The creation of new parcels within the Town of Ladysmith is managed by the Subdivision Approving Officer.  There are provincial rules and local rules that govern subdivision.  A review of the Town of Ladysmith Subdivision Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw is the place to start when considering the subdivision of land.  

The Approving Officer will consider these items as part of the review process:

  • Town policies: especially those policies incorporated within the Town’s Official Community Plan and those confirmed by Council.
  • Zoning regulations: including standards for the creation and use of lots (lot size, lot dimensions, servicing, frontage, density and use, setbacks, etc.).
  • Access and Mobility:  including consideration for roads, alleys, walkways, emergency access, fire lanes, and access to the ocean and adjacent land.
  • Parks and Environmental Protection:  the provision of "green spaces" and the protection and enhancement of natural and environmental amenities is considered as part of the subdivision process.
  • If the property is located within the Riparian or Hazard Lands Development Permit Area, a permit will be required as part of the subdivision approval.
  • Site servicing: the provision and extension of services (roads, curb, gutter, sidewalk, sanitary sewer, water supply, storm sewer, utilities and other services) will be required to support the use of the new lots and the future development of adjacent lands. The Town’s Engineering Standards and Specifications will apply.
  • Other agency requirements: for example, when a subdivision occurs adjacent to a Provincial Highway or access to the foreshore is a consideration, or for contaminated site remediation.

Development Cost Charges

When new single family lots are created, Development Cost Charges are collected to help with the cost of new and improved infrastructure to serve new demands for capital infrastructure. In Ladysmith, DCCs are collected for roads, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water and parkland. For details please refer to the Town’s Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw.   

Please watch for other new bylaws that are being considered by Council. These initiatives will provide further reductions to DCC rates in downtown and for developments with low environmental impact. 

Strata Conversion

Council is the approving authority for the strata conversion of previously occupied buildings. Strata conversion is governed by Provincial rules and local bylaws and policies. Strata conversion proposals involving residential rental units may be considered if the rental vacancy rate is above 3%. 

Click here for the Strata Conversion Policy and Strata Conversion Application Checklist for strata conversion applications.