Council adopted the Development Applications Procedures Bylaw No. 0131 on January 10, 2012.
To view the bylaw, please click here.
Changes to the Development Application process include:
The Development Services Department is currently developing a standardized Terms of Reference (TOR) for professional reporting that will be finalized in 2012. This document will clarify the standard content for a variety of professional reports that may be requested as part of the development approval process.
BACKGROUND
Staff and Council worked together with the development community to create the District of West Kelowna Development Applications Procedures Bylaw. Previously, the municipality used a bylaw that was inherited at the time of incorporation (December 06, 2007) from the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The procedures bylaw was last substantially reviewed in 2002.
The bylaw reflects legislative changes which have occurred since 2002 and takes into account input from Council and feedback from the development community.
Council was provided an update on the review process during the August 16, 2011 Special Council Meeting. The bylaw was presented to Council at the December 13, 2011 meeting where it was given first, second and third readings. The bylaw was adopted at the January 10, 2012 Council meeting. To view the reports to Council, please select from the following links:
DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL PROCESS
The development approval process is multifaceted, involving DWK staff, Council, development agencies, applicants and the community. The development community greatly impacts the application process and was therefore asked to provide input regarding the draft bylaw and application form.
Many of the concerns raised related to the fact that DWK was newly incorporated in December 2007 and has since been in the process of establishing master plans, policies, regulations and processes. Incorporation has resulted in revised goals and objectives pertaining to development in the community. Council’s desire was to further clarify the development approval process with the needs of the community as a whole foremost in mind. Therefore, Council committed to establish standards based on best practices and developing master plans to guide development.
The District has been open to investigating improvements for its development approval process and has put in place several initiatives to facilitate feedback, including holding regular meetings with the UDI Liaison Committees to discuss current issues and development-related topics and establishing information related to Current Applications on this website.
CONTACT US
If you have questions or would like further information, please contact us: