City of Courtenay Streamlining Development Application Process

Changes to the development application process at the City of Courtenay will soon pave the way for improved service for the development community. A new “one window” approach will provide a single point of contact for developers and centralize services into one department.

Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula said the changes prioritize efficiency for both developers and staff. “These changes are based on feedback we’ve received from the development community, as well as our staff, on how we could make the development process easier,” noted Jangula. “We’ve also looked at best practices in other communities.

“It’s in everyone’s best interests for the development application process to be as clear and smooth as possible, and we think this new approach is going to be a big step forward.”

Any development application services that are currently provided by Engineering and Public Works Department will be transferred to the Development Services Department, and a new “Subdivision and Development Servicing Division” will be created within the department. 

Engineering and Public Works will focus on core responsibilities of delivering utility and transportation services, with a focus on asset management.

The transition will occur over the next several months, and is just one part of an overall effort to improve service for developers. Other changes include new subdivision applications rolled out earlier this year. As well, the development application bylaw was updated in 2014 to speed up application reviews. New comprehensive engineering specifications, standards and design guidelines are also being developed.  

Improving the development process – maximizing service and expediting the process – is one of Courtenay City Council’s top five strategic priorities for their current term.