BC Planning File Checklist Template
Planning administration tool
A practical Excel checklist for tracking British Columbia planning applications from intake to file closure.
This workbook is intended to be copied and customised. Edit the tabs, dropdown lists, fees, notice steps, referral steps, and approval routing to match your local process.
To use this in Google Sheets, download the Excel file, upload it to Google Drive, then open it with Google Sheets. Some formatting or dropdown behaviour may change.
How it works
This template separates common BC planning workflows into focused tabs: delegated development permits, Council or Board development permits, minor development variance permits, standard development variance permits, and Board of Variance applications. Each tab follows a simple sequence: file setup, pre-application notes, intake review, title and property checks, referrals, decision steps, execution, registration where applicable, denial steps, and file closure.
The workbook uses dropdowns, clear section headings, and status columns so planners can track what has been received, reviewed, requested, completed, or marked not applicable.
When to use it
- Best used for: Tracking BC planning application files from intake to closure, including common review steps for development permits, development variance permits, minor DVPs, and Board of Variance applications.
- Not used for: Replacing local government procedures bylaws, adopted policies, statutory notice requirements, legal review, professional judgement, or application-specific decision-making.
- Audience: Planners, planning technicians, local governments, planning consultants, and planning students working with BC land use applications.
Notes and limits
- Assumption: The user will customize the workbook to match their local government’s procedures bylaw, development approval processes, delegation bylaw, application forms, referral practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Known constraint: The template is general to British Columbia. It does not include local government-specific committee names, staff titles, application fees, notice radii, deadlines, or bylaw references.
- Edge case: Some applications may involve additional requirements such as ALR applications, subdivision, rezoning, heritage alteration permits, floodplain exemptions, contaminated sites review, archaeological permits, provincial approvals, legal agreements, or site-specific professional reports.
Disclaimer
This tool is for general information only. It may contain errors or omissions. Use at your own discretion. No liability is accepted for decisions made based on this tool.
Related Tools
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- Planning Fee Rule Builder: Translate a fee bylaw into a reusable calculation. Build a fee rule, estimate the result, and export the formula for Excel or Google Sheets.