Bowen Island Municipality Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 282, 2010 Schedule A – OCP Text

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, climate change and greenhouse gases, deposit of fill and dumping, farm retail/farm gate sales, farmers' markets, farmland trust, home occupation/home based businesses, irrigation and drainage, leasing of land for agriculture, residential development, roads in agricultural land, soil, transfer of development potential, water restrictions and conservation, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: consolidated 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Exceprt Document Location Language Rating

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

 climate change and greenhouse gases; The Municipality will work with other agencies, stakeholders and the community to achieve emissions reductions targets and energy conservation goals. Specifically, the Municipality will: …support local food production as a factor in reducing food  transportation costs an greenhouse gas emissions... 31  
food production; ALR; Productive and domestic agricultural use is encouraged in areas  with agricultural capability; including the ALR as shown on  Schedules C and C – 1. Domestic agriculture is acceptable on any property. 209  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Where land is in the ALR, a minimum parcel size will only apply  when that land is: • excluded from the ALR;

• approved for subdivision within the ALR pursuant to the  Agricultural Land Commission regulations or orders of the  Commission; and

• exempted by the Agricultural Land Commission regulations  or orders of the Commission.

 211 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR exclusion; Any proposal for subdivision of agriculture designated lands outside the ALR will maintain arable units of land.  212 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

zoning;

transfer of development potential;

leasing of land for agriculture;

farmland trust;

The protection and use of land for agriculture is encouraged through:

• donation of agricultural lands to the Islands Trust Fund or  conservancy groups that would support agriculture;

• adoption of the Agricultural Land Commission Community  Planning Guidelines;

• formation of a non-profit society that acquires agricultural  lands;

• establishment of agriculture zoning regulations on lands suitable for productive agriculture;

• re-allocating density from agricultural lands to other non  agricultural lands;

• owners of agricultural lands actively farming, or leasing  /loaning their lands to persons that would undertake active  farming; and

• acquisition of lands for the community.

 213 *

development nad productive use of agricultural land;

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/gate sales;

home occupation/home based businesses;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

agri-tourism;

agricultural advisory committee;

agricultural-government liaising;

Agriculture will be supported on Bowen Island by:

• creating an Advisory Committee that reports to Council on agricultural related matters;

• encouraging a public market for sale of local food products;

• supporting the development of farmers’ outlets for the sale of  Bowen Island produced agricultural products;

• permitting roadside stands for farm gate sales of agricultural products;

• encouraging neighbourhoods and other groups to promote  and support local food production;

• encouraging community initiatives to promote local food production, food safety and sales;

• permitting Bed and Breakfast in agricultural areas and guest houses which feature a farm vacation and retreat centres that provide opportunities for guests to contribute to agricultural activity when permitted in accordance with tourist commercial land use management policies; and

• encouraging home based businesses that produce value added products from locally produced agricultural products. 

 214 *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

pesticide and pest management;

 Organic farming or regenerative methods are encouraged through development of low impact farming. Operators of farms will be encouraged to avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides. If used, pesticides and herbicides will be applied in a manner that minimizes damage to adjoining and drainage areas. 215  
water managmenent;

water restrictions and conservation;

irrigation and drainage;

 Collection of rainwater for irrigation purposes is encouraged.  217  
development nad productive use of agricultural land

deposit of fill and dumping;

soil;

 Removal or deposit of soil from a parcel may be subject to  regulation by bylaw. 218  
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

soil;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Production methods that maintain soil quality and minimize impacts on adjacent lands and the environment are encouraged. 219  
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

 The use of fencing, hedges, and other buffers and the use of increased building setbacks on adjacent residential properties will be considered to allow for adequate separation between residential and agricultural land uses. 220  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

roads in agricultural land;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 New roads should not fragment agricultural lands or areas of environmental sensitivity such as wetlands and wildlife migration corridors. 271  

development and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

 

new entrants to farming;

 Existing farms and orchards should be protected, and new farms encouraged, especially to propagate a variety of heritage fruit trees, as a means to enhance rural and historic aspects of the island. 398  

 

 

 

City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw 8383

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, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): 'benefit to agriculture' language, agri-tourism, ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, amenity density zoning/contributions, community food system education, community kitchen, farmers' markets, food distribution, food storage, greenhouses, grocery stores, research and data collection, residential development, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Fraser-Fort George | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2011

