Development Permit

What is a Development Permit?

A Development Permit (DP) is a land use permit used by local governments to regulate and guide proposed developments to ensure they meet the policies and objectives of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw, and satisfy all required bylaw regulations, including those in the Colwood Land Use Bylaw  and Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw.

What is a Development Permit Area?

Development Permit Areas (DPAs) are designated in the OCP for multiple purposes including the protection of natural environments, protection of development from hazardous conditions, and establishing form and character guidelines. These DPAs help the City achieve the vision, goals, and policy objectives set out in the OCP. Refer to the figures in Section 18 of the OCP to find out if your property is in a DPA.

When is a Development Permit Required?

A DP is required prior to the issuance of a building permit, or completion of a subdivision for properties located within a DPA. A DP may also be required prior to any site disturbance on your property, including the clearing of land or movement of soil. Depending on the scope of the proposed works, a DP exemption may apply. Refer to Sections 19 and 24 of the OCP for Development Permit Exemptions.

Development Permit Process

Review the steps below to understand how DP applications are processed.

Image	Step 1: Submit Your Application Submit a Development and Land Use Application online with all required supporting documents as referenced in the Application Checklists (see below). If attachments exceed 25 MB, documents may be sent separately by email to planning@colwood.ca
Image	Step 2: Application Review & Fees Staff will review the submission for completeness and issue a fee slip for the application payment. Refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw, 1603, 2016  for applicable fees.
Image	Step 3: Technical Review Staff will review application for compliance with applicable bylaws, plans, policies and permit requirements. Application will be referred to relevant internal departments and external parties for comment.
Image	Step 4: Development Notification Sign Applicants may be required to post a Development Notification Sign on the property throughout the review process. A sign template will be provided. See Colwood Land Use Application Procedures Bylaw, 1998 for more details.
Image	Step 5: Address Review Comments Staff will provide comments for the applicant to address following internal and external application review. Additional rounds of comments of resubmissions of documents may be required.
Image	Step 6: Permit Issuance Once all DP requirements have been satisfied, the permit will be issued and registered on the property's State of Title. DPs expire if construction of the permitted works does not substantially commence within two years of the permit issuance date.
Image	Step 7: Next Steps Once the DP is completed, applicant may proceed with a Building Permit  to start construction. The DP may include conditions that require  follow up prior to Building Permit issuance.

Ready to Apply?

Once you are ready to apply, ensure you have completed the Application Checklist for a Form and Character DP and/or Environmental DP, and submit the online Development and Land Use Application form.

Contact Us

For information on timelines and requirements for a Development Permits, or if you have any additional questions, please contact the Planning department at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca.