Development process redesign: a clearer way forward

The mechanism where Council-adopted policies and regulations are administered in the issuance of various approvals, resulting in physical construction and leading to the occupancy of a building.

Approvals process

Our approvals process consists of a series of steps that enables development (in line with City objectives) primarily by regulating compliance between development and building permit approvals.

Approval steps

1. Rezoning: it changes how a property can be used or developed through regulation changes
2. Development: it regulates built form and ensures land uses are appropriately located
3. Building: it regulates life safety, livability, accessibility and sustainability considerations (It encompasses trades and inspections.)
4. Occupancy: the final step in ensuring that buildings are safe for people to use

By the end of this project, we expect to have improved the development process, and we will have:

• A framework for assessing projects at each key project stage
• Enhanced online material to inform on process and submission requirements
• Clear roles and responsibilities and escalation procedures
• Target timelines for advice from City staff
• Identified inefficiencies with accompanying recommendations

This project focuses on areas of improvements that are process related, and complements regulation-focused work of regulation redesign to simplify the land use framework within which the development process operates.

Rezoning enquiry redesign

We conducted a rezoning enquiry redesign to:

• Identify when an enquiry might be an appropriate step in preparation for a rezoning application
• Clarify expectations and timelines
• Identify areas for improvements in the enquiry process

Review staff presentation to Council - May 27, 2020 PDF file (2.75 MB)

Council agenda and minutes -  May 27, 2020

Rezoning enquiry survey

We conducted a survey to inform how we can improve the rezoning enquiry process.

The survey closed August 23, 2020.