Planning

Planning Approvals / Applications

There are a number of different planning and land use approval requirements that may necessitate submission of an application to the RDMW for consideration. Regardless of the type of approval being sought, the RDMW utilizes one application form (Development Application Form) that must be completed and submitted to the RDMW. Where the applicant is not the registered owner of the property subject to the application, and is therefore acting in the capacity of agent, an Agent Authorization Form must be completed and submitted by the registered owner(s).

 

The following is an overview of the various types of planning approvals:

 

Development Permit

An official community plan may designate Development Permit areas for a variety of purposes (e.g. protection of the natural environment) in accordance with the Local Government Act. Depending on the purpose of the designation of a Development Permit area, a variety of restrictions may apply such as: a) land may not be subdivided or altered; b) construction of, addition to or alteration of a building or structure must not be started; until a Development Permit has been approved by the RDMW.

 

The following Development Application Form must be completed and submitted to the RDMW for consideration of approval of a Development Permit:

 

Development Application Form

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW staff as a prelude to submitting a Development Application for the purpose of requesting a Development Permit.

 

 

Development Variance Permit

The purpose of a Development Variance Permit is to allow for a variance (change) in applicable zoning or land use bylaw regulations. Examples include relaxation of setback requirements for buildings and structures, reduction in parking requirements, increase in building height, etc. A Development variance Permit must be approved by the Regional Board and may not vary regulations pertaining to land use (permitted uses) or density. The following Development Application Form must be completed and submitted to the RDMW for consideration of approval of a Development Variance Permit:

 

Development Application Form

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW staff as a prelude to submitting a Development Application for the purpose of obtaining a Development Variance Permit.

 

 

Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment / Zoning Bylaw Amendment / Land Use Bylaw Amendment

An official community plan (OCP) provides a policy framework that includes goals and objectives pertaining to a variety of topics/issues such as housing, transportation, servicing and infrastructure, parks, economic development, social matters, the natural environment, etc., that are used to guide the growth and development of a community. An OCP includes a map, commonly referred to as a land use plan, that prescribes various land use designations (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) for both existing developed areas, and future development areas. An OCP is adopted by the Regional Board in the form of a bylaw.

 

A zoning bylaw or land use bylaw is intended to implement the policies of the official community plan through more detailed regulations. It will include a map which applies different zoning categories to properties within the community and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc.

 

In situations where a property owner wishes to use or develop property in a manner that is inconsistent with the provisions of an OCP, zoning bylaw or land use bylaw, it is possible to request consideration of an amendment. In some cases, it will be necessary to amend both the OCP and applicable zoning bylaw or land use bylaw to accommodate a proposal of this nature.

 

The following Development Application Form must be completed and submitted to the RDMW for consideration of approval of an official community plan bylaw, zoning bylaw or land use bylaw amendment:

 

Development Application Form

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW staff as a prelude to submitting a Development Application for the purpose of requesting an amendment.

 

 

Subdivision

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure processes and approves applications related to the subdivision of land within the RDMW (for municipalities, please consult the applicable municipality). Information, including a copy of the application form required for subdivision, can be found on the Ministry’s website at:

 

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/DA/Subdivision_Home.asp

 

The Ministry’s Development Technician that processes subdivision applications within the Vancouver Island portion of the RDMW is Mr. Brendan Kelly who is located in Courtenay and can be reached by telephone at 250-334-6967 or by email at Brendan.Kelly@gov.bc.ca. For the mainland portion of the RDMW, including islands located between Vancouver Island and the mainland, the Ministry’s Development Technician that processes subdivision applications is Mr. Clint Monson who can be reached by telephone at 604-485-3610 or by email at Clint.Monson@gov.bc.ca. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the RDMW as a prelude to preparing and submitting an application for subdivision.

 

 

Temporary Use Permit

The Local Government Act permits the issuance of a Temporary Use Permits in areas which have been designated to allow temporary uses in an official community plan or zoning / land use bylaw. A Temporary Use Permit allows a use to be undertaken on a temporary basis on property for which the use is not otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning or land use bylaw.

 

The following Development Application Form must be completed and submitted to the RDMW for consideration of approval of a Temporary Use Permit:

 

Development Application Form

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW staff as a prelude to submitting a Development Application for the purpose of requesting a Temporary Use Permit.

