Ground Oriented Housing

The City has adopted a new Ground Oriented Zone. The Ground Oriented Zone permits up to 4 dwelling units per lot, and up to 6 dwelling units in central areas. To learn whether your property is permitted either 4 or 6 units, please refer to our Growing Liveable Neighbourhoods webpage.

The Ground Oriented Zone permits the following types of development:

• New single-detached home with or without a secondary suite and/or coach house
• New duplex homes with or without secondary suites
• New multiplex homes or townhomes up to 4 units or up to 6 units, depending on location
• New coach house
• Interior or exterior renovations, including to add a secondary suite or to convert a suite into a duplex
• Addition to an existing building
• Construction of a deck, garage or carport

If your property is located within the Ground Oriented Zone, you must complete an application form for the following:

• New construction
• Interior or exterior renovations, including to add a secondary suite or to convert a suite into a duplex
• Addition to an existing building
• Subdivision
• Stratification

Getting Started

Please carefully review the following to ensure that your design complies with all Development Permit and Zoning requirements:

• Ground Oriented Zone Handout - includes a summary and explanation of the most common Zoning and Development Permit requirements
• Low Rise Neighbourhoods Development Permit Guidelines - includes design criteria to ensure a neighbourly fit
• Zoning requirements - includes details on the City’s Zoning Bylaw and Zoning requirements

How to Apply

There are several types of homes that can be built in the Ground Oriented Zone, and application requirements vary. Some projects may also require the involvement of an architect. Start your application process by contacting City staff to understand which requirements apply to your project.

Application Steps

1. Make an inquiry via phone, email, or in person:
• Phone: 604-982-WORK (9675)
• Email: permitinquiry@cnv.org
• In person at City Hall
2. City staff will send you the application form, the appropriate checklist of application requirements, and fee information.
• The application form is used by City staff to review compliance with the Zoning Bylaw, Development Permit Guidelines, and the BC Building Code.
• You only need one application form even if you need both a Development Permit and a Building Permit.
3. Submit your complete application form and checklist, and pay the application fees. 
• The complete permit package can be submitted digitally for processing to permitapplications@cnv.org. 
• Visit the How to Submit Construction Permits page for more information, including document formatting and naming standards.
4. The City will review your application for completeness and consistency with City Bylaws. Then, if needed, we will send consolidated comments back to you.
5. Once the City has confirmed that the application requirements have been met, the City will issue a Building Permit, and a Development Permit where required.
6. At this point, you will need to pay for additional Fees and Deposits, as required. 
7. Once all required permits are issued, you can begin construction and schedule inspections.

Contact Us

Ground Oriented Application Inquiries & Questions
Phone: 604-982-WORK (9675)
Email: permitinquiry@cnv.org