Each Electoral Area has a Zoning Bylaw with regulations for each parcel, including; use, density and siting (e.g. setbacks). Permitted uses are identified for each zone, for clarity - each Zoning Bylaw is equipped with a section on definitions and general regulations. The CVRD web map can help you quickly determine what your property is zoned. For more information on how to use the Webmap see "What is the Webmap and how do I use it?"

Zoning bylaws can be complex and because we have so many of them it can be even more challenging. We recommend following these easy steps:

1. First find the correct zoning bylaw! The CVRD is made up of 9 different and unique Electoral Areas, each of which have their own zoning bylaw. An easy way to determine which Electoral Area a property is in simply check out our online Web Map! Search the property by civic address or parcel identifier (PID). Information will auto populate by clicking on the 'identify' tool and then clicking on the property. The zone and a link to the applicable zoning bylaw will appear alongside the Electoral Area.
2. Once you've determined the Electoral Area, and have the correct zoning bylaw, the first place to start is with the table of contents (usually at the beginning of the bylaw).
3. Find the zone and navigate to it. This is where it gets a little tricky. Each bylaw was written at a different time and likely by a different planner, keep this in mind when you are referring to multiple zoning bylaws. Please note that all the uses listed within the zone are subject to the general regulations of the bylaw (always refer to these). The main things you will want to look at in the zone are:

1. The permitted uses (e.g. what uses are legally allowed to occur on the property)
2. The conditions of use (e.g. setbacks, height restrictions, parcel coverage)

4. As noted above, always consider the 'General Regulations'. These regulations apply across all zones throughout the electoral area and may determine whether or not a use is allowed (e.g. suites).
5. Lastly, always consider the bylaw definitions. Each bylaw has a list of definitions to help clarify terminology used throughout the bylaw.
6. When in doubt, always contact staff at ds@cvrd.bc.ca

The online Web Map allows anyone to search their property and find important information like zoning, OCP designations, development permit areas, service areas and more. To use the Web Map simply go to the Web Map and click on desktop icon (see image #1). From there a disclaimer statement will appear, click 'accept'. The map will launch and show the entire Regional District. To find your property you can either search by scrolling in and navigating to it, or use the address tool or parcel identifier (PID) for bare land (see image #2). Once you have found the property, use the 'identify tool' (top left - see image #3) by clicking on the tool and then on the property. By doing this, information should populate on the left side. From there you can click on any of the items shown in that list for more information. Links are also provided to pertinent bylaws like the applicable zoning bylaw (see image #4).

Accessory dwelling units are allowed in many zones throughout the CVRD (with the exception of Area G). This specific use, however, depends on the size of the property and the level of servicing. To find out if the zoning allows an accessory dwelling unit first check the specific zone in the zoning bylaw, then confirm the size of the property meets the minimum parcel size required depending on its level of servicing. Not sure what the zoning is? Check out our Web Map! Please make sure to check with the Building Department for code and permit requirements prior to undertaking any work.

Secondary suites are permitted in many residential zones throughout the CVRD. This specific use, however, depends on the size of the property and its level of servicing (e.g. connection to water and sewer). To find out if the zoning allows a secondary suite on their property, first check the specific zone in the zoning bylaw, then confirm the size of the property meets the minimum parcel size required depending on its level of servicing. Not sure what the zoning is? Check out our Web Map!

Riparian areas can be defined as the area of land adjacent to a watercourse or body of water, a ditch, spring or wetland, whether or not usually containing water (see image below). The entire CVRD is within a Riparian Protection Development Permit Area (DPA). It is the responsibility of the property owner(s) to ensure there are no activities in the riparian area, or apply for a development permit. For more information on Riparian Areas, please click here.

For visualization purposes only.

Subdivision is the process of altering legal property boundaries. It usually involves the dividing of a property into smaller lots. It can also include the realignment of existing property lines or the consolidation of two or more lots into a single lot. To subdivide land within an Electoral Area of the CVRD an applicant must apply to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). A Provincial approving officer, appointed by the B.C. government, approves subdivision plans in regional district electoral areas after all requirements are met. The CVRD is referred the application from the Ministry and considers minimum parcel size (found in each of the 8 zoning bylaws), and development permit requirements (found in the Official Community Plan).

The following are types of subdivisions where approval of the Approving Officer is required:

• Adjusting lot boundaries between two or more lots (commonly known as boundary adjustment or lot line adjustment);
• Creating several new lots from one or more lots;
• Creating lots in a bare land strata development;
• Creating strata lots through a phased strata plan;
• Subdivision of land the purpose of leasing for a term longer than 3 years; and
• Air space parcel subdivisions

Minimum parcel sizes and subdivision regulations are determined in the Zoning Bylaw (please note that each electoral area may have their own zoning bylaw, and each zone within the bylaw has its own minimum parcel size). Minimum parcel sizes depend on the level of servicing (e.g. community water and sewer services) - typically, the minimum parcel size will decrease as the level of servicing on a lot increases. For example, a lot that is on well and septic will have a larger minimum parcel size than a lot that is serviced by community water and sewer. To determine if their property is, or can be, serviced with community water and/or sewer, please consult the CVRD web map and ensure the 'Utility' layers are checked on.

In addition to the minimum parcel size, general subdivision regulations also apply. These refer to the subdivision of lots severed by a road, another parcel or jurisdictional boundary; boundary adjustments/parcel realignments; subdivision of parcels containing a water body, watercourse or wetland; panhandle parcels etc. Note: each zoning bylaw contains its own general subdivision regulations and it is important to know which electoral area their parcel is within.

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as granny suite, separate suite, small suite or carriage house, is a smaller house located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling. The building can be purpose built or may be a conversion of/or to an existing garage or accessory building. The maximum permitted size of these units varies across electoral areas.

A secondary suite is a self-contained residential unit within a home. They can be located in a basement of a dwelling or attached at ground level to the dwelling. The CVRD zoning bylaws for each electoral area regulates the maximum size of the secondary suite and do vary by electoral area. Always consider the specific zone, general regulations and definitions when determining eligibility for a secondary suite. To find out if the zoning allows a secondary suite on a property, first check the specific zone in the zoning bylaw, then confirm the size of the property meets the minimum parcel size required depending on its level of servicing. Not sure what the zoning is? Check out our Web Map!

A Development Permit (DP) is a land use permit used by local governments to review proposed developments to ensure they meet the policies and objectives of the Official Community Plan (OCP), and satisfy all required regulations in the zoning bylaw. A Development Permit may specify requirements respecting the character of development, including landscaping, and the siting, form, exterior design and finish of buildings and structures; environmental protection; protection from hazardous conditions and protection of farming. DP's may also impose conditions respecting the sequencing and timing of construction. Within designated Development Permit Areas (DPAs) land must not be subdivided or altered and buildings or structures cannot be constructed or altered, unless the owner has first obtained a DP. Once approved (by the General Manager or CVRD Board), the DP is registered against the title of the land and becomes binding on future land owners.