Apply to develop property

When you need to apply for a development permit

You need to apply for a development permit if you want to:

  • develop or build on a property within a development permit area
  • change the zoning of your property
  • subdivide your property
  • put up a sign

When you need to apply for a building permit

In some cases, you may not need a development permit, but you will still need to get building and related permits.

This applies to:

  • new construction
  • demolishing a house
  • altering or adding to a building (such as adding a deck or bathroom, or renovating a kitchen)
  • accessory buildings, garages, swimming pools, retaining walls
  • adding a secondary suite

Learn about building and renovating

The application process

Most applications involve a two-step process:

  1. Preliminary Planning Application
  2. Detailed Planning Application

The preliminary application reviews the technical feasibility of a development proposal, and provides a comprehensive list of requirements an applicant must submit if they proceed to a detailed planning application.

Most subdivisions, Official Community Plan amendments, rezoning applications, and major development permit applications, would need to go through a preliminary planning application first.