Development Applications

The Community Planning Division helps developers and citizens craft development applications for the following:

Applications are presented to City Council and/or the Planning Advisory Committee and must comply with the Municipal Plan, the Zoning By-Law and any other applicable by-laws.

What happens at Planning Advisory Committee meetings?

The Planning Advisory Committee reviews and makes recommendations to City Council on Municipal Plan Amendments, Rezoning, Zone Amendments, Subdivisions and the majority of significant Variances.

Visit the Planning Advisory Committee page for the up to date information on upcoming virtual meetings, past meeting minutes and a map of current cases for review.

How do I prepare a development application?

Read the Development Application Checklist (PDF) for a brief description of what a typical development application requires or contact the Community Planning Division for a more comprehensive description of the application process and requirements.

How much does an application cost?

Municipal Plan Amendments	$2,500
Rezoning/Zoning Amendments	$1,750
Subdivisions	2 lots or less ($250) 2+ lots ($250 + $50 per additional lot)
Variances	$300

Please refer to the Fee Schedule for a complete list of application fees.

How long does the application process take?

Applications approved by City Council (Municipal Plan Amendments, Rezoning/Zone Amendments, Subdivisions) take approximately 2 - 4 months after submitting a complete application, depending on agenda availability.

Applications approved by the Planning Advisory Committee (Variances) take approximately 1 month after submitting a complete application, depending on agenda availability.

Who approves the application?

Municipal Plan Amendments (PAC recommendation, Council approval)
Rezoning/Zoning Amendments (PAC recommendation, Council approval)
Subdivisions (PAC recommendation, Council approval)
Variances (PAC approval, Development Officer approval in certain circumstances)

How do I get a Sign or Sidewalk Cafe permit?

Visit the Permits & Licenses page for application information.

Variances & Subdivisions

Learn more about variances and subdivisions and how to apply for amendments.

Subdivisions

Landowners seeking to subdivide a lot of land into two or more lots for resale or development must submit a Subdivision Plan for approval. All newly created lots are subject to an 8% land area contribution which is set aside to be used as Land for Public Purposes. City staff will submit a recommendation to the PAC on how the 8% should be collected (either land area or cash in lieu).

How do I prepare a Subdivision Plan?

Contact the Community Planning Division to craft a Subdivision Plan that complies with the Zoning By-law and the Subdivision By-law (PDF). If approval is granted by the Development Officer, the Subdivision Plan is filed with Service NB.

Variances

If a proposed development does not comply with the standards of the Zoning By-law, developers can request a Variance to seek relief from the zone standards.

What is the difference between a Variance and a Zoning Amendment?

A Variance is an exception to the Standards outlined in the Zoning By-law (ex: A 2m frontage Variance to allow for 16m of frontage in Residential Zone Two (R-2)).

A Zone Amendment is an exception to the use of the land outlined in the Zoning By-law (ex: Amend Residential Zone Two (R-2) to allow for a duplex).

How do I get a Variance?

Contact the Community Planning Division to request a Variance. The Planning Advisory Committee, and in certain situations the Development Officer, will review and grant the Variance if it supports the general intent of the Zoning By-law and all other applicable plans.