Town of Stony Plain Municipal Development Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): crops, farm retail/farm gate sales, food distribution, livestock, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Year: 2013

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

 food distribution; Environmental Responsibility Address issues of community resiliency The Town is committed to developing sound policy to address protection of local food production and distribution. 1.5 a

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

urban agriculture;

 food distribution; The Town will research best practices for urban agriculture and appropriate stages for support of the food production and distribution system. 1.5 b

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; The Town will encourage community food gardens by offering leasable allotments on select municipal reserve lands and allow for small-scale agricultural operations that are compatible with an urban built environment and existing land uses within the Town’s boundaries. 1.5 c

development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban-agricultural conflict & edge planning;

 zoning;

Areas for Future Urban Development
So that these areas are protected for future development potential, the Town will only allow uses that will not adversely impact urban settlement or that will not be detrimental to future urbanization. Sites may remain as existing uses, agricultural uses or other development uses that do not require major buildings or services. Should a road be developed to service such uses, it should be designed to accommodate future urban servicing.

 6.8
food production;

crops;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

livestock;

 Areas for Future Urban Development
Extensive agricultural uses, such as field crops and market gardens supported by roadside produce sales, are encouraged, but intensive agricultural uses, such as livestock operations, will not be supported.		 6.8 b

 

District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw, No. 2200

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, composting, farm retail/farm gate sales, greenhouses, irrigation and drainage, livestock, mobile/street food vending, pollinators, residential development, urban chickens, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Squamish-Lillooet | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2017

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

composting;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 

 AGRICULTURE, URBAN  means the act of growing food on a lot. In addition to produce grown in a garden, this also includes community gardens, fruit and nut tree production, the keeping of hens and/or bees, and agricultural retail sales limited to 30 m2 in gross floor area and provided that at least 75% of goods for sale are produced on site. Urban agriculture is an accessory use on parcels that are zoned residential. (Bylaw 2303, 2013) 1.3  
urban agriculture; zoning;

The following uses shall be permitted in any zone:...

...(o) urban agriculture;

 4.2 (o)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

composting;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

irrigation and drainage;

URBAN AGRICULTURE (Bylaw 2303, 2013)


(a) The following regulations apply to community gardens
(i) Community garden use shall be authorized in accordance with all relevant District policies and bylaws.
(ii) Community gardens must be serviced by and connected to the municipal water system on the same lot as where the community garden is located.
(iii) Notwithstanding 4.4 (e), accessory buildings and structures for community garden use, including but not limited to storage for materials and tools, a composting facility or greenhouse, are permitted. The siting and size of accessory buildings and structures shall be in accordance with Section 4.4 of this bylaw.
(iv) Raised garden beds shall be set back a minimum of 1.52 metres from all lot lines.
(v) Community garden compost shall only be used for the purpose of composting on-site organics. The compost shall be located in a low foot traffic use location, to ensure limited potential conflict between wildlife and people. Composting and storage shall be in accordance with Section 4.5 of this bylaw.
(vi) Where a lot is developed for a community garden use and where such a lot abuts a residential use, a fence or landscape screening is required as per section 4.6 (Fencing) and 4.7 (Screening) of the Zoning Bylaw.

 4.33 (a)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban chickens;

livestock;

 (b) The following regulations apply to coops for the keeping of hens. Coops must be:
(i) No more than 10 m² in floor area;
(ii) No more than 2 m high; 48
(iii) Situated in accordance with the accessory building setbacks identified in Section 4.4;
(iv) No closer than 3 m from any door or window of any dwelling;
(v) Situated in a rear yard only;
(vi) Located at grade level;
(vii) Constructed to prevent access by wildlife and other animals; and
(viii) Surrounded with electric fence, per Fencing Section 4.6.
(c) The following regulations apply to beekeeping. Beehives must be:
(i) Restricted to:
a) No more than 2 beehives on all lots under 929 square metres in size;
b) No more than 4 beehives on all lots over 929 square metres in size and under 1394 square metres in size;		 4.33(b)  
urban agriculture;

zoning;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

 c) No more than 6 beehives on all lots over 1394 square metres in size;
(ii) Situated in accordance with the accessory building setbacks identified in
Section 4.4;
(iii) Situated so as to ensure the flight path of the bees is up over the neighbouring houses in order to minimize the volume of bees at ground
level;
(iv) Positioned so that the beehive entrance faces away from the closest
neighbouring property line;
(v) Located in the rear yard;
(vi) Surrounded with electric fence, per Fencing Section 4.6; and
(vii) Have clear, visible signage on the lot warning that bees are present.		 4.33 (c )  
food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

mobile /street food vending;

PORTABLE FOOD VENDING - CONDITIONS OF USE


Portable Food Vending is permitted to operate:
(a) In any zone that permits a Retail Store, general Retail Sales or Restaurant use; or on other lands for a Special Event with District approval;
(b) Other than on a highway, sidewalk or boulevard providing pedestrian or motor vehicle access;
(c) On parkland or public property with District approval;

 4.34  

urban agriculture;

development and     productive use of agricultural land;

 zoning;

AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS


Despite any provision of this Bylaw, where Agriculture is permitted as a principal use, there will be no limit on the number of buildings used for agricultural purposes.

