LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is an LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application?

This form asks the provincial regulator to review a proposed site for a government liquor store. It gathers facts about the location, zoning, nearby uses, store design, and operations. The regulator uses it to decide if the site is suitable. The review happens before a store opens, relocates, or significantly changes its footprint.

Typically use

• You are advancing a government liquor store location.
• You may be part of the operator’s real estate team.
• You may be a landlord, property manager, or consultant acting for the operator.
• Municipal staff may also assist with zoning confirmations and comments, but the applicant remains the operator or an authorized agent.

You need this form to secure written site suitability. Without it, a government liquor store cannot proceed at that address. The form lets the regulator look at land use, safety, neighbourhood context, and compliance with policy. It also records your commitments on design and operations. It tells the regulator who controls the site and how the store will function.

You use this form in several practical settings. You use it when you target a new retail unit in a development. You use it when you relocate a store due to redevelopment or lease expiry. You use it when you expand or reconfigure a store in ways that affect access, layout, or impacts. You may also use it when co-locating with a complementary retail use, or adding secure off-site storage linked to the store. The form captures those details so the regulator can assess public interest and safety.

The application is not a building permit or business license. It does not replace local approvals. It sits alongside municipal planning and permitting processes. It also does not grant a private retail licence. It speaks only to a government liquor store site. If approved, you still need to meet all other legal and technical requirements. The site assessment is a gateway that clears the location to move forward.

When Would You Use an LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application?

Use it when you have identified a specific address for a government liquor store. You may have a letter of intent, an offer to lease, or site control. You need the regulator to confirm that the location meets policy and public interest standards. You should apply before you finalize design, execute a long-term lease, or start construction. Early approval reduces project risk and cost.

Use it when relocating an existing store. A relocation may be across the street or in a new centre. If the entrance, parking, or neighbourhood context changes, you need a new site assessment. Even if the relocation is short distance, the new site may pose different impacts. The regulator will assess the new context on its own merits.

Use it when expanding, downsizing, or altering a store in ways that affect the public realm. Changes that alter how customers enter, queue, or park can change impacts. A large footprint change may introduce new security or safety needs. If in doubt, seek guidance and file the form to document the proposed changes. The regulator can then assess whether the existing approval remains suitable.

Use it when the site is near sensitive uses. Sensitive uses can include schools, daycares, parks, community centres, or treatment facilities. The regulator looks at distances, sightlines, and mitigation plans. If you foresee concerns, address them in the form and attachments. Show how the design and operations reduce potential impacts.

Typical users

• Operator’s project managers and licensing staff.
• Landlords and developers often assist with plans and property information.
• Municipal planning staff often confirm zoning and comment on local context.
• Security and design consultants contribute to floor plans, lighting, and surveillance details.

Keep one primary contact responsible for the submission and follow-up.

Legal Characteristics of the LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

The form itself is not a licence or contract. It is part of an administrative decision process. That said, your declarations and statements are legally significant. You certify that information is true, complete, and current. False or misleading statements can lead to refusal or withdrawal of approval. They can also trigger enforcement under provincial law.

What ensures enforceability?

Enforceability rests on statute and the regulator’s mandate. The regulator can request more information, set conditions, or refuse a site. Approval can carry conditions on layout, hours, security, or access. Failure to meet conditions can result in compliance actions. The regulator may also share information with local authorities to assess public interest. You consent to those uses by submitting the form.

Privacy laws apply to personal information in the form. The regulator collects only what it needs to assess the site. Information may be disclosed as allowed by law. Commercial information may be protected, but some disclosure can occur. Write with accuracy and clarity. Avoid including sensitive content that is not required.

Submitting the form also implies consent to site inspections. The regulator can visit the site before or after a decision. They may verify measurements, access points, and surrounding uses. You must also report material changes after submission. If site control lapses or plans change, notify the regulator. The decision depends on the facts you present. A change in facts can change the decision.

