| Application Submitted - The property owner or his/her authorized agent fills out and submits a rezoning application form and pays the appropriate fees. Planning Report - The Planning Department analyses the application and its implications for the area. This report is then forwarded to the Advisory Planning Commission, other government agencies and the Regional Board, normally, with appropriate by-laws in draft form. Advisory Planning Commission - The "APC" reviews the proposal, advising their Director, by way of minutes, who makes a recommendation to the Board. (NOTE: The APC may request additional information from the applicant or other government agencies.) Applicants will be contacted by the Chairman of the Advisory Planning and invited to attend the meeting at which their application will be discussed. Other Government Agencies - The Provincial Government requires that Provincial interests be taken into account in considering rezoning applications. Accordingly, by-laws are referred to major government agencies with an interest in the area (e.g. Highways, Health, Environment, etc.). Applications may also be referred to local agencies including the Water Districts, City of Port Alberni, District of Tofino, District of Ucluelet and Fire Departments. By-law - The Regional Board reviews recommendations from the Planning Department and the APC. If they agree to further the application, the amending by-law receives first reading. If either the Planning Department or the APC recommends against an application the Board have adopted the following policy: The Board receives the recommendations but defers a decision on the application for one month and the applicant is formally advised of the recommendations and asked if they wish to address the next Board meeting prior to a decision being made on their application. Public Hearing - A public hearing is held before third reading of a by-law. All those who feel their interests or property would be affected by the proposal have the opportunity to comment on it. (NOTE: Before a public hearing is held it is advertised twice in the newspaper and all property owners and tenants within 200 feet are notified.) The applicant must also post a notice of rezoning on the property concerned at a location visible and accessible to the public. All referral agencies' comments are brought forward to the public hearing. By-law - The Regional Board reviews the Public Hearing Minutes. If they agree to further the application, the by-law receives second and third readings. Provincial Government - Unless an official settlement or community plan is in place, all Regional District Zoning By-laws must receive ministerial approval from the Provincial Government. Where a Community Plan has been adopted, by-laws which conform to the plan can be adopted without ministerial approval. After approval by the Minister, and meeting all requirements of the Regional Board, the by-law receives fourth and final reading from the Regional Board.
NOTE: The Regional Board has three opportunities when they can:
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