Planning

Planning & Development Services

Planning & Development Services

Mapping and property information, including civic addresses, assessment roll numbers, parcel identifier (PID) numbers, applicable zoning categories, etc., as well as other information, can be obtained through the iMap Geographic Information System at the following link:

https://imaprdmw.imaptoo.ca/rdmw

There are a number of different planning and land use approval requirements that may necessitate submission of an application to the RDMW. These include Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, amendments to an Official Community Plan / Zoning Bylaw / Land Use Bylaw, and Temporary Use Permit. Regardless of which of these is being applied for, the RDMW uses one form (Development Application Form) that must be completed and submitted to the RDMW. Applicants are encouraged to contact RDMW planning staff to discuss proposals as a prelude to submitting a Development Application.

Bylaws that are of relevance to planning approvals and applications include:

Planning and Development Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 916, 2017

Where the applicant is not the registered owner of the property(ies) subject to a Development Application and is therefore acting in the capacity of agent for the owner(s), the following Agent Authorization Form must be completed and submitted with the Development Application:

Agent Authorization Form

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.

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.

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.

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:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/permits/subdividing

The Ministry’s Development Technician that processes subdivision applications within the Vancouver Island portion of the RDMW is located in Courtenay and can be reached by telephone at 250-334-6951. 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 can be reached at 604-485-3610. 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.

Building and Site Permits

Approval of a Building Permit is required for the siting of buildings and structures in the community of Coal Harbour. In other areas of the Regional District, while approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code, and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Residential Building Permit Guide

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for a Building or Demolition Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility - Building Permit

Application for Site Permit

Owners Acknowlegement of Responsibility - Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Plan

Regional Bylaws

Regional Bylaws

There are two key bylaws that affect either the entire or vast majority of the Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW).  Firstly, the entire RDMW is subject to the Regional Plan, a policy document that was adopted by the Board of Directors by Bylaw No. 890 which provides direction on a variety of matters that affect the RDMW.  Secondly, the vast majority of the RDMW (except for those areas and communities which have their own zoning bylaw: Alder Bay, Coal Harbour, Hyde Creek, Malcolm Island, Quatsino, Telegraph Cove and Woss) is subject to Zoning Bylaw No. 21 which provides detailed regulations pertaining to land use in the rural areas.

Regional District Mount Waddington Regional Plan Bylaw No. 890, 2015: The Regional Plan was adopted by the Regional Board on July 19, 2016 and is an umbrella policy document expressing a common land use vision and goals of the residents of the RDMW. It contains the RDMW’s policies on land use and development, regional and local services, economics, climate change adaptation, transportation, parks and recreation, and communication. The Regional Plan guides the RDMW’s review of development proposals on privately owned and Crown lands. The Regional Plan also describes the roles and relationships the RDMW has and will continue to support with the public, its unincorporated communities, municipalities, First Nations, provincial and federal agencies and other organizations related to the use and management of land and water resources and community development. It is important to note that the RDMW’s jurisdiction does not include the four municipalities and First Nation reserve lands. The vision for the Regional District, as stated in the Regional Plan:

The Regional District of Mount Waddington will continue to be economically oriented to resource use and extraction, with increasing emphasis in managing resources for long-term ecological, economic and social sustainability. New opportunities in tourism, services and small business will help diversify the economy. It is anticipated that there will be limited growth in population and most new housing and related community services will be located in the various municipalities and rural settlement areas of the RDMW.

 Strategic goals include:

- To encourage development that supports economic stability, social well-being and over the longer term, improved economic growth.

- To encourage the ecologically sound use of  land and water and the resources which they provide/support.

- To support development that can be serviced within the capacity of existing RDMW services, through privately funded expansion of existing RDMW services, or through privately developed, owned and maintained service systems.

- To support development of efficient and effective transportation and communication services that provide long term and efficient linkages within the RDMW and beyond.

Regional District of Mount Waddington Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972 (Consolidated February 18, 2020) 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 outside of the communities of Coal Harbour, Hyde Creek, Malcolm Island and Woss, that requires a Building Permit or Site Permit to be applied for and issued for new construction, all 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 the applicable zoning bylaw. The zoning bylaws that are applicable to specific areas are identified below under Unincorporated Communities, otherwise Zoning Bylaw No. 21 applies. Other matters to note include:

- Construction of new dwellings may need to meet certain requirements administered by Licensing & Consumer Services (formerly the Homeowner Protection Office Branch of BC Housing).  Email:  licensinginfo@bchousing.org    Phone:  604-646-7050

- Most areas of the RDMW are not served by community water or sewer systems and private onsite systems are required to be constructed in order to service development. Information regarding legislative requirements can be obtained by contacting the Environmental Health Officer with Island Health located in the Port Hardy Health Centre at 7070 Market Street, Port Hardy, or by telephone and email (250-902-6078 or 250-902-6089 / HPES.PortHardy@viha.ca).