An approval does not override local bylaws or other laws. You still need municipal permits and occupancy approvals. You must meet building and fire codes. If the land has special status or restrictions, those apply too. The regulator’s decision does not bind third parties. It confirms suitability from a liquor regulatory lens only.

How to Fill Out an LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

1) Confirm you are the right applicant.

• You should be the operator or an authorized agent.
• If you are an agent, obtain written authorization.
• Attach the authorization letter to the form.

2) Identify your application type.

• Choose new site, relocation, or store alteration.
• Briefly explain why you need the assessment now.
• State the target opening or change date.

3) Gather core documents before you start.

• Get a draft lease or letter of intent showing site control.
• Obtain the current land title or ownership letter.
• Prepare a municipal zoning confirmation letter.
• Prepare a scaled site plan and floor plan.
• Assemble photos of the site and surroundings.
• Prepare your security and operations summary.

4) Complete applicant information.

• Provide the legal name of the operator.
• Include business number or incorporation number.
• Provide mailing address and the project contact.
• Provide phone and email for the contact person.
• If using an agent, list both parties and roles.

5) Provide the site location details.

• State the civic address and unit number.
• Add the legal description and parcel identifier.
• Include the name of the shopping centre, if any.
• Mention cross streets and community name.

6) Describe site control and ownership.

• Identify the property owner and landlord.
• Confirm the operator’s right to occupy the unit.
• Attach owner or landlord consent for this use.
• Include strata approval if the site is stratified.

7) Confirm zoning and land use compliance.

• State the current zoning designation by name.
• Provide a brief permitted use description.
• Attach a municipal letter confirming retail use.
• Note any variances or development permits needed.
• Address parking and loading standards in this zone.

8) Map nearby sensitive uses.

• Identify schools, daycares, parks, and community facilities.
• Identify shelters or treatment facilities if nearby.
• Show locations on a map with a clear scale and north arrow.
• Measure and state distances to each sensitive use.
• State your measurement method and reference points.

9) Map existing liquor retail in the area.

• Identify nearby liquor retail locations.
• Mark them on the same or a separate map.
• Provide distances from your proposed entrance.
• Explain how your store fits within local supply.

10) Provide a scaled site plan.

• Show property lines, building footprint, and entrances.
• Show customer access routes and queuing areas.
• Show parking, accessible stalls, and bicycle parking.
• Show loading bays, delivery routes, and waste areas.
• Include lighting locations and sightlines if known.

11) Provide a detailed floor plan.

• Show the customer entrance and exit points.
• Show checkout points and line of sight to the floor.
• Show retail areas, storage, and secure stock rooms.
• Show staff areas and points with restricted access.
• Mark cameras, alarms, and lockable gates if applicable.
• Label dimensions and include a scale and legend.

12) Explain store operations and hours.

• State proposed hours of operation by day.
• Explain opening and closing procedures.
• Describe age verification steps at checkout.
• Describe delivery schedules and off-hours security.
• Confirm after-hours intrusion detection and monitoring.

13) Address security and public safety.

• Describe exterior lighting to reduce dark spots.
• Describe surveillance coverage and retention period.
• Describe cash handling and safe storage practices.
• Explain incident response and police liaison practices.
• Note staff training on ID checks and refusals.

14) Address traffic, access, and parking.

• Provide stall counts and accessible stall locations.
• Show pedestrian paths from parking and transit stops.
• Describe loading times to avoid peak customer hours.
• Explain signage for deliveries and waste pickup.
• Confirm compliance with local access standards.

15) Address neighbourhood fit and mitigation.

• Describe the surrounding land uses and character.
• Explain noise and litter control measures.
• Explain how glazing and design support visibility.
• Describe good neighbour commitments and contacts.
• Note any planned community engagement activities.

16) Confirm building and fire compliance path.

• State the building occupancy classification if known.
• Confirm the unit will meet code and fire standards.
• Confirm fire separation for storage areas as needed.
• Identify any sprinkler or alarm upgrades required.
• Note anticipated permit sequence and timelines.

17) Provide declarations and consents.

