Temporary Use Permit

Temporary Use Permits allow Council to consider short-term uses that are not permitted under the current zoning.

Quick facts

  • Permit type: Council approval required
  • Duration: up to 3 years
  • Typical term: up to 2 years
  • Renewal: may be renewed once
  • Purpose: temporary uses not permitted by zoning

Temporary Use Permits do not permanently change zoning. When the permit expires, the permitted uses revert to those allowed under the Zoning Bylaw.

Important considerations

Temporary Use Permits are intended for temporary or seasonal uses only.

They are not intended to replace rezoning applications where a permanent change to land use is proposed. If a proposed use is expected to continue long-term, applicants may be directed to pursue a rezoning application instead.

All Temporary Use Permit applications must be consistent with the Official Community Plan (OCP) and must fit within the character of the surrounding neighbourhood and land uses.

When is a Temporary Use Permit needed?

You may need a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) if:

  • your proposed use is not permitted under the current zoning
  • the use is intended to be temporary or experimental
  • the City wishes to evaluate the impacts of a use before considering a permanent zoning change

Planning staff can help determine whether a TUP is the appropriate process for your proposal.

When a Temporary Use Permit may be considered

Council may consider a Temporary Use Permit where:

  • a proposed use is temporary or seasonal in nature
  • the use is not permitted under the current zoning
  • the proposal is compatible with surrounding land uses
  • potential impacts can be managed through permit conditions

Conditions may address matters such as noise, lighting, parking, traffic, or other potential impacts on neighbouring properties.

Application process

Temporary Use Permits are reviewed by staff and considered by Council.

The general process includes:

  1. Pre-application meeting (recommended)
    Applicants are encouraged to speak with Planning staff before submitting an application.  
  2. Submit an application
    Submit the completed Temporary Use Application [PDF/174KB]form and required supporting materials.
  3. Staff review
    City staff review the proposal and may circulate it to other departments.
  4. Public notification
    Nearby property owners may be notified of the proposed permit.
  5. Council consideration
    Temporary Use Permits are considered by City Council at a public meeting.
  6. Permit issuance
    If approved, Council issues the permit with conditions and a defined duration.

Application requirements

Applications must include the required materials outlined in the Development Procedures Bylaw.

Typical submission requirements include:

  • A completed Temporary Use Permit Application Form [PDF/174KB]
  • An owner authorization (if the applicant is not the property owner)
  • A written description of the proposed temporary use
  • A current certificate of title (no more than 30 days old)
  • Copies of any covenants or easements registered on title
  • Site plans showing the proposed use
  • Colour photographs of the site
  • Additional studies if required (for example traffic, servicing or drainage)

A written submission should explain the proposal and describe how it meets applicable guidelines.  Please use the downloadable TUP Checklist [PDF/1.1MB] to ensure your application is complete. 

Conditions and limitations

Council may impose conditions on a Temporary Use Permit to address potential impacts such as:

  • location of the temporary use
  • site design and layout
  • parking and traffic
  • hours of operation
  • access and safety
  • environmental considerations
  • landscaping or screening
  • demolition or removal of temporary structures
  •  site restoration when the permit expires
  • security deposits to ensure permit conditions are met

When a Temporary Use Permit expires, the use must end unless the permit is renewed or the property is rezoned.

Apply 

Download and complete the application form below:

Submit completed applications to:

Planning Division
City of Courtenay
830 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7

planning@courtenay.ca
250-703-4839

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