What Is a Development Variance Permit in British Columbia?

A Development Variance Permit (DVP) allows a municipality to vary certain provisions of its bylaws without changing the property's zoning.

It is commonly used when a project cannot fully comply with a municipal regulation such as setbacks, parking, landscaping or similar development standards.

A DVP does not replace a Building Permit or Development Permit where those approvals are also required.

A Development Variance Permit is a municipal approval that allows specific bylaw requirements to be varied for a particular property.

Rather than changing the zoning of the property, the municipality considers whether limited variations are appropriate for the proposed development.

Each application is evaluated individually based on municipal policies and the characteristics of the site.

Not every property can reasonably satisfy every development regulation.

Irregular lot shapes, existing buildings, topography or other site constraints sometimes make full compliance impractical.

A Development Variance Permit provides flexibility while allowing municipalities to review the broader planning impacts.

Reducing setbacks.

Changing parking requirements.

Adjusting landscaping standards.

Minor variations to siting requirements.

Modifying certain development regulations permitted by legislation.

A Development Variance Permit is not the same as rezoning.

Rezoning changes the zoning designation or permitted uses of a property, while a Development Variance Permit generally allows specific development regulations to vary without changing the zoning itself.

If the proposed use is not permitted under the existing zoning, rezoning may still be required.

A Development Permit typically focuses on planning, design and Development Permit Area guidelines.

A Development Variance Permit focuses on varying specific municipal bylaw requirements.

Some projects may require both approvals before a Building Permit can be issued.

Confirm which municipal regulation requires a variance.

Prepare supporting plans and justification.

Submit the Development Variance Permit application.

Municipal planning staff review the request.

Public notification may be required depending on municipal procedures.

Council or the approving authority considers the application.

Proceed with other required approvals after the variance is granted.

Provide a clear explanation for the requested variance.

Demonstrate why the proposal cannot reasonably comply with the bylaw.

Show existing and proposed site plans.

Identify affected setback or parking dimensions.

Provide elevations where applicable.

Explain how neighbouring properties are affected.

Assuming a Development Variance Permit changes zoning.

Submitting an application without explaining why the variance is needed.

Beginning construction before receiving all required approvals.

Ignoring municipal design guidelines.

Assuming every variance request will automatically be approved.

PermitWave helps property owners identify projects that may require a Development Variance Permit before preparing permit applications.

The Permit Preview highlights common planning issues, possible variance triggers and supporting documentation often requested by municipalities.

This helps applicants understand the approval process before investing in detailed design work.