Development Permits

A development permit regulates the form and character of buildings, signage, landscaping, screening, lighting and parking. It also ensures the protection of the environment, farming areas and developments in hazardous locations like steep slopes.

A development permit is binding for both the City and permit-holder. It may include conditions like construction timelines and bonding, but cannot change land use or density. (Zoning amendments are required for that. See Zoning Bylaw for more information.)

Some land uses and areas in Courtenay require a development permit, as outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP). Designated areas are listed below and shown on Maps D-1 to D-7 in the OCP (pages 202–212), or on the interactive map. For most form and character permits, a development permit is required regardless of location.

Development Permit Areas (DPAs)

There are five types of DPAs:

  • DPA-1: Commercial, industrial, large-scale residential and mixed-use
  • DPA-2: Small-scale, multi-unit residential
  • DPA-3: Farm protection
  • DPA-4: Environmental protection
  • DPA-5: Hazard protection (steep slopes)

Each DPA has specific guidelines in the zoning bylaw that must be followed during development.

When is a development permit required?

A development permit is required for activities in established DPAs, including:

  • Subdivision (for farm protection, environmental and hazardous condition DPAs).
  • Building or land alterations (construction, additions or changes to parking areas).
  • Work in or adjacent to environmentally sensitive or hazardous areas.

Note: Residential developments with one or two dwelling units do not need a form and character development permit, even in heritage neighbourhoods. This exemption was added through Bylaws 3176 and 3177, adopted on May 7, 2025. Updated development permit guidelines will be available soon.

DPAs in Courtenay

Note: this section is under development.

On May 7, 2025, Council adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning amendment bylaws to streamline DPA-1 and DPA-2. These changes are now in effect.

The parent bylaws will be updated to include these amendments. Until then, please refer to the adopted amending bylaws:

Other development permit areas

No changes were made to DPA 3, DPA-4 or DPA-5. Refer to the current guidelines.

Compliance checklists

Use the compliance checklists to confirm your development meets the current guidelines:

Applying for a development permit

Access the development permit application form. The application process is outlined below:

1. Research

2. Discuss or meet with Planning staff

  • Contact Planning staff to discuss your proposal.
  • When you have prepared sufficient information for review, staff will arrange a meeting to discuss your proposal with you, including requirements, fees and policies.

3. Prepare and submit your application

  • Open the development permit application form. (You can start your application, save your progress and return to it later.)
  • Gather required documents identified by Planning staff.
  • Complete the application and pay the required fees

4.  Referrals and review

  • Staff will send your application to relevant internal departments and external agencies for review.
  • You may be asked to provide additional information or studies.
  • Once complete, staff prepare a technical report for the Director of Development Services.

5. Decision

  • The Director of Development Services reviews your application and may approve the permit, approve with conditions, refuse the permit or refer the application to Council for further review.
  • If approved, a Notice of Permit is registered on the property title at the Land Title Office.

Need to vary zoning regulations (e.g., setbacks, height)? You may require a Development Variance Permit (DVP) instead.