The City creates land use plans for areas that are experiencing growth and development pressure. A plan determines what can be built and where. It guides the City when considering future development applications.

Typically a land use plan will aim to:

• Designate future land uses
• Guide density and height of buildings
• Increase employment space
• Address housing affordability
• Upgrade streets and add connections
• Improve parks and public spaces
• Renew and add public amenities

Without a plan, development can occur haphazardly and can lead to speculation and a lack of community amenities and infrastructure. A land use plan provides more certainty for residents, developers, the City and the community’s future

No. When the plan is complete it will only indicate the future potential for land through a designation. Designations describe the general form that can be built on a property. For example, “commercial,” “mid-rise mixed use,” or “park” are all designations. Development applications such as development permits and rezoning applications are still typically required before anything can be built. During a development application process, a public hearing and Council approval are required.

The city will have a draft plan under review or it has been approved from the Mayor and Council. The Land use map will determine your development land potential. We are consistently communicating with the City planners about properties in the Fraser Valley.

Selling a development property is very different then selling any other property. Developer or investors usually drive by the property or have a walk thru. Our marketing team will add property aerials, zoning details, and potential best use in the marketing material, therefore the potential buyer can make a decision and no open house would be required. If the potential buyer is interested in the property, they will ask for a viewing on an accepted offer. Most land owners are very surprised when they hear this process.

Capital gains should be considered very carefully and we strongly suggest that you discuss these capital gains and tax implications with your accountant and lawyer. This subject can become quite complex due to individual circumstances such as your property type, your financial status, along with many other factors.

Creeks, easements and right of ways play a significant role in the value of your property. Although a creek or river may sound picturesque to most, buyers of development land place less value on impeded land since it cannot be redeveloped or otherwise maximized. Similarly, easements and right of ways play a role in your property’s valuation. For example, if a portion of your property is proposed as a future road by the city, the cost of your property will be drastically affected.

Privacy! No developer or investor wants their competitor knowing what they are buying. They all have their own reasoning, few developers and investors have never purchased a property on the MLS (public listing). Sometimes, the seller’s do not want anyone to know that they have sold their property for personal reasons or are considering of selling. We have sold properties without any signs, MLS, or even your neighbour knowing.