City of Richmond Official Community Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, commercial development, community food system education, edible landscaping, farm diversification, farm incubator, farm worker accommodation, farmer training, food distribution, food recovery/gleaning/donation, irrigation and drainage, livestock, local food culture, mobile/street food vending, new entrants to farming, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, protection of farming development permit area, recreational use of agricultural land, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food self reliance;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Strengthen community resilience to projected global changes by increasing local self reliance and resource security (e.g., food security, energy security, groundwater security, intertidal ecological security). pg 2-7  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maintain the existing ALR boundary and do not support a loss of ALR land unless there is a substantial net benefit to agriculture and the agricultural community is consulted; pg 7-2 *
education; community food system education; Increase public awareness of farming practises, farm products and support educational programs that provide information on agriculture and its importance to the local economy and local food systems. pg 7-3  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

agricultural advisory committee;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Build strong alliances with farmers and work with the City’s Agricultural Advisory Committee so that issues and policies that affect agriculture and impact farmers are addressed; pg 7-4  
economic development; new entrants to farming; Pursue incentives to increase actively farmed agricultural land and encourage new farmers; pg 7-4  
economic development; farm diversification; encourage value-added business initiatives; pg 7-4  
nutrition and public health;   Support farm activities which follow normal farm practices and do not create health hazards; pg 7-4  

economic development;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 residential development; Consider agricultural projects which achieve viable farming while avoiding residential development as a principal use; pg 7-4  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

roads in agricultural land;

 Discourage, wherever possible, roads in the ALR, except as noted on the Existing Status of Road Improvements in the ALR Map; pg 7-4  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 Ensure that land uses adjacent to, but outside of, the ALR are compatible with farming by establishing effective buffers on the non-agricultural lands; pg 7-4 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

protection of farming development permit area;

 Designate all parcels abutting, but outside of, the ALR boundary as Development Permit Areas with Guidelines for the purpose of protecting farming; pg 7-5 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

buffer at agricultural edge;

roads in agricultural land;

zoning;

residential development;

institutional development;

commercial development;

 Where there is an intervening road between the ALR and the non-ALR lands:• encourage appropriate landscaping within the road right-of-way in front of the non-agricultural lands (e.g., between the road curb, any sidewalk and the property line) through the servicing agreement process;• encourage an appropriate landscaped setback on the non-agricultural lands (e.g., 3 m or 9.84 ft. to parking and 6 m or 19.68 ft. to buildings) through the: - Rezoning and/or Building Permit process for industrial and institutional uses; - Rezoning and/or Development Permit process for commercial and multiple family residential sites; - Rezoning and/or Subdivision process for single family residential sites; pg 7-5 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; recreational use of agricultural land; Minimize conflicts among agricultural, recreation, conservation and urban activities; pg 7-5  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

ALR;

residential development;

 Continue to encourage the use of the ALR land for farming and discourage non-farm uses (e.g., residential); pg 7-5  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR subdivision;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 Limit the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels, except where possible benefit ts to agriculture can be demonstrated; pg 7-5 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

farm worker accommodation;

 Seasonal farm labour accommodation, as an additional residential use, may be considered so long as the accommodation is accessory to the principal agricultural purpose and helps to support a farm operation in the Agricultural Land Reserve; pg 7-5 *
water management; irrigation and drainage; Facilitate the improvement of irrigation and drainage infrastructure to provide secure and affordable water supplies that support the agricultural sector; pg 7-5 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

 Explore with farmers ways to protect the Ecological Network values of their lands such as:• explore programs contained in the 2012 Environmentally Sensitive Area Management Strategy;• encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices by promoting the BC Environmental Farm Program;• explore the viability of leasing agricultural lands that have important environmental values from farmers to manage these lands for both agricultural and environmental goals;• explore mechanisms that compensate farmers for the loss of cultivation to maintain key ecological objectives. pg 7-6  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

 Continue to seek out opportunities to collaborate with others to increase urban agriculture, the number of community gardens, edible landscape and food-bearing trees; pg 7-8  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

residential development;

