Alphabetical Glossary of Zoning and Bylaw Terms 

When dealing with zoning and bylaws in the context of building or developing property, it's essential to understand the terminology that municipalities use. Here's an alphabetical glossary of key terms commonly encountered in Canadian municipalities, including Victoria, BC.

A

• Accessory Building: A secondary building on the same lot as the main structure, such as a garage or shed. Accessory buildings are subject to specific zoning regulations.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A secondary residential unit on the same lot as the primary dwelling, such as a basement suite or a garden suite. Victoria allows certain types of ADUs in specific zones.
• Affordable Housing: Housing units that are affordable to individuals or families with low to moderate incomes, often defined by a percentage of the area’s median income.
• Amenity Space: Designated areas within a development intended for communal use, such as parks, playgrounds, or recreational facilities.
  
• Amenity Contribution: A financial or in-kind contribution made by a developer to the municipality in exchange for additional development rights, often used to fund public amenities like parks or community centers.
  
  B
  

• Building Code: A set of regulations governing the design, construction, and alteration of buildings to ensure safety and accessibility.
• Building Height: The vertical distance from the average grade level to the highest point of a building. Victoria’s zoning bylaws set maximum height limits depending on the zone.
• Building Permit: Official authorization from the municipality to begin construction or significant renovations on a property.
  
  

C

• Covenant: A legal agreement or restriction on the use of land, which may be included in the property's title. Covenants can dictate aspects like the type of building materials or property use.
• Comprehensive Development Zone (CDZ): A custom zoning category used for complex developments that do not fit into standard zoning categories. These zones are tailored to specific projects and may combine residential, commercial, and other uses.
• Conditional Use: A land use that is allowed under specific conditions outlined in the zoning bylaw but typically requires additional approval from the city.
  
  

D

• Density: Refers to the number of buildings or dwelling units allowed per unit of land area, often expressed as units per hectare or acre.
• Density Bonus: An incentive offered to developers that allows for increased density (e.g., more units or taller buildings) in exchange for providing public benefits, such as affordable housing or green spaces.
• Development Permit: A permit required for certain types of construction or land development. It ensures that the proposed development complies with zoning and design standards.
  
• Development Permit Area (DPA): A designated area within Victoria where special regulations apply to guide the form and character of new developments, protect the environment, or manage hazards.
  
  

E

• Easement: A legal right for someone other than the property owner to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose, such as utilities or access.
• Encroachment: When a building or structure extends beyond the property line onto another's property or public land, potentially requiring special agreements or removal.
  
• Environmental Protection Area: Zones designated to protect environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands or wildlife habitats. Development in these areas is heavily regulated.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): An evaluation of the potential environmental effects of a proposed development project, required before approval.
  
  F

• Floor Area Ratio (FAR): A measure of building density, expressed as the ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the lot. Higher FARs allow for taller or more expansive buildings.
• Form and Character: Refers to the design elements of a building, including architecture, materials, and landscaping, to ensure it fits within the community’s aesthetic and cultural context.
• Form-Based Code: A type of zoning regulation that emphasizes the physical form of buildings and public spaces rather than just land use.
  
  

G

• Greenbelt: A designated area of natural or undeveloped land around or within a community intended to preserve open space and limit urban sprawl.
  
• Green Building: A building designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. Victoria encourages green building practices through incentives and regulations.
• Gross Floor Area (GFA): The total floor area within a building, including all floors and spaces, but excluding certain elements like parking structures or external balconies.
  
  

H

• Height Restriction: A limit on how tall a building can be, often determined by zoning bylaws to preserve sightlines, sunlight, or neighborhood character.
• Heritage Conservation Area (HCA): A zone designated to protect historically significant buildings or areas, with strict controls on alterations and new construction.
• Home Occupation: A business operated out of a residential property. Zoning bylaws in Victoria outline specific conditions and limitations for home occupations to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.
  
