Development Variance Permits (DVPs) are required when a property owner is seeking to vary specific requirements or provisions in the Village of Burns Lake Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision and Servicing Bylaw or Sign Regulation Bylaw. Changes to the use or density of a property cannot be accomplished through a DVP.
DVP applications are reviewed by Village staff and presented to Council for consideration. If approved by a resolution from Council, the DVP is registered against the title of the property. DVPs can be processed concurrently with a rezoning, subdivision or development permit applications.
When do I need to apply for a Development Variance Permit?
DVPs are most commonly used when a property owner wants vary a provision of the zoning bylaw for a development on their property. The DVP cannot alter the use or density of the zoning bylaw regulation.
DVPs are commonly acquired for:
- Varying a maximum building height;
- Varying minimum property line setbacks;
- Varying off-street parking and loading requirements; or
- Varying landscaping requirements.
What are the Steps Involved?
- Contact the Village Office and discuss your intended development with staff. Staff will help you determine documents, plans, reports, and studies that you will need to submit with your application.
- Submit a completed DVP form to the Village of Burns Lake Office with all required supporting documents and the application fee.
- Staff will complete a technical review of the application. If further information is required, it will be requested from the applicant at this point.
- A referral report will be prepared and sent to departments identified as having potential interest (e.g. public works, fire department), and sent to Council for information. Notification letters are sent to property owners within 30 metres for comment at least 10 days prior to the Council meeting.
- At a regular Council meeting a staff report with a recommendation and draft permit will be presented to Council for consideration. Council will either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. If approved, staff willissue the permit (once any conditions are met, if required) and register it on title. If denied, the applicant must wait one year to reapply.