 Encourage the retention of open space for food production (e.g., edible landscaping, gardens, rooftop gardens, food bearing trees) for the use of residents in new residential developments; pg 7-8 *
education;

farm incubator;

farmer training;

 Continue to support incubator farms in order to help new farmers develop the necessary skills and their businesses; pg 7-9 *

food production;

 livestock; Explore the keeping of small animals (e.g., poultry and bees) on a limited basis on small agricultural parcels, in consultation with the AAC, ALC and Vancouver Coastal Health pg 7-9  
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending;  Explore local street vending opportunities. pg 7-9  

food processing, storage and distribution;;

food production;

policy partnerships, advocacy and liaising;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food distribution;

 Promote available programs and continue to support community organizations involved with food production/distribution (e.g., Richmond Local Food Guide). pg 7-9  

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

 local food culture; Develop a “Buy Local” marketing initiative to increase the demand for locally grown agricultural products, in partnership with Tourism Richmond, Chamber of Commerce, the RFI, and others. pg 7-10 *

education;

nutrition and public health;

 community food system education; Continue to support programs that promote healthy eating and increase food-related skills and knowledge about sustainable food systems; pg 7-10  

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Encourage local gardeners to grow extra produce or distribute produce they don’t use to the Richmond Food Bank or other community groups; pg 7-10 *

education;

nutrition and public health;

 community food system education Support programs that encourage children and families to learn healthy eating habits. pg 7-10  

food sales, access and procurement;

waste management;

 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Support the efforts of community groups and the private sector to establish initiatives that divert recoverable food from the pre-waste stream for redistribution to local food banks; pg 7-11  
waste management;

composting;

residential development;

commercial development;

 Develop strategies to encourage organic waste diversion from multifamily housing and commercial properties; pg 7-11  
waste management; composting; Support the recycling and re-use of organic waste; pg 7-11  

 

City of Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw No. 2400-2014 Agricultural Zone A1

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, composting, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, food processing, livestock, residential development, zoning

Region: Fraser Valley | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2014

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 in Agricultural Zones. 210.3-210.4
development and productive use of agricultural land;

residential development;

ALR;

An Accessory Family Residential Use:

a. shall only be permitted on a lot with a minimum lot area of 3.8 ha;

b. shall only be permitted on lots in the Agricultural Land Reserve;

c. shall be located on a lot that is classified as “farm” under the B.C. Assessment Act;

d. shall be limited to one dwelling unit for such use per farm operation, provided the total number of dwelling units, excluding Accessory Seasonal Employee Residential Use Buildings, will not exceed two dwelling units per farm operation;

e. on a farm operation consisting of one lot, may be located on the same lot as a Single Detached Dwelling;

f. on a farm operation consisting of two or more lots, at least one of which is unoccupied and all of which are owned by the owner of the farm operation and managed as a farm operation, may be located on the same lot as a Single Detached Dwelling, subject to prior registration of a restrictive covenant in favour of the City against the titles of the unoccupied lot or lots and of the lot containing the two dwelling units agreeing that no dwelling unit shall be constructed on the unoccupied lot or lots while more than one dwelling unit remains on the other lot;

g. where permitted in the form of a manufactured home, shall be placed on a non-permanent foundation without Basement excavation;

h. shall not be contained within, or attached to, a Building or structure used for a Single Detached Dwelling;

i. shall only be permitted: i. where the owner of the farm operation is a resident on the same lot where the Accessory Family Residential Use is to be located. In the case of a corporation, the owner shall be one of the directors of the corporation; ii. where a statutory declaration is deposited with the City setting out the conditions of the City’s consent, subject to annual renewal prior to the anniversary date of the approval of such use;

 210.7.3
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm worker accommodation;

.4 An Accessory Full-Time Employee Residential Use:

a. shall only be permitted on lots within the Agricultural Land Reserve;

b. shall be located on a lot that is classified as "farm" under the B.C. Assessment Act;

c. shall be limited to one dwelling unit for such use per farm operation provided the total number of dwelling units, excluding Accessory Seasonal Employee Residential Use Buildings, will not exceed two dwelling units per farm operation;...See document for additional regualtions related to Accessory Full-Time Employee Use.

