Frequently Asked Questions

No! Interestingly, your address might say you live in Kelowna, but your property is under the jurisdiction of the District of Lake Country. They have their own mapping system.

The ability to subdivide a property depends on the applicable zoning and other factors, such as lot width, depth, and total site area. Here's how to determine if a property is eligible for subdivision:

1. Check Zoning Use the Kelowna Map Viewer to find the property’s zoning designation.

2. Review Subdivision Regulations Refer to the City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw for minimum lot size and dimensions and permitted density for the zone. The development regulations can be found in easy-to-follow tables for zones RU1 to RU5, MF1 and MF2, and A1.

3. Contact the Subdivision team at [email protected]. Subdivisions require applicants to engage a legal property surveyor and conveyancer or lawyer. Speak to a planner first before engaging these specialists.

4. Important Notes:

· Subdivision in A1 zones is not permitted under Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) regulations.

· If a property does not meet minimum size requirements, consider alternative options such as stratification, which allows for selling individual units in residential (RU) or multi-family (MF) zones.

· Properties on major roads like Gordon Drive or Lakeshore Drive are generally discouraged due to the City’s policy to reduce single driveways on major roads. Check with the Planning Department.

· If you are interested in creating a ‘panhandle’ (also known as a ‘flag’ or ‘pork chop’ lot), review Panhandle Lot Policy - No. 196.

Still have questions? Contact the Subdivision team at [email protected].

· The City of Kelowna supports the preservation and protection of healthy urban trees across the City. Protecting Trees is a priority but is not always possible. Protecting trees in natural areas or on slopes supports biodiversity and reduces erosion on hillsides.

· Check the Kelowna Map Viewer to ensure the site is not part of a natural environment or hazardous conditions area (e.g., riparian area, steep slope).

· Reviewing the land title for the property will show if there are covenants on a tree, meaning it cannot be removed.

· Lastly, a tree may be removed if it is entirely within private property lines, does not have a covenant, and is not part of the natural environment or hillside areas. You can hire a surveyor to confirm the property lines if you do not have a survey.

· If any of these conditions apply, you must apply for a tree-cutting permit. For additional information on when a tree cutting permit may be required, refer to the Tree Cutting Permit bulletin.

For questions or concerns about trees on City lots, streets or in parks: Contact the Urban Forestry Department at ([email protected]).

· Fencing can be installed on any residential property within the property lines, also called the “property boundary”.

· Property lines that are fronting a street are typically limited to a maximum fence height of 1.2 meters from the ground where the fencing will be installed to the top of the fence panel.

· Taller fencing is permitted along both side and rear yards and allows for a maximum height of 2.0 meters.

· For additional information on fencing requirements refer to Section 7.5 of the City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw.

· Details about covenants, easements, and statutory rights of way (SRW) agreements are listed on the land title for any legal property. Contact the land title office to request a copy of any legal registered agreement listed on land title for a given property such as a covenant.

· Consult a lawyer for legal advice and assistance regarding understanding and interpreting registered agreements.

· For information on parking requirements for new developments, refer to Section 8 of the City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw.

· If you have any specific or detailed questions regarding parking requirements, contact the Development Planning department at [email protected] with a property address.