Development Application Process

Prior to submitting Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment, rezoning, and Heritage Revitalization Agreement applications, we recommend that you apply for a Pre-Application Review. This process provides a preliminary review prior to making a subsequent, more detailed development application. See Pre-Application Review to learn how you can submit an application.

Port Moody's Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan (OCP) regulate land use and density. Every property in the City has a legal zoning classification that specifies the types of uses or activities that can take place. If you want to make changes to your property that don't align with land uses or density permitted under the Zoning Bylaw or OCP, see OCP Amendment/Rezoning to learn how to apply for an amendment to be considered by Council.

If you are constructing or making changes to a new multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, or industrial building, or in certain cases a single-family dwelling on a site that lies within a Development Permit Area (DPA), you'll need to apply for a development permit. See Development Permits to learn more about the development permit areas in Port Moody and the application process. This includes information on development permits for Laneway Homes.

Subdivision is the process of dividing existing parcels into new parcels, or changing existing property boundaries. See Subdivision to learn more about submitting an application, including those for small lot subdivisions (RS1-S).

Development variance permits are authorized by City Council to allow changes or 'variances' to requirements of the City’s Zoning Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, or Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw. See Development Variance Permits to learn about the requirements for a development variance permit and how you can apply.

The Board of Variance (BoV), an independent panel appointed by Council, can grant minor variances on situations where complying with the Zoning Bylaw on the siting, dimensions, or size of a building or structure causes a person undue hardship. See Board of Variance for information on how to make an appeal.

A Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) is a conservation tool that can be used protect a heritage building or property. An HRA is approved by Council and may vary land use, density, and other regulations set out in the Zoning Bylaw. In exchange, the property owner agrees to restore, preserve and protect the heritage building or property. See Heritage Revitalization Agreements to learn how to submit an application.

If you own property in one of the two heritage conservation areas in Port Moody – Ioco Townsite and Moody Centre – you may need to apply for a heritage alteration permit to make certain changes to your property. This applies to new construction as well as reconstruction. See Heritage Alteration Permits to learn whether your property is included and how to submit an application.

A Temporary Use Permit (TUP), issued by Council, allows a land use that is not permitted in the current zoning of a property for a limited period of time. A TUP has a maximum term of three years and can be renewed once by Council for an additional three years. See Temporary Use Permit to learn how to submit an application.

The City's Tree Protection Bylaw provides policies for tree removal and outlines when you need a tree removal permit. See Tree Removal Permits for more information on tree removal requirements.

Installing a permanent sign? You'll need to complete a sign permit application. If you're not the property owner, make sure to include their authorization.