Development Permits

Planning on developing your property? You may need a development permit.

What is a development permit?

A development permit (DP) allows the City to review proposed developments to ensure they meet the policies and objectives of City Plan as well as the City's development permit guidelines.

There are eight Development Permit Areas in the city:

• DPA 1 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas;
• DPA 2 - Hazardous Slopes;
• DPA 3 - Sea Level Rise;
• DPA 4 - Abandoned Mine Workings Hazards;
• DPA 5 - Wildfire Hazard;
• DPA 6 - Steep Slope Development;
• DPA 7 - Nanaimo Parkway Design; and
• DPA 8 - Form and Character. 

Do I need a development permit?

If your property is located within one or more Development Permit Areas, you may need a DP before obtaining your building permit or subdivision preliminary layout acceptance. See Part 18 of the Zoning Bylaw for application, guidelines, and exemption information for the eight DP Areas.

What is the development permit application process?

Prior to submitting your application, please book a pre-application meeting with City staff to discuss your project and to determine the application requirements.

1. Submit Application
   Submit your complete application, including the application fee.
   
   
2. Design Advisory Panel Meeting (for DPA 6, 7, and 8 only)          

   You and your design team make a presentation to the Design Advisory Panel (DAP).

3. Comprehensive Review      

   Your DP application is referred to other City departments and external agencies to provide you with comprehensive feedback on your application. Revised plans and additional documents may be required.

4. Council (Major Variances)

   Your application may involve requesting a significant variance from the Zoning Bylaw regulations. If so, a report formalizing City staff’s recommendations goes to Council for approval.

   OR

   Delegated Approval (No Variances/Minor Variances)
   If you aren’t applying for a major variance, a report with City Staff’s recommendation is forwarded to the Director of Planning & Development for approval.

5. Development Permit & Land Title Office Registration
   Upon approval, the Development Permit is prepared and forwarded to the applicant. Notice of Permit is also forwarded to the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC for registration on the title of their land.

Once approved, a DP is valid for two years. 

As every property and development proposal is unique, application requirements can vary. Before you apply, please contact City Staff to set up a meeting to discuss your application. Staff will help guide you through the application process.

Application Forms:

• Development Permit Application Form and Checklist (PDF)
• Appointment of Agent Form (PDF)
• Steep Slope Development Permit Area Guidelines Comment Sheet (PDF)

Design Guidelines

In addition to Part 18 of the Zoning Bylaw, below is a list of the guidelines and reference documents associated with each Development Permit area:

DPA 1 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas:

• Section 14 Manual of Engineering Standards and Specifications
• Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013, No. 7126
• Develop With Care – Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia
• Stewardship Centre for British Columbia Green Shores for Home
• Zoning Bylaw Section 18.1

DPA 2 - Hazardous Slopes, DPA 3 - Sea Level Rise, DPA 4 - Abandoned Mine Workings Hazards, and DPA 5 - Wildfire Hazard:

• City of Nanaimo Guidelines for the Completion of Geotechnical Reports
• Section 14 Manual of Engineering Standards and Specifications
• Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines
• Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013, No. 7126
• Zoning Bylaw Section 18.2
• Zoning Bylaw Section 18.3

DPA 6 - Steep Slope Development:

• Steep Slope Development Permit Area Guidelines

DPA 7 - Nanaimo Parkway Design:

• Nanaimo Parkway Design Guidelines

DPA 8 - Form and Character:

• City of Nanaimo General Development Permit Area Design Guidelines
• Innovative Housing for Neighbourhoods: Triplex and Quadruplex Infill Design Guidelines

a) Nanaimo’s Old City Multi-Family Residential Design Guidelines (1990)
b) Design Guide: Chase River Town Centre (2000)
c) Departure Bay Neighbourhood Plan (2006)
d) Downtown Urban Design Plan and Guidelines (2008)
e) South End Neighbourhood Plan (2010)
f) Newcastle + Brechin Neighbourhood Plan Urban Design Framework and Guidelines (2011)
g) Harewood Neighbourhood Plan (2013)
h) Hospital Area Plan (2018)
i) Port Drive Waterfront Master Plan (2018)
j) Bowers District Master Plan (2022)
k) Sandstone Master Plan (2022)  

What is the fee for a development permit application?

All DP applications cost $750 + $2 per 100m2 of new/additional gross building floor area to a maximum of $2000 with the exception of:

• Watercourse development permits for single family dwellings or where no construction will take place = $100
• Watercourse development permits for in stream restoration or rehabilitation projects conducted by individuals or groups solely for stream improvement projects = No fee
• Heritage Alteration Permits = $500

Design Advisory Panel

If you require a form and character development permit (DPA 6, 7, and 8) you and your design team will have to make a presentation to the Design Advisory Panel (DAP).

More Information about the Design Advisory Panel

Note: This is for a rough calculation ONLY and may not necessarily reflect your final permit fee.

Links to Relevant Documents

• Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500
• Development Procedures and Notification Bylaw 2024 No. 7375