Zoning bylaws regulate how land, buildings and other structures may be used, as well as divide areas into zones, name each zone and establish the boundaries of those zones. Each zone also has a set of regulations, for example the number of residential units permitted, building height, or setbacks. The purpose is to provide the community with assurance of the type of land uses they can expect to see in a certain area, and with regulations for managing those uses.

The RDCO zoning bylaws reflect a vision for land use expressed in Official Community Plans and the Regional Growth Strategy, grouping compatible land uses together. See Central Okanagan East Electoral Area or Central Okanagan West Electoral Area for area-specific land use information.

When a use or density is proposed on a property that does not meet the bylaw regulations, a rezoning application may be submitted for consideration by the Regional Board.

See RDCO maps to check zoning for a particular property.

Zoning Bylaw No. 871

Zoning | Bylaw No. 871 (consolidated) applies to properties within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and parts of the East Electoral Area (aside from the Joe Rich area) within the RDCO. It does not apply to the City of Kelowna, Peachland, West Kelowna, Lake Country or First Nation Reserves.

Please note: Bylaw No. 871 link on this page is the consolidated version of the Bylaw provided for convenience only and should not be considered the legal or official version. The full Zoning Bylaw No. 871 can be viewed in person or obtained for a nominal cost from the Planning Services department at the RDCO office at 1450 KLO Road in Kelowna.

Maps are available to view the zone of any property located in the region as well as all RDCO zoning areas and street maps by using the Regional District's map system.

Please note: this information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change. Users should check to ensure the accuracy of the zoning designation.

How are rezoning applications made?

The zone that applies to a particular property cannot be changed from one zone to another without a formal rezoning application, public notification, a public hearing and the approval of the Regional Board.

We have application packages that outline required information, drawings and fees. It is important to make an appointment with staff before submitting a formal application to review submission requirements.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

What is considered in a rezoning application?

Regional Growth Strategy
Official Community Plan
Public input
Comments from referral agencies and Regional District departments

Application costs

Application fee(s)
Documents/plans necessary to complete application requirements
Sign requirements

Other costs may include:

Offsite requirements such as road improvements or fire protection
Professional reports
Legal fees
Development Application Procedures | Bylaw 1527
Development Application Fees and Charges | Bylaw 1483

How long does the application process take?

Applications typically take 8 to 10 months to proceed through the evaluation and approval process. More complex applications may take up to 12 months.

Additional information may be requested during the process, which may increase the application processing time.

Public notification and input

Public will be notified of a rezoning application by:

"Notice of Application" sign(s) posted on subject property
Written notices mailed to surrounding properties advising of a scheduled public hearing
Notice of public hearing posted in the newspaper
Public hearing

Written comments can be directed to Planning Services in advance of a public hearing.

The rezoning process

Discussion

Discuss your proposal with staff.

Fill out and submit an application

Submit your completed application to the Planning Services department.

Application review

Your application will be reviewed by relevant agencies, staff within Regional District departments and applicable public Advisory Commissions. Comments will be gathered and put into a report for the Regional Board to review.

Public notification

You will need to place a notification sign on your property. Prior to the Public Hearing, the Regional District will notify the community through ads and letters.

Consideration of 1st reading by the Regional Board

Consideration of 1st reading by the Regional Board at first reading the Regional Board may:

Not approve the bylaw,
Defer and request more information, or
Give first reading to the bylaw. The Regional Board may require certain conditions be met before setting a date for the public hearing.

Public Hearing

A Public Hearing gives the public and the applicant the opportunity to present their comments to the Regional Board.

Consideration of 2nd and 3rd readings by the Regional Board

The Regional Board may:

not approve the bylaw, or
give further reading(s) to the bylaw. The Regional Board may require that certain conditions be met prior to further consideration.

Consideration of adoption

Adoption means that the amendment is officially changed.

Zoning

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