 4.36  
  zoning; (h) Notwithstanding any Section of this Bylaw, where agriculture is permitted as a
principal use, there will be no limit on the number or gross floor area of accessory buildings used solely for agricultural purposes. Lot coverage provisions continue to apply to this section. (Bylaw 2434, 2016)		 4.4 (h)  
urban agriculture;

zoning;

greenhouses;

 (i) Notwithstanding any Section of this Bylaw, greenhouses shall be exempt from
maximum number of buildings, area and gross floor area restrictions and will be
permitted to exceed the maximum lot coverage provisions by an additional 20% of the total lot area. (Bylaw 2434, 2016)		 4.4 (i)  
food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

residential development;

ACCESSORY RETAIL


Accessory retail shall be limited to the selling of agricultural produce and products grown on the lot or another lot operated as part of the same operation not to exceed an area of 92.9 sq. m. 

 15.10 and 16.12  

Electoral Area ‘C’ Oliver Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 2453

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, farm retail/farm gate sales, food distribution, food processing, food storage, livestock, residential development, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Okanagan-Similkameen | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
economic development; agri-tourism;

Agri-Tourism Accommodation


Agri-tourist accommodation is subject to the following regulations:
.1 Agri-tourist accommodation units are not permitted on parcels less than 4
ha, and no more than five (5) agri-tourism accommodation units are permitted on parcels 4 ha up to 7.9 ha, and no more than ten (10) agri-tourism accommodation units are permitted on parcels 8 ha and greater.

.2 No more than ten guest rooms are permitted on parcels 10 ha and greater.
.3 All guest rooms shall be located within a principal dwelling unit or separately from a principal dwelling unit, but all rooms contained under one roof.
.4 No guest room in the agri-tourist accommodation shall have an area of greater than 30 m2. A separate or ensuite washroom is not included as part of the area of the guest room.
.5 Meals for those persons renting the guest rooms may be provided within a principal dwelling unit or separately from the principal dwelling unit but contained under the same roof as the guest rooms.
.6 No cooking facilities shall be provided for within the guest rooms intended for the agri-tourist operation.
.7 No person shall stay within a guest room for more than thirty days in a calendar year.
.8 Approval from the Land Reserve Commission is required for an agri-tourist accommodation on lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
.9 One parking space per guest room is required in addition to those required for the principal dwelling.
.10 The agri-tourist operation shall not generate traffic congestion or parking problems within the District and shall not produce a public offence or nuisance of any kind.

 7.16
development and productive use of agricultural land; siting and coverage;

Setbacks for Buildings, Structures and Areas for Farm uses...,

See document for additional details.

 7.22
food production; livestock;

Keeping of Livestock


In this Bylaw, where agriculture is a permitted use, the following restrictions apply:
.1 On any parcel 2.0 ha or less in area, the total number of livestock, shall not exceed one (1) animal for each 0.4 ha of parcel area; xxxviii

.2 Despite Section 7.24.1, on any parcel 0.4 ha or less in area, the total number of poultry and/or fur bearing animals shall not exceed twenty-five (25).

 7.2.3

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

food processing;

food distribution;

food storage;

Provisions for Accessory Retail Sales and Processing, Packing and Storage of Farm Products and/or Off-Farm Products


.1 Where permitted in any agricultural zone, farm products, processed farm
products and off-farm products may be sold to the public by retail sale subject
to the following:

a) the portion of the agricultural land used for retail sales of off-farm products shall not exceed one-third of the total area used for all retail sales. For the purpose of calculating the portion of agricultural or industrial agriculture land to be used for retail sales, the area of any building or structure used for that purpose, including aisles and other areas of circulation, shelf and display space, counter space for packaging and taking payment and any area used for the service and consumption of hot and cold food items, shall be included, but any office area, wholesale storage area, processing facility or parking area or driveway, whether used for retail sale or not, shall not be included;

b) where off-farm products are offered for sale, farm products and/or processed farm products shall also be offered for sale;

c) the retail sales area shall not exceed 300 m2;


d) ‘retail sales area’ in an Agricultural zone means the floor area or dedicated outside area on which farm retail sales are taking place and includes areas used for retail purposes inside buildings and areas outside buildings. It does not include parking, driveways, office space, washrooms, winery food & beverage lounges, or areas for processing or product storage;

e) where off-farm products are offered for sale, a minimum of 50% of the retail sales area must be devoted to the sales of farm products produced on the farm; and

f) at least 50% of the farm product being stored, packed, prepared, or processed is produced on the farm or is feed required for farm production purposes on the farm.

