Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
The building permit submission requirements for common types of projects are provided below.
- Single Detached or Duplex Requirements (may or may not include a secondary suite)
- Float Home:
- Detached Accessory Buildings and Structures
- Garden Suite or Coach House
- Renovations to Add a Secondary Suite
- See the Secondary Suites page for further information about secondary suites including application for rental permits.
- Exterior Additions
- Interior Renovations
- Carport or Sundeck Additions
- Carport Enclosures
- Renovations to Add a Secondary Suite
- New Swimming Pool
- New Hot Tub
Farm Houses and Additional Farm Houses
Farm houses and additional farm houses located on ALR land are subject to Delta's bylaws as well as the regulations of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). Further information is provided below.
See the ALC's Bulletin on Residences in the ALR for regulations effective as of December 31, 2021. The proposal must also comply with the regulations in Delta's Zoning Bylaw. Delta's building permit submission requirements are provided below:
A proposal for a new or replacement additional farm house may require a Non-Adhering Residential Use Application to be submitted to the ALC in advance of building permit application. The proposal must also comply with the regulations in Delta's Zoning Bylaw.
See the ALC's Bulletin on Residences in the ALR for regulations effective as of December 31, 2021. If a Non-Adhering Residential Use Application is required and approved by the ALC, the building permit requirements for an additional farm house are the same as for farm houses above.
See the Building & Renovating page for information about migrant farm worker housing.
Multi-Unit Residential
Multi-unit residential includes townhouses, rowhouses, apartments, etc. The building permit submission requirements for common types of projects and other building considerations are provided below.
With regard to multi-unit residential uses, under Delta's Building/Plumbing Bylaw
- A "complex building" means all buildings defined as Part 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the BC Building Code.
- A "non complex" building means buildings of three storeys or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 400 m2 and used for residential occupancies.
- Non-Complex Multi-Unit Developments (New or Renovation/Addition)
- Complex Multi-Unit Developments (New or Renovation/Addition)
With regard to multi-unit residential uses, under Section 52(e) of the Architects Regulation, an architect must be retained any time architectural services are provided on a building or structure as mandated in the Regulation. In general, an architect is required for:
- a hotel as defined in the Hotel Guest Registration Act that has a gross area of 470 m2 or more;
- a building that has a building area of 600 m2 or more;
- a building that has 4 or more storeys;
- a building that has 5 or more dwelling units as defined in the building code;
- a mixed-use building that has a gross area of 470 m2 or more and that has one or more dwelling units;
- a mixed-use building that has one or more dwelling units in combination with assembly, detention, treatment or care occupancy as those terms are defined in the building code.
The above is provided for reference only, see the Architects Regulation for more detailed and current information.
Payment of Development Cost Charges (DCCs) will be due at building permit issuance. Rates established under the following bylaws will apply, including any applicable provisions for in-stream applications:
- Delta DCC rates established under Delta Development Cost Charges Bylaw. Not-for-profit housing developments may be eligible for a waiver of Delta's DCCs. See Delta's DCC Waiver Bylaw for more information.
- Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District (GVS&DD) DCC rates under Metro Vancouver's bylaws. For more information, please contact Metro Vancouver.
- TransLink Regional Transportation DCC rates established under the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority's bylaws. For more information, please contact Translink.
Fences
In general, standard fences that meet Delta's Zoning Bylaw may be constructed without permits or approvals. Special consideration may be required in development permit areas, heritage conservation areas, steep slopes and in tree protection zones. If you have any questions, contact the Development Department at 604-946-3380 or development@delta.ca.
On residential properties, the maximum height for fences are as follows (not including fences required to enclose residential swimming pools):
- Up to 1.8 m behind the minimum front setback line, except,
- where a residential property abuts a lot zoned for a non-residential use, the fence along that lot line may be increased to 2.4 m.
- At the front of the lot (in front of the minimum front setback line), fences must be stepped down to 1.2 m in height regardless of adjacent zoning, except
- for RD2 zoned properties, fences must be stepped down to 0.9 m.
- An arbor with a maximum height of 2.4 m may be located anywhere on the lot.
The height of a fence or an arbor shall be determined by measuring from the finished grade every 2 m along the length of the fence or arbor at the base of the fence or arbor except where they are on retaining walls.
The above is provided for convenience only, see Delta's Zoning Bylaw for complete regulations.
- Up to 1.8 m behind the minimum front setback line, except,
For residential lots that border City-owned land (such as parks and pedestrian walkways), the Good Neighbour Private Fence Cost Sharing policy permits the City of Delta to consider sharing the cost of new or replacement fencing along shared lot lines. What you need to know:
- Getting Started - Fence construction must not commence until the application is approved by the City of Delta. Once the application is approved, the applicant must obtain three quotes from reputable fence installers and select the lowest quote. The City of Delta must approve the quote prior to commencement of work.
- Reimbursement Amount - Qualifying owners will receive reimbursement from Delta up to a maximum of $23 per lineal metre, or 50% of the fencing cost, whichever is the lesser amount. The offer for cost sharing is made on a one-time basis for a period of 20 years, after which a new application can be made.
- Location, Height and Style of Fence -
- Fences must be installed on the legal surveyed boundary of the residential property and must not exceed the length of that boundary.
- Fence heights must be in compliance with Delta's Zoning Bylaw.
- Fence criteria must conform to Delta’s standards, and chain link or wooden fence may be used. Chain link fences are preferred when constructed between a residential property and a park. Fence heights and styles should be consistent with neighbouring fences.
- A standard personal gate may be installed at the expense of the owner. Provision of gate, locks, or other means of security will be the property owner’s sole responsibility. Vehicle gates are not permitted, except in special circumstances.
- Payment and Reimbursement - Owner must pay for fencing in full and then receipts are to be submitted for reimbursement. Reimbursement of Delta's share will be made after an inspection has been completed (provided the fencing was satisfactorily installed).
- Maintenance - The owner is solely responsible for the maintenance of the fence.
For more information about the Good Neighbour Private Fence Cost Sharing policy, contact the Engineering Department at 604-946-3260 or engineering@delta.ca. If you would like Delta to consider your request, please fill out this Fence Cost Sharing application.