Development Permits
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A development permit is required for most new businesses, construction, a change of use to land or buildings, and major renovations or structural changes to existing buildings.
The following types of construction that DO NOT require a development permit IF they comply with all the rules of the Land Use Bylaw are:
- Maintenance or repairs to a building
- In a residential district, construction of:
(a) A deck to a maximum of 0.6 m (2.0 ft) above finished grade
(b) A patio
(c) A fire pit or barbeque
(d) An accessory building no more than 10.0 m2 (107 ft2) in floor area not exceeding 2.5 m (8.0 ft) in height, provided it conforms with Section 7.1 of the Land Use Bylaw
- A home office provided that:
(a) No individual other than the permanent resident of the dwelling unit operates the home office
(b) No client or customer is received at the dwelling unit for business purposes
(c) The home office does not generate any vehicular traffic nor require any additional parking
(d) There are no on-site exterior displays or advertisements of the home offices and the home address is not advertised to the public in any form
(e) No equipment, materials, goods or finished products for business purposes are stored on-site, and
(f) Does not occupy more than 14 m2 (150.7 ft2) of the gross floor area within the dwelling unit.
Development Permit Applications
If you wish to develop or build on your property, or to start a business, please fill out a development permit application form and submit it to the Town Office, located at 5017 Queen Street. The application will be evaluated based on whether it meets requirements set out in the Land Use Bylaw and what possible negative impact the proposed development may have on neighbours.
If the proposed development is a discretionary use as outlined in the Land Use Bylaw, letters outlining your proposed development will be delivered to surrounding neighbours and other potentially affected parties. They will then have two weeks to voice opposition by filing a notice of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). If no opposition is received, your development permit will be issued and mailed to you. If a development permit is denied, you may also file a notice of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board regarding their decision.
For more information about development permits, please see Part Four of the Land Use Bylaw.
Fees
For information on the fees related to different developments, please see our Planning & Development Fee Schedule.