Planning & Development
Moving Summerland forward...
towards an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable community
Policy & Regulation Framework Fact Sheet
Download the Policy & Regulation Framework Fact Sheet
Pursuant to section 471 of the Local Government Act, an Official Community Plan (OCP) is a statement of objectives and policies to guide decisions on planning and land use management within the area covered by the plan, respecting the purposes of the local government. The "purposes of local government" defined in Part 2 section 7 of the Community Charter include:
- Providing for good government of its community
- Providing for services, laws and other matters of community benefit
- Providing for stewardship of the public assets of its community
- Fostering the economic, social and environmental well-being of its community
A full description of the authority and how it may be exercised may be found in Part 2 Section 8 of the legislation. Respect for the Regional Growth Strategy must also be demonstrated within an OCP.
he following framework describes the cascading relationship of various components of the OCP and regulatory bylaws that flow from the objectives and policies established in the plan.
Sign Bylaw
The District of Summerland, along with community input, have completed a review and adoption of a new Sign Bylaw. For more information click on the Community Planning tab to the left of this screen.
2013-026 Sign Bylaw
Zoning Bylaw
The District of Summerland has a new Zoning Bylaw. Find out what new opportunities there are for you!
Click here to open the brochure (454KB PDF).
Sensitive Natural Areas
The District of Summerland is working to keep the natural environment protected. We have mapped and designated sensitive natural areas such as watercourses, grasslands, forests and wetlands, so you may be asked to complete an environmental assessment if your property occurs in one of these areas. Expenses and time associated with development approval can be reduced if you begin the planning process by considering environmental values. Please review the Guide to Development in Sensitive Areas.
Click here to access the Guide to Development in Sensitive Areas (9MB PDF).
Contaminated Site Identification
New regulations came into effect from the Ministry of Environment in February 2021. With these, it is now required for any properties with Schedule 2 uses to submit a statement of disclosure to the Ministry of Environment. This must be done prior to approval of a building permit, subdivision, zoning bylaw, and/or development permit where soil disturbance will occur. This process helps to identify potentially contaminated sites, ensure these sites are cleaned up before redevelopment, and provide basic site information through the Site Registry.
Schedule 2 of the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) provides a comprehensive list of industrial and commercial uses, organized by category, that have the potential to cause contamination at a property. This schedule should be used to determine if a disclosure statement is required at certain trigger points. For more information, please visit Site Identification BC.
Terms of Reference - Professional Reports and Technical Studies
This document describes the general expectations for professional reports and technical studies that may be required as a part of the development approval process. It serves as a reference guide for property owners and developers to determine the scope of work required by qualified registered professionals to meet the intent of the District of Summerland bylaws.
Terms of Reference