Create or amend a strata property

If a newly built building has two or more principal units and has not been occupied, the owner can deposit a strata plan for registration directly with the Provincial Land Title and Survey Authority Office.

No approval from the City is needed for this kind of registration. Examples of buildings include:

• Duplexes
• Multiple dwellings
• Mixed-use buildings
• Industrial buildings, and more

Secondary suites, laneway houses, and lock-off units can't become separate strata lots.

A covenant is registered before a permit is issued to make sure the number of strata lots matches the number of approved main units when the strata plan is registered.

In some zoning districts, some uses, like artist studios, may be restricted from being strata titled.

If a building has been previously or is currently occupied, an owner must get City approval before depositing a strata plan with the Provincial Land Title and Survey Authority Office, in accordance with the Strata Property Act.

An application for Strata Conversion is required. Application procedure and fees: Review the Strata Title and Cooperative Conversion Buidelines PDF file

Phased strata plans

Phased strata applications can be considered by the approving officer to allow buildings on a site to be constructed in sequenced phases, with strata lots in earlier phases sold to raise funds to complete subsequent phases.

A strata plan is registered after the first phase is completed. As the development progresses, each subsequent phase is merged with the original strata plan.

When the development is complete, there will be 1 strata plan for the entire development.  

Submission requirements for phased strata plans

Bare land strata

Bare land strata lots are defined on land, much like a conventional legal parcel; rather than by the floors, walls, and ceilings of a conventional strata plan building.

Most bare land strata developments have private access roads that all owners are responsible for maintaining. They also have other common infrastructure and utilities such as sewer and water lines, amenities, or facilities.

In many parts of the province of BC, bare land strata plans are registered for mobile home parks, recreational developments, and “gated communities.”  We only has a few areas where bare land strata plans have been approved; most have site-specific zoning.

Submission requirements for bare land strata are the same as for minor, intermediate, and major subdivision proposals, depending on site area and complexity.

Review submission requirements for:

• Minor subdivision proposals
• Intermediate subdivision proposals
• Major subdivision proposals

You require City approval to further subdivide existing strata lots in buildings and to make sure that the proposed amendment to the strata plan complies with all applicable City by-laws.

In some circumstances, you will also need a resolution from the strata corporation approving the amendment. 

• Review Part 15 of the BC Strata Property Act External website, opens in new tab
• Review submission requirements for subdivision of strata lots

The Superintendent of Real Estate, an agency of the Provincial government, may need to approve various schedules that accompany strata plans, for both new and existing buildings, before registration.