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

food sales, access and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

 grocery stores; Support increased consumer access to local and healthy food through local food institutions and retail markets throughout the community. 7.3.5 *
nutrition and public health;   Encourage fast food outlets to locate a minimum distance from youth-oriented facilities such as schools and playgrounds. 7.3.6  

food self reliance;

   Support agricultural and food systems planning to improve the current state of food systems and to encourage local food self reliance. 7.3.7  

food sales, access and procurement;

   Ensure that food and agricultural spaces are accessible to all people. 7.3.8  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Ensure existing policies and bylaws help eliminate barriers to sustainable food and agriculture systems. 7.3.9  
food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

grocery stores;

 Support improvements to public transportation to make grocery stores and farmer’s markets accessible to all residents. 7.3.10  
education; community food system education; Support food and agricultural opportunities in education and community facilities, parks and open spaces. 7.3.11  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Support the development of community gardens and community kitchens. 7.3.12 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Promote attractive agricultural and community gardens in highly visible public or semi-private spaces, ensuring balance with wildlife considerations.  7.3.13  

education;

food self reliance;

food production;

 research and data collection; Encourage research and education on local food production and self-reliance 7.3.15  

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

 residential development; Encourage provision of affordable food sources such as on site growing spaces in new affordable housing developments. 7.5.12  
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;   The City should encourage development on the urban edge to consider integration of urban and agricultural uses and activities through design and layout. 8.2.19  
urban agriculture;

amenity density zoning/contributions;

residential development;

 The City should encourage neighbourhood development projects with green space larger than 0.5 ha to integrate urban agriculture in their design and programming. 8.2.20 *

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

community kitchen;

residential development;

 The City should require new multiple residential development applications to consider a sustainable food system approach, for example providing growing space, providing community kitchen amenities and/or allocation of funds toward such community amenities. 8.2.21 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; The City should facilitate community gardens in Growth Priority Areas. The City should consider providing land, working with organizers for community gardens based on community interest and initiative, and designating a staff liaison to facilitate this role. 8.2.22 *
urban agriculture; wildlife and ecosystem management; The City should ensure urban agriculture implementation does not conflict with Urban Interface Policies (human-bear conflict) and is consistent with Health and Safety regulations. 8.2.23 *

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

food processing, storage and distribution;

 food distribution;urban gardens/orchard;  The City should allocate space within City parks, open space, school yards, rights-of-way, City owned facilities, surplus properties, and redevelopment parcels for growing and distributing/selling food. Prioritize vacant, underutilized or derelict sites as identified within the SGOG, Public Works: Civic Improvements section. 8.2.24 *

food processing, storage and distribution;

food production;

urban agriculture;

food storage;

urban gardens/orchard;

greenhouses;

residential development;

 The City should encourage community greenhouses and gardens and ensure that small-scale food production and storage buildings and structures (e.g., root cellars) are permitted in residential areas. 8.2.25 *
economic development;

agri-tourism;

residential development;

 The City should consider permitting agri-tourism uses ancillary to agricultural operations. These may include for example accommodations similar in scale to B&B’s, food sales, farm tours, and farm-based recreation. 8.3.115  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

 The City should support ALR designations within the City’s boundaries. Changes to the designation should be supported only if land is shown by a qualified professional to have limited agricultural suitability and where land use changes work to support food and agriculture systems (e.g., farmland dedications of equal or greater value for community trust and/or upgrades to farming or farmland infrastructure). 8.3.116 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;   The City should direct incompatible land uses away from land identified with high agricultural capability. 8.3.117 *

District of Saanich Sustainable Saanich Official Community Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, BC environmental farm plan, buffer at agricultural edge, crops, deposit of fill and dumping, farm diversification, farmers' markets, irrigation and drainage, soil, urban containment/growth boundary, urban gardens/orchard, water rate for agriculture, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2008

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;

Maintain the Urban Containment Boundary as the principal tool for growth management in Saanich, and encourage all new development to locate within the Urban Containment Boundary.

 4.2.1.2 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary;

Do not consider major changes to the Urban Containment Boundary except as an outcome of a comprehensive fi ve year review of the Regional Growth Strategy.

 4.2.1.3 *
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban containment/growth boundary;

Do not adopt any bylaw or resolution providing for a major expansion to the Urban Containment Boundary without first obtaining the assent of the electors through a referendum or plebiscite.

