Subdivision Applications

What is a subdivision?

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.

Prior to the application

It is important to be aware of what the applicant will be responsible for before submitting a formal application. In a subdivision process, it is the applicant's responsibility to:

  • Make all applicable applications
  • Review the property title to determine if there are charges which restrict subdivision
  • Check to confirm that the proposed lots conform to the minimum lot size and width regulations in the Zoning Bylaw
  • Know of any special site conditions that may exist on the property
  • Provide detailed information, such as geotechnical data, design and servicing details

(all new lots must be serviced)

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. Prospective applicants should schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss their application prior to detailed plans being prepared.

Submit Application

Only complete applications will be accepted. Once the application is deemed complete and the application fee has been submitted, the application process will commence, be given a file number and assigned to a Project Manager for review.

Subdivision Application Form

Referral Period

All subdivision applications are referred to the various stakeholders including external agencies as required. These include utility companies, government agencies and City departments. The stakeholders are given the opportunity to comment on the application to identify any issues that may come up as part of the development process.

Comprehensive Review and Applicant Consultation

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.

Preliminary Layout Approval

When the subdivision requirements have been identified, a Preliminary Layout Approval (PLA) 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 PLA is valid for periods of between one to ten years. The term of the PLA is based upon the number of proposed lots. The PLA 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 PLA and identify the offsite works and servicing requirements.

Subdivision Works and Services

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 into 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.

Final Subdivision Approval

Once all of the PLA 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 PLA 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.

Registration

All plans and documents are to be submitted electronically for e-filing at the Land Title Office.