j. shall only be permitted where:

i. the owner of the farm operation is a resident on the same lot where the Accessory Full-Time Employee Residential Use is to be located, and an adult member of the owner’s immediate family works full-time on the farm operation. In the case of a corporation, the owner shall be one of the directors of the corporation. Despite the above, where a lot line realignment or lot consolidation results in a reduction in the number of contiguous lots in a farm operation and the two dwelling units have already been legally constructed and qualify as either a Single Detached Dwelling or an Accessory Full-Time Employee Residential Use, the owner of the farm operation need not reside on the farm operation;

ii. a statutory declaration is deposited with the City setting out the City’s conditions of consent;

iii. the resident employee is employed a minimum of 35 hours per week averaged over each month; and

iv. the minimum established level of operation on the farm operation meets or is equivalent to the following standards: ... See document for standards.

 

 210.7.4
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm worker accommodation;

.5 An Accessory Seasonal Employee Residential Use shall:

a. only be permitted on a lot with a minimum lot area of 3.8 ha;

b. only be permitted on lots within the Agricultural Land Reserve; c. be located on a lot that is classified as “farm” under the B.C. Assessment Act,

d. be limited to a maximum floor area of 200 m² for such use per farm operation, except that where the owner of a farm operation can document by ownership records or copies of leases registered in the Land Title Office that the subject berry or vegetable farm operation is at least 40 ha in size, a maximum of 300 m² for an Accessory Seasonal Employee Residential Use per farm operation shall be permitted; and ....See document for additional regulations related accessory seasonal employrr residential use.

 210.7.5
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

.6 An Accessory Processing Use shall only be permitted:

a. where approved by the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission;

b. where the Buildings and structures housing such use together do not exceed 2,000 m² in floor area; and

c. where associated unenclosed storage, including storage of drums, flats, and other containers, does not cover a lot area exceeding the floor area of the Buildings and structures housing the Accessory processing use.

 210.7.6
food sales, access and procurement; farm retail/gate sales;

.7 Buildings and structures for Farm Retail Sales shall be:

a. limited to one per farm operation; and b. have a maximum floor area of 300 m2 , including both indoor and outdoor sales and display areas.

 210.7.7
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales;

agri-tourism;

.8 Buildings and structures for a winery shall:

a. be permitted only where licensed by the Province of British Columbia;

b. be permitted where: i. at least 50% of that farm product is grown on the farm on which the winery is located; or ii. the farm that grows the farm products used to produce wine or cider is more than 2 hectares in area, and, unless otherwise authorized with the Agricultural Land Commission, at least 50% of the total farm product for processing is provided under a minimum 3 year contract from a farm in B.C.;

c. be limited to a maximum area for sampling, food and beverage service, retail wine display and sales of 125 m2 indoors and 125 m2 outdoors, and may include picnic areas Accessory to a winery use.

 210.7.8
economic development; agri-tourism

.9 Buildings and structures for Agri-Tourism shall:

a. be limited to 300 m2 in area, excluding exterior activity areas;

b. be limited to a catered food and beverage service where farm products from the farm operation are highlighted;

c. exclude permanent commercial kitchen facilities;

d. be limited to a total of 10 months of any calendar year;

e. provide within the lot, parking for all visitors; and f. not exceed 100 m2 in area where utilized for biodiversity conservation, passive recreation, heritage, wildlife and scenery view purposes, as long as the area occupied by

 210.7.9
food production; livestock;

.10 An Agricultural Use consisting of the keeping of swine:

a. shall only be permitted on a lot with a minimum lot area of 8.0 ha;

b. shall be provided with a manure storage facility with sufficient capacity to contain all manure generated from the swine operation over a minimum period of four months;

c. shall be provided with a mechanical ventilation system for all Buildings and structures housing swine;

d. existing on the date of adoption of this Bylaw, may be expanded provided such expansion is in accordance with section 210.3.4; and

e. shall ensure that all new development maintain a minimum 500 m minimum separation distance between the nearest points of any Building, structure, facility or enclosure used for the storage of swine, including manure storage facilities for the storage of swine manure and the Urban Area Boundary as shown within the Official Community Plan.

