Residential Flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve
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ARCHIVED - THIS PROJECT HAS CONCLUDED
The Regional District recently completed a process to implement the provincial government's new residential flexibility legislation. On July 12, 2021, the province approved amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Act in support of residential flexibility on farmland in B.C. The new legislation allows for second residences on parcels in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), subject to conditions. The amendments came into effect on December 31, 2021.
When the provincial rules changed at the end of 2021, second dwellings were not automatically permitted within municipalities and regional districts. If existing zoning and land use bylaws do not specifically permit second residences, local government regulatory changes are required to implement the new legislation.
The Regional District recently prepared and adopted a bylaw to permit second residences on large agricultural and rural lots, subject to conditions. This process consisted of three stages of work and was completed in September 2022. See the Project Timeline and Key Dates sections for more detail or email the Development Services department at planning@rdks.bc.ca if you have any questions.
The Regional District recently completed a process to implement the provincial government's new residential flexibility legislation. On July 12, 2021, the province approved amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Act in support of residential flexibility on farmland in B.C. The new legislation allows for second residences on parcels in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), subject to conditions. The amendments came into effect on December 31, 2021.
When the provincial rules changed at the end of 2021, second dwellings were not automatically permitted within municipalities and regional districts. If existing zoning and land use bylaws do not specifically permit second residences, local government regulatory changes are required to implement the new legislation.
The Regional District recently prepared and adopted a bylaw to permit second residences on large agricultural and rural lots, subject to conditions. This process consisted of three stages of work and was completed in September 2022. See the Project Timeline and Key Dates sections for more detail or email the Development Services department at planning@rdks.bc.ca if you have any questions.
Enactment of provincial legislation for residential flexibility in the ALR
Residential Flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve has finished this stage
The Government of B.C. approved Order in Council #438 in mid-2021 and the new legislation took effect at the end of 2021, enabling the Regional District to prepare a bylaw to implement the new legislation.
Stage 1 - Background Research and Analysis
Residential Flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve has finished this stage
Stage 1 included meetings with the ALC, an introductory report to the Board, and research and analysis of options for second residence regulations.
Stage 2 - Draft Bylaw
Residential Flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve has finished this stage
Stage 2 included the preparation of a draft bylaw based on provincial legislation and research conducted in Stage 1. The bylaw was presented to the Board for 1st and 2nd readings and was advanced to Stage 3.
Stage 3 - Bylaw Adoption
Residential Flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve is currently at this stage
In Stage 3, the bylaw went through the adoption process including a public hearing, referrals to external agencies, approval by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and adoption by the Board.
