Subdivision is the process of dividing existing parcels into new parcels, or changing existing property boundaries. If you would like to divide your land into two or more plots of land, you will need to complete a subdivision application.

Subdivisions include:

  • dividing a property into smaller lots
  • consolidating several lots under different subdivision plans into one lot
  • creating a Bare Land Strata
  • changing the alignment of an existing property line
  • developing a Phased Strata development

There are significant costs related to subdividing lands, for both larger projects and small lot projects. These costs are related to the upgrades and changes needed to accommodate new development, and the related demands on road, water, sanitary, and storm water systems.

Most subdivisions are also located in one or more Development Permit Areas and where that is the case, the subdivision application needs to be accompanied by the relevant development permit applications.

1) Small lot subdivisions – Single Detached Residential (RS1-S)

In July 2017, Council approved a new Single Detached Residential – Small Lot (RS1-S) zone to allow for small lot housing in Port Moody. The goal of this program is to allow for gentle infill in existing neighbourhoods while retaining the single family character. In certain designated areas, this provides owners with the option to rezone eligible lots from the Single Detached Residential (RS1) zone to an RS1-S zone to accommodate small lot subdivision.

Eligibility

Small lot subdivision applications have specific eligibility requirements and a different review process than other subdivision applications. To be eligible for the RS1-S zone, your lot:

  1. Must be in an area designated Single Family-Low Density in the Official Community Plan.
  2. Must have a minimum lot width of 9m (30ft), and a minimum lot area of 325m2 (3,500ft2).
  3. Must be located in the Moody Centre, Seaview, or Pleasantside neighbourhoods.

After determining eligibility, ensure that you also consider the process and cost to implement an RS1-S zone, which includes a detailed subdivision and rezoning application. Following staff review of the application requirements, the rezoning proposal is presented to Council for approval. Once the subdivision approval is granted, a minor development permit and building permit are required prior to construction on a new RS1-S lot.

Review our Guide to Small Lot Subdivisions (PDF) for full details on this process and the estimated costs you may incur.

Submit a small lot subdivision application

Because a rezoning application is required to rezone a property to the small lot RS1-S zone, we review and process rezoning and subdivision applications in combination with each other. Prior to submitting your applications, we recommend that you consult with City planning staff who can check eligibility, and provide further information about other types of applications that may need to be submitted for your project. This will help you save time during the application process.

Application requirements and submission process
  1. Review the Development Application Submission Requirements Checklist (PDF).
  2. Visit Submit a Development Application for detailed application information and to submit your application online.
 Application review
Your small lot subdivision application will be reviewed by a variety of internal departments and external agencies. As part of this review you may be asked to submit additional information or revise the proposal. You may also receive a Comments Letter with a preliminary list of expectations required for the development to proceed. If so, you may be required to revise your application accordingly.

Following the staff review, the rezoning proposal is presented to Council for approval. Once the subdivision approval is granted, you may need to continue with other development approvals at the same time, including, development permits and building permits that are required prior to construction on a new RS1-S lot.

Next, a Preliminary Letter of Requirements (PLR) will be issued, which includes comments received from the staff review and the list of technical requirements needed for final approval of the rezoning and subdivision applications. This list of technical requirements is used to develop the Servicing Agreement that is required to support the civil works. Finalizing this agreement can take some time as it commonly involves multiple reviews between the project engineer and City staff.

After all technical and legal requirements are addressed, including payment of all fees, the final subdivision plan is submitted for signing by the Approving Officer. After receiving this approval, the final subdivision plan and any supporting documentation, such as restrictive covenants or right-of-ways, must be registered at the BC Land Title Office within 60 days of the signing date.

In most cases the approval process for small lot subdivisions can take between twelve and twenty-four months, though the timing may vary depending on a number of factors, including: complexity of the proposal, quality of submissions, application volume etc.

2) Other types of subdivision

Prior to submitting other types of subdivision applications, we recommend that you consult with City planning staff by emailing planning@portmoody.ca or phoning 604-469-4540 to make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork. This will help you save time during the application process.

Application requirements and submission process
  1. Review the Development Application Submission Requirements Checklist (PDF).
  2. Visit Submit a Development Application for detailed application information and to submit your application online.
 Application review
Your application will be reviewed by a variety of internal departments and external agencies before it receives a Preliminary Letter of Requirements (PLR). This letter provides a preliminary list of technical requirements for final approval of the subdivision. You will be given an opportunity to submit additional information or revise the proposal as a result of the initial review process.

If the survey plan is acceptable and all conditions of the PLR are fulfilled, the Approving Officer will review and consider approval of the subdivision plan, along with any other required documentation, and you, or your solicitor, are required to deposit the plans at the Land Title Office within 60 days of receiving final approval.

It generally takes two to three months to issue a PLR (provided the land use change has been approved prior). The more complex a proposal is, the more time it requires. If the application is submitted at the same time as other development applications (eg. rezoning), the processing time may be longer.

A PLR is valid for 12 months. If that letter expires, you can request to extend the validity period for an additional six months with the appropriate fee. Extensions are generally deemed acceptable as long as City requirements have not changed substantially since the time the PLR was issued.

It may be necessary for you to address other development approval processes at the same time, including: development permit, development authorization, North Shore development authorization, or development variance permit. These approvals may affect the timing of final subdivision approval. For applications that require a change in land use a rezoning application must be successfully completed before a PLR will be issued. 

Review the Guide to Subdividing Property (PDF) for additional information on the general subdivision application process and requirements.

fees icon  Learn more about Costs and Fees

OCP icon  Review the Zoning Bylaw

OCP icon  Read the Official Community Plan

OCP icon  Read the Guide to Small Lot Subdivisions (PDF)

OCP icon  Read the Guide to Subdividing Property (PDF)