Apply for a Development Approval
The City of Castlegar considers approvals for several types of development applications, in alignment with the City’s land use regulations and design guidelines.
Development Services
Types of development applications include development permits, variances, temporary use permits, amendments, and subdivision.
Pre-Application Meeting
Before you start planning your project, visit Request Property Information to find your property’s zoning, servicing, and other key elements. When you are ready to apply, Request a Pre-Application Meeting with City staff for guidance on application requirements and timelines.
Development Permits
Development Permits are required if you are planning a multi-unit residential, commercial or industrial project, or your property in a hazardous or environmentally sensitive Development Permit Area identified by the City’s Community Plan. The City’s Servicing Bylaw (Bylaw 1018) outlines the rules for the infrastructure and services needed when land is developed.
Development Approval Application
Variances
Development Variance permits or Board of Variance Decisions may be requested if you are unable to meet setbacks, height, sign, parking, or servicing requirements of the City’s Zoning Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, or Servicing Bylaw. You can apply to the Board of Variance if you feel compliance with the bylaw would cause undue hardship. For example, if a rock outcrop on your property makes it difficult to position a building to meet the required setbacks.
Most Development Variance Permit requests (25% or less) take about 2-3 weeks to process. Applications that must go to City Council can take up to two months because of required notification. Board of Variance decisions also take about 2-3 weeks, depending on Board availability.
Development Approval Application
Temporary Use Permits
Temporary Use Permits are an option if your planned use isn’t permitted under your property’s zoning and is intended to be temporary or seasonal. A Temporary Use Permit may be issued for up to three (3) years and may be renewed once at the discretion of the City.
Most Temporary Use Permit requests (12 months or less) take about 2-3 weeks to process. Applications that must go to City Council can take two months or longer because of required notification and in some cases, hearing requirements.
Development Approval Application
Amendments
Zoning Amendments are an option if your planned use isn’t permitted under your property’s zoning. Your request must fit with the City’s Community Plan and may sometimes need changes to the Plan. If approved, this change is permanent, unlike a Temporary Use Permit, which is only in place for a limited time.
An Amendment may take three to four months to process.
Development Approval Application
Subdivisions
Subdivisions can include:
- combining two or more properties into one
- adjusting an existing lot line
- creating new lots from one or more parcels
- creating strata lots or phased strata lots
The City’s Servicing Bylaw (Bylaw 1018) outlines the rules for the infrastructure and services needed when land is subdivided. All subdivision proposals must also follow the City’s Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to make sure new development fits the long‑term vision for the community.
Subdivision isn’t always quick to complete, and there can be costs for engineering, servicing, and related on‑site or off‑site improvements.
Sign Permits
The City’s Sign Bylaw (Bylaw 1254) outlines the rules for signage such as for home based businesses, commercial, and industrial developments. Please contact us to learn how it applies to your project.
Hen & Bee Licensing
Residents can keep hens and bees in the city. A license is required to ensure they are well-kept, don’t attract wildlife, and are good neighbours.
- Hen Owner Guidelines
- Hen Owner Agency Agreement
- Hen & Bee Application
- Beekeeper Guidelines
- Beekeeper Agency Agreement
- Beekeeper License Form
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