 7.24
development and productive use of agricultural land; residential development;

Maximum Number of Dwellings Permitted Per Parcel

a) the number of principal dwellings and the number of accessory
dwellings, mobile homes and temporary farm worker housing
permitted per parcel shall be as follows:...

See document for details related to number of dwellings permitted per parcel in Agriculture One Zone (AG1)

 10.2.5
development and productive use of agricultural land; siting and coverage; See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agriculture One Zone (AG1). 10.2.6-10.2.8

 

Township of Langley Agricultural Viability (Phase 3)

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, amenity density zoning/contributions, buffer at agricultural edge, commercial development, community food system education, covenants, emergency preparedness, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, irrigation and drainage, livestock, local food culture, new entrants to farming, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, recreational use of agricultural land, residential development, roads in agricultural land, signage in agricultural areas, water restrictions and conservation, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2013

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Encourage regional, provincial, and federal governments to establish agricultural policies and protocols that are sensitive to the needs of farm producers and processors (AAC, EDD, commodity groups) 2.1.1
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Support participating in regional and provincial discussions where agriculture is encouraged (AAC) 2.1.1
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Support positive staff contact with individuals and all industry groups, including agriculture, wishing to expand or establish  their businesses (AAC, EDAC) 2.1.1

education;

economic development;

   Support increasing staff knowledge about agriculture by supporting staff training and attendance at relevant agricultural workshops and seminars (AAC). Assess current expectations of various services to agriculture and determine resources that may be necessary to assist the industry with appropriate economic development and support (AAC, EDD)  2.1.1
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Support partnerships with other organizations and agencies and working together to enhance agricultural production in the Township and the region (AAC, farm community, commodity groups, other agencies)  2.1.3
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee; Support having an active and effective Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) 2.1.2
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee; Support ongoing monitoring by the Agricultural Advisory Committee of selected indicators affecting agriculture in the Township (AAC, staff) Request an annual work plan from the Agricultural Advisory Committee and ensure an appropriate budget for completion of the work plan
 		 2.1.2
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee; Provide reports on agricultural activities and update the Agricultural Profile as appropriate (AAC, IAF) 2.1.2
economic development;   Support the agricultural industry as an important economic contributor to the Township economy (AAC, EDD, EDAC, commodity groups) 2.1.4
education; agricultural advisory committee; Support the annual farm tour organized and conducted by the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Langley Environmental Partners Society (AAC) 2.1.4
education; local food culture; Encourage additional cultural and heritage events related to food and culinary products and agricultural background of the community 2.1.4
First Nations and indigenous food systems;   Support First Nations agricultural development on First Nations land within the Township 2.1.4
  emergency preparedness; Support working with all relevant government agencies and agricultural groups and associations to address crises and disasters affecting the agricultural and rural community
(BCMA, PEP, farm community)		 2.1.5
  emergency preparedness; Support emergency planning at the Township and Provincial levels to address flooding issues and concerns (BCMA, PEP, farm community, Drainage and Dyking Committee)  2.1.5
education;   Encourage the students of School District #35, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Trinity Western University to consider seasonal or temporary agricultural employment in conjunction with their studies (AAC, School District #35, KPU, TWU, farm community) 2.1.7
education;   Encourage local educational institutions to promote work experiences on local farms to their students (AAC, farm community, educators) 2.1.7
   farm worker accommodation; Encourage non-permanent housing for seasonal or temporary workers that conforms to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guidelines for the Provision of Seasonal Housing for Migrant Farm Workers in BC and that conforms to amendments to the Township’s Zoning Bylaw (AAC)  2.1.7
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Support the promotion of farming options to owners of smaller parcel land in the ALR that is not being farmed (AAC, IAF) 2.1.8
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

 Support agricultural production on ALR land where residential use may be the primary use (AAC, land owners). 2.1.8
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Support agricultural production on Township land or land owned by other governments where practical and possible (AAC)  2.1.8

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

 nuisance complaints; Support efforts of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the agricultural industry to inform the public about normal farm practices occurring on area farms (AAC, BCMA, farm community) 2.1.9

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

covenants;

commercial development;

residential development;

nuisance complaints;

 Support the use of a Restrictive Covenant, using Section 219 of the Land Title Act, on all new residential and commercial parcels adjacent to agricultural properties notifying purchasers that the use of their property may be impacted by normal farm practices (AAC) 2.1.9

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

 nuisance complaints; Encourage area realtors to ensure purchasers of properties adjacent to, or in close proximity to, active farm operations are aware of normal farm practices protected from bylaw enforcement or private nuisance suits by the Farm Practices Protection Act (AAC, FVREB) 2.1.9
education; community food system education; Support the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation’s “Agriculture in the Classroom” program to educate young people about farming (School District #35, farm community) 2.1.9
economic development; agri-tourism; Encourage agri-tourism and culinary tourism (AAC, Tourism Langley, EDAC) 2.1.11

