Development Bylaws

Example Scenarios

So, your property is located in a Development Permit area, and you would like to modify the exterior of your building?

The purpose of a Development Permit is to ensure that what you propose complies with the Official Community Plan (OCP). A Development Permit areas ensure that the “look” of the neighbourhood remains as stipulated in the OCP.

If you apply for a building permit in a Development Permit Area, the Building Inspector will not issue you a Building Permit until they receive notification from the Village of Nakusp that a development permit was approved for your property. Getting a Development Permit is easy and depending on the type of development may take more than 4 weeks to finish the review. Administration review the OCP and the Zoning Bylaw, to see if your project complies to both. An onsite inspection may be required to determine if your project fits the aesthetics of the neighbourhood. Please see the Forms and Fees pages for the Development Permit Application fee (application).

Do you need a Development Variance Permit to begin your project?

A Development Variance Permit is required if your project is not in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw, your property is already deemed non-conforming to the current Zoning Bylaw, or the project meets the criteria for exemptions in the Local Government Act. For example, you wish to build a garage, but you need to develop it within the required rear property set back area. You would require a Development Variance Permit to provide an exception to the Zoning Bylaw to begin you project.

When you apply, the Village of Nakusp sends a notice to all property owners and occupiers within 30 metres of the application property. This process can take more than 4 weeks. Staff will determine if it is a minor or major variance request. If it is minor request the CAO will make a decision on the application , a major variance request must go to council and council will pass a resolution based on their decision. A planning meeting with Village staff is recommended prior to applying for a building permit, the meeting will determine if any other permit would be required. The fee for a Development Variance Permit application can be found on the Forms and Fees page . If your application is approved, the Development Variance is registers on your land title. Development Variance Permits expire in two years if the development has not started . A building permit will not be approved if a Development Variance Permit is required and not obtained, Village staff will notify the building department if a Development Variance has been approved.

Would you like to subdivide a property?

For subdivision applications to create one or two additional subdivisions, review the Zoning Bylaw for requirements of lot sizes, minimum frontage, minimum parcel requirements, and more. For larger projects involving multiple lots, review the Subdivision and Development Services Bylaw. This bylaw outlines the requirements for applications to create a new subdivision. These requirements relate to road width and construction, types of utilities, sidewalks, curb and gutters, street lighting, and more.