The Planning Department is responsible for a range of interconnected activities that are divided into the following categories:

• Long Range Planning
• Current Planning
• Geographic Information Systems
• Building Inspection
• Special Projects

Long Range Planning includes the preparation, review, and administration of the Regional District's seven Official Community Plans (OCPs). It also includes the development of planning studies, policy development, and participation in the review of Provincial planning initiatives (such as Crown Land Plans and LRMPs).

• Official Community Plans
• Official Community Plan Reviews

Current Planning involves the administration of the following land use and development related bylaws:

• RDBN Zoning Bylaw No. 700, 1993
• RDBN Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1300, 2004
• RDBN Manufactured Home Park Bylaw No. 740, 2006
• RDBN Development Procedures Bylaw No. 1422, 2007
• RDBN Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1275, 2003
• RDBN Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 1501, 2009

This work includes responding to public inquiries on planning and other related issues. It also includes processing, evaluating and developing recommendations to the Regional District Board regarding land use applications for OCP amendments and rezoning; development variance permits; temporary use permits; ALR exclusion, subdivisions and non-farm uses; liquor licenses; and special event permits.

Current Planning is also responsible for responding to or advising the Regional District Board and the Rural Directors Committee on their response to Crown Land referrals, Recreation Sites and Trails referrals, Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources referrals, and ALR referrals.

The GIS function involves the digital storage, management, and mapping of spatial and other data, and management of house numbering. This activity provides vital support to all Regional District departments. Residents also rely on this service to obtain house numbering, maps, and other information regarding their property and community.

The Building Inspection function involves implementation and enforcement of RDBN Building Bylaw No. 1318, 2005 and RDBN Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1300, 2004 through the building permit and inspection process. The RDBN provides building inspection services to a number of municipalities on a contract basis. The Building Inspectors also play a role in bylaw enforcement.

Special Projects includes a wide variety of projects that do not fit within the regular program of the Department and typically relate to unexpected events or activities that require immediate attention or involve the Board directing staff to undertake a project. Typically they are undertaken by the Director of Planning.