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 agri-tourism; Support organizations working to increase agri-tourism and culinary tourism in the Township such as Circle Farm Tours and the Fraser Valley Farm Direct Marketing Association (EDAC, AAC, Tourism Langley)  2.1.11
education;   Recognize the importance of education and training for the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the Township (School District #35, KPU, TWU, AAC) 2.1.12
education;   Support additional education and training for local farmers and others interested in agriculture (AAC, educators)  2.1.12
  new entrants to farming; Support efforts to encourage people to enter farming, through the work of educational institutions and the farm community (AAC, educators, commodity groups) 2.1.13
  amenity density zoning/contributions; Consider amenity bonuses for the agricultural industry where reasonable and possible (AAC, other municipal committees)  2.1.14
water management; water restrictions and conservation; Support water conservation by all citizens 2.2.1
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support the provision of sufficient water for agriculture for all farms practicing efficient water use (AAC) 2.2.1
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support appropriate ways to measure water use (Property owners, AAC)  2.2.1
water management; irrigation and drainage; Encourage farmers unprotected by the dyke system to be aware of the dangers from flooding and to take the steps necessary to minimize risk to their families and farm operations (AAC, BCMA) 2.2.2
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support the maintenance and upgrading of the dykes and other related infrastructure (AAC) 2.2.2

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 irrigation and drainage; Encourage senior governments to protect all farm land from flooding using appropriate dykes and other methods (AAC, BCMoE, BCMA) 2.2.2

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 irrigation and drainage; Work closely with the farm community to ensure ditch drainage and maintenance address farmer needs (AAC, DDC) 2.2.3
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support ditch drainage and maintenance activities that are environmentally sustainable (DDC) 2.2.3
water management; irrigation and drainage; Encourage farmers who practice management strategies on their farms to reduce the levels of vegetative growth occurring in ditches (AAC)  2.2.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

roads in agricultural land;

ALR;

 Require Agricultural Impact Assessments (see 2.3.1) be completed for new roads within the Agricultural Land Reserve.  2.2.4
development and productive use of agricultural land; roads in agricultural land; Review rural road standards for arterial and collector roads to ensure that road development meets the growing road demand and has proper lighting and traffic control (AAC)
 		 2.2.4
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; signage in agricultural areas; Support appropriate agricultural signage in the Township (AAC) 2.2.4

food production;

food processing, storage, and distribution;

   Support food processing on area farms when consistent with the Agricultural Land Commission Act and Regulations (AAC, ALC) 2.2.5
food processing, storage, and distribution;

food processing;

ALR;

 Support efforts to attract food processors to the Township and work with interested processors to provide the infrastructure needs of larger-scale food processing industries within existing and future industrial parks (EDD, AAC, EDAC)
 		 2.2.5
food processing, storage, and distribution; food processing; Support the use of food hubs or clustering, where relevant, as a strategy for increasing agricultural production in the Township (AAC, EDD, BCMA, LSAF) 2.2.5
food sales, access and production;

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

 Support the efforts of local farmers in making their products available for local purchase from the farm gate, through farmers’ markets, or in cooperation with other local retailers(AAC, farm community 2.2.5
food sales, access and production;

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

 Encourage the establishment of appropriate farmers’ markets in the Township (AAC, EDD)  2.2.5
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; recreational use of agricultural land; Support multi-use trails in or adjacent to agricultural land when implementation takes into consideration concerns of the agricultural community and minimizing conflict (AAC, Parks and Recreation, BCMA, ALC) 2.2.7
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

 Support seeking advice from its Agricultural Advisory Committee for all applications for removal, boundary adjustment, sub-division or non-farm use on land within the Agricultural Land Reserve (AAC) 2.3.1
 

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

 Support providing input to the Agricultural Land Commission on applications for exclusion, boundary adjustment, non-farm use and subdivision in the Agricultural Land Reserve as to their benefits to agriculture (AAC)  2.3.1
development and productive use of agricultural land; zoning; Encourage agricultural use for all land zoned for agriculture and within the Agricultural Land Reserve (AAC, BCMA, ALC)
 		 2.3.3
  zoning; Continue to review rural zones within Zoning Bylaw No. 2500 to reduce the number of zones and provide consistency with the BC Ministry of Agriculture's Guide for Bylaw Development in Farming Areas (BCMA, ALC) 2.3.3
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;   Support the concentration of new urban growth within the six existing established urban centres in the Township The Township of Langley, in the medium term and ongoing, 2.3.4
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; ALR; Support strategies for edge planning in areas of the Township where the Agricultural Land Reserve abuts non-ALR land (AAC, BCMA, ALC) 2.3.4
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 Encourage citizens residing in the ALR, but not farming, to consider appropriate buffering or residential site planning on their land where it may abut active and productive farming operations (AAC,
BCMA, ALC)		 2.3.4
waste management;   Encourage farmers to reduce, or eliminate, open air burning when diseased crops are not present and where recycling programs for the material exist (AAC) 2.4.1
waste management;   Support the use of air curtain incinerators (mainly suitable for large burns) and other technological options by farmers who are committed to open air burning for diseased crops (AAC, BCMA) 2.4.1
waste management;   Support the burning of regular agricultural waste when it cannot be recycled and when all bylaw considerations are being followed (AAC) 2.4.1
education;   Encourage all farmers to ensure those applying chemicals on their farms have the required training for the application and use of chemicals (AAC, BCMA) 2.4.2

