Development Permit Areas
Last updated on August 7, 2024Local governments may designate development permit areas within their Official Community Plan for the "protection of farming" (see Local Government Act). This includes the adoption of regulations for screening, landscaping, fencing and siting of buildings or structures. This provides buffering or separation of development from farming.
Examples
The City of Surrey was the first local government to use the new provisions in their Official Community Plan. The Regional District of Nanaimo has also adopted development permit area provisions for the protection of farming in their Arrowsmith Benson-Cranberry Bright Official Community Plan.
District of Nanaimo
For convenience, a summary of the pertinent section of Nanaimo's official community plan and the development permit area provisions are highlighted. The example has been provided to give local governments insight into how the provisions can be used. Depending on local circumstances, different provisions may be included in a particular development permit area. Please note that while the information below was drawn from the Regional District of Nanaimo website, the information may be subject to change and the reader may wish to consult directly with the regional district.
Contact information
Agri-teams consist of specialists throughout B.C. who provide direct assistance to local governments and other stakeholders concerning agricultural land.