Development Permit Application Form

The Local Government Act enables communities in British Columbia to designate Development Permit Areas for the purpose of setting objectives and guidelines for development within those areas. No building construction or alteration can occur in a Development Permit Area without a Development Permit.

Section 488 (1) of the Local Government Act provides that a municipality can designate a Development Permit Area for the purpose of:

• Protection of the natural environment, its ecosystem and biological diversity;
  
• Protection of development from hazardous conditions;
  
• Protection of farming;
  
• Revitalization of an area in which commercial use is permitted;
  
• Establishment of objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development;
  
• Establishment of objectives and the provision of guidelines for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multifamily residential development;
  
• In relation to an area in a resort region, establishment of objectives for the form and character of development in the resort region;
  
• Establishment of objectives to promote energy conservation;
  
• Establishment of objectives to promote water conservation;
  
• Establishment of objectives to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  

Lands are designated as Development Permit Areas in the Official Community Plan, which includes the reasons for requiring a Permit and the specific guidelines used to evaluate an application. Projects within Development Permit Areas do not require permits if the Official Community Plan specifically exempts them. In February 2016, Council adopted a policy that allows for the District of Lantzville Staff to accept one development permit application for multiple properties. See Policy No. 3005-1 below.

Please contact the District's Planning Department at 250.933.8093 if you have further questions.