Development Approvals Enhancement Project

Share Development Approvals Enhancement Project on Facebook Share Development Approvals Enhancement Project on Twitter Share Development Approvals Enhancement Project on Linkedin Email Development Approvals Enhancement Project link

Removing barriers to attainable housing by streamlining the approval of development & construction

The City of Fernie recognizes the ever-growing housing challenges faced by our community and in response is seeking ways to help accelerate the construction of homes that people need.

The process for approving development has a big impact on how quickly housing projects are built. The government approval process plays an important role in ensuring communities grow in healthy, safe, and sustainable ways; however, the processes to approving these projects can be lengthy, complex, and costly.

In September 2021, the City secured grant funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) through the Local Government Development Approvals Program. This program supports local governments in identifying challenges, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of processing development and construction applications.

The City is now working with a consulting team to pinpoint the specific challenges impacting Fernie and determine the best ways to address them. This project aims to achieve operational efficiencies, enhance customer service, and explore the use of automation in development permitting. To achieve this, we will identify the current issues and gaps, engage with interested parties, develop communication materials, and test innovative approaches.





Engagement Plan

Throughout the project we'll be consulting with a broad range of stakeholders, including applicants, professional consultants, City staff, review agencies, affected residents, land developers, builders, and elected officials. Understanding the spectrum of perspectives and experiences is key to identifying issues, developing solutions, and delivering a successful project.

1. Join us for a presentation of the project at the Regular Meeting of Council on February 28, 2023. Meetings are streamed live to the City's Facebook page.

2. Members of the development and construction communities are invited to attend a workshop on February 27, 2023, to help develop strategies for obtaining consistent development success.



How can you get involved?

  • Review the draft reports and documents on this webpage and provide your feedback.
  • This project has now concluded. If you have any questions or comments, send an email to: planning@fernie.ca



Attainable Housing News: Follow the City's Progress

The City is committed to improving housing and development regulations and processes in the community through several initiatives and projects, and is seeing positive outcomes from these efforts.

Stay tuned to the Housing and Development Let's Talk page for updates on how we're improving our service.

Removing barriers to attainable housing by streamlining the approval of development & construction

The City of Fernie recognizes the ever-growing housing challenges faced by our community and in response is seeking ways to help accelerate the construction of homes that people need.

The process for approving development has a big impact on how quickly housing projects are built. The government approval process plays an important role in ensuring communities grow in healthy, safe, and sustainable ways; however, the processes to approving these projects can be lengthy, complex, and costly.

In September 2021, the City secured grant funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) through the Local Government Development Approvals Program. This program supports local governments in identifying challenges, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of processing development and construction applications.

The City is now working with a consulting team to pinpoint the specific challenges impacting Fernie and determine the best ways to address them. This project aims to achieve operational efficiencies, enhance customer service, and explore the use of automation in development permitting. To achieve this, we will identify the current issues and gaps, engage with interested parties, develop communication materials, and test innovative approaches.





Engagement Plan

Throughout the project we'll be consulting with a broad range of stakeholders, including applicants, professional consultants, City staff, review agencies, affected residents, land developers, builders, and elected officials. Understanding the spectrum of perspectives and experiences is key to identifying issues, developing solutions, and delivering a successful project.

1. Join us for a presentation of the project at the Regular Meeting of Council on February 28, 2023. Meetings are streamed live to the City's Facebook page.

2. Members of the development and construction communities are invited to attend a workshop on February 27, 2023, to help develop strategies for obtaining consistent development success.



How can you get involved?

  • Review the draft reports and documents on this webpage and provide your feedback.
  • This project has now concluded. If you have any questions or comments, send an email to: planning@fernie.ca



Attainable Housing News: Follow the City's Progress

The City is committed to improving housing and development regulations and processes in the community through several initiatives and projects, and is seeing positive outcomes from these efforts.

Stay tuned to the Housing and Development Let's Talk page for updates on how we're improving our service.

  • Permit Tracking Software Coming to Fernie in 2025

    Share Permit Tracking Software Coming to Fernie in 2025 on Facebook Share Permit Tracking Software Coming to Fernie in 2025 on Twitter Share Permit Tracking Software Coming to Fernie in 2025 on Linkedin Email Permit Tracking Software Coming to Fernie in 2025 link

    The City of Fernie is pleased to announce that Permit Tracking Software is coming to Fernie in 2025, making it easier for builders, developers, businesses, and residents to complete the entire building and development permit process online.

    Council awarded the contract for Development and Permitting Software to Cloudpermit on October 22, 2024. Of the three short-listed software providers, Cloudpermit was selected as best fitting the needs of the City and local community.

    Fernie’s permitting process will become more accessible by allowing permits to be submitted, tracked, and issued in one convenient location. The software offers a user-friendly dashboard with interactive mapping, real-time progress monitoring, inspection bookings, and a messaging platform for direct communication with Planning staff and Building Officials.

    The new tool can be accessed 24/7 from any network connected browser or mobile device, allowing users to easily submit permit applications and inspection requests remotely, or from the comfort of their own home.

    The City of Fernie is excited to provide applicants with a permitting experience that enhances communication, speeds up processes, and improves the workflows of permit applications. This solution also offers a consistent permitting experience across the Elk Valley, with Sparwood and Elkford using the same software.

    The software implementation process is set to kick off in Fall 2024 and anticipated to go live in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for information sessions and learning resources available prior to launch in 2025.

Page last updated: 08 Nov 2024, 09:10 AM