Making Changes to your Lot Line

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Fact Sheet
Making Changes  
to your Lot Line
Islands Trust
What is a boundary adjustment?
A lot line adjustment is legally considered a subdivision. Referred to as a boundary adjustment, 
it is the moving of one or more lot lines between two lots. For example, you and your neighbor 
may decide to move a lot line to make better use of your properties, or to make one property 
smaller and the other larger.
The Subdivision Approving Officer at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is 
responsible for approving all subdivisions. Applications for a boundary adjustment subdivision 
are made through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure offices. The Subdivision 
Approving Officer refers the application to various agencies, including the Islands Trust, for 
comment.
How much does a boundary adjustment cost?
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Islands Trust both charge a fee 
for processing boundary adjustment applications. Additional costs may include the cost of 
surveying the lot line, cost of preparing legal documents that may be required by various 
agencies, provision of road dedication if required by the Subdivision Approving Office, and the 
cost of registering the new lot line in the Land Title Office (Land Title Office can be reached at 
1-877-577-5872).
A lot line adjustment may have implications for the Property Transfer Tax if it involves 
change of ownership. You should contact the Property Transfer Tax office at 250-387-0604 (toll 
free through Enquiry BC) for information.
How long does it take to get approval for a boundary adjustment?
The timeline for a boundary adjustment subdivision varies depending on complexity, but as a 
guideline, you can expect it to take several months.
If I own the property next to mine and want to combine the two lots, 
what is the process that I must follow?
If both lots are in the same plan number, then you can apply directly to the Land Title Office to 
consolidate the two lots into one.
If the parcels are in different plan numbers, then you will need to apply to the Subdivision 
Approving Officer for a subdivision approval.
 
If my neighbour and I have a lot between us and we want to divide 
it between us and each add half to our existing lots, what is the 
process we must follow?
This could happen in one of two ways. The first one is a consolidation of the middle lot with 
one of the other two lots and then a subsequent lot line adjustment. The second approach is to 
apply for a new subdivision for the two new lots. Before beginning this process, you should talk 

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Islands Trust
Victoria Office
200–1627 Fort Street 
Victoria BC V8R 1H8
Telephone 250.405.5151
Salt Spring Office
1–500 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island BC V8K 2N8
Telephone 250.537.9144
Northern Office
700 North Road
Gabriola Island BC V0R 1X3
Telephone 250.247.2063
www.islandstrust.bc.ca
with the planners at the Islands T

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