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I have been developing subdivisions
throughout British Columbia since 1972.
These subdivisions have included
oceanfront developments to lots in
remote areas. We have also marketed a
number of residential subdivisions.
Creating subdivisions with your property
can be very rewarding. Many people
do not know how to create subdivisions or
what procedures which they should
follow. Let’s take a moment to review
subdivisions in British Columbia. |
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First, what constitutes a subdivision? A
subdivision is created when you do any of the
following:
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combine two or more properties into one lot
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adjust an existing property line
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create several lots from one or more properties
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create several strata lots from one or more properties
-
create several lots with the creation of a road on your
property
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In British Columbia, there are several different
types of subdivisions.
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A Conventional (Fee Simple) Subdivision is where the
original owner of the lot retains full
ownership and control of the property.
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A Strata Subdivision is where fee simple land is
divided into multiple units, with all unit
owners having the right to use common
elements of the property. Bare Land
Strata is a strata subdivision with no
houses existing on the property. A
Building Strata only needs approval if
the building was previously occupied. A
Phased Strata is the development of lots
on parcels of land in two or more phases.
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Co-operative Association/Shared Interest
is where developers sell shares in a land owning corporation,
owned as a co-operative association.
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First Nations Reserves-
These properties usually fall under federal
jurisdiction, unless it confirms to Part 24
of the Land Titles Act
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Leases-
Any lease exceeding three years, or with an
option to exceed three years are considered
subdivisions, and must be approved.
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For all of these subdivisions, it is given
that the owner not only owns the land, but
the space directly above and below it for
ordinary use of the land. Also falling under
subdivisions is accreted land, where a lot
has been enlarged due to natural causes
(such as out of a sea or river). |
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Anyone can create subdivisions out of land
they own and register them with the Land and
Title Survey Authority. However, before such
a plan can be registered, it must be
approved by an Approving Officer. Depending
on where you wish to create your
subdivision, you need to deal with the
correct type of approving officer.
Municipal Approving Officers
deal with properties within municipalities.
Regional District or Islands Trust
Approving Officers deal with rural
subdivisions within their areas. |
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Ministry of Transportation Approving Officers
deal with the properties not covered by the
Municipal or Regional District approving
officers, and Nisga’a Approving Officers
handle subdivisions with the Nisga’a territory.
Development proposals are dealt with on a first
come, first serve basis, and, if submitted with
all documentation and a complete application,
can usually take six to 24 weeks to reach the
first stage of approval. After you have received
your Preliminary approval, you have a year to
complete your development and submit for Final
approval, which can take up to 60 days for
approval. |
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Fees which you can expect to pay include
Ministry of Transportation fees, taxes and
professional fees, fees for reports when
necessary (such as a contaminated site profile,
engineering reports, site inspections), costs
for servicing or developing, or the costs for
public consultation.
For more detailed information on subdivision
procedures, please review the guide
from the Ministry of Transportation found below. |
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