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

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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; *

City of Victoria Zoning Regulation Bylaw No. 80-159 Introduction and General Regulations

Topic(s): Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): greenhouses, residential development, urban farm, zoning

Region: Capital | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: n.d.

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban farm; Small-scale commercial urban food production is permitted in all zones, provided it is not noxious or offensive to neighbours or the general public by reason of emitting odour, noise or artificial lighting, and is subject to the regulations contained in Schedule “L”. 42
urban agriculture;

greenhouses;

residential development;

 A rooftop greenhouse is not to be included in the calculation of total floor area, height or number of storeys, except when located on a lot which contains: (a) a single family dwelling; (b) an attached dwelling; (c) a semi-attached dwelling; (d) a house conversion; or (e) a multiple dwelling containing fewer than four self-containing dwelling units. 43
urban agriculture; greenhouses; A rooftop greenhouse must not exceed: (a) 3.65m in height; or (b) 28m² or 50% of the building’s roof area, whichever is less. 44

 

District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, ALR, farm home plate, farm retail/farm gate sales, greenhouses, siting and coverage, zoning

Region: Fraser Valley | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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

farm home plate;

ALR;

Farm Home Plate and Farm Employee Residence

The following farm home plate and farm employee residence requirements shall apply to all lots within the Agricultural Land Reserve and are subject to the provisions of the Agricultural Land Commission Act.

.1 General Requirements

(a) With the exception of Part 7.14.1 (b), all lots within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the farm residence, farm employee residence, home occupation, and all accessory residential facilities must be located within the farm home plate area;

(b) Farm home plate requirements do not apply to lots that are exempt from the Agricultural Land Commission Act restrictions on the use of agricultural land.

.2 Siting Requirements

(a) Maximum area of a farm home plate containing one farm residence is 2,023 m2 (21,780 ft2 ) (0.5 acres).

(b) A farm home plate containing a farm employee residence and or home occupation located within an accessory building may be increased by a maximum of 506 m2 (5,445 ft2 ) (0.125 acres).

(c) Maximum depth for a farm home plate is 60 m (196.85 ft) measured from a dedicated road. If the road is not dedicated then the depth shall be measured from the constructed road.

(d) One boundary of a farm home plate must be located at a property line fronting on a road from which vehicular access is obtained.

(e) The rear face of a farm residence or farm employee residence must not be less than 10 m (32.81 ft) from the rear of the farm home plate.

(f) A Development Variance Permit may be considered in order to vary Part 7.14.2(a) to (e) where it can be demonstrated that the variance improves the agricultural suitability of the lot.

.3 Floor Area Requirements

(a) The maximum floor area for a farm residence on a lot less than 8 Ha (19.77 acres) shall be 372 m2 (4,000 ft2 ).

(b) The maximum floor area for a farm residence on a lot 8 Ha (19.77 acres) and greater shall be 465 m2 (5,000 ft2 ).

(c) The maximum floor area for a farm employee residence shall be 279 m2 (3,000 ft2 ).

.4 Farm Employee Residence

(a) A person may apply for a farm employee residence by completing an application on the prescribed form and shall include a detailed site plan.

(b) The owner will be required to register a Section 219 covenant against the property title at the Land Title Office which will specify the farm employee residence details submitted in the application form and accompanying site plan.

(c) A farm employee residence is not permitted on any lot less than 4.0 ha (9.88 acres).

(d) A maximum of one (1) farm employee residence is permitted on any lot subject to Part 7.14.4 (c).

 7.14
economic development;

agri-tourism;

ALR;

Buildings and structures for agri-tourism use:

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

ii. shall be limited to a catered food and beverage service where farm products from the farm operation are highlighted; maximum seating capacity for 40 patrons;

iii. shall be seasonal, meaning they will be closed for 30 days a year including one closure of a minimum of 2 weeks; iv. where utilized for biodiversity conservation, passive recreation, heritage, wildlife and scenery view purposes, shall not exceed 100m2 , when the principal agri-tourism buildings or structures are 100m2 or less.

 9.1.2.4
food sales, access and procurement

farm retail/gate sales;

ALR;

Buildings and structures for farm retail sales use shall:

i. be limited to one building or structure per Farm Retail Sales use; and ii. have a maximum floor are of 300m2 , including both indoor and outdoor sales and display areas

 9.1.2.5
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; greenhouses;

Illuminated Greenhouses

(a) shall have sidewall abatement measures, such as curtains, screens, berms or plantings, for all side walls that expose neighbouring properties and roads to light emissions and; (b) must operate their lighting systems so that the calculated light emissions from the greenhouse do not exceed 5,000 lux.

 9.1.2.6
development and productive use of agricultural land;

siting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting and coverage regulations for buildings and structures in Agriculture Zone (A).

 9.1.3

 

 

Supplementary Information

 

Municipal Planner Interview with the District of Kent Re: Farm Residence Home Plate Restriction

Adopted in 2012, The District of Kent’s home plate bylaw regulates the footprint of employee residences, farm worker residences as well as home occupations within accessory buildings.

