City Plan (OCP) Applications

Amending City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined

City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined provides a strong guide for moving towards our long-term vision, providing the goals and policies to get us there. However, City Plan is also adaptable, understanding that change is inevitable, and there may be a need to amend the Plan to respond to new conditions, circumstances, issues, or opportunities. The intent of City Plan is to be visionary – but also be supportive of innovation and new ideas that accelerate progress towards our goals and create a livable and successful community.

New development proposals are reviewed by City Staff and Council to determine consistency with the goals, policies, and Future Land Use Designations outlined in City Plan. If a proposal aligns with the overall goals and policies in the Plan, but does not conform to specific Future Land Use Designation policies, Council has the option to consider amending City Plan to support specific considerations for that land.

What is an amendment to City Plan?

An amendment to City Plan is the process of legally changing the land use designation on a property through an amending bylaw. City Plan is the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP). An amendment application is required when a proposed development does not conform to the Future Land Use Designations in City Plan.

Existing land use designations within the City have been adopted with significant consideration to public input and technical analysis, and under the greater context of determining appropriate long-term growth for a neighbourhood or area. Therefore, the rational for a proposed amendment to City Plan by an applicant must be carefully considered.

How do I apply for a City Plan amendment (OCP amendment)?

Before submitting an application to amend City Plan, a pre-application meeting is required. During this meeting staff will provide advice on application requirements and answer any questions you may have before applying. Please contact planning@nanaimo.ca to request a pre-application meeting. More information about how to apply can be found in the documents below:

• City Plan (OCP) application form
• City Plan (OCP) amendment application checklist
• Appointment of Agent form

How much does a City Plan amendment cost?

The application fee to submit with City Plan (OCP) amendment package is $1000.

Other costs may include:

• Installation and updating of required on-site signage
• Revising plans and supporting documents, if necessary.
• Public hearing newspaper notice costs.
• Preparation of legal documents, if required.

Other relevant information:

• City Plan
• Public Hearings
• Development Approvals and Notification Bylaw 2024 No. 7375
• Rezoning applications