Every property in Colwood has a land use designation(s) that is outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw. To find out the land use designation of a property, check the OCP Land Use Designation Map. An OCP Amendment proposes to amend the OCP to change the designation of a property(ies).
When is an OCP Amendment Required?
An OCP Amendment application is required when a proposed development does not conform to the land use designation in the OCP. An amendment is the process of legally changing the land use designation on a property through an amending bylaw.
When Council assesses new development proposals, they are required to determine whether the project is consistent with the OCP. Council considers the proposal based on its designation in the OCP, and through an OCP policy assessment completed by Planning staff. Amendments to the OCP are carefully assessed, as each new proposal should help contribute to the community achieving its visions and goals.
OCP Amendment and Rezoning applications are approved by Council in accordance with Part 14, Division 5 of the Local Government Act.
OCP Amendment Process
Review the steps below to understand how OCP Amendment applications are processed.
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Step 1: Submit Your Application
Submit a Development and Land Use Application online with all minimum application requirements as referenced in Application Checklists (see below). If attachments exceed 25 MB, documents may be sent separately by email to planning@colwood.ca
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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.
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Step 3: Technical Review
Staff will review application for compliance with applicable bylaws, plans and policies. Application will be referred to relevant internal departments and external parties for comment.
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Step 4: 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.
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Step 5: Community Engagement & Notification Sign
Applicants must conduct community engagement and 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 for more details.
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Step 6: Staff Report Presentation
Once the application is deemed ready, staff will prepare a report outlining the proposal, alignment with City plans, and a recommendation to Committee and Council.
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Step 7: Planning and Land Use Committee Review
The application will be presented to the Planning and Land Use Committee. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present rationale for OCP Amendment and answer questions.
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Step 8: Council Consideration & Bylaw Readings
Council will consider Planning and Land Use Committee recommendations. Staff or applicant may need to answer questions and public may provide input. Council may approve, defer, or deny the Committee recommendation. The amending bylaw to change OCP must receive 1st and 2nd reading from Council prior to Public Hearing.
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If Application is Denied
In the case that Council denies the application, no refunds will be issues and the same application will not be reconsidered for at least 12 months.
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Step 9: Public Notification
Prior to 3rd Council reading, property owners within 100 metres of the site will be notified and invited to provide feedback. See Colwood Land Use Application Procedures Bylaw for more details.
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Step 10: External Public Notice
Notice of the application will be published on the City's website and in the newspaper at least seven days prior to the Public Hearing, encouraging public feedback. See the Public Notice Bylaw for more details.
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Step 11: Public Hearing
The Public Hearing is intended as an opportunity for the public to provide input to Council, not as a forum for Q+A. Once hearing is closed, Council may give OCP Amendment 3rd reading, or deny the application.
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Step 12: Complete Required Conditions
Following 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings and prior to adoption, all conditions of the application must be met. These could include registering covenants and Provincial approvals.
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Step 13: Final Adoption
The amending bylaw with completed requirements will be considered by Council. Once adopted by Council resolution, the OCP Amendment will be completed and the Official Community Plan (OCP) will be amended accordingly.
Staff recommend that OCP amendment applicants request a Pre-Application Meeting before submitting their Development and Land Use Application.
Contact Us
If you have any additional questions about OCP Amendments, including timelines and requirements, please contact the Planning department at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca.
