Development Applications
Please note: In late 2023 and spring 2024, the Province introduced housing-related legislative changes that require the City to rewrite municipal rules around zoning, development, fees and charges, and public engagement. The information on this web page may be out of date. Visit Housing Changes in Coquitlam for more information.
The types of development applications required depend on the scale of the work and change proposed. The City's How Development Happens (PDF) handout provides an example of how the development process happens in Coquitlam.
First Steps
Once you have researched your property's zoning designation and related policies and guidelines, a Pre-Application is the first step required before submitting a full application. Staff can help provide applicants with preliminary, high-level direction to guide their future full application.
If you have specific questions that need to be answered prior to submitting a Pre-Application, an Enquiry Meeting may be helpful. An Enquiry Meeting is recommended for those who are seeking feedback from staff about a specific concept, plan or proposal at the earliest stages of the development proposal.
When you are ready to submit a Development Application to the City of Coquitlam, please use our Development Application Portal. Though there are numerous types of development applications, the City of Coquitlam generally processes them concurrently as part of a combined project.
All required documents must be submitted to the Development Application Portal within three weeks of the initial submission. Applications that remain incomplete after this deadline will be automatically cancelled, and applicants will need to reapply under a new application number.
Application Process and Revenue Intake
To help understand what fees are required and when, as well as the entire application process as a whole, please review our Application Process and Revenue Intake timeline document. (PDF) This graphic shows what fees are associated with the various stages of the application process and when they are due.
Development Application Portal
The City of Coquitlam has launched its online Development Application Portal, making it easier to submit development applications.
During the initial phase, the portal will allow the user to submit development applications and pay fees related to those applications with their credit cards. The next phase will expand to renewing business licences and submitting building permits.
Development Application Portal Instructional Videos:
Important Forms and Documents
- Development Application - Drawing Details List (PDF)
- Development Application Applicant Acknowledgement and Agent Authorization Form (PDF)
- Development Application Form (PDF)
- Development Application Information Guide (PDF)
- Development Planning Application Fees Schedule 2026 (PDF)
- Full Development Application Submission Checklist (PDF)
- Pre-Application Submission Requirement Checklist (PDF)
- Small-Scale Residential Pre-Application Submission Requirement Checklist (PDF)
New Applications
Submit new development applications through the City’s Development Application Portal. Once you’ve created an account, you will be able to apply for new development applications, including rezonings, development permits, and subdivisions. Users will also be able to monitor active applications and submit required documents using the portal.
The registered user who created the application is the only account that can make changes and upload files. Members who the registered user has added as members have view only access. If the project will be managed by more than one individual (ie. Architect, Engineer, Consultant Group), please consider creating a centralized account using a common email that can be accessed by all groups.
If you’re unable to complete the application process all at once, you can save your progress and return to complete the application.
Additional information to help with your application is included in the Development Application Information Guide (PDF).
Project Resubmissions
All resubmissions can be made through the Development Application Portal. For more information on how to upload a document for resubmission, please see How to Upload a Document (PDF) guide. If your initial application was made using Qfile or in person, and you have not registered for the portal, you will need to create an account. Please ensure that the email you used to create your account is the same as the one provided on the application form. Your email will also link your historic applications to your portal account.
All required documents must be submitted to the Development Application Portal within three weeks of the initial submission. Applications that remain incomplete after this deadline will be automatically cancelled, and applicants will need to reapply under a new application number.
Notes:
- If you submit via the Application Portal, you are not required to submit an Application Form.
- Do not lock drawings or files, as staff are not able to review locked drawings.
- Please combine all requirements listed under the Architectural Plans section of the Submission Requirement Checklist in one document.
- Printed full sized drawings are no longer required at the time of initial submission. File Managers may request them for their review at a later date.
- If you have any questions about using the portal, reach out to the Development Planning Division by email or call 604-927-3430.
Deliveries
When delivering or dropping off any letters or drawings to the Planning and Development Department, please clearly indicate on the front of the item:
- Name of staff person you are delivering to or the specific division (i.e. Building Permits, Development Planning or Development Servicing);
- Address of the property involved for your letter or drawing; and
- Project number (if applicable)
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on all Statutory Holidays.
If you have items for drop-off you may come to City Hall. If you plan to drop off items after hours, you may use the City Hall drop box in the ground level parkade off of Burlington Drive. However, this drop box is only for small items.
Pick-ups
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on all Statutory Holidays. Please ensure the person sent for pickup has a staff name as a reference for contact, an address for the property involved and / or project number.
All cheques must be sent to Development Planning. Cheques sent directly to Financial Services will not be processed and may delay project intake. Print a copy of the invoice provided to you by staff with a cheque payable to City of Coquitlam and mailed to:
Attention: Development Planning
Coquitlam City Hall, Development Services
3000 Guildford Way
Coquitlam BC V3B 7N2
Another option is to pay in person at the Finance front counter at City Hall. They accept all forms of payment. Acquire the invoice from the Development Planning counter prior to paying and return a copy of the paid invoice to Development Planning so that your project intake may continue.
Development Application Process Review (DAPR)
The DAPR program is focused on streamlining processes, increasing the use of automation and enhancing customer service throughout the development and building permit review and approvals processes. Since the launch of this program in 2018, a number of notable achievements have been made to streamline the development application and review process and to reduce approval timelines. For more information on past achievements and upcoming DAPR initiatives visit coquitlam.ca/DAPR
Development Applications
- Development Permits
- Development Variance Permits
- Master Development Plan
- Official Community Plan Amendments
- Pre-Application
- Rezonings and Zoning Bylaw Text Amendments
- Subdivisions
- Temporary Use Permits