 4.2.1.4 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban containment/growth boundary;

ALR;

 Support the retention of rural and farm lands through adherence to the Urban Containment Boundary policy and preservation of the Agricultural Land Reserve (Map 19). 4.2.5.1;  
development and productive use of agricultural land; zoning; Maintain farming, food production, and large lot residential as the predominant land use on rural lands.  4.2.5.2; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Maintain a minimum parcel area of 2.0 ha for the A-1 (Rural) zone and 4.0 ha for the A-4 (Rural) zone. 4.2.5.3; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Consider opportunities to incorporate food producing community gardens into parks and other public open spaces, where appropriate. 4.2.8.14;  
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 Do not support applications to exclude land from the Agricultural Land Reserve,unless: a qualified professional agrologist provides evidence that the property is incorrectly designated; and exclusion would not adversely affect the long term agricultural value of the adjoining land within the Reserve. 5.1.1.2; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Do not forward applications to the Agricultural Land Commission to subdivide land within the Agricultural Land Reserve ( Map 19) unless: the owner has continuously owned and occupied the property as a principal residence since December 21, 1972 and no subdivision has occurred since that date; or there are already two dwellings on the parcel; or it would facilitate changes to an existing public institution; or ƒit would increase the agricultural capability of an existing farm as defined by the BC Assessment Authority and there is on-site evidence of keeping animals or land cultivation at a commercial level. 5.1.1.3; *

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 farmers' markets; Support innovative farming and local marketing techniques such as pocket farm markets, which help improve the economic viability of food production in the community. 5.1.1.7; *

food production;

water management;

irrigation and drainage;

crops;

livestock;

 Support efforts of farm operators and other agencies to enhance farmland and increase crop yield, by improving water supply and undertaking drainage improvements and improving soil capabilities, while considering environmental impact. 5.1.1.8; *
wildlife/environmental/pest management; BC environmental farm plan; Encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices by promoting the BC Environmental Farm Program. 5.1.1.9; *

food production;

economic development;

farm diversification;

crops;

 Support the development and operation of specialty crop farms to diversify farm production, increase economic development, increase local food production, and improve farm income. 5.1.1.10; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Strengthen local sustainable agriculture by supporting “backyard gardening” and community garden initiatives. 5.1.1.12; *

urban- ag conflict/edge planning;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

 urban containment/growth boundary; Support small-scale agricultural initiatives on lands inside the Urban Containment Boundary, while balancing the need of neighbouring residents. 5.1.1.13; *
urban- ag conflict/edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge; Buffer rural and agricultural lands from adjacent urban residential development as part of redevelopment and subdivision proposals, where appropriate. 5.1.1.14; *
water management; water rate for agriculture; Continue to support a special water rate for agriculture. 5.1.1.15; *

 

development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil;

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

 Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to review current deposit of fill practices on ALR lands, in order to preserve the agricultural capability of ALR lands. 5.1.1.16; *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

soil; 

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

 Discourage the deposit of fill on rural and ALR lands that results in the soil’s agricultural capability being diminished. 5.1.1.17; *
wildlife/environmental/pest management;

soil;

ALR;

 Support the preservation and enhancement of the soil’s agricultural capability on rural and ALR lands. 5.1.1.18;  

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

 Encourage the development of a Property Assessment policy that primarily supports local food production, and does not inadvertently result in ecological degradation. 5.1.1.19;  

 

 

City of Campbell River Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3475, 2012

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

Sub-topic(s): amenity density zoning/contributions, food processing, food distribution, food storage, zoning, water rate for agriculture, composting, urban chickens, beekeeping/apiculture, pollinators, ALR exclusion, ALR subdivision, protection of farming development permit area, buffer at agricultural edge, ALR, community food system education, local procurement, local food culture, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, livestock, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard, residential development

Region: Strathcona | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

 

Topic Sub-topic  Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; The Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) is recognized as a vital mechanism for preserving the agricultural land base and protecting opportunities for food security. 4.26.1  
  ALR; It is recognized that the ALR boundary may require refining in specific locations in the community based on site specific information pertaining to agricultural capability or suitability demonstrating that specific lands are precluded from soil bound or non soil bound forms of agriculture. In this context, ALR applications will be considered on a case by case basis. 4.26.2 *
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

 Applications to exclude lands from the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) will be discouraged, except in circumstances where land has demonstrated limited agricultural capability or suitability and where exclusion would be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Campbell River Agricultural Plan. 4.26.3 *
 