Policy Development and Community Consultation

The home plate bylaw, initially recommended within the District’s Agricultural Area Plan, was created as a precautionary measure to prevent the loss of agricultural land to large residential estates – a prevalent trend in neighbouring municipalities in the Lower Mainland.  It was noted that the fragmented agricultural land base increased the vulnerability of Kent to such a trend.

The home plate bylaw was developed by the Department of Planning in partnership with the District’s Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), who contributed to developing the bylaw language. A public meeting was held to review potential bylaw changes and seek additional community feedback. Additionally, members of the public had the opportunity to attend AAC meetings at which the bylaw was discussed, as District of Kent AAC meetings are open to the public.

It was reported that the agricultural community was supportive of the bylaw, provided that flexibility was afforded for variances that would improve the agricultural suitability of the site. (E.g.: variance of the location of the home plate would be afforded based on site-specific characteristics including drainage, existing paved surfaces etc.). Language to this affect has been included in the bylaw and appropriate variances have been granted since its adoption.

Policy Adoption

The building size and floor area requirements were the most challenging aspects of the bylaw to draft, particularly those related to farm employee residences. Committee members and Council reviewed numerous building size options for the farm residence and farm employee residence prior to obtaining consensus. There was also discussion as to whether or not the farm employee residence should be limited to a mobile home. Ultimately, the mobile home restriction was not supported but a minimum lot size for a farm employee residence was. It was noted that the absence of a real estate lobby in the District helped facilitate the ease at which the bylaw was adopted.

Policy Implementation

Guiding documents are available to assist applicants through the building permit process. As part of this process, applicants are required to submit a home plate boundary site plan. A home plate plan prepared by a legal land surveyor is usually only required on more complex applications, however professional quality plans are generally expected. Generally, when an applicant chooses to prepare his own plan without the assistance of a qualified professional, staff has to spend a considerable amount of time with the applicant to ensure the plan is acceptable.

Policy Outcomes and Recommended Improvements

The home plate bylaw was identified by the District of Kent as an effective preventative measure to discourage large rural estate developments on agricultural land.

Suggested improvements could include more comprehensive guiding documents, particularly documents to direct the creation of site plans in order to facilitate the application process. It was noted that the increased person-to-person involvement of the Planning and Building Department during the initial applications afforded City staff the opportunity to better understand the agriculture sector in the District and keep a pulse on development within the community. 

 

District of Kent, Planning and Development Services, personal communication, October 2016

 

 

City of Terrace Zoning Bylaw No. 2069-2014

Topic(s): Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): agricultural industry services, zoning, greenhouses, siting and coverage, ALR, urban chickens, livestock

Region: Kitimat-Stikine | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2014

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Ecerpt Document Location

urban agriculture;

food production;

livestock;

urban chickens;

greenhouses;

Urban Agriculture

.1 The keeping of backyard hens and bees is a permitted use in the City of Terrace, as set out in the City’s Animal Control Bylaw.

.2 Small Scale Urban Agriculture is a permitted use in the R1, R1-A, R2, RS1, P1 and P2 zones, under the following conditions: a. A greenhouse is subject to the setback requirements for an accessory building, and is permitted to a maximum size of 20 m2 ; and b. Lighting is permitted within a greenhouse, provided that the lighting is not directed onto neighbouring parcels.

 3.3
development and productive use of agricultural land;

sinting and coverage;

ALR;

See document for siting regulations for buildings and structures in agricultural zones (AR1 and AR2).

 10.1.3; 10.2.3
food processing, storage and distribution; agricultural industry services; See document for regulations for Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) zones. 13.1 and 13.2

 

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

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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 Duncan Zoning Bylaw 1540, 1988

Topic(s): Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): zoning, urban chickens, greenhouses, livestock, residential development

Region: Cowichan Valley | Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: consolidated 2016

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Topic Sub-Topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Section

urban agriculture;

food production;

greenhouses;

residential development;

Accessory Buildings and Structures:

...(e) One greenhouse not exceeding 25 square m in floor area shall be permitted per parcel as an accessory residential structure. Greenhouses exceeding 25 square m in floor area shall be considered as agricultural buildings and shall respect the relevant agricultural building setbacks from parcel lines.

 5.10 (e)

food production;

urban agriculture;

urban chickens;

livestock;

Backyard Hen Enclosure

In the zones permitted, a Backyard Hen Enclosure must:

(a) be an accessory use conducted by a resident of the parcel;

(b) consist of at most six (6) hens kept for personal egg consumption;

(c) be located in a backyard such that the dwelling unit is between the Backyard Hen Enclosure and the front parcel line;

(d) use only a Pen and a Coop as each of those terms are defined by the Animal and Poultry Regulation and Animal Pound Bylaw, and no other structures; Page 19 of 55 City of Duncan Zoning Bylaw 1540 (Consolidated January 4, 2016)

(e) have a Coop no larger than 8 square metres in floor area and no higher than 3 metres;

(f) have the Coop and the Pen placed at least: (i) 2.5 metres from the exterior side parcel line, the interior side parcel line and the rear parcel line; (ii) 17.5 metres from the front parcel line; and (iii) have the Coop and the Pen placed at least 7.5 metres from every road, laneway, and public path.

 5.20

 

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