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New pre-application process
Our new streamlined pre-application process is clearer and more efficient. We will provide early feedback on your application and help you gauge the general support for your project.
Zoning regulates land use by designating properties for a specific range of uses, densities, siting and building form
If you—as a property owner or prospective buyer—want to use or develop land that isn't permitted under the current zoning, you'll need to apply to have the property's zoning changed. This process is called rezoning.
Pre-application meeting
Pre-application meetings are required for most development types. They are for site-specific developments with a concept, plan or proposal preparing to submit a development application. During this meeting, you will connect with staff to receive high-level information on the Official Community Plan (OCP), zoning, approvals process and key site considerations. These meetings provide:
- Clarity and guidance: Provides high-level planning information, helping applicants understand requirements and steps.
- Efficiency: Streamlines the application process by addressing preliminary questions and providing necessary information upfront.
- Improved application quality: Ensures more complete and accurate applications, reducing incomplete submissions and follow-ups.
Booking a pre-application meeting
Contact the Planning and Development Department at 604-294-7400 or email [email protected]. Meetings are usually scheduled and held within 2 weeks of the request, either as a virtual call or in-person at Burnaby City Hall.
Please bring all the required materials below to the pre-application meeting:
- Project description
- Subject site address(es)
- Preliminary site plan
- Building concept (if available)
- Subdivision plan (if available)
Rezoning application
The City has 2 types of rezoning: standard rezoning and comprehensive development rezoning. Standard rezoning is where property changes from one zoning district to another, e.g. residential to commercial.
Comprehensive development rezoning is more complex. It means rezoning a property based on a site-specific rezoning bylaw, with a mixture of zoning districts and proposed variances to those districts.
A comprehensive development rezoning cannot vary the use or density permitted within a district. Comprehensive development zoning is required by commercial institutional, industrial, multiple-family residential, or mixed-use developments in line with adopted Community Plans and the City's Official Community Plan.
After you submit your development application to the planning division, staff will review your proposal and make recommendations to City Council. Council will examine the potential impacts that a change in land use or density would have on the local neighbourhood and the city.
With the help of City staff, City Council ensures the rezoning is consistent with the City's long-term community goals. The BC Local Government Act requires the City Council to review a rezoning bylaw 3 times before granting final adoption and rezoning approval.
Preparing your application
The following documents may help you in preparing your application.
Application processing time
Application review times depend on a number of factors such as the scale and complexity of the project, external approvals and completeness of the application.
- A standard rezoning application takes 6-12 months to process.
- A comprehensive development rezoning may take 12-18 months.
- A master plan comprehensive development zoning typically takes 12-24 months.
How to pay
You can pay invoices online with your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or in-person with cash, cheque or debit card. Per the City's Fee Recovery Bylaw 13640, we'll charge a fee of 1.75% on payments made with a credit card.