Learn more about development
in your neighbourhood!
Past Events:
- Information Station: May 30, 2012 from 11am – 2pm | Oak Bay Recreation Centre
- Information Station: May 30, 2012 from 2pm – 5pm | Estevan Village
- Information Station: May 31, 2012 from 11am – 2pm | Monterey Recreation Centre, in the lobby in front of the library and recreation centre
- Information Station: May 31, 2012 from 2pm – 5pm | Municipal Hall "the front lawn"
- Oak Bay Resident Round-Table: June 5, 2012 from 6pm – 9pm
- Community Association Round-Table: June 6, 2012 from 6pm – 9pm
- Balloon Test: June 15, 2012
- Special Council Meeting for Public Input: June 19, 2012 starting at 7pm
- Special Council Meeting for Public Input: June 27, 2012 starting at 7:30pm
101 on Development Variance Permits (DVP)
WHAT is a DVP?
A Development Variance Permit (DVP) application provides the opportunity for local governments to “vary” or change specific regulations for a given property. The most common types of variances speak to features related to siting and construction of a proposed building. These include setbacks from property lines, building height and parking capacity. A DVP must be approved by Council. Most DVPs seek relief from
certain regulations in the Zoning, Subdivision and Development Bylaws.
The DVP is site‐specific. Once approved, a DVP becomes binding on the developer and the existing and future owners of the property. Development on that property must still conform to all other Oak Bay regulations with the exception of the changes specifically stated in the DVP.
WHEN is a DVP required?
- When a proposed development operates outside the existing regulations
- Prior to approval of additional permits (building permit, development permit)
HOW does a DVP process operate?
The applicant for the DVP submits both text and drawings to indicate what change in regulations is being requested. Municipal staff assesses what secondary information is required to assess the potential impacts. A report is provided to Mayor and Council in order to provide context to the specifications being varied and the context to the development. Notice of the DVP is communicated to neighbouring residents and landowners.
If successful, a DVP is registered against the title of the property(ies) by the District of Oak Bay after it has been issued. Development on that property must still conform to all District regulations with the exception of the changes specifically stated in the DVP registered on the property title. DVP applications will be carefully considered in light of various issues which may include:
Other options in design or placement that appear
available to the applicant,- The precedent being set,
- Safety issues,
- Urban design,
- The extent of the variance(s) requested,
- The reasons provided by the applicant for the variance,
- The unique circumstances of that site,
- Public and staff input,
- Oak Bay policies such as Official Community Plan.
Summary of the DVP Process
(1) Pre-application Meeting
(2) Complete Application / Fee Submitted
(3) Application Review / Internal Circulation
(4) Public Information Meeting
(5) Report to Council
(6) Public Meeting
(7) Final Approval / Issuance