Subdivision Applications

What is a Subdivision?

A Subdivision is the process of altering legal property boundaries. It usually involves the dividing of a property into smaller parcels of land. It can also include the realignment of existing property lines or the consolidation of one or more properties into a single parcel.

Types of Subdivisions that require Approval:

Adjusting lot lines between two or more parcels
Creating new lots from one or more parcels
Creating lots in a bare land strata development
Creating a phased strata plan development
Air space plan subdivisions
Strata conversion

Prior to applying for your Subdivision, it is the applicant's responsibility to:

Check to confirm that the proposed lots conform to the minimum lot size and width regulations in the Zoning Bylaw
Review the property title to determine if there are charges which restrict subdivision
Know of any special site conditions that may exist on the property

(all new lots must be serviced)

Subdivision Process:

There are steps involved to successfully Subdivide a property. Applicants who are not experienced developers are encouraged to seek the advice of qualified professionals prior to making any financial commitments or submitting a formal application.

Before making an application, it is highly recommended that you speak with the Community Infrastructure and Development staff prior to developing detailed subdivision plans. Staff will be able to assist with any questions you have and walk you through the various steps in order to successfully submit your Subdivision application.

To book a pre-application meeting with the Subdivision Approving Officer, please email planning@vernon.ca and include the following in your request:
- Subject Site Address(es)
- Description of the proposed subdivision
- Preliminary subdivision plans
Once the Project Manager has received comments from the stakeholders, information is compiled and a response to the applicant is prepared. The Project Manager will correspond with the applicant to address any outstanding issues. The applicant may be required to make changes to the proposed subdivision plans or re-work the application to address identified requirements or concerns.
When the subdivision requirements have been identified, a Preliminary Layout Review (PLR) may be granted in the form of a letter outlining a comprehensive statement of conditions to be satisfied by the applicant prior to final approval of the subdivision. The application may also be denied by the Approving Officer for reasons outlined in the denial letter. The PLR is valid for periods of between one to ten years. The term of the PLR is based upon the number of proposed lots. The PLR may include requirements such as subdivision layout, road alignments and lot dimensions; applicable Development Cost Charges (DCCs); dedication of parkland or cash in lieu; protection of the natural environment; covenants, easements and/or statutory rights of way; and external agency requirements. Further, an Engineering Servicing Report will accompany the PLR and identify the offsite works and servicing requirements.
Applicants must retain the services of a Professional Engineer who would design the works and services required in accordance with the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw. Where construction of offsite works is required, design plans must be submitted for review and acceptance, including a cost estimate and fees. A Development Agreement must be entered in to and bonding provided for the offsite works. Alternatively, the developer can construct the works and services in accordance with the approved engineering plans, enter into a Maintenance Agreement and the have the subdivision plan and related documents signed and registered.
Once all of the PLR conditions are fulfilled, the applicant can then submit the subdivision plan document for signing by the Approving Officer. This involves providing the Approving Officer with a letter outlining how all of the PLR conditions were fulfilled, paying any Development Cost Charges and securities and providing the Approving Officer with subdivision plans prepared by a BC Land Surveyor to sign.