Rezoning

Rezoning changes how a property can be used or developed. It ensures that land use aligns with the Township’s long-term vision and community needs.

Rezoning applications aim to:

Align development with land use plans and Township policies
Secure new or upgraded infrastructure and amenities to support a livable, growing community

Types of rezoning

Text amendment changes the text of the Township’s Zoning Bylaw.

Examples:

Adding a new permitted use
Rewriting an entire zone for redevelopment

Map amendment amends the Township’s Zoning Map by changing a property from one existing zone to another existing zone, without amending any text within the Zoning Bylaw.

Example: Rezoning a property from Suburban Residential Zone SR-2 to Commercial Zone C-1.

Map & text amendment changes both the zoning map and the bylaw text.

Example: Introducing a new Comprehensive Development (CD) Zone.

Heritage revitalization agreement (HRA) supports the preservation of heritage buildings or landscapes identified in the Township’s Heritage Inventory.

An HRA is a formal agreement between the Township and the property owner that may allow:

Increased flexibility in use, density, and building siting
Incentives for restoration and maintenance

Check if your site includes a heritage feature using GeoSource or visit the Heritage Recognition and Protection page.

Determine your property’s development potential

Rezoning process

Timeline

Specific timelines cannot be provided for development applications, as the time required to process them varies depending on:

Complexity of the application
Volume of current applications
Responsiveness of the applicant

Applicants may save time by:

Consulting with staff early
Hiring experienced consultants and qualified professionals
Coordinating through a single point-person - Processing time, confusion, and uncertainty may be minimized if the applicant assigns one person from their consulting team the specific responsibility of coordinating the application process on their behalf.

Signage

As per Development Applications Procedure Bylaw 5760, signage for rezoning proposals must be erected within 30 days of application acceptance.

Application review

Staff review the application and prepare a comprehensive report for Council considering:

Application background and alignment with land use plans and Council policies.
Site plans, elevations, landscape concepts, and tree schedules may also form part of the Report to Council.

Council consideration

Notice to adjacent property owners

A notice advising of a written public input opportunity is mailed to property owners adjacent to the development site prior to Council consideration of the rezoning bylaw.

First, second and third reading

Council considers the rezoning application and accompanying staff report at a regularly scheduled Council meeting. Council may decide to:

consider the rezoning application by granting the rezoning bylaw three (3) readings;
request additional information, studies, or amendments to the proposal before the rezoning application can be given further consideration;
defer consideration of the rezoning application to a future meeting for further review; or
defeat the rezoning bylaw by majority vote or not grant the rezoning bylaw any readings, thus denying the application.

Prior to bylaw adoption

All outstanding development prerequisites must be completed prior to final adoption. Such items may include:

securing of neighbourhood parks, school sites, community detention ponds, and other associated community amenities.
completion of a servicing agreement or undertaking additional engineering/servicing studies.
provision of a letter of credit securing all municipal works and services including parks landscaping and greenway improvements.
provision of road dedication (and widening) including greenways, rights of way, easements, and covenants.
processing of a development permit or development variance permit.
obtaining approval from affected outside agencies.
payment of applicable fees.
compliance with SPEA and Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaws.
other development prerequisites applicable to individual plan amendment applications.

Final adoption

Council considers final adoption of the zoning bylaw.

After bylaw adoption

Once the zoning bylaw has been adopted by Council, the following actions may proceed:

Development & building permits

A Development Permit may be issued in accordance with the adopted Zoning Bylaw.
A Building Permit may be issued in compliance with the rezoning bylaw amendment, including:
- Provisions of a Development Permit or Heritage Alteration Permit (if applicable)
- A Servicing Agreement may be required, along with:
  - A Letter of Credit to secure required works
  - Landscape works as specified

Subdivision approval

Subdivision may be considered if it:

Conforms to the Zoning Bylaw amendment
Meets the requirements of the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw
Satisfies the Approving Officer’s subdivision letter of decision, including:
- Payment of Development Cost Charges (per new lot)
- A Servicing Agreement, if required

Business licence issuance

A Business Licence may be issued if it:

Complies with the rezoning bylaw amendment
Meets all Township of Langley Business Licence requirements

Preliminary submissions for permits, subdivisions, or business licences may be made at the applicant’s risk prior to bylaw adoption. However, no approvals will be granted until the bylaw is officially adopted.

Apply

Key links and documents

Need to submit/resubmit documents for your active development project? Please use the Document Resubmission Portal.