Development Applications

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. 

Though there are numerous types of development applications, the City of Coquitlam generally processes them concurrently as part of a combined project. Note that a Pre-Application is required prior to submitting a full application.

Important Forms and Documents

  1. Digital Submission & QFile File Transfer
  2. Courier Deliveries & Pick-up
  3. Payments

New Applications

New applications are to be submitted through the City’s file transfer service, Coquitlam QFile:

  • Enter devinfo@coquitlam.ca into the Recipient email field.
  • Name your documents with the date and document name. 

Note - the same type of documents are to be submitted as one set. For example users will submit one Architectural set rather than individual pages. 

  • Please compress/zip multiple files into one folder prior to sending.
  • Do not lock drawings or files, staff are not able to review locked drawings

To submit documents for a new project, see our video tutorial.

Project Re-submissions

  • Enter devinfo@coquitlam.ca  or your file manager email’s address (if known) into Recipient Email field.
  • Name the document with your PROJ Number or site address.
    • Note - the same type of documents are to be submitted as one set. For example users will submit one Architectural set rather than individual pages.
  • Do not lock drawings or files, staff are not able to review locked drawings

To re-submit documents for the existing project, see our video tutorial. 

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.

Development Application Process Review (DAPR)

The Development Application Process Review (DAPR) is a top-level priority in the annual business plan and supports the City’s strategic goal of Excellence in City Governance. With the aim of enhancing all aspects of the application process, the work has entailed a detailed review and update of workflows, steps, timelines, tools, standards and associated guidelines and policies. 

The DAPR efforts build on in-house expertise with best practices and industry feedback. This has included quarterly meetings between the City and Urban Development Institute, along with a four-session Developer Forum workshop series in 2019 and 2020/2021. Coquitlam also helped form Municipal Innovators Community - West, a network of public servants across Metro Vancouver that meets to share innovative process improvements, best practices and lessons learned. Coquitlam hosted the most recent virtual session held in June 2021. 

In July of 2022, the DAPR team launched the Development Information Portal that allows users to look up Development Projects by status within the City of Coquitlam. Up to date information is now publicly available on a dynamic map for all current and recently approved development applications. You can filter by status as well as download a data table of project information.