RDEK development application fees increasing
Residents, builders and developers in the Regional District of East Kootenay are being reminded to check development application fees before submitting planning related applications, with selected fee changes set to take effect July 1.
The RDEK said the updated fee schedule is included in its Development Applications Bylaw and identifies which fees will change this summer. The changes apply to selected application types, including some development variance permits, certain development permit related fees, subdivision referral fees and other planning applications.
“If you’re getting ready to submit an application, now is a great time to take a quick look at the updated fee schedule so you know what to expect,” said Karen MacLeod, RDEK Planning Manager. “We want to help applicants plan ahead, understand which fees apply to their project, and avoid any surprises during the application process.”
The updated schedule shows several fees staying the same, while others will increase July 1.
A standard Development Variance Permit will rise from $500 to $600. A wildfire hazard development permit that does not require a professional report will increase from $125 to $150, while an amendment to an issued Development Permit will rise from $200 to $300.
Housing Agreement and Bylaw applications will increase from $350 to $450. Site Specific Floodplain Exemptions will rise from $300 to $400, and Strata Conversion base applications will also increase from $300 to $400.
Subdivision related fees are also changing. The base fee for Fee Simple or Bare Land Strata subdivision referrals will increase from $350 to $500, while the fee per parcel created will rise from $50 to $100. Issuance of revised subdivision referral comments will increase from $150 per change to $200 per change.
Liquor and cannabis licence referrals will see larger increases, with liquor licence referrals and cannabis licence referrals each rising from $150 to $450. Mailing of notices required for those referrals will increase from $300 to $400.
The RDEK’s Development Applications Bylaw states every development application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee set out in the bylaw’s fee schedule. For subdivision applications referred by the province, the applicant must submit the required RDEK fee before the regional district provides referral comments back to the province.
The RDEK is encouraging applicants to verify fees before sending in materials, particularly for subdivisions, development permits, variance permits or other planning related applications.
The fee schedule lists July 1 changes for Development Variance Permits, amendments to issued Development Permits, Housing Agreement and Bylaw applications, Site Specific Floodplain Exemptions, Strata Conversions, subdivision referrals, liquor and cannabis licence referrals and request for reconsideration fees not otherwise identified in the schedule.
Applicants who are unsure which application type or fee applies to their project are encouraged to contact RDEK Planning staff at planningdept@rdek.bc.ca or 250-489-2791.
The updated fee schedule is available through the Regional District of East Kootenay website.