Delegated Development Variance Permit

Learn when a Delegated Development Variance Permit is considered minor and how these applications are evaluated. 

The City of Surrey has delegated powers, duties and functions to Approving Officers to issue Development Variance Permits (DVPs) by way of Development Variance Permit Delegation Bylaw No. 20620, where the proposed Development Variance is considered minor in nature.

Criteria and Guidelines

The following criteria and guidelines outline when a DVP is considered minor by the Approving Officer, how it will be evaluated and whether a public notification is required. 

What Bylaw Provisions may be varied by a Delegated DVP?

A Minor Delegated Development Variance Permit may vary the following Bylaws and Provisions:

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 12000:

    • Yards and Setbacks;

    • Height of Buildings and Structures;

    • Off-street parking and loading space requirements; or

    • Landscaping and screening;

  2. Signage Bylaw No. 13656
When is a Delegated DVP considered Minor?

A Delegated DVP will only be considered “Minor” by the Approving Officer if the application:

  • Is not associated with another development application being considered by Council (e.g., rezoning, development permit, secondary land use plan amendment, etc.);
  • Is consistent with the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 18020;
  • Does not vary land use or density;
  • Does not apply to regulations under Part 7A Streamside Protection, or Part 8 Floodproofing of Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000;
  • Does not apply to a property for which authorization for Heritage Conservation alterations are required or a Heritage Revitalization Agreement is in effect;
  • Does not apply to a property subject to a Land Use Contract;
  • Does not apply to the Surrey Subdivision and Development Bylaw No. 8830;
  • Does not impose any cost to the City;
  • Does not conflict with any statues, bylaws, orders, legislation or laws.
How will a Delegated DVP be Evaluated?

The Approving Officer will evaluate the following prior to making a decision on a Minor DVP application;

  • Comments received from the public, if any;
  • Applicable City policies and guidelines (such as OCP, secondary plans, etc.);
  • Neighbourhood context, including established neighbourhood character;
  • Impacts to neighbouring properties; and
  • Any other considerations that the Approving Officer considers to be relevant or appropriate.
Will there be a Public Notification of a Delegated DVP?

The Approving Officer requires public notification be provided in the form of City webpage advertisement and notification letters provided to all properties adjacent to an application, for Delegated DVP applications related to:

  • Yards and Setbacks;
  • Height of Buildings and Structures; and/or
  • Off-street parking and loading space requirements.

Public notification will not be required for minor signage, landscaping or screening related variances.

Delegated DVP Process Outline

  • Completed
  • Started
  • Pending

Initial Inquiry for DVP

Pre-application meeting

Delegated DVP Application Submitted

  1. Applicant submits a Development Variance Permit application.
  2. City staff will review the application and request any missing submission requirements before taking in the application for processing.
  3. Once a complete submission is received, the application will be processed.

Internal Review & Referral Process

Staff prepare internal and external referrals to all applicable City departments.

DVP Public Notices (if applicable)

Delegated Official Consideration & DVP Decision

  1. Issue and file the DVP; or 
  2. Refer the DVP back to the applicant for more information; or 
  3. Refer the DVP application to Council for consideration; or 
  4. Reject and file the DVP application.

How to Apply

For Development Application submissions, visit Submitting a Development Application for requirements and further information. 

Resources

Application Fees

Application Submission Requirements