The Zoning Bylaw guides what you can build on your particular lot. However, the topography of West Vancouver and the diversity of development within its neighbourhoods requires sensitive, and sometimes innovative, design. Standard bylaw provisions cannot anticipate each situation.
Depending on the situation, there are three options. Variances that are the result of a hardship are the jurisdiction of the Board of Variance. A minor variance that is not the result of a hardship can be considered by the Director of Planning and Development. A Major Development Variance Permit must be submitted to Council for consideration.
Major Development Variance Permit
Minor Development Variance Permit
Minor variance considered to be the result of undue hardship is the jurisdiction of the Board of Variance. The Board is a quasi-judicial body independent of Council, and applications to it are submitted in the Building Permit application process.
Before applying to the Board of Variance, you must apply for a Building Permit and obtain a letter from the Building Inspector confirming the specific variances.