 210.7.10
waste management;

composting;

livestock;

 .11 The area used for processing of livestock wastes into garden compost shall not exceed 465 m 2 per farm operation. 210.7.11
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing; See document for regulations for Agricultural and Resource Processing Zone. section 230
food processing, storage and distribution; food processing;

See document for regulations for Agricultural and  Produce Processing Zone 

 section 240
food processing, storage and distribution; agricultural industry services;

See document for regulations for Agricultural and Farm Industrial Zone

 section 250
waste management;

composting;

crops;

See document for regulations for Agricultural and Commercial Mushroom Composting Zone

 section 260


Note: While all agricultural Zones (A1-A6) contain Conditions of Use regulations, only those is the A1 Agricultural Zone (section 210) are identified here due to the similarity of these regulations across all agricultural zones. See complete zoning document for Conditions of Use pertaining to each agricultural zone.  

 

 

Corporation of Delta Zoning Bylaw No. 2750

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

Sub-topic(s): zoning, farm retail/farm gate sales, composting, farm home plate, pollinators, beekeeping/apiculture, livestock, siting and coverage, ALR, farm worker accommodation, residential development

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2015

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Beekeeping:

Notwithstanding Section 304, the keeping of ‘bees’ are permitted as an accessory use to a ‘dwelling, single family’, ‘dwelling duplex’ or in any Public (P) zone provided that:

a) Not more than two ‘beehives’ and two ‘nucleus colonies’ are permitted on ‘lots’ equal to or less than 1,000 m2 in area.

b) Not more than four ‘beehives’ and four ‘nucleus colonies’ are permitted on ‘lots’ larger than 1,000 m2 in area.

c) Each ‘beehive’ and ‘nucleus colony’ shall be located to the rear of the principal building on a ‘lot.

d) Each ‘beehive’ and ‘nucleus colony’ shall comply with one of the following siting requirements: i. be raised a minimum of 2.5 m above grade; ii. be located a minimum of 7.5 m from all ‘lot’ lines; or iii. be behind a continuous ‘fence’ or hedge a minimum of 1.8 m in height located parallel to an adjacent property line and extending a minimum of 6.0 m horizontally beyond the ‘beehive’ or ‘nucleus colony’ in either direction.

e) In the P zones: i. written permission is obtained from the property owner; and ii. the keeping of ‘bees’ is for educational purposes.

 428
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agricultural Zone A1.

 502 ; 503 ; 510-512
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm home plate;

ALR;

‘Farm Home Plate’ and ‘Farm Home Plate’ – ‘Migrant Farm Worker Housing’:

See document for regulations and related to farm home plate in Agricultural Zone A

 506
development and productive use of agricultural land;

residential development;

farm worker accommodation:

ALR;

Area of a ‘Farm House’, ‘Additional Farm House’ or ‘Migrant Farm Worker Housing’:

See document for regulations and related to area of a farm house,  additional farm house or migrant farm worker housing in Agricultural Zone A.

 507
development and productive use of agricultural land;

residential development;

ALR;

Additional Farm House:

See document for regulations and related to additional farm house in Agricultural Zone A1.

  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

ALR;

‘Migrant Farm Worker Housing‘:

See document for regulations related to migrant farm worker housing in Agricultural Zone A1.

 508 B

food processing, storage and distribution;

 

 ALR;

‘Agricultural Product’ and ‘Mushroom Growing Medium’ Storage, Processing and Preparation:

A minimum of 50% of the total volume of the ‘Agricultural Products’ or ‘Mushroom Growing Medium’ stored on a ‘Lot’ or processed or prepared by ‘On-farm Processing’ or ‘On-Farm Product Preparation’ on a ‘Lot’:

a) must be consumed as animal feed or used in the production of mushrooms, on a farm owned or operated by the owner or lessee of the ‘Lot’: or

b) must have been harvested, grown, raised, or produced on a farm owned or operated by the owner or lessee of the ‘Lot’.

