In each zoning district, there is a list of land uses that are either permitted or discretionary. Permitted land uses are determined to be compatible with the area and can be approved by the City's Development Officer. Discretionary land uses are operations that may be appropriate in that area but must be further reviewed for compatibility. The size and scale of the proposed development, traffic impacts, servicing and adjacent land uses may all be taken into consideration. The demand for the land use in that area may also be considered. City Council must approve any application for a discretionary use. 

Prior to applying, you should discuss the broad outlines of your project with the City’s Planning and Development Services. They will assist you to determine if your proposal is justifiable for economic, location, timing and land use purposes. 

Land subdivision means the division of a parcel of land into smaller lots or consolidation of two or more lots into one bigger parcel. When land is subdivided a separate title will be issued for each of the new lots.  

A proposal to subdivide land must conform to the provisions of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 and the City’s Zoning Bylaw. This ensures that subdivisions comply with the basic provincial standards and local land use policies. 

Prior to applying, you should discuss the broad outlines of the project with Planning & Development Services. They will assist you to determine if your proposal is justifiable for economic, locational, timing and land use purposes.  

When a proposed development of land or subdivision contravenes the City’s Zoning Bylaw, a zoning variance can be requested from the Development Appeals Board. The Board hears appeals regarding the following: 

• “Excessive” development standards attached to an approved Discretionary Use 

• Misapplication of the Zoning Bylaw by the Development Officer while issuing a Development Permit 
• Refusal of a Development Application because it would contravene the City’s Zoning Bylaw 

Prior to applying you should discuss the broad outlines of your project with Planning & Development Services. They will assist you to determine if your proposal is justifiable for economic, locational, timing and land use purposes. 

To learn more about the Board, visit Development Appeals Board

Rezoning Amendment: a land rezoning application is required to develop land for a purpose that is not in agreement with the City’s Zoning Bylaw. For example, if you propose to construct an autobody shop on land designated for residential purposes, you need to apply for and obtain rezoning approval before a development application can be approved. 

Zoning Bylaw Text Amendment: may be proposed to change a regulation contained within the Zoning Bylaw, or to add or remove land uses from the list of permitted and discretionary uses for a Zoning District. 

Prior to applying, you should discuss the broad outlines of your project with the City’s Planning and Development Services. They will assist you to determine if your proposal is justifiable for economic, location, timing and land use purposes. 

Fees & Time Frames 

*delays will occur if applications are incomplete