Development Process Overview

Property development projects in Kelowna – such as building a carriage house, rezoning your property, or proposing a new commercial development – have different requirements and processes. The page contains important information about the application process for your proposed development. The process and procedures for applying for development are regulated in the Development Application Procedures Bylaw.
Know your role in protecting BC's archaeological sites. If you are planning on developing your property, please review our City of Kelowna Bulletin on Archaeological Sites. Feel free to visit the Province of BC's Archaeology Branch website and review the Property Owner Brochure to learn your responsibilities as a property owner.
For most development applications, the Standard Development Application Package is required.
Standard Application Package
Determining your application requirements
Application types
There are various types of property development applications, and they all have unique requirements. Learn more about the types of development projects below and click on a header to visit that overview page.
- Development within Airport Zone: Development within the Obstacle Limitation Surface surrounding Kelowna Airport
- Carriage house proposals: constructing a smaller, secondary house that can be used for guests, family, or as a rental
- Development variance permits: proposing development that doesn’t conform to City bylaws
- Environmental development proposals: altering land or proposing construction in a natural environment permit area (near waterways or other ecologically sensitive lands)
- Farm protection development permit: altering land or proposing construction in a farm protection development permit area
- Hazardous condition development proposals: altering land or proposing construction in a high risk area, primarily hill slopes steeper than 30%
- Heritage development proposals: altering, restoring or revitalizing heritage properties
- Liquor Licences: application process overview
- Rezoning & OCP amendments: rezoning properties or amending the Official Community Plan
- Subdivision & stratification proposals: subdividing a property, including changing lot lines or consolidating lots, as well as stratifying buildings
- Urban design development permits: constructing multiple unit residential, commercial and industrial developments
Application fees are listed in our Development Application Fees Bylaw and change annually. Depending on your proposal, there may be other costs associated such as building permits, development cost charges and servicing fees. Other agencies - such as FortisBC, your water provider, or the BC Safety Authority – may also charge fees related to your application.
Informational Bulletins
- A1 Housing Allowances Bulletin
- Airport Zone Bulletin
- Archaeological Sites Bulletin
- Amended Development Permit Bulletin
- Carriage House Bulletin
- Development Permit Landscape Plans Bulletin
- Earthworks Noise and Vibration Regulations Bulletin
- EV Residential Ready Bulletin
- Farm Residential Footprint Bulletin
- Fast Track Infill Housing (MF1) Bulletin
- Landscape Performance Securities Bulletin
- Payment in Lieu of Parking Rates 2024-2025 Bulletin (takes effect June 1, 2024)
- Phased Strata Subdivision Bulletin
- Public Information Session Guidelines
- Retaining Wall Bulletin
- Security Gates & Roll Shutters Bulletin
- Site Coverage and Impermeable Surfaces Bulletin
- Sloped Lots Bulletin
- Strata Subdivisions
- Tree Cutting Permit Bulletin
- Zoning Bylaw Density Bonus Rates (2024)Bulletin
- See the Building & Permitting bulletin list for more.