Land use contracts (LUC) were a tool used by municipalities in the 1970s to regulate the use and development of land. These contractual agreements between the municipality and landowner were comprehensive, often stipulating the permitted uses, building design, parking requirements, servicing requirements and subdivision layout and were registered on the certificate of title. When the ability to create new LUCs was repealed in 1978, the existing LUCs remained on title and took precedence over zoning bylaw and other related bylaws.
In 2014, the Province amended the Local Government Act to terminate Land Use Contracts on June 30, 2024; accordingly, municipalities were required to ensure underlying zoning and other required regulations for properties with land use contracts were in place prior to termination. For more information, please see the provincial website.
Port Coquitlam has 14 remaining land use contracts which will terminate on June 30, 2024. The underlying zoning for properties with LUCs has been in place for many years and will come into force on June 30, 2024. The underlying zoning is generally consistent with the provisions in the LUC, however there may be minor discrepancies between the LUC regulations and current bylaw regulations, such as required setbacks and parking. Buildings and structures which were lawfully constructed prior to June 30, 2024 may be afforded legal non-conforming protection, however future alterations to these buildings and structures must comply with the zoning regulations. The Board of Variance is provided the authority to consider variances in situations where a proposed alteration extends the non-conformity and constitutes a hardship.