  I

• Infill Development: The process of developing vacant or underused parcels of land within an existing urban area, often subject to special zoning considerations.
• Infrastructure: The physical systems and structures needed to support a community, including roads, utilities, and public services.
  
  

J

• Joint Use Agreement: An agreement between two or more parties (often public entities) to share the use of facilities or spaces, such as schools and parks.
  
  

L

• Land Use: The designation of how land can be used, typically classified into categories such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or recreational.
• Land Use Contract: A historical agreement between a property owner and the municipality outlining specific uses and development conditions for a piece of land. Although these contracts are being phased out, some properties in Victoria may still be governed by them.
• Lot Coverage: The portion of a lot that is covered by buildings or structures, expressed as a percentage. Zoning bylaws often limit lot coverage to control density.
  
  

M

• Mixed-Use Development: A development that combines residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial uses within a single area or building, promoting density and diversity of use.
• Municipal Bylaw: A rule or regulation passed by a municipal council that governs the community's behavior, land use, and property development.
  
  

N

• Non-Conforming Use: A land use or building that does not comply with current zoning regulations but is legally allowed because it existed before the new regulations were implemented.
  
  

O

• Official Community Plan (OCP): A long-term planning document that outlines a municipality’s vision for growth, land use, and development over a specified period, often 20 years.
• Overlay Zone: A zoning district that applies additional standards or restrictions on top of the underlying zoning classification, often for environmental protection or historic preservation.
  
  

P

• Public Hearing: A meeting open to the public where community members can express their views on proposed changes to zoning bylaws or development plans.
• Parking Requirement: The minimum number of parking spaces that must be provided for a building or land use, as specified in the zoning bylaw.
  
  

R

• Rezoning: The process of changing the zoning classification of a parcel of land to allow a different type of development or use.
• Right-of-Way: A type of easement that allows others to travel through or use a portion of the property, often for roads or utilities.
  
  

S

• Setback: The minimum distance that a building must be located from a property line, street, or another structure, as defined by zoning bylaws.
• Site Plan: A detailed drawing that shows the layout of a development project, including buildings, parking, landscaping, and utilities, often required for permit approval.
• Subdivision: The division of a larger parcel of land into smaller lots. Subdivision in Victoria must comply with zoning regulations, including minimum lot sizes and access requirements.
  
  T
  

• Temporary Use Permit: A permit that allows a land use not normally permitted under current zoning for a limited period, often subject to specific conditions.
• Transfer of Development Rights (TDR): A program that allows property owners to transfer or sell the rights to develop one property to another, often used to preserve open space or historic sites.
  
  

U

• Urban Growth Boundary: A designated line or area around a municipality within which urban development is allowed, used to control sprawl and protect rural lands.
• Urban Containment Boundary (UCB): A boundary established to limit urban sprawl by directing development within a defined area, ensuring efficient use of land and infrastructure in Victoria.
  
  V
  

• Variance: An exception granted by a municipality that allows a deviation from the zoning bylaw requirements, such as reducing a setback or increasing building height.
• Vacant Land: A parcel of land that is not currently developed or in use, which may be subject to specific zoning regulations depending on its location.
  
  W
• Watercourse: A natural or artificial channel through which water flows, such as a river, stream, or creek, which may be subject to special regulations.
  
  

Z

• Zoning: The division of a municipality into districts or zones that dictate how land and buildings within those zones can be used, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.
• Zoning Amendment: A change to the zoning bylaw that alters the permitted uses or development standards for a specific area or property. Zoning amendments in Victoria require approval from the City Council and often involve public hearings.
• Zoning Bylaw: A legal document that outlines the specific rules and regulations governing land use and development in each zoning district within a municipality.
  

Conclusion

Understanding these zoning and bylaw terms is essential for navigating the complexities of property development and land use in Victoria, BC, and other Canadian municipalities. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or developing land, being familiar with these terms can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure compliance with local regulations.