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Support working with farmers and other rural landowners, agricultural and wildlife organizations, and agencies to identify farming practices that enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat (AAC, LEPS,BCMA, BCMoE, farm community) 2.4.3

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Work closely with the farm community regarding farming near watercourses to balance farming requirements with the requirements for safe water (AAC, BCMA) 2.4.4
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Support farmers using best management practices for activities that may impact the quality of surface and groundwater such as proper storage of manure and wood waste, fuel storage, compost sites building locations and livestock access to surface water courses (AAC, BCMA, IAF) 2.4.4
wildlife/environmental/pest management; livestock; Support livestock farmers, and other farmers that use manure on their properties, having a nutrient management plan in place to identify farm wastes and how they are to be treated. 2.4.5
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Support the Environmental Farm Plan Program and encourage all area farmers to participate in the program (AAC, BCMA, AAFC) 2.4.6
wildlife/environmental/pest management;   Support the principle of farmer compensation when there is an environmental benefit to the Township, when funding sources are available, and when the investments undertaken on farms exceed existing requirements of law and regulation and result in benefits to citizens at large (AAC) 2.4.7

ALC Policy: Wineries and Cideries in the ALR

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, farm retail/farm gate sales

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

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ALC regulation and interpretation of wineries and cideries in the ALR.

ALC Policy: Farm Retail Sale sin the ALR

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): ALR, farm retail/farm gate sales

Document Type: Policy | Year: consolidated 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

ALC regulation and interpretation of farm retail sales in the ALR.

City of Richmond Business Licence Bylaw NO. 7360

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: 2002

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food sales, access and procurement; farm retail/farm gate sales;

Roadside Stands 

.1 General Provisions

(a) Every roadside stand applicant must: (i) satisfy the Licence Inspector that such applicant is operating a farm in the City; (ii) indicate the class of roadside stand for which a licence is being sought; and (iii) satisfy the Licence Inspector that such roadside stand: - will not create a traffic hazard; and - has been granted any required arterial highway access approval, in writing, from the Province of British Columbia.

(b) The Licence Inspector must not issue more than one roadside stand licence for any one legal parcel which is a farm....See document for additional regulations related to roadside stands.

 2.1.21
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets;

Farmers’ Market

Every farmers’ market applicant must:

(a) if the operation is on land other than land owned by the applicant, to provide evidence of permission by the owner to use the land for the purpose of a farmers’ market;

(b) permit only the display and sale of any of the following:

(i) fruit, vegetables, nuts, honey, syrups, dairy products, eggs, poultry, meat, flowers, herbs, and any products derived there from, that are produced in the Province of British Columbia and prepared for market in accordance with applicable laws;

(ii) artwork or handcrafted items that are designed, created, produced and assembled in the Province of British Columbia; and

(iii) baked or handmade foods produced in British Columbia;

(c) before allowing the sale of any goods mentioned in paragraph (b), provide evidence that all vendors intending to sell food products have been granted a health permit for that purpose; and ...See document for additional regulations related to farmers' markets.

 2.1.30

 

City of Chilliwack Agricultural Area Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, First Nations and Indigenous Food Systems, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, community food system education, emergency preparedness, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, irrigation and drainage, local food culture, new entrants to farming, nuisance complaints, recreational use of agricultural land, research and data collection, residential development, urban containment/growth boundary, water restrictions and conservation, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Fraser Valley | Document Type: Agriculture Area Plan/Strategy | Year: 2012

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
economic development; research and data collection; The City of Chilliwack supports the efforts of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission and the University of the Fraser Valley to create a centre for excellence and innovation in agriculture at the Chilliwack campus 4.5.1.1
education; edconomic development and agri-tourism; research and data collection; The City of Chilliwack supports the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission promoting the progressive components of the agricultural industry in Chilliwack through various ways such as:
• Emphasizing technical agricultural careers in area education institutions
• Focusing on the importance of research and technology
• Promoting the science and technology aspects of the industry.		 4.5.2.1
water management; water restrictions and conservation; The City of Chilliwack encourages water conservation for all citizens including agricultural users. 4.6.1.1
water management; water restrictions and conservation;  The City of Chilliwack, when addressing possible water shortages or other water concerns for agriculture, consults with industry stakeholders and looks at economically sustainable solutions to long term needs. 4.6.1.3
water management; research and data collection; The City of Chilliwack encourages research efforts involving the agricultural industry and other stakeholders to assess the impact of using lower quality water on local farm operations. 4.6.1.4
development and productive use of agricultural land;   The City of Chilliwack supports the protection and enhancement of designated agricultural land for agricultural purposes. 4.6.2.1
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary; The City of Chilliwack supports the following:
• A focus on densification of existing urban areas that supports building up, not out, to prevent urban sprawl, and redevelopment of central downtown areas through multi-family housing
• Ongoing work with the Agricultural Land Commission to establish a rational Urban Containment Boundary
• Farmer best management practices, good husbandry of animals and good stewardship of land		 4.6.2.2
development and productive use of agricultural land;   The City of Chilliwack encourages existing non-permitted uses on land in the Agricultural Land Reserve be transitioned back into acceptable agricultural uses. 4.6.3.1
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm worker accommodation; The City of Chilliwack supports non-permanent housing in cases of demonstrated need for seasonal worker housing on agricultural land.  4.6.3.2
development and productive use of agricultural land; residential development; The City of Chilliwack supports the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Land Commission with efforts being made to minimize the impact of residences and other buildings on agricultural land. 4.6.4.1

