Development Variance Permit Application Guide

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www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Galiano, Mayne, North Pender,  
Saturna, South Pender Islands 
 
Victoria Office 
200 - 1627 Fort Street 
Victoria, BC  V8R 1H8 
Ph: (250) 405-5151 
southinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Salt Spring Island, Ballenas-
Winchelsea Islands 
 
Salt Spring Office 
4 - 121 McPhillips Avenue 
Salt Spring Island, BC  V8K 2T6 
Ph: (250) 537-9144 
ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Denman, Gabriola, Gambier, 
Hornby, Lasqueti, Thetis 
 
Northern Office 
700 North Road 
Gabriola Island, BC  V0R 1X3 
Ph: (250) 247-2063 
northinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Development Variance Permits 
Information about Development Variance Permits 
A Development Variance Permit allows for variances to zoning, land use, or subdivision regulations to bring development into 
compliance with Local Trust Committee bylaws. Most often, Development Variance Permits are used to vary building 
setbacks or height restrictions specified in a Land Use Bylaw. A Development Variance Permit may also be required as a result 
of bylaw enforcement action or in order to bring a property into compliance prior to subdivision.  
Please note that a variance cannot be issued to vary use or density (e.g. to increase the number of permitted dwellings or to 
permit a use that would otherwise not be allowed in the zone). To vary use or density, a bylaw amendment or Temporary Use 
Permit is required. 
 
Application Process 
Pre-Application 
• Review the Islands Trust Policy Statement and Official Community Plan to determine if there is policy support for 
your proposal 
• Determine whether your proposed development is located within a Development Permit Area; if so, an application 
for a Development Permit may be required; contact Islands Trust to confirm 
• Review the Land Use Bylaw to confirm the permitted uses, siting, size, and height regulations for buildings and 
structures; the Land Use Bylaw may also contain requirements for parking, signage, landscaping, and runoff control 
• Identify the specific variance(s) needed to comply with land use bylaws 
• You may need to secure the services of a qualified consultant (e.g. engineer, archaeologist, biologist) to address 
specific concerns with your application.   
• If the proposal involves construction on Denman or Hornby Island, confirm if a Siting and Use Permit is also required 
• Confirm if approvals are needed from other government agencies 
Application Submission 
• Submit a complete application to the Islands Trust Portal; incomplete applications will not be processed. 
• Islands Trust staff may contact you to request any additional application materials 
Application Review 
• An Islands Trust planner will review the application; additional information may be requested, if required 
• If the application does not comply with applicable regulations, you may be asked to revise your proposal or apply for a 
separate development permit or bylaw amendment 
Public Notification 
• Islands Trust staff will prepare a draft Development Variance P

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