Development Services

Community Planning

Community development is guided by Summerland’s Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. These documents describe where different land uses in Summerland will be located.

Our planning staff will be happy to help you determine what land use zone you are in and what uses are permitted in your zone. Applications to change land use zones or amend the Official Community Plan are processed through our office. Good community planning protects our natural environment, promotes efficient land use and tries to follow “smart growth” principles. Together we can make Summerland a better place to live for us and our future generations.

Downtown Development Permit Area Design Guidelines Review

In late 2009, Council directed staff to conduct a review of Summerland’s Downtown Development Permit Area design guidelines (Tudor Theme).  These guidelines were initially developed in the mid 1980’s and have been in place ever since.  Council awarded a contract to Robert Mackenzie Architect and appointed a 9 member steering committee to oversee this review. 

The intent of the review is not to remove the guidelines but rather to refine the guidelines to ensure they reflect Summerland’s history, high quality construction and timeless architectural character that will take Summerland forward.  Once the new guidelines are adopted, any downtown property owners that build new buildings or renovate the exterior of their building would required to comply with these new guidelines. 

Open House

On May18, 2010, 31 people attended an Open House for the Downtown Development Permit Area Design Guidelines Review. There were presentation boards with details of the project and a questionnaire for people fill out.

To view the presentation boards click here.

If you would like to fill in a questionnaire, please do so and return it to the Municipal Office (13211 Henry Ave., Box 159 Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0).

Click here to print out the questionnaire.