New Provincial Housing Legislation Updates
In December 2023, the provincial government issued regulations and policy manuals to further support local governments, including the UEL, as they work in partnership with homebuilders to deliver more homes for people.
These changes allow density increases beyond what has been previously permitted in UEL neighbourhoods.
These changes came into effect on August 21, 2024 via Ministerial Order No. M292 which can be viewed here.
Find more information on what the UEL is doing to implement these changes. Find more information on the Province's website.
Change of Land Use District (Rezoning) Applications
These applications can take the form of:
- Changing from one Land Use District to another
- Changing to a new Land Use District not existing in the current bylaw
- Text amendments to existing Land Use Districts
As rezoning requires an amendment to the UEL Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw, rezoning decisions are made by the Minister responsible for the UEL.
The UEL's rezoning process can be summarized in the following steps:
- Prior to submitting an application, the applicant may undertake stakeholder discussions and studies to develop a proposed development concept
- When an application is submitted it undergoes a technical review and the application may be revised as a result
- The applicant erects a notification sign for public comment and the application is referred to the Community Advisory Council (CAC) and Advisory Design Panel (ADP). The application may be revised based on comment received
- Draft bylaw amendments are prepared and are referred to the CAC and the ADP; a public meeting may be held at the Minister’s discretion
- The Minister makes a decision on the application
All rezoning enquiries should be directed to PlanUEL@gov.bc.ca.
Development Permits
Many developments in the UEL require an approved Development Permit before a Building Permit application can be made. In general, a Development Permit is required to:
- erect or alter a dwelling or accessory building outside the “allowable building envelope” within the Single-Family Dwelling District;
- erect or alter a multi-family dwelling outside the “allowable building envelope” within the Multi-Family Dwelling District;
- develop a Conditional Approval Use; or
- undertake certain other developments listed in
Section 7 of the Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw.
For more information, please read the Guide to Development Permits.
Related forms and checklists:
- Development Permit Application Form
- Letter of Authorization Form
- Development Permit Application Checklist
- BCLS Survey Plans Checklist
Please refer to our Policies page for other bulletins and policies relating to property development.
An intake appointment is required before submitting a Development Permit application. An intake can be booked by calling the Administration Office at (604) 660-1808.
Building Permits
All storefront buildings and structures erected within the University Endowment Lands (UEL) must comply with the applicable sections of the Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw. Building Permits and the associated fees are required before:
- constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;
- installing, repairing or altering any plumbing and similar works;
- demolishing a building; and
- moving a building to any property.
Single-family building permit application requirements, are available on-line, or can be obtained at the UEL Administration Office.
Once a building permit has been issued, inspections can be booked by calling the Administration Office at (604) 660-1808.
Regulatory Information
*NEW* The BC Building Code 2024 is effective March 08, 2024 and will apply to building permit applications accepted as of that date.
The use of non-road diesel engines is subject to Metro Vancouver’s updated Non-Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Bylaw. For more information, click here.
Energy Efficiency Rebates
New incentives are available for retrofits and new buildings at CleanBC Better Homes. Better Homes makes it fun and easy! A one-stop application for Better Homes, BC Hydro, and FortisBC, use the rebate search tool to find incentives tailored to your project and support the reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Better Homes is funded by the Province of BC and the Government of Canada.
Tenant Improvement Permits
There is a special policy covering all tenant improvements in the UEL.
The policy specifies the documents and certifications that tenants must submit at the time of a Building Permit Application. The Tenant Improvement Requirements and Application Package are available online or can be obtained from the UEL Administration Office.
Planning, Development Permit, and Building Permit Enquiries
For planning, development permit, and building permit enquiries, please contact us at (604) 660-1808 or UEL@gov.bc.ca to be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Construction Noise
In the UEL, construction, repair, excavation or demolition of a building or street is permitted between 7:30 am and 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday; between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Saturdays; and, is not permitted on Sundays or statutory holidays. Schedule 6: Noise Control Bylaw of the UEL Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw addresses the issue of noise.