 

Other Information

If you wish to locate and contact a Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) certified professional that provides wood burning appliance installation and inspection services in your area, please contact Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. at:

 

Website: http://www.wettinc.ca

Conduct a Search on the Internet at: http://www.wettinc.ca/search.html

Email: info@wettinc.ca

Telephone: 1-888-358-9388

Fax: 1-416-968-6818

Mail: 189 Queen Street East, Suite 1, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S2

 

If you wish to locate and contact a house or property inspector that provides services in your area, please contact the British Columbia Institute of Property Inspectors (BCIPI) at:

Website: http://www.bcipi.com/

Conduct a Search on the Internet at: http://www.bcipi.com/findinspector.php

Email: info@bcipi.net

Telephone: 604-584-2447

Fax: 604-585-2790

Mail: 10767 - 148th Street, Surrey, BC V3R 0S4

 

Or, the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (BC) at:

Website: http://www.cahpi.bc.ca

Conduct a Search on the Internet at: http://www.cahpi.bc.ca/Rotator/find.html

Email: info@cahpi.bc.ca

Telephone within BC: 1-800-610-5665

Outside BC: 250-491-3979

Fax within BC: 1-866-405-9232

Fax outside BC: 250-491-2285

Mail: #5 - 3304 Appaloosa Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 2W5

There are two bylaws that apply:

1.	Regional District Mount Waddington Regional Plan Bylaw No. 674, 2003: The Regional Plan was adopted by the Regional Board on September 16, 2003. The purpose of the Regional Plan is to:
	a)	Establish land use planning strategies and policies for the Electoral Areas and communities within the Regional District;
	b)	To describe the approach and priorities the Regional District will support in the planning and use of Crown lands and waters;
	c)	Describe the roles and relationships the Regional District will continue to support with communities, municipalities, First Nations, provincial and federal agencies and other organizations and the public related to the use and management of land and water resources and community development.

Strategic goals include:

	a)	To encourage development that supports economic stability and over the longer term, economic growth;
	b)	To encourage ecologically sound land and water use;
	c)	To support development that can be serviced within the capacity of existing regional services or through private service systems; and,
	d)	To support development of efficient and effective transportation and communication services that provide long term and efficient linkages within and beyond the RDMW.

 

2.	Regional District of Mount Waddington Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972: Zoning Bylaw No. 21 prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc.

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect for the rural area that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, the placement of buildings and structures must comply with the regulations of Regional District of Mount Waddington Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972.

 

 

Provincial Plans

• North Island Straits Coastal Plan
• Quatsino Sound Coastal Plan

 

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding land use planning, development and building, please contact the Manager of Planning for the RDMW, by telephone at 250-956-3301 or by email:

 

 

 

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The Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) includes four municipalities within its boundaries, namely the District of Port Hardy, Town of Port McNeill, Village of Alert Bay and Village of Port Alice. Each of these municipalities regulates matters pertaining to planning, development and building within their respective jurisdictional boundaries. For information, please call the applicable municipality:

 

District of Port Hardy: 250-949-6665

 

Town of Port McNeill: 250-956-3111

 

Village of Alert Bay: 250-974-5213

 

Village of Port Alice: 250-284-3391

Unincorporated Communities

There are a number of unincorporated communities within the RDMW as follows:

 

Alder Bay

Alder Bay is comprised of one property totalling 11.88 hectares (29.4 acres) which is operated as a campground, marina and boat launch (Alder Bay Resort). Alder Bay is subject to Regional District of Mount Waddington Alder Bay Resort Land Use Bylaw No. 491. The Land Use Bylaw prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following link for more information:

 

Regional District of Mount Waddington Alder Bay Resort Land Use Bylaw No. 491

 

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect for Alder Bay that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, the placement of buildings and structures must comply with the regulations of Regional District of Mount Waddington Alder Bay Resort Land Use Bylaw No. 491.

 

 

Coal Harbour

The community of Coal Harbour is subject to an Official Community Plan Bylaw (Bylaw No. 657, 2002) and a Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 669, 2002). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management for the community into the future. The Zoning Bylaw is intended to implement the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Official Community Plan:

Coal Harbour Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 657, 2002

Coal Harbour Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 657, 2002 - Map No. 1

 

Zoning Bylaw:

Coal Harbour Zoning Bylaw No. 669, 2002

Coal Harbour Zoning Bylaw No. 669, 2002 - Zone Map No. 1

 

A Building Bylaw is also in effect for Coal Harbour that requires a Building Permit be applied for and issued for most new construction. In addition, a Demolition Permit must be applied for and issued with respect to building demolition. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Building Bylaw:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Building Permit

RDMW Development Procedures Bylaw No. 594, 1999 (Consolidated)

 

