Zoning & Rezoning

• What is rezoning?

  The City's Zoning Bylaw is a key document that implements the City of Pitt Meadows Official Community Plan (OCP) by regulating land use and density. Every property in Pitt Meadows has a legal zoning classification specifying the types of uses or activities that can take place on that property, restrictions on the floor area and height of buildings, minimum distances separating buildings and property lines, the amount of off-street parking required, as well as other requirements. 

• When is rezoning required?

  "Rezoning" is the process to change from one zoning designation to another.  A rezoning application is required when a development proposal seeks to change a zoning designation, land use, or density of a site. This can include items such as rezoning from a single family dwelling lot to a duplex lot; or changing commercial zones to allow different uses. Take a look through our Zoning Bylaw to see what uses are allowed in each zone.

• When is an Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment required? 

  An OCP Amendment is required to change the long-term future land use designation for a subject property. If the zone that is proposed is not supported by the current land use designation, an OCP Amendment is required to change it. OCP amendment applications must always be accompanied by a rezoning application. Staff will formally review the application in terms of items such as nearby land use designations, access, location in the city, and size of the subject property. A recommendation will be made based on the staff review and presented to Council for consideration.

• Are Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental uses permitted in Pitt Meadows?

  Short-term rental uses are not permitted anywhere in Pitt Meadows.

• Fees and Forms

  • Development Application Form
  • Development Application Fees
• Step 1: Preparation

  Prior to the submission of the application for rezoning, you should contact Development Services to identify:

  • the current zoning designation of your property;
  • the current Official Community Plan (OCP) land use designation of your property;
  • the general bylaw requirements of the land use which is being applied for;
  • the type of information that will be required in support of an application;
  • other municipal departments and government agencies that may also need to be consulted; and
  • the compatibility of the proposal with surrounding land uses.
• Step 2: Pre-Application Meeting

  Development Services staff are available to meet with prospective applicants and their consultants to discuss the proposal and provide advice on submission requirements and procedures. The applicant should be aware of the following City plans, policies and regulations:

  • Official Community Plan (OCP)
  • Zoning Bylaw
  • Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw
  • Sustainability Checklist
• Step 3: Submit an Application

  Please ensure that all submission requirements are met prior to submitting your application. Incomplete applications will cause project delays.  

  The applicant is responsible for submitting the application for rezoning to Development Services. Your rezoning application must include the following: 

  • a completed application form;
  • a rezoning application fee payable to the City of Pitt Meadows;
  • a Letter of Authorization signed by the property owner(s) if the applicant is applying on behalf of the owner(s) (staff will only deal with the applicant);
  • Certificate(s) of Title produced within five days prior to application submission;
  • Written description of:
    • the existing and proposed uses of the property; 
    • the compliance of the proposal and applicable OCP policies, design guidelines; and zoning regulations; and
    • the reasons for the request; and the benefits to the community;
  • Completion of the development data summary form provided by the City; 
  • One full size set of plans drawn to scale, four copies in 11 x 17 and PDF files of the drawings with the following:
    • location of existing and proposed buildings and setbacks;
    • location and dimensions of all municipal easements, right-of-ways and registered covenants;
    • floor plan and elevations of proposed buildings with Floor Area Ratio (FAR);
    • location and layout of parking and loading areas.
  • Site Profile regarding possible soil contamination on the property from certain types of industrial and commercial uses and activities;
  • Sustainability Checklist to demonstrate sustainable development initiatives;
  • Additional information such as traffic and service impact studies, geotechnical reports and Good Neighbour Agreements may also be required depending on the site and proposal.  
• Step 4: Internal and External Review Process

  Upon receipt of the application, Development Services staff begin the formal review process.

  All applications are sent out for a comprehensive review process to both internal and external agencies. This may include Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Water Providers and others. The application may also be referred to the City's Advisory Design Panel. Once all comments have been received, City staff will provide the applicant(s) with the compiled comments.

  Based upon the internal review and the comments received from external agencies, a report is sent to Council recommending whether or not a rezoning bylaw should be prepared, and outlining the conditions or prerequisites that must be met by the applicant.

  Following consideration of the application, Council may:

  • authorize the preparation of the rezoning bylaw and recommend first and second readings
  • require that changes be made to the proposal
  • request that additional information be provided
  • reject the application
  • table the application for consideration at a later date

  Following this step, the applicant is then informed of Council's decision.

Policies, Bylaws and Guidelines