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Development Applications
Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Last Updated: Sept. 24, 2020
With construction considered an essential service in B.C., the City of Coquitlam has introduced a number of temporary measures to help keep construction and housing projects on track while continuing to support public health.
In addition to the measures detailed below, the City offers a number of online eServices to support business transactions with the City.
Planning and Development Service Updates
- June 15, 2020 Bulletin (PDF) - Alternative Inspection Procedures for Additions and Interior Renovations in Occupied Buildings During COVID-19 Health Emergency
- June 9, 2020 Bulletin (PDF) - Requirements for Temporary Outdoor Space Expansion Submissions
- May 1, 2020 Bulletin (PDF) - Alternative Inspection Procedures During COVID-19 Health Emergency
- April 2, 2020 Bulletin (PDF) - Services Available During City Hall Closure
- March 26, 2020 Bulletin (PDF) - Services Available During City Hall Closure
- March 23, 2020 - Bulletin (PDF) - Services Available During City Hall Closure (Revised April 2, 2020)
More Information
COVID-19 Temporary Measures
- Temporary Relaxing of Sign Rules
- Temporary Outdoor Business Spaces
- EPlan
- Development Applications
- Digital Submission & QFile File Transfer
- Courier Deliveries & Pick-up
- Payments
Relaxed Sign Rules to Support Businesses During COVID-19
Coquitlam has temporarily relaxed its sign regulations to help businesses more easily publicize key information related to the pandemic.
The temporary exemptions will mean businesses do not need to apply for a sign permit, pay fees or adhere to limits on the sign area (excluding sandwich board signs), time period and number of temporary signs that provide pandemic-related information such as:
- Hours of operation, closures and reopenings;
- Directional information to ensure physical distancing;
- Best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as use of masks;
- Changes of services or inventory; and
- Phone numbers and website addresses.
The temporary signs may not be used to advertise products, services or pricing, and businesses are expected to keep the signs organized, maintained in a professional manner and installed safely.
Sandwich boards must remain on the business property and are not permitted on sidewalks or other public rights-of-way unless approved through a formal sign application.
The temporary exemptions will be revisited at the end of 2021.
- Report to Council - November 18, 2020 - Temporary COVID-19 Signage Exemptions for Local Businesses
The City has established a simple, expedited process to help Coquitlam businesses set up temporary patios and outdoor spaces to help support their business recovery during the pandemic. Visit the program page for additional information including the application guidelines and FAQs. Or contact us for more information.
- All EPlan documents will be delivered to customers via email.
- Development application reviews are continuing, with a focus on existing in-stream applications.
- We are accepting drawing re-submissions digitally, see Digital submission tab below for re-submission instructions.
- New development applications can be submitted digitally using Qfile, see Digital submission tab below for instructions.
- Note – File Managers may request printed copies for the review.
- To access the Development Application form and Appointment of Agent for Development Applications form, see the Builder Resources page.
- Option to complete and e-sign a digital application and agent form with DocuSign also available.
- The application must be complete with all required information. An invoice will be issued for any fees. See the payment section for details).
New Applications
New applications are to be submitted through the City’s file transfer service, Coquitlam QFile:
- Enter devinfo@coquitlam.ca into the Recipient email field.
- Name your documents with the date and document name.
Note - the same type of documents are to be submitted as one set. For example users will submit one Architectural set rather than individual pages.
- Please compress/zip multiple files into one folder prior to sending.
- Do not lock drawings or files, staff are not able to review locked drawings
To submit documents for a new project, see our video tutorial.
Project Re-submissions
- Enter devinfo@coquitlam.ca or your file manager email’s address (if known) into Recipient Email field.
- Name the document with your PROJ Number or site address.
- Note - the same type of documents are to be submitted as one set. For example users will submit one Architectural set rather than individual pages.
- Do not lock drawings or files, staff are not able to review locked drawings
To re-submit documents for the existing project, see our video tutorial.
Deliveries
When delivering or dropping off any letters or drawings to the Planning and Development Department, please clearly indicate on the front of the item:
- Name of staff person you are delivering to or the specific division (i.e. Building Permits, Development Planning or Development Servicing);
- Address of the property involved for your letter or drawing; and
- Project number (if applicable)
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and closed on all Statutory Holidays.
