OCP and Zoning

The District of Kent's Official Community Plan (OCP) sets out goals and supporting policies that reflect the desires of the community on a broad range of issues, from land use and economic development to transit and agriculture. Although not a regulatory tool such as a zoning bylaw, the OCP is a critical document that serves as the foundation for all policies, regulations, and decisions affecting local land use and development.

The Zoning Bylaw is the key tool used in implementing and regulating land use in the District. This bylaw establishes where uses and buildings can occur, and at what densities. It also sets regulations for different uses, locations and siting requirements.

OCP Documents

Official Community Plan
Adopted by Bylaw No. 1508, 2014

Amendments: Bylaw 1508.01, Bylaw 1508.02, Bylaw 1508.03, Bylaw 1508.04, Bylaw 1508.05, Bylaw 1508.06, Bylaw 1508.06, Bylaw 1508.07, Bylaw 1508.08, Bylaw 1508.15, Bylaw 1508.16, Bylaw 1508.19, Bylaw 1508.21, Bylaw 1508.22, Bylaw 1508.25

Land Use Plans contained in the OCP

Schedule B - Land Use Plan

Neighbourhood Plans

Mount Woodside Neighbourhood Plan

Official Community Plan Maps

Other Schedules

OCP Amendment Application

An OCP amendment is required when a proposed land use is not consistent with the land use designations of the OCP.

Read the OCP Amendment Application Guidelines [document in the works].
Complete an OCP amendment application form
Fees and charges

Contact Planning staff about your amendment proposal before submitting any application so that we can advise you of any specific application requirements and applicable fees associated with your project.

Zoning Bylaw Documents

Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 - Consolidated for convenience only
Zoning Reference Maps

Zoning Bylaw Amendment Applications

A Zoning Bylaw amendment is required when a proposed land use is not permitted under the current zoning for a property.

Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Legislation (SSMUH)

Small-Scale Multi-Unit (RS1) Housing

In the fall of 2023, the Province of British Columbia (BC) passed Bill 44 (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) as part of the Province's Homes for People Action Plan. This action plan is based on four foundational principles:

Unlock more homes, faster;
Deliver better, more affordable homes;
Support those with the greatest housing needs; and
Create a housing market for people, not speculators.

Bill 44 requires local governments to adopt new small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) zoning by June 30, 2024, to permit up to four dwelling units on properties exclusively zoned for single residential or duplex use.

On June 10, 2024, the District adopted Bylaw No. 1737, creating the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (RS1) Zone to replace our existing single dwelling and two-dwelling residential zones. The new zone provides landowners with greater housing options and development flexibility on applicable lots.

You can view the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone here.

What is SSMUH and how do I apply to build SSMUH?

The District of Kent has created an Information Guide to assist property owners in navigating the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone. The guide outlines:

Who is eligible;
How many units can be built on a property;
Any exemptions that may apply to a property; and
How to apply for permits to implement SSMUH.

It is recommended that you review the guide prior to pursuing a building permit to ensure you fully understand the implications of the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone.

To view the Information Guide, click here

What does SSMUH look like in Kent?

The SSMUH (RS1) zone introduces a range of new dwelling unit types and housing tenure options, all of which provide more opportunities to landowners without the need for a rezoning application. Dwelling types permitted in the SSMUH (RS1) Zone include:

Single dwelling;
Two dwelling;
Secondary suites;
Detached accessory dwelling units;
Townhouses; and
Apartments

As a result of these zoning changes, if your lot is zoned SSMUH (RS1), and you meet certain development conditions, you can now build up to 3 units on lots with an area equal to or less than 280 m2 (~3,000 square feet) or up to 4 units on lots with an area greater than 280 m2 (~3,000 square feet).

Is my property zoned SSMUH (RS1)?

Explore the District of Kent's Online Arc GIS Mapping to confirm whether your property is zoned SSMUH (RS1).

Little Houses

Important Links

District of Kent ArcGIS Web Map

Development Permit Area Application

Building Permit Application

District of Kent Fees and Charges Bylaw

SSMUH Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards

Provincial Housing Legislation

District of Kent Zoning Bylaw

Development Permit Areas

The OCP includes six Development Permit Areas (DPA) where unique guidelines for the development or alteration of land are in effect.

These areas are designated for a variety of purposes including:

Protecting the natural environment;
Ensuring development considers hazardous site conditions, such as steep slopes;
Shaping the form and character of new development; and
Revitalizing commercial use area.

If your property is located within one or more Development Permit Areas, you may need a Development Permit before obtaining a building permit, subdividing land, or engaging in land altering activities.

Development Permit Area Maps

Development Permit Application

As every property and development proposal is unique, application requirements can vary. Please contact the Planning Department to arrange a meeting to discuss your application before you apply so that we may assist you through the application process.

Read the Development Permit Application Guide [document in the works].
Complete a Development Permit application form
Facade Guidelines

Development Variance Permit

When a development project cannot meet the District's regulations, a variance may be necessary. Variances are generally considered when site characteristics or other unique circumstances do not permit full compliance with certain requirements set up in specific bylaws.

You may apply to vary zoning, subdivision, floodplain, or sign bylaws, but you cannot apply to vary land use or density.

View our Development Variance Permit Guide and Application Checklist for more on applying for a variance.

Before submitting your proposal, contact a planner to arrange for a pre-application meeting.

Development Variance Permit Application

Contact: Development Services

Phone: 604-796-2235

Email: planning@kentbc.ca