• Confirm all statements are true and complete.
• Acknowledge you will report material changes.
• Consent to share information for the site review.
• Consent to site visits by regulatory staff.
• Initial any specific acknowledgements on the form.

18) Sign and date the application.

• The authorized signatory must sign.
• Print the signatory’s name and title.
• If using an agent, attach proof of signing authority.
• Keep a signed copy for your records.

19) Attach a complete checklist package.

• Site plan and floor plan, with scales and legends.
• Photos of the site and surrounding context.
• Zoning confirmation letter and parking summary.
• Owner consent and proof of site control.
• Sensitive use and liquor retail maps with distances.
• Security and operations summary.
• Any traffic notes or management plans.
• Any community engagement materials to date.

20) Submit the application as instructed on the form.

• Use the submission channel stated on the form.
• Pay any required fee if applicable.
• Label files clearly and keep total size manageable.
• Use consistent addresses and names across documents.

21) Prepare for follow-up questions.

• The regulator may request more information.
• Respond quickly with clear, concise answers.
• If facts change, send an update immediately.
• Keep a log of all submissions and responses.

22) Understand the review process.

• The regulator may consult local authorities.
• They may conduct a site visit during review.
• They may set conditions in any approval letter.
• They may refuse or defer if gaps remain.

23) Manage timelines and dependencies.

• Align submission with lease and construction timelines.
• Do not start fit-out before site suitability is granted.
• Build buffer time for follow-up and conditions.
• Coordinate municipal permits in parallel.

24) Avoid common mistakes.

• Do not omit the parcel identifier or legal description.
• Do not submit unscaled or unreadable plans.
• Do not ignore nearby schools or parks in your map.
• Do not contradict yourself across documents.
• Do not understate operating hours or security needs.

25) If near sensitive uses, add mitigation detail.

• Provide additional lighting, glazing, and visibility.
• Adjust hours to reduce early morning or late-night impacts.
• Plan staff patrols for litter and loitering deterrence.
• Provide clear contact information for concerns.

26) If co-located with other retail, clarify flows.

• Show separate entrances if relevant.
• Explain how queues will be managed.
• Confirm clear sightlines from staff to entrances.
• Show how deliveries avoid customer conflicts.

27) If relocating, reference the current store.

• State the current address and context.
• Explain why the current site no longer works.
• Compare impacts at the new site to the old site.
• Note any improvements in access and safety.

28) If altering a store, flag material changes.

• Describe the change in area, entrances, or exits.
• Show before and after plans side by side.
• Explain why security remains adequate post-change.
• Confirm no new impacts on neighbours.

29) Keep records for audit and operations.

• Store a full copy of the submission package.
• Keep calculations for distances and parking.
• Save design files for future updates.
• Retain emails and approvals in a central folder.

30) After approval, align with the conditions.

• Review the approval letter with your team.
• Update plans to embed any conditions.
• Share conditions with contractors and staff.
• Confirm any pre-opening inspection requirements.

This step-by-step approach helps you submit a complete, accurate package. It reduces back-and-forth. It shows how the store will operate safely and responsibly. It gives the regulator sufficient information to make a decision. It also gives you a clear record to guide design and operations through opening.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Applicant means the person or organization applying for the site assessment. On this form, that’s you or your entity. Ensure the legal name matches your incorporation or registration exactly, including punctuation and suffixes.
• Authorized signatory is the individual who has authority to sign on behalf of the applicant. If you are a corporation, this is usually a director or officer. The form may ask for proof of that authority. Have a resolution or proof of appointment ready if needed.
• Civic address is the street address used for mail and wayfinding. Legal description is the formal land identifier found on title. The form typically asks for both. Make sure they point to the same parcel so your site can be located without doubt.
• Parcel Identifier (PID) is the nine-digit number assigned to a parcel of land in the land title system. The form may request it alongside the legal description. Use the PID from the current title so there is no confusion about which property you mean.
• Zoning refers to the local land use rules that apply to the site. The form may ask you to identify the zone and whether a government liquor store is a permitted use. Confirm zoning in writing, and be ready to attach a letter or a bylaw excerpt if the form requests it.
• Easements, rights-of-way, and covenants are legal restrictions registered on title. They can affect access, parking, loading, signage, and building placement. If the form asks you to list encumbrances, disclose any that could affect store operations or site design.
• Setbacks and frontage relate to distances from property lines and the length of property facing a street. The form may require a site plan that respects setbacks. Show these lines and measurements on your plan to demonstrate compliance.
• Encumbrance is a broad term for a claim or interest on the property, such as a mortgage, lease, or covenant. If your use depends on an encumbrance (for example, a shared parking agreement), the form may ask you to identify it and provide consent or evidence.
• Proximity considerations are distances to sensitive uses, such as schools, parks, or community facilities. The form may require a map or narrative addressing nearby uses. You should provide clear measurements and explain how the site fits within local expectations.
• Gross floor area is the total interior area measured to the inside of exterior walls. The form may ask for proposed floor area to assess store size and circulation. Be precise. Use the same numbers on your plans and in the application to avoid conflicts.