economic development;

food processing, storage and distribution;

 food processing; The City of Chilliwack through the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation and the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission supports attracting food processors to encourage economic development in the City. 4.6.5.1
food production;

zoning;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

  The City of Chilliwack supports agricultural production from all parcels zoned for agriculture including parcels of 10 acres or less. 4.6.6.1
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

farmers' markets;

 The City of Chilliwack supports the efforts of local farmers in making their products available for local purchase from the farm gate, through farmers’ markets, or in cooperation with other local retailers. 4.6.6.2
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; The City of Chilliwack encourages the establishment of appropriate farmers’ markets in Chilliwack. 4.6.6.3
economic development; agri-tourism; The City of Chilliwack supports the efforts of local farmers to increase agri-tourism activities that are consistent with those approved by the Agricultural Land Commission. 4.6.6.4
education;  new entrants to farming; The City of Chilliwack supports all efforts to encourage young people to enter farming, through the work of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission, the University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack School District 33, and the farm community. 4.6.7.1
first nations and indigenous food systems;   The City of Chilliwack supports working collaboratively with First Nations to share agricultural best practices and to encourage agricultural production on First Nations’ land located in the Chilliwack area. 4.6.8.1
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; nuisance complaints; The City of Chilliwack supports notifying citizens living adjacent to, or in close proximity to, active farm operations about normal farm practices that are protected from bylaw enforcement or private nuisance suits by the Farm Practices Protection Act. 3. The City of Chilliwack encourages area realtors to ensure purchasers of properties adjacent to, or in close proximity to, active farm operations are aware of normal farm practices protected from bylaw enforcement or private nuisance suits by the Farm Practices Protection Act. 4.7.2.2
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; nuisance complaints; The City of Chilliwack encourages area realtors to ensure purchasers of properties adjacent to, or in close proximity to, active farm operations are aware of normal farm practices protected from bylaw enforcement or private nuisance suits by the Farm Practices Protection Act.  4.7.2.3
education;

community food system education;

local food culture;

 The City of Chilliwack supports the annual tour of agriculture in Chilliwack organized by the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission and designed for Councillors, press members, students and educators, and others to promote the activities of area farms and other efforts of the Commission to improve agricultural awareness and understanding. 4.7.2.5
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; nuisance complaints; The City of Chilliwack encourages the agricultural industry, with leadership from the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission, to prepare and promote a “good neighbour” policy to deal with issues of conflict in the spirit of being good neighbours....( The guidelines may:Farmers will be encouraged to,
• Get to know their neighbours and share information about their farm practices
• Support neighbourhood practices that enhance quality of life
• Protect the area environment with sensitive farm practices
• Reduce dust and odour where reasonable to do so
• Consider visual screening or hedging where practical
• Pull over to allow other traffic to pass when travelling city roads with large farm equipment and tractors
• Make efforts when moving farm equipment to take routes that avoid winding, or busy, roads
• Make efforts to limit mud and other debris on city roadways
• Maintain clean and tidy farm sites. Neighbours will be encouraged to,
• Understand and appreciate “normal farm practices” and other best practices on farms
• Support farmers’ need to operate their farms in a sustainable manner
• Appreciate the contributions of area farms to local food supplies and food security
• Eliminate unauthorized trespass on area farms
• Report all incidences of dumping of yard waste on area farms
• Report observed incidences of vandalism and theft from farms and farm outlets
• Share the roads with farm equipment and other vehicles accessing area farms.)		 4.7.3.1
economic development;   The City of Chilliwack supports the agricultural industry as an important economic contributor to the Chilliwack economy. 4.7.4.1
urban - agriculture conflict and edge planning;   The City of Chilliwack, in situations where development may impact farm operations or farming operations may affect other residents in any way, supports appropriate edge planning as a way to protect both farmers and other citizens. 4.7.6.1
education; recreational use of agricultural land; The City of Chilliwack supports the development of walking and cycling trails adjacent to, or part of, agricultural land where farmers’ affected have been consulted and agree to the use and where the walking and cycling trails may contribute to agricultural awareness and understanding. 4.7.6.2
wildlife, environmental and pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; The City of Chilliwack supports the guidelines for building setbacks from watercourses prepared by the BC Ministry of Agriculture. 4.8.1.1
water management; irrigation and drainage; The City of Chilliwack works closely with the farm community to monitor open watercourse drainage and maintenance in order to address farmer requirements. 4.8.2.1

