all residential zoned properties. More information can be found on our secondary suites page, to read the requirements to build a secondary suite. |
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Q: Can I build a suite on top of my garage? |
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A suite on top of a garage may be permitted if the property meets the zoning regulations for a guest cottage. A guest cottage cannot be larger than 55m2. Parking space must be provided for the additional dwelling. |
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Q: Can I put a shipping container on my property? |
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A shipping container requires a building permit and must comply with the zoning regulations. |
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Q: Can I put a yurt on my property? |
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Yes, yurts are permitted. They must comply with the zoning setbacks and regulations. Yurts can be used for storage but may not be inhabited or used as a dwelling. |
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Q: Do I need a tree cutting permit to cut down a tree on my property? |
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Please review our guide to protecting trees (private property) to read when a tree cutting permit is required. Tree cutting is regulated by Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009. |
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Q: Does the District of Sechelt allow coach/laneway houses? |
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The zoning bylaw currently does not allow laneway houses. Laneway houses are being proposed in the new zoning bylaw (Bylaw 530) which is being drafted. |
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Q: How do I pay for my development application? (OCP, Rezoning, Subdivision, Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, Building Permit) |
|
To pay for your development application, please come to the District of Sechelt Municipal Hall. We accept payment by cheque, cash, bank draft, debit and credit card (Visa and Mastercard only). A credit card may be used for payments up to $5,000. The District of Sechelt does not accept e-transfers. |
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Q: Is cannabis production and/or retail permitted in the District of Sechelt? |
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Information on cannabis retail can be found here. Cannabis production is currently permitted in the following industrial zones under certain conditions: I-3, I-5, I-6 and I-7. Visit our zoning webpage for more information. |
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Q: What can I build on my property? |
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You can find the zoning regulations and permitted uses on our zoning page. |
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Q: What is a Section 219 Covenant? |
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An agreement between a local government and the owner of land, where the owner's rights to use the land, build upon the land, or subdivide the land are limited to further some public purpose. Authorized by Sec. 219 Land Title Act, restrictive covenants are one of many tools used by local government in the regulation of land use and building use. |
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Q: What size of garage can I build? |
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Please review Part Three General Provisions of the District of Sechelt Zoning Bylaw 25, 1987 on Accessory Buildings and Structures . The maximum size of an accessory building is determined by the size of the property. The permitted size of an accessory building ranges from 55 m2 to 250 m2. Accessory buildings must not be located within 1.0 metre of any property line and cannot be greater than 6 metres in height. Accessory buildings are captured in the calculation for the maximum lot coverage that is permitted on the property. Please refer to the zoning requirements to determine the maximum lot coverage allowed for the property in question. |
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Q: When may a Section 219 Covenant be required? |
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Geotechnical Hazard – A Section 219 Covenant restricting the use of the land in accordance with a qualified professional's report may be required if a property is subject to a geotechnical hazard. |
Subdivision
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Q: Can I subdivide my property? |
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Many factors must be considered when determining if a property can be subdivided. Please call the planning department to make an appointment with a planner to discuss whether the property in question has subdivision potential. |
Utilities
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Q: How can I get an address for my property? |
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The Sunshine Coast Regional District assigns all the addresses for the Sunshine Coast. Contact the SCRD at 604-885-6800 or go to https://www.scrd.ca/Addressing. |
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Q: How can I get my property connected to the municipal sewer line? |
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Confirm with Engineering or the Public Works department whether sewer service is available at your property. If sewer service is available, fill out the sewer service application. |
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Q: What is the process to install a septic tank on my property or locate the current septic field? |
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Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) regulates all septic fields and has the files for septic systems installed on the Sunshine Coast. Find information on the VCH FAQ page, or contact an Environmental Health Officer at environmental.health@vch.ca or call 604-885-5164. |
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Q: Where is the nearest gas line in relation to my property? |
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Use FortisBC's interactive map to determine whether natural gas is available in your neighbourhood. FortisBC phone number: 1-888-224-2710. |
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Q: Where is the nearest water connection to my property? |
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Contact the Sunshine Coast Regional District Water Services Division at 604-885-6800 or https://www.scrd.ca/Water. |