Development engineering

Subdivision

Subdivision is the process of changing legal property boundaries to create new parcels of land. The main types include:

• Fee simple: Splitting land into two or more separate lots.
• Bare land strata: Multiple lots within one property, with shared common land.
• Building strata: Individual units within a building, each with a separate title.
• Phased strata: A strata development built in stages.
• Strata conversion: Turning an existing building, such as an apartment, into separate unit.

Why City approval is needed

The Approving Officer makes final decisions on subdivisions based on provincial laws and City bylaws. They ensure new subdivisions meet zoning, infrastructure and environmental requirements.

Key considerations include:

• lot sizes and shapes
• road access and emergency services
• parks, open spaces and walkways
• environmental protection
• compatibility with surrounding areas
• sewer, water and drainage services