FAQs

Do you need the property owner’s consent if you are a tenant?

Yes. If you are leasing or proposing to lease, include a signed letter or clause in your offer confirming the owner’s consent to a government liquor store on the site. The form may require owner details and signature. Missing consent is a common cause of delays.

Do you need municipal approval before you submit the form?

You do not need final local approvals at site assessment stage, but you should verify zoning and any local conditions in writing. The form may ask for zoning details and whether the use is permitted. Submitting without zoning support often triggers extra questions or deferrals.

Do you need a professional survey or engineered plans?

Not always. The form typically asks for a clear, scaled site plan and a basic floor plan. If property lines or setbacks are tight, a survey helps. If you use conceptual drawings, ensure they include scale bars, north arrows, and labelled dimensions so reviewers can assess them.

Can you propose multiple sites in one application?

No. Submit one site per application. Each site requires its own plans, descriptions, and owner consent. If you have backup locations, prepare separate applications. Combining sites confuses the record and risks rejection.

How long does a site assessment take?

Timelines vary with completeness and local input. Expect several weeks at minimum, and longer if the regulator requests additional information or local governments provide comments. You can reduce time by submitting accurate plans, proof of zoning, and owner consent up front.

Do you need to notify nearby residents or businesses?

The site assessment stage may not require public notification. However, the regulator may seek community input or local government comments. If requested, follow the instructions exactly. Keep a log of any outreach you complete and retain copies of notices.

Can you amend your application after submission?

Yes, but changes to location, floor area, access, or parking often require updated plans and a new owner consent letter. Provide a clear cover note describing what changed and why. Significant changes may reset parts of the review timeline.

Are fees refundable if the site is not approved?

Typically, application fees are non-refundable once the review starts. Plan your submission carefully. If you need to withdraw, inform the regulator immediately in writing and confirm whether any portion of the fee can be credited to a future application.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

Before signing: Gather information and documents

• Exact legal name of the applicant, including registration number if incorporated.
• Contact details for the primary contact and authorized signatory.
• Current certificate of title showing the legal description and PID.
• Owner/landlord consent letter or signed lease/offer with an explicit consent clause.
• Written confirmation of zoning and permitted use from the local authority.
• Site plan to scale showing property lines, setbacks, access points, sidewalks, and parking.
• Concept floor plan to scale showing gross floor area, entrance, circulation, and service areas.
• Parking and loading plan, including counts, stall dimensions, accessible stalls, and truck access.
• Aerial image or vicinity map marking the site and nearby sensitive uses, if requested.
• Photos of the site and street frontage taken within the last 30 days.
• Any encumbrance documents affecting access, parking, signage, or store placement.
• Corporate authorization for the signatory (e.g., director’s resolution), if applicable.
• Proposed hours of operation and staffing assumptions, if the form asks for it.
• Fee payment method and amount as specified on the form instructions.