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Requests to exclude lands from or subdivide lands within the ALR will require an assessment by of a Professional Agrologist to confirm the limited agricultural capability or suitability of the lands, the impact of the proposal on agriculture or potential agriculture in the area and should be identified for the long term development needs of the City. 4.26.4 *
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

 The City will work closely with the Agricultural Land Commission to plan proactively for agricuture and manage"edge" conditions. 4.26.5  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be at least 10% self-sufficient in food. chapter 12 desired outcome 2020  
food self reliance;   Campbell River will have capacity to be 50% self-sufficient in food. This entails having the capacity for a largely self-reliant agriculture and food system, with the majority of food consumed locally being produced, raised and/or produced on Vancouver Island. chapter 12 desired outcome 2060  
food processing, storage & distribution; food sales access, and procurement;

zoning

farmers' markets;

food processing;

food storage;

food distribution;

 Initiatives that help build local food infrastructure capacity will be promoted and supported. This may include an abattoir, apermanent Farmers' market, and other food processing, storage, packaging, and distribution facilities. This can include strategic provisions in the Zoning Bylaw. 12.1.2 *

food production;

urban agriulture;

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture

pollinators;

livestock;

 The keeping of poultry and bees in the City is generally supported. Reviewing and amending zoning regulations may be undertaken to support keeping of poultry and bees. 12.2.3  
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Community orchards, community and demonstration gardens, and outdoor kitchens will be planted where feasible and appropriate in the public realm including parks, rights-of-way, boulevards, and vacant lots. 12.2.4 *
urban agriculture;   Food and agricultural spaces will be designed to provide optimal accessibility. 12.2.5 *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Residential gardens and other urban agriculture opportunities in the private realm will be supported through education and awareness raising campaigns and events. 12.2.6 *
water management; water rate for agriculture; Irrigation water can be a key component of agricultural operations and establishing specific rates for agriculture water use in areas where the water system has capacity without impacting demand may be considered. 12.2.29  
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Collaborate with the development industry to identify opportunities to provide food production opportunities in new multi-family developments. This can include developing a Food and Agriculture Checklist or guidelines that establish a framework that facilitates functional and accessible growing space. 12.3.1 *
urban agriculture;   Development on the urban edge should consider integration of urban and agricultural uses and activities through siting, programming, governance structure, and design. 12.3.2  
urban agriculture; amenity density zoning/contributions; The City will consider establishing density bonus criteria for projects that provide significant food and agriculture production area with the development. 12.3.3  
education; community food system education; Both community education and promotion programs will be supported to raise awareness about various scale and forms of agriculture, backyard composting, extending the growing season, container gardening, where to find local foods, and more. Schools, senior'S centres and other community organizations will be targeted. 12.4.1 *
  local food culture; The City will assess opportunities to host at least one food celebration event per year. 12.4.2  
  local procurement; Promote demand for and sale of agricultural products within the community such as City food and plant procurement. 12.4.5 *
  partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Promote opportunities for education in cooperation with agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, BC Institute of Agrologists or post secondary institutions. 12.4.6 *
  ALR; Strategically manage the land base to create opportunities for the establishment of agricultural nodes focused on lands and locations within the City having the highest agricultural capability and suitability. 12.4.7 *
  zoning;ALR; Consider the impacts on existing or potential agriculture in governance and land use decisions. 12.4.9  
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning; protection of farming development permit area; Establish development permit guidelines for agricultural interface lands.  12.4.12 *
waste management; composting; Participation in recycling and composting collection or drop-off service is required for all major ICI developments. 15.2.5 *
waste management; composting;  Three-stream waste separation (recyclables, organics/ compostables, and residual garbage) shall be provided in new ICI developments and multi-family buildings. 15.2.7 *
waste management; composting; The City will work with the Regional District to establish long-term and local disposal capacity, a regional compost facility that is capable of accepting food waste, and enhanced services for hazardous material disposal. 15.3.8  

 

City of Vancouver Administration of Community Food Markets Bulletin

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Other | Year: 2014

View policy:  HTML PDF

City of Vancouver's policy outlining the administration of community food markets and criteria for which community food markets are permitted to operate without further land use approval.

