Development Permits
The City of Fernie's Official Community Plan (OCP) includes guidelines for Development Areas where special requirements for development or land alteration are in effect.
A Development Permit may be required in areas designated for:
- Protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and its biological diversity;
- Protection of development from hazardous conditions;
- Revitalization of an area in which a commercial use is permitted; or
- Establishment of objectives and the provisions of guidelines for the form and character of commercial, industrials, intensive residential or multiple family residential development.
In many cases, both a development permit and building permit are required. If your project involves construction of a building, the renovation or addition to a building, and for any change in the type of occupancy of the building, a Building Permit Application must be submitted. Please use the Building Permit Application Document Checklist to understand the types of information and supporting documents required when submitting a building permit application to the City of Fernie.
A building permit application can only be reviewed once all development permits associated with the project have been issued.
Refer to our Building Permits & Inspections page for a full list of examples when a building permit is required.
When a Development Permit is required?
Before undertaking a new project, applicants must identify if the subject property is located in one of Fernie's designated Development Areas.
- Watercourse Protection Area
- Slope Hazard Area
- Avalanche Hazard Area
- Flood Hazard Area
- Development Permit Area
The Official Community Plan (OCP) includes a series of maps (Schedules I to P) highlighting seven Development Areas that require a permit for construction or land alteration.
If you plan to build, and your property is included within one or more of the Development Permit Area, you must complete the appropriate Development Permit Application form before applying for a Building Permit.
Watercourse Protection Development Areas
A Watercourse Protection Development Permit may be required for construction projects located within the Watercourse Protection Areas identified in:
The purpose of this permit is to protect watercourses and environmentally sensitive areas from the impacts of development.
Processing times vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Hazard Lands Development Areas
A Hazard Lands Development Permit is required for development projects located within:
Schedule K - Avalanche Hazards
The purpose of this permit application is to assess the consequences natural hazards have on development projects planned in Hazard areas.
Applications involving exempt structures, such as decks or small accessory buildings, may take a minimum of 3-4 weeks to process.
Where a covenant must be registered on title as a condition of approval, processing may take additional time depending on the requirements of legal representatives, financial institutions, and other third parties.
Before applying for a permit, applicants should review and understand all charges registered on title for site-specific requirements such as easements, covenants, SRWs, etc., by searching the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA).
The City of Fernie's floodplain areas are regulated through the Floodplain Management Bylaw. This bylaw identifies:
- Fernie's floodplain areas.
- How flood construction levels (FCL's) are calculated for each property.
- If it's possible to develop in these areas, and what are the requirements for development.
If the proposed development is in a flood hazard area, the development must meet the requirements of the Floodplain Management Bylaw.
Form & Character Development Permit Areas
The City's Building Design Guidelines are outlined in Schedule S of the OCP.
These guidelines establish expectations for the form and character of development within designated Development Permit Areas.
Form & Character Development Permit Areas include:
Schedule M - Historic Downtown
Schedule O - Service Commercial
Schedule R - Neighbourhood Commercial
Development Permit applications are reviewed by Planning staff and may also be referred to other City departments or external agencies for comment.
Projects that alter the form and character of buildings within these areas may also be reviewed by the Design Review Panel. The Design Review Panel meets monthly and provides independent advice and recommendations to applicants, consultants, and City staff to support high-quality design outcomes.
The Design Review Panel's meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes are available to view online, here.
Properties designated under the Heritage Area Revitalization Program and identified in Schedule C - Heritage Sites may require a Heritage Alteration Permit prior to undertaking exterior alterations.
Applications involving Heritage Alteration Permits should be submitted through the Form & Character Development Permit application process in Cloudpermit.
Form & Character Development Permit applications may take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to process. Processing times vary depending on project complexity, the need for comments from other departments or agencies, and Design Review Panel scheduling.
Does Your Project Need An Architect?
The Architects Regulation defines which buildings in British Columbia require the services of an Architect by law. An Architect must be retained any time architectural services (including at the planning and design phase) are provided on a building requiring an Architect under the Architects Regulation.
If your project needs an architect, the City requires the architect to be involved throughout the Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, and Building Permit application phases, providing sealed design drawings with permit application submissions.
Refer to the Architectural Institute of BC’s (AIBC) explanatory guide to understand if an architect needs to be engaged on your project:
If you have questions about whether your project requires an architect, visit the AIBC Practice Advice information page, or contact an AIBC Practice Advisor at practiceadvice@aibc.ca
Application Process
Development Permit applications must be submitted through the City's Cloudpermit portal.
Before applying, review the applicable Development Permit Area requirements and gather all required plans, drawings, reports, and supporting documentation.
Applications are reviewed by Planning staff and may be referred to other City departments, external agencies, or advisory bodies where required.
If a Building Permit is also required, all associated Development Permits must be issued before the Building Permit application can proceed to review.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact City Planning staff at planning@fernie.ca.
