Development Permits and Zoning Regulation
Development within Whitehorse must be carried out in accordance with the City’s Zoning Bylaw (2012-20). The purpose of the Zoning Bylaw is to provide for orderly development guided by the economic, social, and environmental objectives of the City’s Official Community Plan.
To align with the new Whitehorse 2040 Official Community Plan, the City of Whitehorse is currently rewriting its Zoning Bylaw. Check out the Zoning Bylaw Rewrite project page for more information and how to get involved.
A Development Permit authorizes development on land within the City of Whitehorse. “Development” means any new use, change of use, or change of intensity of use on any land within the City.
A Development Permit affirms that the proposed development conforms to the applicable regulations of the Zoning Bylaw. This includes ensuring that the proposed use is permitted in the zone in which the site is located, that the site design incorporates all required elements such as landscaping, access and parking, walkways, waste areas, etc., and that the building(s) conforms to all development regulations such as setbacks, building height, site coverage, etc.
A Development Permit is required prior to any development taking place. Development Permits are typically required prior to issuance of a Building Permit or Business Licence.
Complete applications can be submitted online. Once the application has been received, a Development Officer will contact you to make arrangements for payment of the application fees.
**NEW** Apply for your development permit online
- Apply for building and development permits online
- Know where your application stands with real-time updates
- Submit documents and request inspections online at any time
- Save time with faster streamlined approvals
- No in-person visits required
Set up your account and apply for a permit here.
**HOME-BASED BUSINESS PERMITS** The City is currently taking application forms for Home-Based Business development permits and Business Licenses. Download an application below:
- Minor Home-Based Business development permit application (link to file)
- Major Home-Based Business development permit application (link to file)
- Home-Based Business Owner Authorization form (link to file)
For more information on Business Licenses, see that section of our website (hyperlink). Applications for Home-Based Businesses and Business Licenses can be submitted as PDFs to [email protected].
**DEMOLITION OR RELOCATION PERMITS** The City requires a signed Form 3I to be uploaded as part of the online application process.
More Assistance:
For assistance with Development Permit applications contact us at [email protected] or visit us in person at 151 Industrial Road Unit #6.
More links can be found below on this page.
