Step 1: Pre-Application Consultation
Prior to submitting an application, some property owners may be required to attend a meeting with Planning Services. This meeting is required for the following planning applications:
- Rezoning Applications
- Rural Comox Valley Official Community Plan Amendments
- Commercial and Industrial Development Permits
- Temporary Use Permits
To set up a meeting, complete the Pre-Application Consultation Request Form and submit it online on the Planning and Development Services contact page or in person to the CVRD office at 770 Harmston Avenue in Courtenay.
An applicant will be contacted within five business days to schedule a meeting after the submission of a pre-application consultation meeting request form.
If you are applying for any other Development Permit, a Development Variance Permit, Board of Variance appeal, Home Occupation Permit, or Property Information Request, it is helpful to discuss your proposal with a planner first. Visit our Book an Appointment page.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
All planning applications require submission of:
- Completed application form
- Applicable fees: see table below
- Land title: CVRD staff will pull the land title
- Site plan: an applicant can either create a site plan themselves or hire a surveyor or other professional to create one. While the CVRD does not refer applicants to specific consultancies or firms, there are many throughout the Comox Valley that can assist with this type of work.
Some applications require additional reports/studies/information to help Planning Services evaluate the impact of a proposal. Specifically, Zoning Bylaw Amendments, Development Permits and Temporary Use Permits may require development approval information (i.e. additional studies/information). The Development Approval Information Bylaw No. 369 outlines descriptions of these studies and the information required by the CVRD.
To find out more about each type of application.
Step 3: Submit Application & Fee
Planning permit applications can be submitted digitally or a hardcopy can be couriered/mailed or dropped off to our main office. If possible, we prefer digital.
To submit your planning application digitally, please first download and complete the planning application form (fillable PDF).
When you are ready to apply, please contact the planner you spoke with initially with the property address and we will send you a secure link with detailed instructions on how to upload your files. As soon as all the files are uploaded, please send us an email to let us know. Incomplete applications will significantly delay processing time.
Your submission will be reviewed by staff, and you will be notified whether your submission is complete for the purpose of review. Once your application is determined complete and you have received a confirmation email, the application payment is required. You can call 250-334-6000 ext. 0 to pay by credit card or come into the office during regular business hours to pay with debit/cash or cheque.
Required Forms