During signing: Verify sections and details

• Confirm the civic address matches the legal description and PID from title.
• Use consistent measurements across plans and the application (floor area, parking counts).
• Check the zoning name and code exactly as listed by the local authority.
• Identify all encumbrances that affect the site; attach copies if the form requests them.
• Ensure maps and plans include titles, legends, north arrows, and scale bars.
• Review any proximity mapping and confirm distances to sensitive uses are accurate.
• Complete every required field; enter “N/A” where a question does not apply.
• Initial every correction; avoid overwriting critical numbers or legal names.
• Confirm the authorized signatory name and title match supporting documents.
• Review the declaration section carefully and sign in the correct capacity.
• Double-check the attachment checklist in the form; mark each item included.
• Verify the fee amount, payment type, and reference numbers.

After signing: Filing, notifying, and storing

• File the application using the delivery method listed on the form instructions.
• Include all required attachments in the specified format and file size.
• Pay the fee and keep the receipt alongside your application package.
• Record the submission date and any file or reference number you receive.
• Notify the property owner and your internal team that the application is filed.
• Set calendar reminders for anticipated milestones and follow-ups.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Track each request.
• If the regulator asks for local government comments, coordinate early and supply documents they request.
• Store the full submission package, plans, and correspondence in a secure, version-controlled folder.
• Document any changes after filing and submit amendments with a clear cover letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

• Using only a street address without the legal description and PID. Consequence: reviewers cannot confirm the parcel, causing delays or rejection. Don’t forget to pull the current title and copy the legal description exactly.
• Submitting plans without scale, dimensions, or north arrow. Consequence: reviewers cannot assess setbacks, access, or floor area. Don’t forget to include a scale bar and labelled measurements on every plan.
• Skipping written zoning confirmation. Consequence: avoidable back-and-forth to verify permitted use. Don’t forget to attach a letter or clear evidence that a government liquor store use is allowed in the zone.
• Missing owner consent when you are a tenant. Consequence: the application stalls until consent arrives. Don’t forget a signed owner letter or a lease/offer clause that explicitly permits the use.
• Overlooking title encumbrances that restrict access or parking. Consequence: the site may be found unsuitable late in the process. Don’t forget to review the title and any supporting plans for easements, rights-of-way, and covenants.

What to Do After Filling Out the LCRB089 – BC Liquor Store – Government Liquor Store – Site Assessment Application

1. Submit the full application package and pay the fee. Keep the submission confirmation and receipt. Note the file number and the name of your assigned contact if provided.
2. Prepare for an intake review. Respond quickly if you receive a request for missing items, clearer plans, or zoning confirmation. Provide clean, updated documents rather than marked-up copies. Summarize changes in a short cover note.
3. Coordinate with the local government. If comments are requested, supply your site plan, floor plan, and zoning details. Ask about any local policies related to government liquor stores. Address potential concerns early, such as traffic, parking, or proximity to sensitive uses.
4. Be ready for a site visit. Confirm site access, keyholder details, and safe parking for the reviewer. Bring a copy of your plans and any recent updates. If site conditions changed since submission, flag them ahead of time.
5. Track timelines and conditions. Record each milestone and any conditions you must meet. If the assessment is positive but conditional, map each condition to an action, owner approval, or design revision. Assign an owner for each action and a deadline.
6. Manage amendments. If your layout, access, parking, or floor area changes, submit revised plans with a clear explanation. If ownership, tenancy, or signatory changes, update that information immediately. Use consistent version naming to avoid confusion.
7. Communicate with stakeholders. Keep the property owner, your internal team, and professional advisors aligned. Share the latest plans and decisions. Set a single point of contact for all questions to avoid mixed messages.
8. Plan next steps if approved. Move forward with lease finalization, detailed design, and any required permits. Keep your application file open until all conditions are cleared. Confirm whether any additional applications are required for the next stage.
9. Respond constructively if not approved. Review the reasons. Decide whether to adjust the proposal, identify a new site, or pause. Document lessons learned so your next submission is stronger.
10. Maintain records. Store the final application, decision letter, plans, and correspondence securely. Keep a clear index of versions and dates. You may need these documents for future licensing steps or for compliance checks.