Municipal Permitting

Question 1

What 2 pieces of legislation are used for municipal permitting?

Answer 1

• Local Government Act
• Community Charter

Question 2

What are the steps required for a development project?

Answer 2

■ Subdivision of the land
■ Zoning or rezoning
■ Permits for development

Question 3

What are the 2 components of land use planning?

Answer 3

• OCP
• Zoning Bylaw

Question 4

What is an OCP and when is it periodically reviewed?

Answer 4

Official Community Plan. It is a long-term strategy for land use in a municipality. Includes a map that designates various parcels for a certain type of use. Reviewed after 10 years.

Question 5

What is a zoning bylaw?

Answer 5

A detailed description of how land in a municipality can be used .

Question 6

What is the effect of the development permits (DP) and who is responsible for issuing them?

Answer 6

They impose conditions respecting timing and sequence of construction. DPs can be issued by the City Planner

Question 7

How does the land registration system work in BC?

Answer 7

BC uses the modified Torrens system that provides an official record of land ownership and related charges

Question 8

What are the three principles of the Torrens System?

Answer 8

• Mirror Principle
• Curtain Principle
• Indemnity Principle

Question 9

What is land use planning and what are its two components?

Answer 9

■ Process of controlling what can and cannot be done with a particular property.
■ Two components: OCP and a zoning bylaw.

Question 10

What is the Board of Variance and what are its powers?

Answer 10

An independent board established under the Local Government Act.
It can vary a zoning bylaw.

Question 11

List and explain 3 possible permits issued by municipalities.

Answer 11

■ Building Permit: required to construct or modify a building
■ Occupancy Permit: required to occupy building.
■ Soil Deposit/Removal Permit: required for any deposit or removal of soil.