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Land Use & PlanningBCMEDIUM

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

Correct Answer

C) An OCP-designated area where development needs a permit addressing objectives like environmental protection

A Development Permit Area (DPA) is designated within an Official Community Plan under the Local Government Act. Development within a DPA requires a development permit that addresses specific objectives such as protection of the natural environment, hazardous conditions, form and character of commercial or multi-family development, or energy and water conservation.

Answer Options
A
An area where no development is permitted under any circumstances, to protect sensitive natural features
B
A federal designation for military land, set by the Department of National Defence
C
An OCP-designated area where development needs a permit addressing objectives like environmental protection
D
An area where the province overrides municipal zoning to fast-track housing and infrastructure projects

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Option C 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.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

Development Permit AreaOfficial Community PlanLocal Government Actform and characterenvironmental protection
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