Zoning Bylaw Amendments Rezoning

The Zoning Bylaw is a tool used to regulate the type, size and location of uses on a property.
Every property in New Westminster is assigned a zoning district in the Zoning Bylaw which regulates:
  • Types of land uses or activities that can take place on a property;
  • Maximum density;
  • Maximum building height;
  • Minimum distances separating buildings and property lines;
  • Required off-street parking, bicycle parking, and loading; and
  • Other requirements related to land use.

When is a Zoning Bylaw Amendment (Rezoning) Required?
If a proposed development or any other changes on a property do not conform to the requirements specified in the site’s current zoning district, especially the permitted uses and density, a Zoning Bylaw Amendment (Rezoning) may be required. The rezoning process allows the City and the community to analyze the potential influences of a proposed development and ensure it is aligned with City policies. A site’s current zoning can be found through the CityViews interactive mapping system.

Application Review
Once you’ve submitted an application, Planning staff will coordinate the application review, which may involve other City departments and committees. The application review process is informed by the scope and complexity of the application and on what other associated applications are also needed. A summary of key components of this process are found below and Planning Staff should be contacted for further information related to specific sites, inquiries and applications. Additional information may be required through this process, and once feedback is received, changes to the application are expected.
 
Financing Growth
As the City grows, new and improved infrastructure and services will be required to support new residents and business resulting from development. Development helps pay for the capital costs generated by growth through a combination of tools. 
In many cases, applicants choose to offer a Voluntary Amenity Contribution (VAC) or other in-kind amenities as part of their development application to help finance future amenity and infrastructure improvements. 
 
For more information on financing tools, visit the Financing Growth webpage.  
 
Consultation
Consultation with neighbours, the community, City committees and stakeholders may be required depending on the scale, impact, scope or complexity of the proposed application. Planning staff can provide further feedback through an inquiry review.

Reporting to Council
Typically, reports are provided to Council at the start of an application review and a final report at the conclusion of that review where Council would make a decision on the application. Other reports to Council may be completed as required and when necessary throughout the process.
 
A preliminary application report is presented to Council early in the application review process which will advise Council of the application, offer an opportunity for early feedback and confirm the application review process.
 
The final report is provided to Council once the application has completed the necessary consultation, review and is ready for Council consideration. This report would summarize the information needed for Council to consider the application for Bylaw readings including a project overview, consultation summary, a summary of public benefits, and identify any terms and conditions. Upon receiving this report, Council may provide any direction, including:
  • Agree to consider the application and forward it for consideration of First and Second readings of the enabling bylaws;
  • Table the application and request more information or reports from staff; or,
  • Decline the application.

Public Hearing
If Council agrees to consider the application, they will also make a decision on whether a Public Hearing would be required based on staff recommendation and consultation feedback received to date. Generally, where an application has addressed consultation feedback to date, staff would recommend that a Public Hearing not be held. 
 
Zoning Bylaw Amendment Adoption Requirements
Many Zoning Amendment Applications may have adoption requirements. These are typically technical, legal and administrative requirements and may include: engineering works and services, outstanding payments, and required legal documentation. Once adoptions requirements are finalized, the application would be placed on a Council agenda for consideration of final adoption (Fourth Reading), after which the rezoning process is complete and the application approved.
 

Development Information Sign Requirements