Planning to Build, Renovate, Relocate or Start a Business?
Whether you're buying a property, starting or relocating a business, building a new home, or planning a subdivision, your first stop should be the City of Prince Rupert’s Development Services Department.
From zoning and permits to site servicing and land considerations, City staff can help guide you through the development process—saving you time, money, and uncertainty. An early conversation with our team can help identify the key steps, requirements, and considerations for your project.
Development Procedures Guide
Want an overview of the major considerations when developing in our community? Check our comprehensive Development Procedures guide below as a starting point, which will give you a good idea of what may be needed for your project. Although the document is helpful in setting expectations around what to expect, we also always encourage you to reach out directly to staff so they can assist in answering questions around your specific plans.
Getting Started: Key Development Considerations
Zoning
Prince Rupert’s Zoning Bylaw divides the community into zones that determine allowable land uses, building heights, setbacks, lot coverage, parking requirements, and more. Understanding your property's zoning is a critical first step in the development process, and will help you understand if what you are proposing is already permitted, or if you will need to go to Council for an Official Community Plan and/or Zoning Amendment Application.
Development Permit Areas
Certain areas in the city are designated as Development Permit Areas (DPAs), which apply guidelines for environmental protection, hazard mitigation, or urban design. If your property is within a DPA, specific permitting and design requirements may apply. Additional information on local Development Permit Guidelines is here.
City Services (Water & Sewer)
Availability of municipal water and sewer services will impact the feasibility and cost of development. If a property is not yet serviced, developers may be responsible for extending services to the site, subject to City engineering standards.
Topography & Natural Features
Much of Prince Rupert's terrain includes slopes, rock outcrops, and natural vegetation. These features can affect your building design, access, and potential for geotechnical risks. In some cases, a geotechnical report prepared by a registered professional may be required to assess slope stability or foundation conditions.
Title Search & Legal Instruments
Before proceeding with development, it’s important to review your property's Certificate of Title for any legal encumbrances, including:
- Easements and/or Rights-of-Way
- Covenants and/or restrictions
These instruments may place limits on how the land can be used or developed.
Next Steps
Once you've gathered some preliminary information, book a meeting with the City of Prince Rupert’s Development Services team. We can help you understand next steps including:
We're here to help you move your project forward.
Contact us at 250-627-0946
Email: development.services@princerupert.ca