water management;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

irrigation and drainage;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 The City of Chilliwack supports existing open watercourse drainage and maintenance activities that recognize fish salvaging and protection of fish habitat. 4.8.2.2
wildlife, environmental and pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; The City of Chilliwack supports progressive farmers who may wish to establish an appropriate buffer zone along watercourses to reduce the amount of run-off into drainage ditches.  4.8.2.3
  emergency preparedness; 2. The City of Chilliwack supports emergency planning activities at the City and Provincial levels to address flooding issues and concerns and to arrange for the evacuation of livestock if required. 4.8.3.2
education; wildlife and ecosystem management;  The City of Chilliwack supports the efforts of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission and the University of the Fraser Valley to provide seminars on nutrient management and planning for area farmers. 4.8.4.3

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

livestock;

 The City of Chilliwack supports all livestock farmers in Chilliwack having a nutrient management plan in place to identify farm wastes and how they are disposed. This plan may be developed as part of the Environmental Farm Plan Program offered through the BC Agriculture Council and funded through the Growing Forward agreement between the province and Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada.		 4.8.4.4
wildlife, environmental and pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; The City of Chilliwack supports all efforts of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission to promote innovative ways to mitigate damage to wildlife habitat from farming practices.  4.8.6.2
wildlife, environmental and pest management; BC environmental farm plan; The City of Chilliwack supports the Environmental Farm Plan Program and encourages all area farmers to participate in the program. 4.8.7.1

Township of Langley Zoning Bylaw No. 2500

Sub-topic(s): ALR, covenants, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, greenhouses, residential development, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

View policy:  HTML PDF

 

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
development and productive use of agricultural land; siting and coverage; See document for siting and coverage regulations for agricultural buildings and structures in Rural Zones.  201.6-201.7 and subsequent rural zones.
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

Temporary Farm Accommodation


The provision of temporary farm labourer accommodation is subject to the following:
a) Accommodations to be occupied between April 1st and November 30th in any calendar year shall be permitted on farms requiring seasonal help, subject to the units being occupied by an employee of the owner where such property is operated as a bona fide farm; provided, however, that the accommodation shall not be occupied by any person at any other time of the year;


b) The minimum lot size shall be 4.0 hectares.


c) Accommodation shall be at the ratio of 10 persons for each 4 hectares up to a maximum of 40 persons per bona fide farm; and


d) The maximum allowable floor area per occupant shall be 10 m2 of which the required floor area for sleeping accommodations shall be not less than 4.6 m2 and not more than 5 m2 per occupant.

 201.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

Migrant Agricultural Worker Accommodation

1) Migrant Agricultural Worker Accommodation shall be permitted on farms requiring farm help, subject to the following: Units being occupied by a migrant agricultural worker must be on parcels no less than four (4) hectares in size.


2) Accommodation shall be at a ratio of 1 migrant agricultural worker per 1000 m2 of principal farm building floor area for commercial greenhouses, mushroom and berry/vegetable processing operations up to a maximum of 130 persons per bona fide farm. All other farm commodities shall have a maximum allowance of up to 40 workers per farm.


3) The property owner shall register a restrictive covenant on the property stating that the new migrant agricultural worker accommodation will only be used by migrant agricultural workers and that the owner will remove the migrant agricultural worker accommodation and restore the land to agricultural use if the migrant agricultural worker accommodation is vacant for two (2) consecutive years. If an existing building is converted to migrant agricultural worker accommodation and is not used by migrant agricultural workers for two (2) consecutive years, the owner must either have the building removed or decommissioned so that it is no longer habitable at their own expense.


4) The migrant agricultural worker accommodation can be used to house migrant agricultural workers employed on other farm operations in the Township of Langley provided a statutory declaration is filed with the Municipality describing the terms of the arrangement and there is a written agreement between the farm operations. The workers must be employed at least six (6) months of the year on the farm with the migrant agricultural worker accommodation.


5) A statutory declaration must be filed with the Municipality annually stating that the building will only be used for migrant agricultural worker accommodation for a specified period of time. The statutory declaration shall verify the following:... See document for additional regulations related to migrant agricultural worker accommodations.

201.5

food production;

water management;

greenhouses;

Requirements for Commercial Greenhouses

Prior to issuance of a building permit for commercial greenhouse, the following
shall be required:
a) a report from a recognized independent sound consultant certifying that noise from the proposed commercial greenhouse operation will not exceed levels permitted in the Noise Control Bylaw,


b) a storm water management plan in compliance with the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 2011 No. 4861 as amended, and


c) a water well test performed by a Professional Engineer to address the adequacy of the aquifer to supply the water required by the proposed commercial greenhouse operation and drawdown rates of wells on adjacent property.

