Frequently Asked Questions

 A plan determines what can be built and where. It guides the City when considering future development applications. 

Typically a land use plan will aim to:

• Designate future land uses;
• Guide density and height of buildings;
• Increase employment space;
• Address housing affordability;
• Upgrade streets and add connections;
• Improve parks and public spaces; and,
• Renew and add public amenities.

Without a plan, development can occur haphazardly and can lead to speculation and a lack of community amenities and infrastructure. A land use plan provides more certainty for residents, developers, and the City about the community’s future.

The Surrey Hospital and BC Cancer Centre is expected to open in Spring 2030.

The Cloverdale Fairgrounds are designated as a “Special Study Area” in the Cloverdale Town Centre Plan. The Fairgrounds are undergoing a separate master planning and market feasibility study to determine its future use and function. This is a separate process outside of the scope of the Plan. However. some of the neighbourhood around the Fairgrounds have been incorporated into the Plan.

Many public facilities and services are essential to the day-to-day lives of residents, such as parks, community centres, cultural spaces, public art, childcare facilities, fire halls, and libraries. The City is typically responsible for providing many of these community amenities. When new development occurs in an area that has a land use plan, financial contributions from new development help fund these amenities. These are called Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) and are collected from developers as part of rezoning applications.

No. When the plan update is complete it will only indicate the future potential for land through a designation. Designations describe the general form that can be built on a property. For example, “commercial,” “mid-rise mixed use,” or “park” are all designations. Development applications such as development permits and rezoning applications are still typically required before anything can be built. During a development application process, a public hearing and Council approval are required.

A land use plan is simply a tool to provide certainty for residents, developers, and the City about the community’s future. However, development is in large part market driven, meaning that it will occur when and where there is a demand for new housing, commercial space, etc. The Cloverdale Town Centre Plan provide a long-range vision for the community.

The pace of development is dependent on individual property owners redeveloping or choosing to sell their property.  If there aren’t willing buyers, sellers, and developers, then not much will change. In some areas it will take decades for changes to occur, and in some areas, change may not take place. In other areas redevelopment will occur much more quickly.

No. A land use designation does not force a rezoning, development, or vacation of one’s property. A new land use plan simply indicates what type of development the City supports and envisions within a Plan area. This may or may not signal future development based on market conditions.

Property values are assessed by the BC government. A change in a land use plan designation could signal future development potential or restrictions. If the designation suggests higher-density development nearby, it might increase your property value with the province. Conversely, if it limits potential uses, it could decrease value. But there are a number of factors that affect the assessed value of a property. For example, buyer perception can also play a role. If the designation is viewed favorably, it could attract buyers, while an unfavorable designation could deter them.

Property taxes are generally based on assessed value, which can be influenced by land use changes and provincial assessments. If your property value increases due to positive changes in the surrounding area, your taxes may rise. However, if the change is viewed negatively, it could lead to a decrease in assessed value and potentially lower taxes. Since you’ve lived in your home, you’ve probably seen the property value increase over time.

A property designated as “Park” will be purchased by the City at fair-market value, assessed by the BC government. The City acquires parkland at various stages based on a variety of factors such as budget and timing. You may choose to redevelop your property at any time. At some point, the City may come to the property owner with an offer to buy their land.