Draft Building Strata Modification Policy

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is aware of the challenges faced by the owners of building strata lots. These include difficulties obtaining adequate insurance and reaching agreement on land development within building strata properties.

To address these concerns, the RDN has developed a draft policy to guide the review of building permit applications that involve Building Strata Lots. This policy was developed following a directive from the RDN Board after the adoption of Bylaw 2500. This initiative addresses the growing trend of rural building strata developments, which typically involve two dwelling units on a single parcel, each registered as a separate strata lot under the Strata Property Act.

The draft policy outlines the responsibilities of applicants and the RDN in processing building permit applications that involve additions, replacements, or new structures within building strata developments. The goal is to improve clarity, consistency, and transparency in the permit process. The policy also clarifies the process applicants must follow to demonstrate compliance with the Strata Property Act when seeking building permit approval.

Recognizing that many property owners may be unaware of the implications of building strata ownership, the policy aims to enhance transparency and consistency in the building permit process. It clarifies the RDN’s regulatory role, reinforces the applicant’s responsibility for compliance with the Strata Property Act, and introduces a Building Strata Declaration Form to facilitate approvals in cases where formal strata corporations may not be active.

This page is a resource for:

• property owners living in building strata developments;
• BC Land Surveyors;
• land use professionals; and,
• members of the public.

Here, you can learn more about the proposed policy and share your feedback. Your input will help ensure the policy reflects local needs and supports informed, collaborative planning.

This is in your community, and we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal. A few ways you can learn more and share your thoughts are by:

• Check out our Document Library which includes the staff report and draft supporting policy
• To see the status of the project and next steps visit our Process
• Visit the FAQ's for more information
• Be sure to Register to provide your input
• Share your thoughts on the draft Building Strata Modification Policy in the Provide Feedback tab below by November 22, 2025
• Submit your questions and we will provide an answer for all to see in the Ask a Question tab below
• Subscribe to this page and we will send you directly email updates as this project moves forward
• Project updates will be shared in the What's New tab as the project moves forward
• Connect with our team by email or phone - see our contact info in Who's Listening