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Official Community Plan & Zoning

OCP

An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a general statement of the broad objectives and policies of the local government respecting the character of existing and proposed land use and servicing requirements in the area covered by the Plan. The OCP serves as the foundation for all policies, regulations, and decisions pertaining to land use and development in a municipality. Each property in Town has been assigned an OCP designation that defines the approximate or desired location of land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, parks and open space, etc.

Zoning Bylaws are used by the Town to regulate the use of land and to implement the policies in the OCP. They state exactly what land uses are permitted in the community and provide information such as where buildings may be located, the types of uses and dwellings permitted, and standards for lot size, parking requirements and building height.

When is a rezoning and OCP amendment necessary?

Rezoning is a process of changing one zone to another. When a development is proposed, including constructing new buildings or changing the types of activities that occur on a property, the owner must check the existing zoning regulations for that property. If the existing zone does not permit the proposed development then it is necessary to apply for a rezoning. A rezoning cannot be approved contrary to the OCP.

An OCP amendment is the process of changing a property's OCP designation. When a development is proposed, including the construction of new buildings or changing the types of activities that occur on a property, the owner must check the existing OCP and zoning regulations for that property. If the existing OCP designation and/or zoning do not permit the proposed development then it is necessary to apply to the Town of Smithers for an OCP amendment at the same time as the application for rezoning. The rezoning and OCP amendment occur together as one process.

OCP Amendment and Rezoning Application

How long will it take & who makes the decision?

The average processing time for a rezoning and OCP amendment application is 4 months, provided that all necessary information is submitted and there are no complications. Applications involving a complicated review process may take longer. Town Staff prepare recommendations for Council, and Council makes the decision.

Review the OCP/Rezoning Process