Below you will find links to forms and guides you need for submitting planning application. Complete applications can be submitted by email to planning@scrd.ca. If the application is complete, staff will respond with instructions to pay the appropriate application fees.
A pre-application meeting with a Planner is required prior to submission of every planning application.
In the meeting you present your proposed development and a Planner will provide relevant regulations, guidance and a checklist for your application materials. This shared preparation significantly reduces the time it takes to process your application.
After your pre-application meeting an Outcome Letter will be provided with instructions on how to make a formal application.
To submit your request for a pre-application meeting:
Your pre-application meeting will then be scheduled by staff.
Below you will find various application forms. If you have questions about the appropriate forms to complete please contact the planning department.
If you would like to authorize someone to act on your behalf in regard to a planning application or property information request please complete and submit the Appointment of Agent for Planning Applications form:
A Remediation pre-application meeting with SCRD planning staff is required in order to discuss unauthorized land alteration with you and your designated qualified professional. The meeting will establish the requirements to bring the subject property into compliance with SCRD Bylaws and Provincial Regulations.
A Development Permit (DP) is a permit required when you are planning to alter land, subdivide land, or construct buildings and structures in a Development Permit Area (DPA) or within 30 metres of any wetland, stream, or ditch.
You can check the SCRD Property Viewer to determine if your property is affected by a DPA. Keep in mind that DPAs affect mapped and unmapped riparian areas.
How to apply
A pre-application meeting with a Planner is required prior to submitting an application. The meeting is an opportunity for a planner to help ensure that you prepare a complete application; something that significantly reduces the amount of time that it takes for a Planner to process an application.
All application submissions require a completed Statement of Conformance (SOC) for each DPA assessed, to be filled out by a professional alongside a professional’s report. The Statement of Conformance must be given to the professional, and returned to the applicant for submission with a complete Development Permit application.
You must speak with a Planner to ensure that the correct Development Permit Area is assessed, prior to preparing your Development Permit submission.
Forms
Development Permit Application Checklist
Development Permit Application Form
Site Disclosure Statement Declaration
Statement of Conformance (SOC)
1A Coastal Flooding SOC Checklist
1B and 3 Slopes Hazards SOC Checklist
2A Creek Corridor SOC Checklist
2C, 2D Flood Plains and Low Channel Confinement SOC Checklist
4 Riparian Area Protection Regulation SOC Checklist
5 Roberts Creek Shoreline SOC Checklist
5 West Howe Sound Aquifer Protection and Stormwater Management SOC Checklist
6 West Howe Sound Shoreline Protection and Management SOC Checklist
Tree cutting permits are required prior to the removal of trees in areas designated in Tree Cutting Permit Bylaw No. 350.
The permit will be based on the recommendation in reports from a certified Arborist and a Geotechnical Engineer and if near a creek may also require Riparian Assessment. These reports include an assessment of the health of the trees and the potential for erosion on the property, and certifies that cutting will not cause erosion, landslide or other hazard. The permit will require an application fee and bond based on an amount provided in the Arborist’s report for any necessary replanting.
Please discuss your proposal with Planning staff before submitting an application at planning@scrd.ca
Forms
Development Variance Permit
A Development Variance Permit (DVP) is a permit required to vary regulations in a development bylaw (Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Bylaw, Parking Bylaw, and Sign Bylaw) such as building setbacks, height, or parking requirements. A DVP cannot be used to change the permitted uses or density of a property.
Board of Variance
A Board of Variance application may be used when you wish to vary regulations in a development bylaw (Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Bylaw, Parking Bylaw, and Sign Bylaw), such as building setbacks, height, or parking requirements, due to land constraints or previous development patterns that result in hardship.
Forms
Development Variance Permit Application Form
A subdivision application is used for the purpose of dividing a parcel into two or more smaller parcels, but is also used for lot line adjustments or the creation of a bare land strata.
Forms
A Zoning Bylaw Amendment application can be applied for to amend aspects of the Zoning Bylaw as they relate to a parcel’s permitted use and density.
An Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment application can be applied for to amend aspects of the Official Community Plan as they relate to a parcel’s permitted use and density. All OCP Amendment applications will be reviewed for alignment with the SCRD OCP Amendment Policy. Only applications that substantially conform to this policy will be supported.
Forms
An Agricultural Land Commission application is for those who own a parcel within the Agricultural Land Reserve, and who wish to engage in an activity beyond the permitted activities in the Agricultural Land Commission regulations.
Examples could be adding more fill than permitted, subdividing a parcel into parcel’s smaller than permitted, modifying a farm home plate, or creating residential density beyond that permitted.
How to Apply:
Applications are each is handled differently depending on the situation. Please contact Planning Services staff for more information at planning@scrd.ca. Provide your property address and property ID, along with details of your proposal.
Other resources/supporting documents:
It is important to keep in mind that uses and activities in the ALR must conform to the ALC regulations and the zoning bylaw!
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