 513
waste management;

composting;

ALR;

Agricultural Waste Management and ‘On-Farm Composting’

See document for regulations related to agricultural waste management and 'on- farm' composting in Agricultural Zone A1.

 514
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retail/gate sales

ALR;

Farm Retail Sales

See document for regulations related to farm retail sales in Agricultural Zone A1.

 515

 

City of Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500

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

Sub-topic(s): zoning, farm residence maximum setback, farm retail/farm gate sales, agri-tourism, home occupation/home based businesses, siting and coverage, farm worker accommodation, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2009

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 buildings and structures in Agriculture and Golf Zones. 

 14.1.5 - 14.1.6
development and productuve use of agricultural land; farm residence maximum setback; No portion of a single detached housing building, including any additional dwelling units, shall be located further than 50.0 m from a constructed public road abutting the property. On a corner lot or double fronting lot, the 50.0 m from a constructed public road abutting the property shall be determined based on the location of the permitted access to the single detached housing building or additional dwelling unit(s). 14.1.6.1
development and productuve use of agricultural land; home occupation/home based business; A home business shall be limited to a maximum floor area of 100.0 m2 and must be located and carried out wholly within the dwelling unit and not an accessory building. 14.1.11.3
economic development; agri-tourism; A bed and breakfast use may have up to four guest accommodation rooms and two facia signs with maximum dimensions of 0.6 m by 1.2 m.  14.1.11.4
development and productive use of agricultural land; farm worker accommodation;

6. Seasonal farm labour accommodation shall only be permitted on:

a) a site zoned AG3;

b) a lot located in the Agricultural Land Reserve;

c) a lot designated for ‘agriculture’ in the General Land Use Map contained in the Official Community Plan; and

d) a lot classified as ‘farm’ under the BC Assessment Act. 7.

The following provisions must be met to permit seasonal farm labour accommodation:

a) minimum farm operation size of 8.09 ha;

b) the seasonal farm labour accommodation must be located on the same lot as an existing single detached housing;

c) only one seasonal farm labour accommodation is permitted per farm operation;

d) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation shall not exceed 400.0 m2;

e) a maximum of 40 seasonal farm labour occupants per seasonal farm labour accommodation is permitted; Section 14: Agriculture and Golf Zones 14.1-5 2706166

f) minimum floor area per occupant is to be 10.0 m2 ; and

g) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation shall be considered a dwelling with all regulations relating to density, minimum and maximum yards and height to apply.

8. The following limitations apply to seasonal farm labour accommodation:

a) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation must adhere to all relevant components of the Building Code and the City’s Building Regulation;

b) a lot that contains a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation is subject to inspections by the City during any 12 month period to ensure that occupation is in compliance with the regulations contained in this zone;

c) a building used for seasonal farm labour accommodation does not need to be removed when not occupied by seasonal farm labour if the use is required on an ongoing, annual basis for the agricultural purpose of the farm operation;

d) if seasonal farm labour accommodation is no longer required for the farm operation, all buildings used for seasonal farm labour accommodation must be removed and the land restored to its original state; and

e) costs of removal of the seasonal farm labour accommodation building and restoration of land to its original state are to be the responsibility of the property owner.

 14.1.11.6-14.1.11.8
food sales, access and procurement;

farm retails/gates sales;

Roadside Stands and Farm-Based Wineries 

.1. A roadside stand that is used for farm retail sales shall: a) have an interior floor area of not more than 93.0 m², except for sites zoned Roadside Stand (CR) which shall have an interior floor area of not more than 190.0 m²; and b) have a use which is accessory to the use of the farm operation upon which the roadside stand is situated.

