OCP and Zoning
An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a general statement of the broad objectives and policies of the local government respecting the character of existing and proposed land use and servicing requirements in the area covered by the Plan. The OCP serves as the foundation for all policies, regulations, and decisions pertaining to land use and development in a municipality. Each property in the Village has been assigned an OCP designation that defines the approximate or desired location of land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, parks and open space, etc.
Village of McBride Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 682
Appendix 'A' Development Permit Guidelines
Schedule 'B' Land Use Designations
Schedule 'C' Water Distribution System Plan
Schedule 'D' Storm Sewer Infrastructure Plan
Schedule 'E' Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Plan
The Zoning Bylaw Each property in Town has a zoning classification that regulates what uses and densities are permitted. Regulations include:
- Permitted uses and density
- Building setbacks, parcel coverage and building height.
- Off-street parking, loading and landscaping.
- Home occupations, fence height and auxiliary buildings.
- Minimum parcel size and dimensions to be created by subdivision
- Zoning Bylaw No. 703 - Consolidated 25, 2023
- Zoning Map (Schedule 'B' to Bylaw No. 703)
A rezoning application is required when a development proposal does not comply with the use or density provisions in the existing zone. Depending on the nature of your request, you may also consider applying for a Temporary Use Permit.
An OCP amendment is required when a rezoning application is not consistent with the OCP designation. The OCP and zoning change can occur together as one process.
There are a few things to consider before submitting an application. The Development Services Department can help verify the following:
- Current zoning of the property to confirm that a rezoning application is required.
- The Official Community Plan designation of the property to confirm whether the proposed rezoning is consistent with the OCP designation.
The following information is required to begin the application process:
- OCP & Zoning Amendment Application & fee.
- Letter of intent/rationale that explains your proposal.
- Site plan illustrating existing and proposed buildings, setbacks, parking, loading, access and landscaping.
- Letter of authorization, if required
- Site profile as per the Contaminated Sites Regulation.
Zoning & OCP Amendment Application
OCP & Zoning Amendments Process:
- Step 1: Application - Begin by submitting a complete application, supporting documents and fee.
- Zoning Amendment Application Fee - $500.00
- Official Community Plan Amendment Fee - $500.00
- Step 2: Signage - In certain circumstances, the Chief Administrative Officer may require that a notification sign be posted at the property of which the application affects. Signage must be in accordance with the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 743, 2014 Part 4.5.1 to 4.5.4.
- Step 3: Review - Village staff will review review the application and may refer it to external agencies for input (i.e. Regional District or Ministry of Transportation). At this time additional information may be requested.
- Step 4: Council Review - Village Council will assess you Application and determine whether or not to authorize Staff to continue the process
- Step 5: 1st and 2nd Reading - Council receives the application, staff report and amended bylaw. If accepted, the bylaw is given 1st and 2nd reading
- Step 6: Public Hearing Notice - Two newspaper advertisements are published in the Little McBride Paper and letters sent to adjacent property owners advising of the application, public hearing and invitation to provide written or verbal comments to Council.
- Step 7: Public Hearing - Council will hold a Public Hearing where members of the public are invited to comment on the Zoning Bylaw Amendment
- Step 8: 3rd Reading & Adoption – Council considers the bylaw for third and final reading at the next available Council meeting. With Council’s approval, the bylaw is finalized provided all requirements for final approval have been met, including comments from external agencies.
Step 9: External Agency - If the property is within 800 m of the Highway and passes Thirds Reading, Staff will refer the Bylaw to the Ministry of Transportation for approval before Adoption.
The average processing time is 3 months provided that all necessary information is submitted and there are no complications.