District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw 8200

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

Sub-topic(s): demonstration farm, farmers' markets, food distribution, food processing, food storage, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2003

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 of buildings and structures for agriculture, single family dwelling and accessory uses. 1 

 101.3 - 101.7 ; 125.4-125.8
education demonstration farm; See document for regulations of Rural Demonstration Farm Zone (A-1DF).2 schedule 103
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets See document for regulations of Rural Zone Farm Market Zone (A-3). schedule 120

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

food distribution;

food storage5;

 See document for regulations of Rural Commercial Zone (C-1R).3 schedule 812
food processing, storage and distribution;

food storage5;

food processing;

 See document for regulations of Food Processing Zone (M-5).4  schedule 925

1 The majority of rural parcels in the District of Saanich are covered in the A1 and A4 zones, section 101 and 125 respectively. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

2 " In 2006, the Capital Regional District transferred a piece of land zoned Utility (P-2) to the District of Saanich for the purpose of local sustainable agriculture. The District of Saanich rezoned the piece of land as Rural Zone (Demonstration Farm)(A-1DF). This land is now leased to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society, and is home to the Haliburton Community Organic Farm. The Society rents land to three farm businesses."  Reference: The Land Conservancy of BC, BC’s Farming and Food Future: Local Government Toolkit for Sustainable Food Production, published December 2009, retrieved December 2016.

3 "The C-18 Rural Commercial Zone was created to recognize the activities required for the sale and distribution of local agricultural products to the community."  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

4 "The zoning bylaw permits food processing (and warehousing) in the M-5 Zone but not Rural Zones. "  Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html

5 Warehousing is a permitted use in most industrial zones as well as select commercial zones. Reference:Food and Agriculture Policies and Regulations,  District of Saanich, retrieved December 2016 from http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/agriculture-food-security/policies-regulations.html 

 

 

City of Victoria Outdoor Market Bylaw

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement

Sub-topic(s): farmers' markets

Region: Capital | Document Type: Regulatory Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2015

View policy:  HTML PDF

A bylaw to regulate the operation of outdoor markets.

City of Vancouver Zoning & Development Bylaw 3575

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

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

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location
food sales, access and procurement farmers' markets;

Farmers’ Market

11.21.1 A Farmers’ Market must be in: (a) open air stalls or booths; (b) stalls or booths partially or totally covered by tents or similar temporary structures; and (c) stalls or booths in a building approved for use as a Farmers’ Market.

11.21.2 A Farmers’ Market must have at least 11 stalls or booths, except that the Director of Planning may permit a lesser number of stalls or booths, if the Director of Planning first considers all applicable policies and guidelines adopted by Council.

11.21.3 The site area of a Farmers’ Market must not exceed 2 323 m2 , except that the Director of Planning may permit an increase in site area, if the Director of Planning first considers all applicable policies and guidelines adopted by Council.

11.21.4 A vendor at a Farmers’ Market must only sell: local fresh, dried or frozen fruit and vegetables; local dried or frozen meat and seafood; local eggs; local dairy products; local plants; local prepared foods; local ready-to-eat foods; local artisan crafts; or local wine, cider, beer or spirits.

11.21.5 No more than 40% of the total number of stalls or booths in a Farmers’ Market may be used for the sale of local ready-to-eat foods and local artisan crafts.

11.21.6 There must be no more than three vendors selling or providing samples of local wine, cider, beer or spirits at a Farmers’ Market.

 11.21

urban agriculture;

 urban farm;

Urban Farm - Class A

Notwithstanding anything else in this By-law, Urban Farm - Class A is subject to the following:

11.29.1 The planting area must not exceed 325 m2 on any single parcel unless the primary use of the parcel is Park or Institutional in which case the Director of Planning may permit an increase in planting area to a maximum of 7 000 m2 .

11.29.2 If two or more parcels are operated jointly as an Urban Farm - Class A, the combined planting area for all parcels must not exceed 7 000 m2 .

11.29.3 No on-site processing of fruits and vegetables, or manufacturing of food products is permitted.

11.29.4 No mechanical equipment may be used other than that designed for household use including lawnmowers, rototillers, garden hoses and pruners.

11.29.5 No herbicides or pesticides are permitted.

11.29.6 No on-site sales are permitted, unless the primary use of the parcel is Institutional.

11.29.7 No Urban Farm - Class A operated on a single parcel may generate revenue exceeding $9,999 in any calendar year, unless the primary use of the parcel is Park or Institutional.

11.29.8 If an Urban Farm - Class A is operated, in whole or in part, by a person other than an owner or full-time resident of the parcel, the planting area must be subject to a lease authorizing the operation of the farm.