- Electrical and gas work may require a permit from the Technical Safety BC and you are advised to check with the TSBC in this regard (Tel: 1-866-566-7233 Web: https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca).

Municipalities

Municipalities

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

Unincorporated Communities

There are a number of areas / unincorporated communities within the RDMW that are subject to their own Official Community Plan Bylaws and/or Zoning Bylaws and may also be subject to the requirement to obtain a Building Permit or Site Permit as a prelude to undertaking the construction of buildings and structures:

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 approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgment of Responsibility - Site Permit

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

Building Bylaw:

The siting of buildings and structures in Coal Harbour must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code, and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Building Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Building Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the BC Building Code and the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Residential Building Permit Guide

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Building or Demolition Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form - Building Permit

Example of Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Knotweed - Land Clearing and Construction

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 - Map No. 1

Zoning Bylaw:

Hyde Creek Zoning Bylaw No. 648, 2002 (Consolidated March 20, 2018)

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

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility - Site Permit

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 (consolidated November 18, 2019)

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

Malcolm Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 708, 2005 - Schedule C, Foreshore Designations

Zoning Bylaw:

Malcolm Island Zoning Bylaw No. 725, 2006 (consolidated May 17, 2022)

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

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

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form - Site Permit

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

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of building and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgment of Responsibility - Site Permit

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is subject to Regional District of Mount Waddington Regional Plan Bylaw No. 890, 2015 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

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgment of Responsibility - Site Permit

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 Community Plan Bylaw No. 371 (Consolidated September 19, 2017)

Winter Harbour Community Plan Land Use Map

Zoning Bylaw:

RDMW Zoning Bylaw No. 21, 1972 (Consolidated May 15, 2018)

Zoning Map No. 6 – Winter Harbour (Zoning Bylaw No. 21)

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)

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Building or Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgment of Responsibility - Site Permit

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

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

Building Bylaw:

While approval of a Building Permit is not required, the siting of buildings and structures must be undertaken in accordance with the BC Building Code and a Building Bylaw is in effect that requires a Site Permit be applied for and issued by the Regional District. The Site Permit process is designed to ensure that the siting of buildings and structures conforms to the requirements of the applicable zoning bylaw. Please refer to the following links for more information:

Building Bylaw No. 682, 2003 (Consolidated)

Application for Site Permit

Example Site Plan to Accompany Application for Site Permit

Owners Acknowledgement of Responsibility - Site Permit

Other Information

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 Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors at:

Website: http://www.cahpi.ca

Conduct a Search on the Internet at: CAHPI Find a Home Inspector - Proximity Search

Telephone: 1-888-748-2244

Information can be obtained from the BC Housing Public Registry of Residential Builders at:

Website: https://www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services 

Conduct a Search on the Internet at: https://lims.bchousing.org/LIMSPortal/registry/Licence/

Telephone:  1-800-257-7756

Link to Provincial website for British Columbia Building, Fire, and Plumbing Codes:  https://www.bcpublications.ca/BCPublications/

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT

Bylaw enforcement officers investigate complaints received by the public regarding alleged bylaw violations. Complaints are responded to on a priority basis, and it's important to remember that not all nuisances are in violation of bylaws. All complaints must be submitted in writing before they will be considered for investigation. A complete written complaint shall consist of the following information: date of complaint, name / telephone number / email address / mailing address of complainant; detailed description of the nature of the alleged infraction(s) including times, dates, location and any other relevant details. Anonymous complaints will not be investigated, nor will complaints that lack detailed information regarding the nature of the alleged bylaw infraction. For clarification, email is an acceptable form of written complaint provided the aforementioned information is included in full.  A fillable "Bylaw Enforcement Complaint Form" is also available for download; please click HERE

All bylaw enforcement matters are considered confidential and every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality of the complainant, although disclosure may be required or necessary in dealing with proceedings in a court of law.  


If you have any questions about regional district bylaws that are not answered on this website, concerns regarding anonymity or are hesitant to make a formal complaint, please contact the Development Technician at 250-956-3301 or by email at eokorji@rdmw.bc.ca

Contact

Contact

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

 

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