.2. Farm retail sales at a roadside stand are permitted if: a) all the farm product offered for sale is produced on the farm on which the retail sales are taking place; or b) at least 50% of the retail sales is limited to the sale of farm products produced on the farm on which the retail sales are taking place.

.3. The total area, both indoors and outdoors, used for the retail sales of all products shall not exceed 300.0 m².

.4. The floor area of all farm-based winery buildings and structures shall not exceed the lesser of: a) 1,000.0 m²; or b) a maximum floor area ratio of 0.05”. 

 5.10.1-5.10.4

urban agriculture;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Uses Permitted in All Zones

...Agriculture is permitted as a secondary use in all zones (i.e., it occurs in conjunction with a principal use, for example single detached housing) in order to encourage and accommodate community gardens, green roofs, vertical farming and other forms of urban agriculture. The following conditions apply in certain instances with respect to agriculture being permitted as a secondary use in all zones:

a) There may be covenants or caveats registered on the title of the land which could restrict the type of agriculture permitted (e.g., prohibition on the raising of chickens, rabbits or other domesticated animals). Property owners and tenants are advised to check their current certificate of title for any covenants or caveats which may be registered and affect the use of the site.

b) Only properties which are assessed as a “farm” under the Assessment Act are permitted to raise livestock. c) A medical marihuana production facility and medical marihuana research and development facility is not permitted.

 5.13.4

 

Note: uploaded document includes agricultural zones only, see link to City of Richmond complete zoning bylaw for details of regulations outside of agricultural zones.

City of Kelowna Zoning Bylaw No. 8000

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR subdivision, farm home plate, farm retail/farm gate sales, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, food processing, greenhouses, home occupation/home based businesses, livestock, residential development, siting and coverage, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2019

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

greenhouses;

Urban Agriculture

Where food is produced for consumption by residents of the subject parcel only, and is
in association with an existing principal use – single family dwelling,urban agriculture
must comply with the following:
a) greenhouses are permitted to a maximum of 30m2 in total floor area;
b) greenhouses, accessory buildings or structures associated with urban agriculture
shall conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures and the relevant zone. A greenhouse is not included in the calculation
of site coverage for accessory buildings or structures;...

See document for additional regulations related to urban agriculture.

 9.10

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Multi-residential Shared Garden

A Multi-residential shared garden must be solely for the use of the residents on
the parcel. Multi-residential shared gardens shall:
(a) be screened from adjacent streets and/or parking area by landscaping;
(b) be integrated into the overall landscape design;
(c) be located on a parcel where exposure to sunlight is optimal;...

See document for additional regulations related to multi-residential shared gardens.

 9.11

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens and orchards;

Community Gardens

In order to be permitted on a parcel a Community Garden shall:
(a) conform to the applicable zoning requirements for accessory buildings or
structures, or greenhouse when accommodating these structures in
conjunction with a community garden;
(b) be delineated from adjacent streets and/or parking areas by landscaping;
(c) have no or materials related to the community garden stored outside on the
parcel;...

See document for additional regulations related to community gardens.

 9.12
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

farm worker accommodation;

 See document for additional regulations related to temporary farm workers accommodations. 9.13
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Subdivision Regulations

(a) The minimum lot width is 40.0 m.
(b) The minimum lot area is 4.0 ha

 11.1.5
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agricultural Zones.

 11.1.6
development and productive use of agricultural land

farm home plate;

residential development;

 For lots 0.4 ha and greater, a residential footprint must be registered on title for any residential development triggered by a Farm Protection Develoment Permit.The
maximum residential footprint is 2,000 m2. A second residential footprint up to 1,000 m2 may be registered for a mobile home for immediate family where permitted.		 11.1.6 (c)
food processing, storage & distribution;

food processing;

siting and coverage

 Not withstanding subsections 11.1.6(a), confined livestock areas and/or buildings housing more than 4 animals, or used for the processing of animal products, shall not be located any closer than 30.0 m from the lot line where the lot line borders a residential zone. 11.1.6 (f)
food processing, storage and distribution;

home occupation/home based businesses;

food processing;

livestock;

ALR;

 

When a home based business, rural involves the cutting and wrapping of wild game
or any meat, the lot must have a minimum lot area greater than 0.33 ha.