 201.11
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING ZONE
See document for regulations for Agricultural Processing Zone (RU -6).

 206
food sales, access and distribution;

farmers; markets;


farm retail/farm gate sales;

ALR;


covenants;

RURAL FARM MARKET ZONE

Uses Permitted
...rural farm markets in the Agricultural Land Reserve subject to:
a) the growing and sale of produce grown on-site remaining the principal permitted use;


b) the RU-14 site area being limited to a maximum size of 0.4 ha and not exceeding 5% of the total farm unit area;


c) the size of the rural farm market building (including outside storage and display) used for the sale of produce grown off-site being limited to a maximum of 130m2 .A restrictive covenant shall be registered guaranteeing that 75% of all produce sales be of B.C. origin with a maximum of 10% processed farm goods; that grocery and sundry items will not be sold from the farm market; and that the farm unit will have a
minimum size of 8.0 ha;


d) municipal sanitary sewer and municipal water services shall be available to every RU-14 development. Access to a Provincial Highway from an RU-14 development shall be from a municipal road or right of way.


4) rural farm markets not located in the Agricultural Land Reserve may sell produce grown on and off the farm unit, however the area used for the sale of grocery and sundry items shall not exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the farm market building.

 

See document for additional regulations for Rural Farm Market Zone (RU -14).

 214
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

RURAL BUTCHER SHOP ZONE RU-9
Uses Permitted

In the RU-9 Zone only the following uses are permitted and all other uses are prohibited:


...2) butcher shops limited to a maximum gross floor area of 450 m2...

See document for additional regulations for Rural Butcher Zone (RU-9).

 209

 

District of Sechelt Bylaw 492, 2010 Official Community Plan

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Waste Management, Water Management

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, aquaculture, buffer at agricultural edge, commercial development, farm diversification, farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets, food processing, livestock, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban containment/growth boundary, water rate for agriculture

Region: Sunshine Coast | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2011

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban containment/growth boundary;


commercial development;


residential development;

 New residential and commercial development will be focused within the Urban Containment Boundary shown on Schedules B and C. These areas provide more than 20 years supply of residential land to accommodate a mix of housing types in various neighbourhood settings, and to allow the District to concentrate infrastructure spending and community amenities within or near the  Resort Developments 1.1; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;


urban containment/growth boundary;


ALR;

 Areas outside the Urban Containment Boundary designated as Agricultural, Resource or Rural Residential will be retained as small acreages ranging from .6 ha (1.5 acre) to 2. ha (5.0 acre) lot sizes for Rural Residential lands (see OCP policy 5.8) and 4.0 hectares (10 acres )for Resource or Agricultural (ALR) lands.  These lands are not intended to develop within the next 15-20 years, and will not be considered for residential development until lands within the Urban Containment Boundary are substantially built out and development is intensified within the Downtown Centre and neighbourhood centres. 1.5; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;


ALR;

 Within the Agriculture and Resource designations, a minimum parcel size of at least 4.0 hectares applies to lands within the ALR, Provincial Forest or other forestry tenure. For lands outside these tenures, a minimum parcel size of 2.0 hectares will apply. The District will review the zoning bylaw to implement these lot sizes. 
 		 8.3; *

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;;

farmers' markets;


food processing;


farm retail/farm gate sales;


farm diversification;


agri-tourism;

 Growth, diversification and development of the local agricultural economy is supported, including farming and associated activities such as farm-gate marketing, farmer’s markets, value-added agricultural processing, and agri-tourism opportunities that are ancillary to farming and support the viability of the farm use.
 		 8.4;  

water management;

waste management;

water rate for agriculture;

 Infrastructure policies such as reduced water rates or use of biosolids that will benefit agricultural production are supported. 8.5;  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

   Intrusions of urban infrastructure into agricultural areas will be minimized. 8.6;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

roads in agricultural land;


buffer at agricultural edge;


residential development;

Residential developments abutting agricultural land will be required to reduce potential conflicts between residential and agricultural uses by:

(a) Designing road access to direct traffic away from agricultural land;

(b) Using larger lot sizes along the interface with farming to provide for greater separation;

(c) Providing screening and landscaping buffers within the residential development to protect residents from agricultural activities;

(d) Increased building setbacks for residential buildings along the agricultural edge; and

(e) Provide a drainage study prepared by a Professional Engineer to ensure runoff from the proposed development does not affect agricultural land.

 8.7; *
food production;

aquaculture;

livestock;

 Land-based aquaculture is supported in appropriate locations as a means of enhancing local food production.
 		 8.8;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;


ALR;

 The District of Sechelt does not support the exclusion of lands from the ALR except where approved by the Agricultural Land Commission. The District may require that equivalent land areas be added to the ALR to compensate for any lands removed.
 		 8.10;  

 

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