Types of Projects and Development at UBC

There are two types of projects at UBC: major projects and minor projects. There are also two types of development at UBC: institutional development and neighbourhood (non-institutional) development.

Major Projects

Major projects significantly impact the built environment because of their size and footprint. Plan amendments may be required

Minor Projects

Minor projects have a limited impact on the built environment due to their size or scope.

Academic campus
Institutional development applies to development on the UBC academic campus

Institutional Development

Projects that relate to UBC’s core academic mission, such as the construction of teaching and research facilities, and student residences, are considered institutional development and are evaluated in the context of University policies and guidelines. These include the Land Use PlanVancouver Campus Plan, and Green Building Action Plan. The project must also comply with any site-specific design briefs.

Neighbourhood Development

Projects located on building sites where a neighbourhood plan has been approved are considered neighbourhood, or non-institutional development, and evaluated against the UBC Land Use Plan, relevant Neighbourhood Plans, the Green Building Action Plan, and the Development Handbook.

Each type of development project has a different Development Permit Application process.

Learn more by clicking on the type of project below to get more information about the detailed process: