Subdivision

What is Subdivision?

Subdivision is the process of dividing existing parcels into new parcels or changing existing property boundaries. If you would like to divide your land into two or more plots of land, adjust an existing property line, or create strata lots you will need to complete a subdivision application.

Subdivisions can include:

Adjusting or realigning an existing property line (e.g., lot line/boundary adjustment).

Creating several lots from one or more existing properties (e.g., fee simple).

Creating several strata lots from one or more existing properties (e.g., bare land strata).

Creating several lots from an existing property with the creation of a new road (e.g., phased development).

In addition to these more common examples, there are other forms of subdivisions. For more information on different types of subdivision applications, call 250-294-8153 or email planning@colwood.ca to speak with Planning staff.

All subdivisions must receive the approval of the Approving Officer (AO). The Approving Officer is a statutory official with separate and independent jurisdiction from the local government (Mayor and City Council). The Approving Officer is appointed under the Land Title Act and by the Strata Property Act, to make decisions and exercise discretionary powers with respect to the subdivision of land. Authority to approve or deny a subdivision application is at the sole discretion of the Approving Officer through Provincial Legislation and contained in the City of Colwood Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 2000, 2024, as well as several key provincial statutes. It is the responsibility of the Approving Officer to ensure that subdivisions are in accordance with Provincial statues, regulations, and local government bylaws regulating subdivision and zoning. 

When is the Subdivision Process Required?

The review and approval process for subdivisions is necessary to ensure that all statutory and City bylaw requirements are addressed, including but not limited to:

Size and shape of lots/buildable area
Roads, lanes, and emergency vehicles access
Parks, open space and walkways
Preservation of natural features (ravines, streams, trees, etc.)
Compatibility of subdivision pattern with surrounding neighbourhood
Sanitary sewer, water, drainage, streetlights, and other services
Municipal infrastructure such as protection of opportunity for future development for lands adjacent to or beyond the lands being subdivided

If the subdivision application requires a change in land use (e.g. lot size), the rezoning application must be successfully completed before final approval of the subdivision.

Subdivision Process

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

Image	Step 1: Submit Your Application Submit a Development and Land Use Application online with all minimum application requirements as referenced in the relevant Application Checklists (see below). Attachments over 25 MB 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 and policies. Application will be referred to relevant internal departments and external parties for comment.
Image	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.
	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, 1998 for more details.
Image	Step 6: Staff Report Presentation Once the application is deemed ready, staff will prepare a report outlining the proposal and providing a recommendation to Committee and Council.
Image	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 attend to answer questions.
Image	Step 8: Public Notification Prior to Council introduction, 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.
Image	Step 9: 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 Council meeting for public feedback.
Image	Step 10: Council Decision 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.
Image	Step 11: Permit Issuance If approved, the TUP will be issued and registered on the property's State of Title. Permits are valid for up to three years and may be renewed once with Council approval.
Image	Step 12: Next Steps Once TUP is completed, applicant may proceed with additional applications as required. The TUP may include conditions that require follow up prior to further permit issuance.

Ready to Apply?

Once you are ready to apply, submit the online  Development and Land Use Application form and ensure you have completed the Application Checklist for the applicable subdivision:

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions about subdivisions, please contact the Planning department at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca.

Subdivision

What is Subdivision?

Forms of Subdivisions

Cost of Subdivision

Role of Approving Officer

When is the Subdivision Process Required?

Subdivision Process

Subdivision Application Process

Ready to Apply?

Contact Us