 11.1.7 (a)
food sales, access and procurement;

farn retail/gate sales;

ALR;

 Agricultural and garden stands selling only produce grown on the site or another site operated by the same producer do not have a maximum area. The maximum gross floor area of stands selling produce that is produced off-site shall be 50.0 m². For sites within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the maximum gross floor area of agricultural and garden sales for produce produced off-site or off-farm products shall be the lesser of one-third of the total floor area of the agricultural and garden sales stand or 100.0 m². 11.1.7 (c)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

(j) Bed and breakfast homes or group homes, minor in combination with a secondary suite shall not be located on parcels less than 2.0 ha in size. 

 11.1.7 (j)
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

residential development;

The following uses are specifically prohibited in the A1 – Agriculture Zone, in accordance with the requirements of the ALC Regulations to prohibit explicitly: (a) agri-tourist accommodation, as defined by the ALC Regulation....

 11.1.10.
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Urban agriculture permitted in all urban residential zones. section 13
food sales, access & procurement;

farmers' markets;

 Purpose
The purpose is to provide for an agribusiness and agritourism zone that meets local and tourist demand for agricultural products, services and experiences. Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, this zone also provides for a flexible range of secondary uses which serve local residents on a year round basis.		 Section 18, Schedule B, CD23

 

City of Kelowna Official Community Plan 2030 Bylaw No. 10501

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban - Agriculture Conflict & Edge Planning, Urban Agriculture, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, agricultural industry services, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, covenants, edible landscaping, farm home plate, farm traffic, farm worker accommodation, farmers' markets, protection of farming development permit area, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban containment/growth boundary, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Central Okanagan | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2013

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

agricultural industry services;

zoning;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

farmers' markets;

 Agri-business Land use Designation: Rural land preserved for agriculture and agriculture-related businesses that support local farming and farmers... Agriculture related commercial uses (retail and office) necessary to support a farmers’ market and public market may be considered within this designation. Limited residential uses may be supported within this designation and include a single caretaker’s unit and accessory live/work accommodation which support the agriculture-related business function. Despite the potential for “non-farm use” activities, lands within this designation will not be supported for exclusion from the ALR and only non-farm uses approved by the Agricultural Land Commission will be permitted. An example of appropriate zoning within this designation is Comprehensive Development (CD) zone CD2. 4.2 *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 urban containment /growth boundary; Lands within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urbanuses within the 20 year planning horizon ending 2030. Lands designated as Future Urban Reserve within the permanent growth boundary may be considered for urban uses beyond 2030. Lands outside the permanent growth boundary will not be supported for urban uses. Non-ALR land outside the Permanent Growth Boundary will not be supported for any further parcelization. 4.7 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

 wildlife and ecosystem management; Integrate land use approaches wherever possible to improve opportunities for biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, recreation, agriculture and local food production, while reducing conflicts. 5.2.5 *

food sales, access and procurement;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farmers' markets;

ALR;

 Support the development of farmer’s markets on non-ALR sites. ALR sites located near the urban – rural edge, in accessible, central locations may be considered if a non-ALR alternative cannot be secured. 5.13.1 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping; Encourage the use of building setback, backyards and landscaped areas, for growing edible plants. 5.13.2 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/ orchard; Encourage private and non-profit sector universally-accessible community gardening. Where appropriate, consider the use of city-owned land for use as community gardens. 5.13.3  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard ;

residential development;

