Temporary Use Permits

Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) For Electoral Areas

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is considering a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) Bylaw to allow more flexible, short-term commercial and industrial land uses on lands presently zoned, Commercial or Industrial, and within the Agricultural Land Reserve. (e.g. temporary sawmills per Provincial legislation). TUPs could permit uses not allowed under current zoning. They offer a faster, more cost-effective alternative to rezoning for temporary activities, while rezoning would still be required for permanent changes.

On May 27, 2026, the CVRD Board directed staff to prepare bylaws for consideration and to conduct public notification and a public information meeting. If approved, the TUP Bylaw would establish a flexible framework for temporary uses, with the ability to be updated over time.

What is a Temporary Use Permit?

TUPs allow local governments to manage temporary development without permanent land-use changes, typically for up to three years, with one possible three-year renewal (six-years total).

A TUP allows temporary land uses not permitted by zoning, subject to conditions such as location, duration, servicing, etc.

What sort of TUP options is the CVRD looking to consider?

The CVRD is focusing on commercial and industrial TUPs. The draft framework includes criteria for servicing, waste management, etc., and is designed to provide clearer, more consistent opportunities for temporary use approvals.

For more information:

• Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which answer common questions, more will be added to along the way based on what we are hearing
• Check out the Documents or Resource Links
• Stay informed by clicking on subscribe to leave your email address and receive email updates
• Register and ask a question below about the TUP Bylaw by June 17, 2026, and we will respond at the upcoming online Public Information Meeting on June 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. Following the meeting, the questions and answers will be added to the FAQs on this page.
• Join us on June 18, 2026, at the online Public Information Meeting. You must pre-register at: https://cvrd.ca/planning-and-development/development-and-zoning/public-hearings-and-notices-of-intent/