At Common Ground Consulting, we guide projects from government approvals through to occupancy. Our development management services include strategic planning, feasibility analysis, securing approvals, stakeholder coordination, budgeting, scheduling and risk management, taking each project from raw land through Council approval, Preliminary Layout Approval, Servicing Agreement, Development Permit and Building Permit.
Our clients can trust that their assets are being managed by a multidisciplinary team with deep expertise across development, design and construction. We pride ourselves on being pragmatic in our approach, providing a high level of personal care and attention to detail for each project.
Our Development Management Services
- Due diligence and feasibility. Confirming the plans, policies and bylaws that apply, the highest and best use, and the most practical path forward for the owner’s timeline, risk tolerance and available equity.
- Strategic planning. Defining the application strategy, project program and phasing.
- Consultant team management. Assembling and directing architects, engineers, landscape architects, arborists, environmental consultants and other specialists.
- Approvals. Rezoning, Preliminary Layout Approval for subdivisions, Development Permits, Development Variance Permits, Servicing Agreements and Building Permits.
- Budgeting, scheduling and risk management. Tracking cost and timeline at every stage, and coordinating with brokers and lenders to help secure competitive financing.
- Market and design review. Reviewing layouts and design alongside experienced marketing professionals so each project is positioned for the strongest possible revenue.
- Through to occupancy. Our owner representation services carry the project through construction.
Council Strategy & Representation
Working daily within the different political environments in BC allows us to understand the many factors that influence municipal decisions. We use this knowledge to align each project with the municipality’s vision so it gains approval as efficiently as possible. Members of our team serve on the City of Surrey Development Advisory Committee, an Urban Development Institute (UDI) liaison committee and the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) Government Relations Committee.
Where We Work
We work across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including Surrey, the Township of Langley, the City of Langley, Delta, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Burnaby and Vancouver, as well as on Vancouver Island. Our land use plan library tracks current plans for each municipality.
Sectors We Serve
- Multi-Family & Mixed-Use Development Projects
- Retail, Hospitality & Commercial Workplace Projects
- Civic, Corporate, Government & Healthcare Projects
- Industrial, Infrastructure & Technical Projects
Selected Projects & Approvals
- 476-Unit Mixed-Use Development + 8,000 sq ft of commercial space, Surrey, BC
- 49-unit low-rise development, Chilliwack, BC. Approvals managed, including variances that allowed a more efficient design and build
- Four-building retail development, Parksville, BC. Development Permit approved by Council (read more)
- 19-unit townhouse development, West Clayton, Surrey, BC. Final adoption and Development Permit issued (read more)
View our full portfolio on the Projects page and the latest approvals in News & Insights.
By The Numbers
- 3,100+ residential units
- $700M+ in construction value
- 396,000+ square feet of commercial space
CGC takes the time to understand project goals, constraints, and realities, and they are honest and pragmatic in their guidance. There have been no surprises, only thoughtful solutions and clear explanations.
Empyrean Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a development manager do?
A development manager runs the development process on the owner’s behalf: confirming what the site can support, assembling and directing the consultant team, setting the application strategy, working with municipal staff and Council through approvals, and managing budget, schedule and risk along the way.
When should I engage a development manager?
Ideally before acquiring a site or committing to a design. The first step on any project is understanding which plans, policies and bylaws apply and the most practical path forward for the owner’s timeline, risk tolerance and equity.
Who do you work with?
Land owners, developers, investors, non-profit organizations and owner-users across multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, institutional and industrial projects.
Which approvals do you manage?
Rezoning, subdivision including Preliminary Layout Approval, Development Permits, Development Variance Permits, Servicing Agreements and Building Permits.
Do you also oversee construction?
Yes. Our owner representation services carry the project from pre-construction through occupancy.
Let’s Collaborate
Tell us about your project and plans and we’ll move the conversation on from there. Call (778) 865-9742, email info@commonground-consulting.com or get a quote. Our office is at #317 5577 153A Street, Surrey, BC V3S 5K7.