What We Do

The Planning Services Department strives to support the high quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the Central Okanagan. That task takes careful consideration and extensive planning.  (Information regarding Planning Applications & Westside District Municipality Incorporation)

The Planning Services Department:

• Develops land use policies that provide guidance to elected officials, developers, the public and other decision makers;
• Puts land use plans and policies into action;
• Ensures proper infrastructure and orderly development;
• Evaluates applications and provides recommendations to decision makers;
• Assists the public with land use regulations, applications, and processes;
• Invites and responds to public comments.

There are a variety of tools that the Regional District uses to reflect the communities goals and objectives, and to regulate and evaluate land uses:

• Policy documents such as the Regional Growth Strategy and Official Community Plans
• Regulations such as the Zoning Bylaw and the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw
• A variety of land use and regulatory Applications and Application Guides
• A variety of special studies and projects regarding a particular land use or a certain neighbourhood.

The Planning Services Department has several current projects underway.

There are several advisory committees and opportunities for public consultation.  The comments of residents are an important part of the planning process.  Use this link for an online Application Form.  Applications are welcome anytime from residents interested in serving as volunteer members of these Advisory Commissions.

In its environmental planning, the Regional District reflects a commitment to protect and enhance the natural environment through land use planning, development regulations and public education.

The Regional District carries out both Regional planning and electoral area planning:

• Regional Sustainability (including the municipalities and unincorporated electoral areas) involves issues related to the Central Okanagan as a whole such as water and air quality, growth and transportation. (Link to FutureOK website) 
• Electoral area planning includes the development of policies and the regulation of land uses within the unincorporated electoral areas.  View a map of the electoral areas.

Planning Services and Westside District Municipality Incorporation

With the incorporation of a new Westside District Municipality in early December 2007, the new Municipal Council will have responsibility to approve land use and development applications within its boundary.  In the period leading up to the incorporation, Planning Services staff and the Regional District will be working with the Ministry of Community Services to ensure a smooth transition of services and applications for development.  Planning staff will advise anyone submitting planning applications within the future municipality whether the completed application is expected to be processed and approved before the December 6th incorporation.  Applications will be processed in accordance with the Regional District Development Procedures Bylaw and any requirements established by the Regional Board and in the order in which required information is received.  Link to Applicant Information Letter

Development applications outside the boundary of the future Westside District Municipality are not affected and will continue to be processed with existing procedures.