What is an Official Community Plan?

Before you can proceed with a community economic development plan, you must first have an official community plan (OCP). 

An official community plan, as outlined in Part 14, Division 4 of the Local Government Act, describes the long-term vision of communities. 

These plans:

• Are a statement of objectives and policies that guide planning and land use management
• Impact a community’s sustainability and resilience
• Outline long-term development plans for a community 
• Outline how a local government plans to exercise its powers

Municipalities are required under the Local Government Act to adopt an official community plan. Regional Districts are not required to adopt an official community plan. For local governments that have adopted an official community plan, all bylaws enacted and the work they chose to do must be consistent with the plan. 

As of 2023, local governments are required to review and update their Official Community Plans at least once every five years. This five-year cycle ensures that land use plans remain current and responsive to evolving housing needs. These updates must align with the findings of the most recent Housing Needs Report and plan for at least 20 years of housing supply. 

Local governments must also update their zoning bylaws to reflect the land use designations in the OCP and ensure that enough land is zoned to meet the total housing needs identified in the Housing Needs Report.

Before you create a community economic development plan, you should check to see if you have an official community plan. If so, review it to understand how it will affect economic development in your area and how your economic development plan can fit in. 

What to Include in Your Official Community Plan?  

Official community plans are as unique as their communities.  As such, it’s important to review all the requirements for creating one.

The B.C. government’s Planning and Land Use team can answer questions about official community plans.

Use the Local Government Division Staff Finder to find a:

• Ministry financial officer
• Governance and structure analyst
• Planning analyst

Or contact PLUM@gov.bc.ca.