There is no defined timeframe to obtain a decision in a Strata Title Conversion process. The time depends on the complexity of the policy issues, comprehensiveness of the application and time to respond to identified issues.

All application fees are outlined in Schedule D of the Fees and Charges Bylaw.

A separate fee is required for the Building Division inspection, with an additional fee charged if more than one inspection is required.

There may be legal costs associated with your Strata Title Conversion application. Restrictive covenants, statutory right-of-ways or other legal agreements and documents may be required.

For applications related to an existing duplex, visit the Building Division at City Hall or call 604.927.5444 to arrange an inspection to certify compliance with the BC Building Code.

Additional fees will be associated with the inspection, as outlined in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Staff will forward a report to the Director of Development Services with a recommendation. The Strata Property Act requires the City to consider:

• The priority of rental accommodation over privately owned housing in the area,
• Any proposals for the relocation of persons occupying a residential building,
• The life expectancy of the building,
• Projected major increases in maintenance costs due to the condition of the building,
• Any other matters that, in their opinion, is relevant.

The Director of Development Services may:

• Approve the strata plan,
• Approve the strata plan subject to terms and conditions (tentative approval),
• Refuse to approve the strata plan, or
• Refuse to approve the strata plan until terms and conditions imposed by the approving authority are met.

Once all conditions have been met and the strata plan is approved, the Director of Development Services will sign the strata plans to enable deposit at the Land Title Office.

The City requires, as practice, the registration of a restrictive covenant to ensure a duplex unit may not be developed with a secondary suite. This covenant is required by the City as a condition of its approval of a Strata Title application.

Prior to issuing a building permit, the City requires a landscape security to ensure the project complies with the approved DP landscape drawings in a timely manner.  Please refer to the Landscape Plan Requirements for detailed guidelines.

The landscape security, typically a Letter of Credit, is equal to 110% of the landscape estimate provided by the applicant. This amount is defined in the development permit documents. Please note that if you are building a duplex the landscape security deposit is $5000, not 110% of the landscape estimate.

Upon completion of the landscaping, the applicant may request an inspection and will be refunded 100% of the deposit if the landscaping is found to be complete.

• Letter of Credit application form