11.29.9 No offensive noise, odour, light, smoke, or vibration or other objectionable effect may be produced.

11.29.10 No mechanical equipment may be stored outside.

11.29.11 Any development permit or waiver of a development permit for an Urban Form-Class A is time limited to 1 year.

Urban Farm - Class B

Notwithstanding anything else in this By-law, Urban Farm – Class B is subject to the following:

11.30.1 The planting area for a single parcel or the combined planting area for all parcels operated jointly as an Urban Farm – Class B, may not exceed 7 000 m2 , unless relaxed by the Director of Planning due to unnecessary hardship associated with the location, shape or size of the parcel or parcels.

11.30.2 If located within 30 m of a residential use, no mechanical equipment may be used other than that designed for household use including lawnmowers, rototillers, garden hoses and pruners.

11.30.3 No herbicides or pesticides are permitted.

11.30.4 No offensive noise, odour, light, smoke, or vibration or other objectionable effect may be produced.

11.30.5 If an Urban Farm - Class B is operated, in whole or in part, by a person other than an owner or full-time resident of the parcel during the farm operation, the planting area must be subject to a lease authorizing the operation of the farm.

11.30.6 Any development permit for an Urban Farm Class B is time limited to 1 year

 section 11, 11.29- 11,30

 

City of Vancouver Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments

Topic(s): Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): amenity density zoning/contributions, community kitchen, edible landscaping, farmers' markets, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Policy | Year: 2010

View policy:  HTML PDF

A policy requiring development proposals for large developments put forward through rezoning application to create defined plans or studies on the following:
1. Sustainable Site Design
2. Access to Nature
3. Sustainable Food Systems
4. Green Mobility
5. Rainwater Management
6. Zero Waste Planning
7. Affordable Housing
8. Low Carbon Energy Supply.

from City of Vancouver Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments, 2010, accessed Oct 2016

 

City of Victoria Official Community Plan

Topic(s): Economic Development, Education, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): beekeeping/apiculture, climate change and greenhouse gases, commercial development, community food system education, composting, edible landscaping, emergency preparedness, farmers' markets, farmland trust, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, greenhouses, grocery stores, home occupation/home based businesses, livestock, local food culture, mobile/street food vending, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pilot project, pollinators, research and data collection, residential development, stormwater management, urban chickens, urban farm, urban gardens/orchard, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2012

View policy:  HTML PDF

 

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

urban agriculture;

food production;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Parks, schools, public facilities and utilities, public assembly, community services, pathways, open space, urban food production,institutional, and recreational uses are permitted in all designations as determined in accordance with zoning. 6.4; *

urban agriculture;

water management;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

stormwater management;

pilot project;

[Implement the City’s Greenways Plan as shown in Map 6, seeking opportunities to enhance recreational opportunities, identity, green features and the pedestrian and cycling experience by]...

...Piloting green infrastructure and urban food production in greenways

 9.7.3 *

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food access, sales and procurement;

nutrition and public health;

economic development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food processing;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

local food culture;

Participate in coordinated community and regional efforts to develop a more sustainable food system that considers all stages of the food system as shown in Figure 18, and that:

17.1.1 Contributes to the economic development, environmental management, and social well-being of Victoria and the region;

17.1.2 Encourages local and regional food production and processing, and protection of productive farmland;

17.1.3 Recognizes access to safe, sufficient, culturally appropriate and nutritious food as a basic need for all citizens;

and,17.1.4 Celebrates local food culture, cuisine, and indigenous and local food traditions.

 17.1; *
policy partnerships, advocacy and development   Assess neighbourhood food system features and needs as part of local area planning. 17.3;  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

edible landscaping;

Review and develop City policy to increase the number of allotment gardens, commons gardens, edible landscapes, food-bearing trees and other types of food production activities that considers other uses and identifies:

17.4.1 The land types and potential City-held sites where different food production activities might be supported;

17.4.2 The roles and responsibilities of participants; 

17.4.3 Mechanisms to encourage and support food production sites on City-held lands, other publicly-held lands, and on private lands;

and 17.4.4 Mechanisms to acquire land for food production purposes, where appropriate.

