Some property owners applying for Development Variance Permits (DVPs) will get a more efficient application process and pay less money thanks to changes to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s procedures.
At the Regular Meeting of October 13, 2022, the Board approved a series of changes to the Development Services Procedures Bylaw to allow for the delegation of minor variance permits to staff, rather than requiring review and approval by the Board.
Effective immediately, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) staff will be able to issue approvals for minor development variance permit applications. In the bylaw, a ‘minor’ variance means a building setback variance of less than or equal to 50 per cent of the setback distance and where a hardship in complying with the existing regulations can be shown. This also covers retaining walls.
Public notice of these applications will be sent to owners and tenants within 30 metres of the subject property to ensure the closest neighbours will be alerted and given the chance to provide comments on the application.
In recognition of the more efficient process for delegated DVP applications, the CSRD’s application fee is being reduced for these minor variances from $650 to $500.
The policy change was enthusiastically approved by Board Directors, who supported staff’s efforts to make the process more efficient and less costly for the public.
“My comment written here is, ‘Yay! Go for it,’” said Director Jay Simpson.
The adoption of the amendments was approved unanimously.
Applicants with questions about the new policy can email the CSRD's planning department or call 250-832-8194.
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