Development Applications

1. Review your property information

• Use the GeoSource Mapping Tool to view:
  • Zoning
  • Approximate lot dimensions
  • Community and neighbourhood plan area
  • Development permit areas
  • Site features like watercourses, trees, and road access
  • Property details in GeoSource are for reference only. Confirm accuracy with a BC land surveyor (BCLS)

2. Explore the layer list in GeoSource

• Activate the Environment layer to view watercourses and classifications
• Activate the Planning layer and select the following overlays for full context:

The Township assumes no responsibility for accuracy of GeoSource data. Use for reference only

3. Read the plan

Familiarity with area plans will strengthen your application and support productive discussions with Development Planning staff

• Review relevant Community and Neighbourhood Plans
• Understand key policies on:
  • Maximum permitted density
  • Servicing and infrastructure requirements
  • Prerequisites for development

4. Review requirements:

Township requirements:

• The Zoning Bylaw provides information such as:
  • minimum lot size requirements
  • permitted uses
  • lot coverage
  • building restrictions
• The Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw provides information such as:
  • Servicing requirements
  • Tree Protection requirements
• To streamline your application process, make sure your proposal:
  • Aligns with all applicable land use plans
  • Complies with development bylaws and policies
  • Addresses any development permit requirements
• Regional and Provincial requirements:
  • Your proposal will be evaluated against existing plans and regulations at every level. Be sure to:
  • Check your property’s designation in Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)
  • Determine if your property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)

5. Hire qualified professionals

A well-supported team increases your chance of success

• Engage planning and development experts who understand local bylaws and processes and can help:
  • Interpret complex regulations
  • Design proposals that meet Township standards
  • Assess servicing requirements

6. Talk to us early

Request a pre-application discussion with Development Services staff. This helps clarify requirements and identify potential challenges up front

• • Fill-in the Pre-Application Request Form
• What happens next?
  • If your question is answered in the information available online, staff will refer you to the webpage. Otherwise, a Development Planner will provide initial feedback within 30 days
  • If a meeting is needed, the Development Planner will schedule it directly

1. Submit your application online
   • When you are ready, submit a complete development application online through the Development Application Portal.
   • Staff will assess your submission. After this assessment, you’ll receive an email with the next steps.
   • If items are missing, you’ll be asked to re-upload a complete package.
2. Make payment
   • Once your application is accepted, you will need to pay all applicable application fees.
   • Your confirmation email will include instructions on how to make your payment.
   • After payment is received, your application will move forward for assignment.
   • To avoid delays, please submit payment within 7 days of acceptance. Applications may be cancelled if fees are not received within this timeframe.
3. Acknowledgement letter
   • Once your application is accepted, it will be given a project number, circulated, and assigned to technical staff.
   • After assignment, you will receive an acknowledgement letter outlining the key contacts for your project.
4. Public Information
   • The application and supporting plans/drawings are posted on the Township’s Development Activity Page for public information.
   • If required for your specific application type as per the Development Applications Procedure Bylaw, information will be provided to the agent regarding posting a public notification sign on the site.
5. Referrals
   • Your application may be referred to other Township departments or external agencies, as required by the Development Applications Procedure Bylaw and Provincial/Federal legislation.
6. Preliminary Concept Review
   • Development Planning, Development Engineering and Green Infrastructure Services staff will review the application for alignment with land use plans, bylaws, and policies.
   • If applicable, comments are coordinated and compiled for inclusion in a file review letter.
7. File Review Letter (if applicable)

A coordinated staff response will be shared with your team, outlining:

• Comments and feedback
• Referral responses
  • Next steps to move your application forward, including if additional studies or reports are required to be submitted. 

8. Application-Specific Processing

Next steps vary by application type. Learn more about each process:

• Development Permit
• Development Variance Permit
• Liquor Primary / Cannabis Retail
• Plan Amendment
• Rezoning
• Subdivision
• Telecommunication Tower
• Temporary Use Permit

• Development Application Fees
• Development Application Form - NEW
• Development Application Guide
• Development Application Procedures Bylaw
• Development Application Requirements - NEW
• Development Planning
• Development Engineering
• Green Infrastructure Services
• Linking a development application to MyTownship