FAQWhat do you look at during the review process? What could cause the application to take longer? What if my land is in the ALR? How can approved consultants help? Can you point me to an approved list of professionals? How can I get help filling in the application? What are the applications for road closure and works on highway right-of-way used for? What is a Plan Examination Fee? What are my payment options? Can I pay online? How long is preliminary layout approval valid for? How long does Final Approval last? How much time does this take?Development Approvals are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and both the number of applications in the system, and the complexity of each one can affect the timing. A proposal which comes in with a complete application and all the supporting documents takes at least six weeks to reach Preliminary Layout Approval stage, depending on the nature of the proposal. The average time for approval varies around the province due to seasonal conditions and staffing levels within and outside the Ministry of Transportation. Sixteen to 24 weeks is not atypical for processing a preliminary subdivision application. Ministry of Transportation staff can give you a time estimate when you apply. After you have received Preliminary Layout Approval, you have a year to complete servicing of your development and submit plans for the Final Approval. Final Approval takes up to 60 days maximum. Expect delays if you hand in incomplete information, if referring agencies delay making recommendations to the Ministry of Transportation, or if your application requires numerous site visits. Plans must be registered at the Land Title Office within 60 days.
What could cause the application to take longer?One of the main factors that will influence the time it takes to process your application is whether you have provided complete information. Applications are dealt with on a “first come, first served” basis, and your proposal can spend time in the queue, only to be handed back with a request for more information. Please make sure you have included all the information listed on our checklists as you prepare your preliminary application. Another potential bottleneck is when your application is referred to other agencies for their comments and recommendations. While the Ministry makes every effort to expedite the process, you may wish to contact the referral agency directly to try to resolve issues which have reached an impasse or are delayed due to lack of information. For instance the Health Authorities may not understand your intent with respect to drinking water or sewage disposal. These issues can often be resolved by discussion and perhaps modifications to your proposal. A Regional District may have a land use or zoning concern which can often be resolved by direct contact rather than the Ministry acting as an intermediary for you. Add more time, if applicable, for the Agricultural Land Commission, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Islands Trust to comment. Any investigation by professionals will also take additional time.
How much will this cost?The Ministry of Transportation charges fees at the initial application stage, and again at the final stage of subdivision approval. Local governments and referral agencies may also charge a fee for examining or processing a development proposal. You are responsible for any engineering and works on-site, such as roads and utilities; as well, you can expect to pay current taxes and professional fees, servicing costs, and perhaps development cost charges and fees for a review of site profile. Ministry fees are payable by cash or cheque, and made out to the Minister of Finance.
What do you look at during the review process?Ministry staff evaluates each application for road and access requirements, land use issues and health and safety considerations. Where other authorities need to provide comments, Ministry staff refers the application to these agencies.
What are referral agencies?Referral agencies are other government administrative and regulatory bodies, such as the Regional Health Authority, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, or Regional Districts, who give their recommendations and comments to Transportation Ministry staff before your application receives preliminary layout approval. Your proposed development may have to address issues raised by the referral agencies before it is granted final approval.
What if my land is in the ALR?Before you receive permission to subdivide, you will need approval from the Agricultural Land Commission to go ahead. You should show the approval of the Land Commission, or at least written evidence that your application is being considered by them, as part of your complete Preliminary Subdivision Application. To find out more about subdividing in ALR lands, go to the ALC website.
How can approved consultants help?Depending on the scope and complexity of your development, the advice of a professional surveyor or engineer, contracted early in your development planning, can prevent expensive mistakes and delays. Ultimately, your final plans will need to be drafted by a BC Land Surveyor, so it makes sense to develop a professional relationship with one as early as feasible.
The Ministry’s interests are in approving Land Title Act lots in the province which are safe for the current and subsequent owners of your property. We ensure that it is free from natural hazards and traffic problems and that environmental and heritage values, and future access and development opportunities are protected. You may not be aware of these concerns or may not have the expertise to resolve them. The solutions often rest in the hands of professionals licensed in the province to deal with such complexities. Expertise can cost money, and only you can determine the economic worth of such an investment.
Can you point me to an approved list of professionals?While it’s beyond our mandate to name any individuals, we have provided links to useful professional organizations for your reference. These include the BC Land Surveyors, the Professional Engineers, Registered Professional Biologists, hydrologists and more.
How can I get help filling in the application?We have provided an interactive help feature on the Preliminary Subdivision Application form. While this should help you complete the form, you can contact your nearest District Office if you still have questions.
What are the applications for road closure and works on highway right-of-way used for?Sometimes a proposal for subdivision will include the discontinuance (road closure) of a dedicated, or gazetted road. This requires an Application for Permission to Discontinue, Close and Acquire the Land in a Public Road. Road closure can be a complex process and must be done prior to, or concurrent with, the final approval of a subdivision plan. Sometimes the construction of works on an existing Highway Right-of-Way are required to facilitate a proposed subdivision. An application for Permission to Construct Works Within Highway Right-of-Way is required to construct these works.
What is a Plan Examination Fee?The plan examination fee is paid to the Provincial Government for the final checking, approval, and signing of the subdivision plans. What are my payment options? Can I pay online?Sorry, but at this time, we can only accept payment by cash or certified cheque, payable to the Minister of Finance.
How long is Preliminary Layout Approval valid for?Preliminary Layout Approval is valid for one year, during which time you should during which time you should complete all the work necessary to meet the conditions of the PLA. How long does Final Approval last?It is up to you to register the plans and other required documents in the Land Title Office. You must do this within two months after final approval is granted. Subdivision plans that are not deposited in the Land Title Office within two months of approval must be approved again, or the Land Title Office may reject them. If there has been no change in legislation, regulation, or bylaw, it is not necessary to go through the full application process again. However, you must produce another Tax Clearance Certificate and pay another plan examination fee.
Who are my local contacts?You can find your local contacts by referring to our map which lists the District Offices.
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