Hyde Creek

The community of Hyde Creek is subject to an Official Community Plan Bylaw (Bylaw No. 613, 2001) and a Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 648, 2002). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management for the community into the future. The Zoning Bylaw is intended to implement the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Official Community Plan:

Hyde Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 613, 2001

Hyde Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 613, 2001 - Map No. 1

 

Zoning Bylaw:

Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw No. 648, 2002

Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw No. 648, 2002 - Zone Map No. 1

 

While approval of a Building Permit is not required for new construction, all building must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code. A Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued prior to undertaking new construction. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that new construction conforms to the requirements of Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw No. 648, 2002. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Building Bylaw:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Site Permit

RDMW Development Procedures Bylaw No. 594, 1999 (Consolidated)

 

Malcolm Island / Sointula

Malcolm Island is subject to an Official Community Plan Bylaw (Bylaw No. 708, 2005) and a Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 725, 2006). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management into the future. The Zoning Bylaw is intended to implement the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Official Community Plan:

Malcolm Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 708, 2005

Malcolm Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 708, 2005 - Schedule B1, Malcolm Island

Malcolm Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 708, 2005 - Schedule B, Sointula

 

Zoning Bylaw:

Malcolm Island Zoning Bylaw No. 725, 2006

Malcolm Island Zoning Bylaw No. 725, 2006 - Schedule A (Malcolm Island)

Malcolm Island Zoning Bylaw No. 725, 2006 - Schedule B (Sointula)

 

While approval of a Building Permit is not required for new construction, all building must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code. A Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued prior to undertaking new construction. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that new construction conforms to the requirements of Malcolm Island Zoning Bylaw No. 725, 2006. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Building Bylaw:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Site Permit

RDMW Development Procedures Bylaw No. 594, 1999 (Consolidated)

 

Quatsino

The community of Quatsino is subject to an Official Community Plan Bylaw (Bylaw No. 656, 2002) and a Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 670, 2002). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management for the community into the future. The Zoning Bylaw is intended to implement the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Official Community Plan:

Quatsino Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 656, 2002

Map No. 1 of Quatsino Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 656, 2002

 

Zoning Bylaw:

Quatsino Zoning Bylaw No. 670, 2002

Zone Map No. 1 of Quatsino Zoning Bylaw No. 670, 2002

 

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect for the community of Quatsino that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, please ensure that the placement of buildings and structures comply with the regulations of Quatsino Zoning Bylaw No. 670, 2002.

 

 

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is subject to Regional District of Mount Waddington Regional Plan Bylaw No. 674, 2003 and the majority of the Telegraph Cove area is subject to Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw No. 497. The Land Use Bylaw prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw No. 497, 1999 Consolidated

 

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect for Telegraph Cove that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, the placement of buildings and structures must comply with the regulations of Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw No. 497.

 

 

Winter Harbour and Holberg

The community of Winter Harbour is subject to an Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 371) and a Zoning Bylaw (RDMW Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management for the community into the future. While Holberg does not have its own Official Community Plan, it is also subject to RDMW Zoning Bylaw No. 21. The Zoning Bylaw prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Winter Harbour Official Community Plan:

Winter Harbour Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 371

 

Zoning Bylaw:

Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972 (Consolidated)

Zoning Map No. 6 – Winter Harbour

Zoning Map No. 8 – Holberg

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 641, 2001 (Amends Zoning Map No. 8 – Holberg)

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 671, 2002 (Amends Zoning Map No. 8 – Holberg)

 

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction in these communities, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, please ensure that the placement of buildings and structures comply with the regulations of Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972.

 

 

Woss

The community of Woss is subject to an Official Community Plan Bylaw (Bylaw No. 555, 1999) and a Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw No. 556, 1999). The Official Community Plan includes objectives and policies to guide decisions related to planning and land use management for the community into the future. The Land Use Bylaw is intended to implement the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan and prescribes detailed regulations related to land use, the siting, size and dimensions of buildings, minimum lot size for the purposes of subdivision, etc. Please refer to the following links for more information:

 

Official Community Plan:

Woss Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 555, 1999

Woss Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 555, Schedule A-1

 

Land Use Bylaw:

Woss Community Land Use Bylaw No. 556, 1999 Consolidated NEW!

Woss Community Land Use Bylaw No. 556, 1999, Schedule A-2

 

While there is no Building Bylaw in effect for the community of Woss that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit be applied for and issued for new construction, building construction must meet the requirements of the BC Building Code. As part of the planning for new construction, please ensure that the placement of buildings and structures comply with the regulations of Woss Community Land Use Bylaw No. 556, 1999.