 17.4; *

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Encourage food production activities in visible and suitable public places to foster a connection between people and the process of growing, harvesting and eating fresh produce.  17.5; *

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Include urban food production objectives in the development of management strategies to address pests, disease, invasive species, urban wildlife and other ecological issues on public and private lands. 17.6; *
urban agriculture; urban gardens/orchard; Support the establishment of at least one allotment garden per neighbourhood, co-located with community facilities or services where possible, and more in neighbourhoods that feature a high proportion of rental or attached housing, where feasible. 17.7; *
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

pilot project;

 Work with community groups to develop pilot projects for the planting, maintenance and harvesting of food-bearing trees on suitable City-held lands. 17.8; *

food production;

urban agriculture;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Consider new and innovative approaches to urban food production that increase food security, in partnership with citizens, community groups and other stakeholders. 17.9;  

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

 Support food production on private land where it is safe, suitable and compatible with the Urban Place Guidelines in this plan. 17.10;  

urban agriculture;

food production;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 Encourage the provision of gardens and other food production spaces for the use of residents in new multi-unit housing. 17.11; *
food production;

urban chickens;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

Support the keeping of small livestock in the city by:

17.13.1 Maintaining regulatory support for the keeping of poultry and honeybees;

and,17.13.2 Reviewing regulations to consider the keeping of other small livestock for food production, appropriate to an urban environment, in collaboration with senior levels of government and the health authority.

 17.13; *
urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban farm;

urban farm;home occupations/ home-based business;

commercial development;

institutional development;

residential development;

greenhouses;

Explore expanded small-scale commercial urban agriculture through a review of policy and regulations to consider the opportunities for, and implications of:

17.14.1 Enabling infrastructure and human resources needed to support small-scale commercial urban agriculture as a home occupation;

17.14.2 Using residential accessory buildings for commercial agricultural purposes; and, 17.14.3 Allowing commercial urban agriculture uses, including greenhouses, in commercial and industrial zones.

 17.14; *
food sales, access and procurement; grocery stores; Support the achievement of residential densities sufficient to support food stores and other food retail uses such as bakeries, restaurants and pubs, in town centres and large urban villages. 17.15;  
food sales, access and procurement; mobile/street food vending Explore expanded street food vending opportunities to animate the public realm and showcase local cuisine, through the review of existing regulations and the development of a program in partnership with local businesses and the health authority. 17.16; *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets;  Encourage the development of farmers markets in Town Centres and Urban Villages, and a viable year-round farmers market in the Downtown Core Area, to animate the public and private realm and support local growers and food processors. 17.17;  

waste management;

urban agriculture;

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

pilot project;

food processing;

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

 Pilot new uses in appropriate locations that enhance urban food production, processing and food waste recycling. 17.18; *
food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

farmland trust;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Work with neighbouring municipalities, the Capital Regional District, the provincial government and other food system stakeholders to increase the regional food supply by:

17.19.1 Establishing policies, tools and initiatives to protect and expand working farmland, such as a regional farmland trust; and,

17.19.2 Implementing strategies to support and re-establish key food system infrastructure such as meat, fruit and vegetable processing facilities. 

 17.19; *

nutrition and public health;

food sales, access and procurement;

 community food system education; Support the efforts of community centres, community organizations, the health authority, the school district, senior government and the private sector to establish programs and resources that build knowledge and skills to help people move towards healthier, and more secure and dignified access to nutritious food. 17.21; *
food sales, access and procurement;

emergency preparedness;

research and data collection;

 Identify short and long-term food supply and infrastructure needs as part of a critical infrastructure assessment in City emergency preparedness planning.  17.22; *
policy planning, partnerships, advocacy and development;

emergency preparedness;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

 Work with regional partners to enhance the capacity of the regional food system to adapt to climate change impacts, including water shortages, extreme weather events and fluctuations in global food and energy prices. 17.23; *
waste management; food recovery/gleaning/donation; Support the efforts of community organizations and the private sector to establish initiatives that divert recoverable food from the pre-waste stream for redistribution to local food security organizations. 17.25; *
waste management;

composting;

commercial development;

residential development;

Encourage the Capital Regional District to undertake a regionally coordinated approach to the recycling of food waste that retains biological nutrients regionally by:

17.26.1 Promoting household composting systems;

17.26.2 Establishing a household organic waste collection program with opportunities for finished compost to be made available for farmers and other food producers within the region;

and,17.26.3 Developing strategies to encourage organic waste diversion from multi-unit housing and commercial properties.

 17.26; *
Subscribe to farmers' markets