Development Permits  are required for:

• New construction
• Alterations to multi-unit residential buildings 
• Industrial buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Exterior or facade structural or colour changes 
• Signage, Murals and Awnings
• Laneway houses greater than 5 metres in height

Development Permit Areas

Development Permit Areas are designated by the Official Community Plan. The City of Nelson is divided into three Development Permit Areas (PDF), with Area 4 - Laneway Houses spanning the entire city.

• Area 1 - General Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Unit Residential (PDF)
• Area 2 - Downtown and Waterfront (PDF)
• Area 3 - Natural Environment and Hazardous Lands (PDF)
• Area 4 - Laneway Houses (PDF)

Development Permit Area Design Guidelines

The City of Nelson has developed the Development Permit Area Design Guidelines (PDF) to assist in the task of explaining and regulating the visual quality of building design, and site considerations within these permit areas. Landscaping, driveway access, and parking requirements are located in the Off-Street Parking and Landscape Bylaw (PDF). It is recommended that you consult these guidelines prior to formalizing design plans.

More Information

For more information about when a Development Permit is required and how to apply for one, please see this information sheet Highlights - Development Permits (PDF).

Development Permit Applications

To apply for a Development Permit, please fill out a Development Application Form (PDF) and submit with the appropriate fee and Owners Representative Form (PDF) (as needed), to the Department of Development Services and Engineering, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment, Monday through Friday. Applications may also be submitted in PDF format by email to Development Services.

For signage, façade changes, awnings and murals, click here.

Electrical Servicing Requirements

Applicants must contact Nelson Hydro at 250-352-8240 for electrical servicing requirements.

Review by Design Consultants

Some Development Permit applications, such as facade changes to heritage buildings or within the City's downtown core may be referred by staff to an external design consultant for review. Please contact City Staff for additional information.