Zoning Amendment page - Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia · summary & facts

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot fb83d7a28781 · verified 2026-10-19 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

* Building and Development Building Permits Building Applications & Resources Development Applications OCP Amendment Zoning Amendment Development Permit Development Variance Permit Board of Variance Subdivision Notices for Planning and Development Development Tracker Green Building Provincial Housing Changes Short-Term Rental Accommodations Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Official Community Plan ###### Question or Concern? ![](https://qualicumbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/comment-question-sharp-solid.svg) Use our Public Inquiry Form for the quickest response. Contact Us Home › Building and Development › Development Applications › Zoning Amendment # Zoning Bylaw Amendment Zoning designations are used to regulate land use and development standards for properties in Qualicum Beach. A property's zoning specifies the permitted uses as well as regulations for building heights, setbacks from property lines, structures and other requirements. An amendment to the Town of Qualicum Beach Zoning Bylaw is required to propose a land use, development, business, or type of housing that is not permitted under the current zoning for the property. Zoning/OCP Bylaw Amendment Application Combined Development and Bylaw Amendment Application # Zoning Bylaw Amendment Process A "Zoning Amendment" or "Rezoning" involves amending the land use designation of a property in the Zoning Bylaw. For example, a change may be requested from R2 zoning (residential) to C1 zoning (commercial) to accommodate a business on the property. Occasionally, an application will involve an amendment to the wording of the Zoning Bylaw. For example, an application to permit a new activity or use with an existing commercial zone, such as adding a hair salon to a zone that did not list it as an allowable use. Very rarely, a new zone may be created that is specific to a proposal. This is often related to comprehensive or mixed-use developments. Before submitting a development or land use proposal, review the following: * Confirm the current zoning of the property to determine whether the proposed use is permitted or whether a Zoning Amendment is required. Refer to the Town of Qualicum Beach Zoning Bylaw * Review the Official Community Plan (OCP) to confirm that the proposal aligns with the applicable land use designation. If the proposal is not consistent with the OCP, an OCP Amendment will be required as well. * Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines, including zoning, development standards, and municipal policies. * View the View the Development Permit Guidelines to determine whether a Development Permit is required. * If a change to the Zoning Bylaw is required but does not affect use or density, a Development Variance Permit may be applied for. Book a meeting to discuss a proposal with the Planning Department. Staff will advise on specific application requirements, required studies, fees, and policy support, as well as any potential constraints. Prepare for this meeting by developing proposal concepts and comprehensive questions. To book a pre-application meeting, email [email protected] A completed Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application must be accompanied by a detailed description and drawings of the proposed land use. Other documents that may be required include: * Site plan. * Certificate of Title (dated within 30 days of the submitted application and including all relevant charges registered on the legal title of the property). * Summary of proposed development including benefits and impacts on the community as well as the existing land uses adjacent to the subject property. * Detailed drawings of the proposed development (two sets of plans are required). * Signature of the applicant and the registered owner of the property. **Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application Form** **Combined Development and Bylaw Amendment Application** Applications and payment must be submitted **together**, by one of the following methods: * **Mail**: Town of Qualicum Beach, PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7 * **In Person**: Town of Qualicum Beach, #201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC Town Hall hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Once an application has been reviewed it is referred to other staff and outside agencies, if applicable, such as the Qualicum Beach Fire Department, Infrastructure Services and the Ministry of Transportation. Applicants will be contacted and advised of additional requirements once the Planning Department receives comments. Town Staff will present the application to Council for their consideration. Council could proceed with the application through First, Second, Third readings, and Adoption, or they could deny the application at any point in the process. The application could also be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission at any point in the zoning amendment process. Once a decision is made by Council, applicants will be notified of the outcome. Applicants for an OCP, zoning bylaw or land use contract amendment are required to post Bylaw Amendment Application sign(s) on the subject property as outlined in Schedule B of the Town of Qualicum Beach's Development Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 605, 2007. This sign must be posted on the property a minimum of ten days prior to Second reading of the amendment bylaw by Council. The timeline varies by project and depends on the completeness of the application and supporting submissions, the complexity of the proposed project, current workload of staff and Council, and timing of Council meetings. Applications that address the policy issues, support the OCP, provide a high standard of urban design, and address neighbourhood concerns will proceed more quickly. Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with all regulations surrounding development. See the Council Meeting Schedule for a calendar of upcoming Council meetings; these dates should be considered for the application timeline. The Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application fee is $4,000 and should be submitted to the Town of Qualicum Beach with your application package. Applications and payment must be submitted **together**, by one of the following methods: * **Mail**: Town of Qualicum Beach, PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7 * **In Person**: Town of Qualicum Beach, #201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC Town Hall hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.