Apply for a Development Approval
The City of Castlegar grants approvals for several types of development applications, in alignment with the City’s adopted land use regulations and design guidelines.
Development Services
Types of development applications include Community Plan and Zoning Amendments, Temporary Use Permits, Development Permits, and Development Variances.
Pre-Development Meeting
If you are planning to make an application for a development approval with the City, it is recommended that you schedule a pre-application Meeting with the City’s Planner or Approving Officer, who can assist you in ensuring your application is complete. See Request a Pre-Development Meeting for details.
Official Community Plan or Zoning Amendment
If the proposed use of your property does not align with the permitted uses or intent of your property, you may be required to pursue a land use amendment to the City’s Bylaw 1150 – Consolidated – Official Community Plan or Bylaw 800 – Zoning.
An Official Community Plan Amendment or Zoning Amendment may take three to four months to process.
Official Community Plan or Zoning Amendment Guide
Planning & Development Approval Application
Development Permits
Development Permits are required when you are proposing a multi-family, commercial or industrial development or are developing property in a designated Development Permit Area as identified by Castlegar’s Official Community Plan. Please refer to the City’s Official Community Plan to find out if your proposal falls within a Development Permit Area.
Minor Development Permits may take two to three weeks to process while Major Development Permits may take two to three months.
Planning & Development Approvals Guide
Planning & Development Approval Application
Development Variance or Board of Variance
A Development Variance may be required if you are unable to meet building setbacks, siting, height, sign or parking requirements or servicing requirements of the City’s Bylaw 800 – Zoning, Bylaw 1254 – Signs or Bylaw 1018 – Subdivision and Development Servicing. Board of Variance may also be used if the variance is minor in nature or where there is undue hardship.
A Board of Variance may take only weeks to process while a Development Variance can take up to two to three months.
Development Variance or Board of Variance Guide
Planning & Development Approval Application
Temporary Use Permits
Temporary Use Permits are used in instances where you may wish to use a property for a short duration for purposes that do not align with the City’s Bylaw 800 – Zoning. A Temporary Use Permit is valid for a period of three (3) years and is subject to renewal.
Minor Temporary Use Permits may take two to three weeks to process while Major Temporary Use Permits may take two to three months.
Planning & Development Approval Application
Subdivision
Subdivision can include:
- consolidation of properties
- boundary adjustments between properties
- the creation of new parcels from one or more existing parcels; or
- the creation of strata or phased strata lots
The City’s Bylaw 1018 – Subdivision and Development Servicing sets out the requirements for works and services associated with a subdivision proposal. Subdivision proposals must also align with the City’s Bylaw 1150 – Official Community Plan and Bylaw 800 – Zoning.
Subdivision takes time, even for simple applications, and can include significant costs associated with servicing, provision of on-site and off-site works and engineering.
Planning & Development Approval Application
Sign Bylaw
The City’s Bylaw 1254 – Signs guides the form and character of signage for home based businesses and commercial and industrial operations. Please contact us for more details on what is permitted.
Hens & Bees
The City of Castlegar allows for the keeping of hens and bees.
- Hen Owner Guidelines
- Hen Owner Agency Agreement
- Hen Owner License Form
- Beekeeper Guidelines
- Beekeeper Agency Agreement
- Beekeeper License Form
Other Resources
CastleMap
The City of Castlegar’s online mapping tool CastleMap is available to find out more information about a specific property, including what zoning is applicable and other information that may assist in development / developer decisions.
Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA)
For title information, including ownership of a property, visit the BC LTSA website.