 Encourage new development to include contiguous space intended for garden space for residents. 5.13.4  
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR; Retain the agricultural land base by supporting the ALR and by protecting agricultural lands from development, except as otherwise noted in the City of Kelowna Agricultural Plan. Ensure that the primary use of agricultural land is agriculture, regardless of parcel size. 5.33.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; ALR exclusion;ALR; The City of Kelowna will not support ALR exclusion applications to the ALC except in extraordinary circumstances where such exclusions are otherwise consistent with the goals, objectives and other policies of this OCP. Soil capability alone should not be used as justification for exclusion. 5.33.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary; Direct urban uses to lands within the urban portion of the Permanent Growth Boundary, in the interest of reducing development and speculative pressure on agricultural lands. 5.33.3 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

 buffer at agricultural edge; Consider complementary agricultural land uses such as urban agriculture (as defined in the Zoning Bylaw) along the urban-rural interface that act as a transition between existing urban development and farming operations. 5.33.4 *

economic development;

development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm gate/farm retail sales;

ALR;

agri-tourism;

 Support agritourism uses that can be proven to be in aid of and directly associated with established farm operations. Permit wineries, cideries and farm retail sales (inside and outside the ALR) only where consistent with existing ALC policies and regulations. 5.33.5 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

  Support non-farm use applications on agricultural lands only where approved by the ALC and where the proposed uses:• are consistent with the Zoning Bylaw and OCP;• provide significant benefits to local agriculture;• can be accommodated using existing municipal infrastructure;• minimize impacts on productive agricultural lands;• will not preclude future use of the lands for agriculture;• will not harm adjacent farm operations. 5.33.6 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

'net benefit to agriculture' language;

 Maximize potential for the use of farmland by not allowing the subdivision of agricultural land into smaller parcels (with the exception of Homesite Severances approved by the ALC) except where significant positive benefits to agriculture can be demonstrated. 5.33.7 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

 Discourage residential development (both expansions and new developments) in areas isolated within agricultural environments (both ALR and non-ALR). 5.33.8 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

residential development;

  Encourage secondary suites on agricultural land to be located within a permitted principal dwelling. 5.34.1 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm worker accommodation;

residential development;

ALR;

 Accommodation for farm help on the same agricultural parcel will be considered only where: agriculture is the principal use on the parcel, and the applicant demonstrates that the additional housing is necessary to accommodate farm employee(s) whose residence on the farm property is considered critical to the overall operation of the farm. The primary consideration is whether the scale of the farm operation is large enough that permanent help is deemed necessary. Temporary farm worker housing (e.g. bunkhouse accommodation on non-permanent foundations) is the preferred solution where the need for farm worker housing is justified. 5.34.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm home plate;

ALR;

residential development;

 Locate buildings and structures, including farm help housing and farm retail sales area and structures, on agricultural parcels in close proximity to one another and where appropriate, near the existing road frontage. The goal should be to maximize use of existing infrastructure and reduce impacts on productive agricultural lands. 5.34.3 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

ALR;

institutional development; 

 Discourage the use of agricultural lands for public or institutional uses such as schools, parks and churches except as identified in the OCP. 5.34.4 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Maintain and improve biodiversity through the establishment of corridors (connectivity) and where appropriate, through the integration of wild species within agricultural landscapes. 5.35.1 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

covenants;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Promote the use of conservation covenants on agricultural land. Conservation covenants will:• balance both agricultural and environmental values and recognize the complex relationships between some agricultural use and areas of environmental interest;• protect environmental values identified through current statutory provisions (e.g. Species at Risk) and values identified through current federal, provincial and local inventory programs;• place only reasonable restrictions on agriculture in order to protect important environmental values;• allow for specified farm activities in locations that will not unduly impact or diminish the identified environmental values; and• focus on those areas specifically identified as containing important environmental values, and should not unduly restrict agriculture elsewhere on the property. 5.35.2 *
development and productive use ofagricultural land;

farm traffic;

roads in agricultural land;

 Minimize the impact of penetration of road and utility corridors through agricultural lands, utilizing only those lands necessary and to the maximum capacity prior to seeking new corridors. Provision should be made for farm traffic to cross major roads. 7.5.1 *

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

urban agriculture;

protection of farming development permit area;

ALR;

buffer at agricultural edge;

 See document for farm protection development permit guidelines. chapter 15 *

 

Subscribe to farm worker accommodation