What is a Development Permit Area (DPA) under BC's Local Government Act?

Q: What is the correct answer to: What is a Development Permit Area (DPA) under BC's Local Government Act?

The correct answer is An area designated in an OCP where development requires a special permit to address objectives such as environmental protection, form and character, or hazardous conditions. Option B is correct because a Development Permit Area is specifically designated within an Official Community Plan under BC's Local Government Act (Part 14). The legislation empowers local governments to designate DPAs for defined objectives including protection of the natural environment, protection from hazardous conditions, revitalization of commercial areas, form and character of commercial, industrial, or multi-family development, and energy and water conservation. Development within a DPA requires a development permit addressing these objectives.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Land Use & Planning question?

Development Permit Areas are one of the most important land use planning tools available to BC local governments. They are designated in OCPs under Part 14 of the Local Government Act. DPAs allow municipalities to impose additional design, environmental, or safety requirements beyond basic zoning. Common DPA categories include environmental protection (riparian areas, steep slopes), hazardous conditions (flood zones, geotechnically unstable land), form and character of development, and energy conservation. A development permit specifies conditions the developer must meet.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Land Use & Planning question?

Think of DPA as 'Design Protection Area' — it's an area in the OCP where development design must meet special protection objectives (environment, hazards, form). When you see DPA on the exam, recall 'Design Protection Area' — it's designated in the OCP, requires a special permit, and addresses specific objectives like environment, hazards, or building form.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Land Use & Planning question?

Watch for extreme language like 'no development permitted' or 'federal designation.' DPAs regulate development rather than prohibit it, and they are a local government tool, not federal or provincial.

Q: How does this Land Use & Planning concept apply in real world practice?

A developer plans to build a 6-storey mixed-use building on a waterfront lot in Victoria. The lot is within a DPA for both environmental protection and form and character. Before obtaining a building permit, the developer must apply for a development permit showing how the project protects the shoreline environment and meets the city's design guidelines for building height, setbacks, and aesthetics.

Question

Land Use & PlanningBCMEDIUM

What is a Development Permit Area (DPA) under BC's Local Government Act?

Answer Options

A

An area where no development is permitted under any circumstances

B

An area designated in an OCP where development requires a special permit to address objectives such as environmental protection, form and character, or hazardous conditions

C

A federal designation for military land

D

An area where the province overrides municipal zoning