HomePage / Property & Development / Development Applications / Subdivision / Subdivision 101 - What is a Subdivision?

Subdivision 101

What is a Subdivision?

Subdivision generally refers to the division of land into two or more parcels.  However, subdivision can also include:   

  • Re-alignment of existing property lines (boundary adjustment)
  • Bareland Strata (individually titled lots with private access roads and utilities)
  • Building Strata (individual unit ownership, with shared yard or common areas)
  • Strata Conversion of Existing Buildings (conversion of a previously occupied building to strata title ownership)
  • Phased Building Strata Subdivisions (buildings constructed in a series of phases, allowing strata lots in earlier phases to be sold in order to raise funds to complete subsequent phases)
  • Long-term leases of land (over three years)
  • Air-space parcels (volumetric subdivision to create separate ownership in mixed use buildings such as commercial/residential)

Who is Responsible for Approval of a Subdivision?

The Land Title Act states that a Municipal Council must appoint an Approving Officer to independently administer the approval or rejection of subdivisions. 

What Does the Approving Officer Consider?

  • Existing City Policies & Bylaws (eg. Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, etc)
  • Provincial & Federal Regulations
  • Access/Mobility (vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians)
  • Servicing
  • Parks and Environmental Protection
  • Natural Hazards
  • Requirements of External Agencies

What are the Steps Involved in Subdividing?

Please refer to our Applying for a Subdivision page for a step-by-step guide.

How Long Does the Subdivision Process Take?

Preliminary Layout Acceptance (PLA)

PLA approval times vary depending on many factors including; the scale and complexity of your project, how thoroughly your application is prepared, and the number of applications in the system.  Currently, it takes approximately 4-6 months from complete application submission to receiving PLA. 

Design and Construction of Works

We aren't able to provide an estimate on time to complete the design and construction stages of your subdivision, as the responsibility is on you and the professionals you hire to complete the work correctly and in a time frame that works for you. 

Final Approval

Assuming a complete application is received, the Final Approval process takes approximately 2 weeks.

Registration at Land Title Office

Please contact the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC

Related information

Contact Us

Subdivision Section
250-755-4429
subdivision@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: July 23, 2025

Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.

Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVACY AND YOUR PRESENTATION

  • Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.
  • Regular Council and Committee meetings that are open to the public are webcast using live-streaming video technology and may be recorded for video-on-demand access for subsequent viewing. By speaking at these meetings, you are consenting to disclosure of any personal information made evident through your speech or presentation materials, and acknowledging that this information may be disclosed and/or accessed outside of Canada. Personal information may include your image, name, address, and personal opinions. You are also asserting that your presentation is in compliance with the Federal Copyright Act, and grant the City of Nanaimo license to publish these materials. Individuals presenting to Council or Committees are requested to not disclose third-party information or it may be redacted.
For further information regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Office at 250-755-4405 or at foi@nanaimo.ca.