Overview
The SQCRD is responsible for land use planning for all unincorporated Electoral Areas within the regional district. The primary purpose of this service is to encourage growth and manage development in a sustainable manner. We work in the public interest to guide development while balancing the needs of communities with economic, environmental and social consideration to maintain a high quality of life and protect the character of the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Region.
Several planning commissions advise the Regional District Board on Crown Land referrals, land use applications for OCP amendments and rezoning, subdivision referrals, and liquor licenses. Staff prepare plans, policies and reports for consideration by the Board in support of orderly and sustainable development, and serve as a resource for the Board on planning related matters.
We respond to a variety of public inquiries on planning, zoning, subdivision and other related issues that include house numbering in the rural areas. Applications, referrals and approvals take time. Please provide all the necessary information in order to ensure that the processing of applications can be done in a timely manner.
Zoning Enquiries
Zoning is a means of dividing land into areas designated for different land uses and densities including the dimensions, siting and size of buildings and structures. Zoning regulates the shape, dimensions and area including the establishment of minimum and maximum sizes of parcels of land that may be created by subdivision.
Zoning provisions are compiled in a zoning bylaw which includes regulations applicable to each zone. Different areas may be subject to different zoning bylaws. Residents can apply to amend a Zoning Bylaw in different ways depending on the size or nature of the desired change (e.g. Re-Zoning, Board of Variance or Development Variance Permit). Regional District staff are available to answer your questions and assist you in interpreting the zoning bylaw.
Looking for zoning and property information?
Check the appropriate Bylaw.
See what the WEBMAP service can show you.
Subdivision Applications
Subdividing land in the SQCRD requires that you make applications to the Ministry of Transportation and Highways and to the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District.
The Provincial Approving Officer with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways is the approving authority for subdivision within all unincorporated areas of the Regional District. Before approving a subdivision, the Provincial Approving Officer must be satisfied that it complies with a variety of Provincial and local government regulations and requirements (e.g. sewage disposal, water, the Agricultural Land Reserve Act, Floodplain requirements, and Zoning). Prior to applying for subdivision please contact the Regional District for information on such matters as minimum parcel size requirements, Agricultural Land Reserve designations and setbacks.
The SQCRD has developed a Guide to provide information on the subdivision process.
Planning Application Fee Schedule: Available by clicking here.
Rezoning Applications
Rezoning may be required when a proposed use of a property is not permitted in the current zoning bylaw. Approval of this change in permitted use shall be considered through a public consultative process and by meeting the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan for the area. This process requires an application fee, public notice, and a public hearing (may be waived), and referral to Provincial agencies and a local planning advisory commission before the Regional District Board makes a decision.
Please see Guide for more detail.
Development Variance
Development Variance applications to the Board of Variance may be required prior to subdivision approval if the structure does not conform to zoning requirements such as setbacks or height limitations. An application may also be needed when existing conditions on a property pose difficulties for the siting of new structures.
Permit applications require a fee and are referred to both adjacent property owners and occupants along with a referral to the local Advisory Planning Commission for comment before the Regional District Board makes a decision.
Please contact regional district staff for more information before submitting an application to the Board of Variance.
Please see Guide for more detail.
Official Community Plan Amendments
Amendments may be required when the proposed use or density of a property is not permitted in the current Official Community Plan for that area. Approval of this change in permitted use must have local support and is generally considered to be a more significant request than a change in zoning. This process requires an application fee, public notice, a public hearing and referral to a local planning advisory commission before the Regional District Board makes its decision. OCP amendments also require support from Provincial referral agencies and approval from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Please contact regional district staff for more information before submitting an application for an OCP Amendment.
Please see Guide for more detail.
Government Agency Referrals
The Regional District reviews referrals from various government agencies regarding Crown land, foreshore licences, water licences, road developments, etc. This referral process may include a referral to a local advisory planning commission for comment before the Regional Board provides input.
