What is the Official Community Plan?
The OCP establishes a framework for directing future growth and land use in the City of Prince George. The Plan provides for long-term land use in terms of residential, commercial, and industrial development, as well as green-space and agricultural land. The document provides a long-term plan for the future of the city and is comprised of background information, policies, and maps. A complete copy of the OCP is available here.
What is the process for Land Use Change Applications? Land Use Change can involve rezoning a property, amending the OCP, or altering a land use contract. The first step for any of these applications is to have a pre-application consultation with a Planner who can provide you with advice and direction saving you considerable time and effort. A complete explanation of the land use change process is available in the Circular: A Guide to Land Use Change is available in the Guides and Circular section of this web site.
What is a Development Permit?
Development Permits (DP) allow the City to manage specific types of development. DPs are in addition to normal zoning, servicing, building, and fire code regulations and may supercede Zoning Bylaw requirements by setting terms and conditions that differ from or supplement those in the Zoning Bylaw. However, a DP may not vary the permitted uses or densities of land use prescribed by existing zoning regulations.
When do I need a Development Permit?
The Official Community Plan has designated the following properties as Development Permit Areas: commercially designated and zoned properties; the Carter Industrial Area; the Queeensway East Industrial Area; and any industrial designated or zoned lot within 50 metres of a major road; all areas zoned to allow Multiple Family Housing; comprehensive duplex dwelling areas; or comprehensive strata developments. For a complete description of the DP process please see the Circular: A Guide to the Development Permit Process
What is the Development Permit process?
What is a Development Variance Permit?
Development Variance Permits (DVPs) are required when a particular development is unable to effectively comply with certain regulations within a Prince George Bylaw. Bylaws in the City of Prince George that can be varied are: Zoning Bylaw; Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw; Sign Bylaw; Manufactured Home Park Bylaw; and Land Use Contract Bylaws.
What is the process of obtaining a Development Variance Permit?
How long does the application process take?
Rezoning applications - 3-4 months
Official Community Plan amendments - 4 months
Development Permits - 5-6 weeks
Development Variance Permits - 5-6 weeks
These times are approximate and depend on the complexity of the application. Times are measured from application submission to final reading or permit issuance.
How do I obtain Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, Rezoning, and/or Official Community Plan Amendment Applications?
Application forms can be obtained from the Planning and Development Department either by coming to City Hall or requesting the form to be faxed. The application forms are also available on this web site.
What are the primary reasons for an application to be refused?
The development process is designed for planners and applicants to work together and find solutions to development challenges. However, the primary reasons for an application to be refused are:
- The proposed use of land is inconsistent with its zoning and Official Community Plan designation and therefore rezoning is not appropriate
- The proposed development is not able to meet zoning and safety requirements and cannot be corrected through variances or design modification
Can I appeal a decision?
Applicants can choose to proceed to City Council with or without the support of the Planning and Development department. Council will consider a variance or land use change application without the support of the Planning and Development Department. If Council also decides against a development variance permit or a land use change application, the applicant can modify their proposal and go through the variance/land use change application process again.
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