Planning and Development

The Development Services Department provides service in the areas of land use planning, including: policy and plan implementation, Building Permits & InspectionDevelopment Cost ChargesDevelopment Permit Area and Development Variance PermitLiquor and Cannabis Licensing, SustainabilitySecondary SuitesSign PermitSubdivisionUrban Forest Strategy and Tree Protection, and Zoning.

Curious if your property, or the property you are interested in, is within the City of Duncan? Take a look at the Do I Live in the City of Duncan webpage to find out if your property falls within City boundaries.


Official Community Plan & Transportation + Mobility Strategy

City of Duncan residents will get another opportunity to share feedback and comment on the ongoing joint update and review of the City’s Official Community Plan and first-ever Transportation + Mobility Strategy.

Following background and technical work as well as community consultation, the updated DRAFT Official Community Plan has now been prepared and is available for viewing on Small Town. Big Conversations.

If you would like more information on the proposed Official Community Plan, please contact Development Services by phone at 250-746-6126 or at developmentservices@duncan.ca

McAdam and Rotary Parks Master Plan

The McAdam and Rotary Parks Master Plan was adopted by Council at their June 21, 2021 Council meeting.

McAdam & Rotary Parks Master Plan


Cairnsmore Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan

The Cairnsmore Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan was adopted by Council at their April 19, 2021 Council meeting.

Cairnsmore Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan

For further information or questions, please contact developmentservices@duncan.ca


Regional Housing Needs Assessment Report

In partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District and other member municipalities (Town of Lake Cowichan, Municipality of North Cowichan and Town of Ladysmith), the City of Duncan contributed to the development of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment, through support from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Housing Needs Reports funding program.

The regional and sub-regional reports shed light on topics including key housing types and gaps, anticipated number of housing units and types, and the percentage of households in core to extreme core housing need. The report is comprised of six sections that identify current and predicted housing needs in the City of Duncan, these sections are:

  1. Demographic Profile
  2. Income and Economy
  3. Housing Profile
  4. Projections
  5. Housing Needs
  6. Affordability of New Development

The findings of the Housing Needs Assessment will contribute to the City’s Official Community Plan update process and other housing-related policy development.

City of Duncan Sub-regional Report:

Cowichan Valley Regional District Report

Other Sub-regional Reports (for Electoral Areas and Municipalities)