If you have items for drop-off you may come to City Hall. If you plan to drop off items after hours, you may use the City Hall drop box in the ground level parkade off of Burlington Drive. However, this drop box is only for small items.
Pick-ups
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and closed on all Statutory Holidays. Please ensure the person sent for pickup has a staff name as a reference for contact, an address for the property involved and / or project number.
Credit card and cheque payments:
- Development Planning cannot accept credit card payments at this time.
- Cheques can be mailed to City Hall or placed in the drop box in the ground-level parkade. Please note your application file number, address, and name of staff person.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments:
- Submit development application.
- Staff will email you an electronic invoice with the City’s EFT banking information.
- Send an EFT payment through their financial institution.
- Send an email to Accounts Receivable, (cc your File Manager), noting the invoice amount, invoice number, name of payee, PROJ Number , and application address.
- Staff will finalize processing of your application. If you do no hear from any staff member within a week of your EFT transfer, please contact the file manager.
Development Application Process Review (DAPR)
The Development Application Process Review (DAPR) is a top-level priority in the annual business plan and supports the City’s strategic goal of Excellence in City Governance. With the aim of enhancing all aspects of the application process, the work has entailed a detailed review and update of workflows, steps, timelines, tools, standards and associated guidelines and policies.
The DAPR efforts build on in-house expertise with best practices and industry feedback. This has included quarterly meetings between the City and Urban Development Institute, along with a four-session Developer Forum workshop series in 2019 and 2020/2021. Coquitlam also helped form Municipal Innovators Community - West, a network of public servants across Metro Vancouver that meets to share innovative process improvements, best practices and lessons learned. Coquitlam hosted the most recent virtual session held in June 2021.
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Archaeological Sites
Archaeological sites contain physical remains of human activity and are protected for historical, cultural, scientific and educational value.
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Contaminated Sites
Past industrial or commercial activities can result in contamination that requires remediation when a site is being redeveloped.
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Developer Delegations
From time-to-time, a developer may choose to appear at a Council-in-Committee (CIC) meeting as a delegation in order to introduce a project and provide early information to Council and the public on either a rezoning application or a development permit application.
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Development Application Signs
All applicants pursuing Development Applications involving one or more of the following application types are required to install a development proposal sign on the development site.
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Development Permits
Development Permit Areas are designated in Coquitlam for one or more of the following purposes.
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Development Variance Permits
Development Variance Permits are permits authorized by City Council to allow variances to certain requirements of the City’s Zoning Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, or Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw.
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Fees and Charges
Fees and charges are the costs associated with developing land, including but not limited to Development Cost Charges, purchasing City plan documents, licences and permits.
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Good Neighbour Construction
Redevelopment in an existing neighbourhood can bring many benefits to the community.
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Heritage Revitalization Agreement
A Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) is authorized by City Council, through a bylaw, to protect a heritage building or property.
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Master Development Plan
A Master Development Plan (MDP) is intended to bridge between the high-level directions in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the site specific details of a standard rezoning/DP application.
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Official Community Plan Amendments
The City's Citywide Official Community Plan (OCP) is a comprehensive plan to guide future land use and address related needs for amenities, services, and infrastructure support.
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Pre-Application
The pre-application process provides a preliminary review for a subsequent, more detailed development application, including a Development Permit, Rezoning or Official Community Plan Amendment.
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Rezonings & Zoning Bylaw Text Amendments
The City's Zoning Bylaw implements the City's Official Community Plan by regulating land use and the general form and siting of development.
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Sign Permits
Anyone intending to place a sign on the exterior of any building or structure, or on any property in the City, must make an application and obtain approval from the Planning and Development Department for a Sign Permit, prior to installation.
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Subdivisions
A subdivision of land can create two or more lots out of one lot, adjust an existing property (lot) line, or consolidate two or more lots into one.
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Temporary Use Permits
A Temporary Use Permit allows a use of land, on a temporary basis, not otherwise permitted in the City’s Zoning Bylaw.