The Planning Department is responsible for the administration of zoning, land use and development applications. The department is also involved in the development of long-term community plans which focus on the future vision and objectives of communities within the rural electoral areas of the Regional District. Regionally focused projects that involve member municipalities or other Provincial agencies and interest groups include sustainability, agriculture, affordable housing and climate change. The principle functions of the Planning Department are:

• to prepare land use plans and policies for consideration by the RDCK Board to promote the allocation of resources in support of planned and orderly development;
• to serve the community by responding to a wide range of inquiries and applications related to the use and development of land;
• to administer RDCK land use bylaws, standards and policies;
• to provide the opportunity for meaningful public consultation; and
• to act as a resource to the RDCK Board on planning and development matters.