Frequently Asked Questions
- DPA 1 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas;
- DPA 2 - Hazardous Slopes;
- DPA 3 - Sea Level Rise;
- DPA 4 - Abandoned Mine Working Hazards;
- DPA 5 - Wildfire Hazard;
- DPA 6 - Steep Slope Development
- DPA 7 - Nanaimo Parkway Design
- DPA 8 - Form & Character
What is a Development Permit?
A development permit (DP) allows the City of review proposed develpoments to ensure they meet the policies and objectives of City Plan as well as the City's development permit guidelines.
There are 8 Development Permit Areas in the City:
How does the Development Permit process work?
For more information about how the Development Permit process works, go to this link!
What is City Plan?
City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined is the City's strategic planning document, that provides direction for the coming 25 years on land use, Truth and Reconciliation, climate adaptation, health and wellness, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, economic prosperity, sustainable living, and more. Because cities work best when interdependent systems are considered together, City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined unifies traditionally separate strategic documents to serve as Nanaimo's: Official Community Plan (OCP); Parks, Recreation, Culture, & Wellness Plan; Active Mobility Plan; Transportation Plan; Climate Action & Resiliency Plan; Accessibility & Inclusion Plan.
City Plan can be accessed by clicking this link.
Can I comment on the design of a proposed development?
Now is your opportunity to provide input on the design of multi-family, commercial, and industrial development in Nanaimo. Once the Form & Character Design Guidelines are adopted, they become the measure by which the City evaluates development proposals.
Where will the new Design Guidelines apply in the City of Nanaimo?
The new Form and Character Design Guidelines in Development Permit Area 8 (DP8) will apply to all new multi-family, commercial, industrial, and mixed use developments within the City of Nanaimo.