Development Permits
Development Permit Areas are designated by the Official Community Plan Bylaw 3114, 2008. The City of Nelson is divided into four Development Permit Areas [PDF - 1 MB].
- General Commercial and Multi-Family [PDF - 282 KB]
- Core Commercial [PDF - 820 KB]
- Nelson Waterfront [PDF - 292 KB]
- Hazardous Lands-Wildfire Interface and Riparian Areas [PDF - 289 KB]
The City of Nelson has initiated the Development Permit Area Building Design Guidelines [PDF - 7.4 MB] to assist in the task of explaining and regulating the visual quality of building design and construction within these permit areas. It is recommended that you consult these guidelines prior to formalizing design plans.
Development Variance Permits
Development Variance Permits can be applied for to vary requirements of City bylaws including the Land Use Regulation Bylaw 2243, 1987. Development Variance Permits are typically applied for when a proposed development does not meet lot coverage requirements, setback requirements, height requirements or parking requirements. As per the Local Government Act, variances cannot be used to vary use or density.
All variances are granted by resolution of Nelson City Council. Approval from appropriate government agencies, such as the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, may also be required.
To apply for a Development Permit or a Development Variance Permit, please fill out the Development Application [PDF - 61 KB] and submit with the appropriate fee to the Department of Development Services and Sustainability, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may also be submitted in PDF format to development@nelson.ca. Applicants must contact Nelson Hydro for electrical servicing requirements.
Board of Variance
A local government that has adopted a Zoning Bylaw must establish a Board of Variance. The City of Nelson has a Board of Variance comprised of three members. The Board of Variance focuses primarily on hardship relating to matters such as siting, dimensions and size of buildings. A person may apply to the Board of Variance if they feel compliance with the bylaw may cause them hardship.
Signage
The City of Nelson Sign Regulation Bylaw 2027, 1983 regulates the type, size and number of signs permitted. All signage within Development Permit Area #2 (Core Commercial) [PDF - 820 KB] requires a Development Permit. Any signage outside of the downtown core requires a Building Permit.
All Sandwich Boards within the downtown core also require a permit. To apply for a Sandwich Board, please fill out a Sandwich Board Sign Application [PDF - 82 KB] and submit to the Department of Development Services & Sustainability between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m Monday thru Friday. Please review the Sandwich Board Policy [PDF - 26 KB] for design and size requirements. The appropriate fee is found within the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
Review by City Commissions
Certain applications require review by the Advisory Planning Commission (such as Official Community Plan Amendments and Zoning Amendments) and/or the Community Heritage Commission (CHC) (such as facade changes to heritage buildings and changes proposed to buildings on Baker Street). Please consult the appropriate schedule of the Land Development Application [PDF - 61 KB] to determine if your application requires this review and submit your application in accordance with the following review dates:
- CHC 2012 Review Dates.pdf [PDF - 102 KB]
- The Advisory Planning Commission (APC) meets as required. Once a completed application is received that requires review by the APC , a meeting is scheduled. Please contact City Staff for additional information.
