City of Airdrie Land Use Bylaw B-01/2016

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

Sub-topic(s): food processing, livestock, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Document Type: Zoning Bylaw | Year: 2016

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

protection and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

food processing, storage and distribution;

livestock;


food processing;

 Agricultural Operations (1) An Agricultural Operation may incorporate, at the discretion of the Development Authority, the use of land or a building for the upgrading of a product for distribution or for sale that is originally produced in an agricultural operation. (2) Any livestock that is kept on site in association with an Agricultural Operation use shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements and standards outlined under Section 7.16 (Keeping of Livestock). 6.3
urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchards;

zoning;

 Community Gardens Community gardens shall be subject to a Development Permit and are considered a permitted use in all districts provided that the following requirements are met: (1) The total area which may be under cultivation on any given parcel does not exceed more than 600m² in area except where the lot size is greater than 2,400m², in which case the area occupied by an urban food garden shall be at the discretion of the Development Authority; (2) Production is limited to the growing and harvesting of fruits, vegetables and edible plants. Limited cultivation of flowers and other ornamental plants may be permitted at the discretion of the Development Authority; (3) There is no creation of noise, dust, vibration, odour, smoke, glare, fire hazard, or any other hazard or nuisance, to any greater or more frequent extent than that usually experienced in the applicable zone under normal circumstances. 6.7
       

 

Metro Vancouver Regional Food System Strategy & Action Plan

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, aquaculture, climate change and greenhouse gases, community food system education, emergency preparedness, food distribution, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, food storage, local food culture, local procurement, new entrants to farming, urban farm, wildlife and ecosystem management

Region: Metro Vancouver | Document Type: Food Strategy | Year: 2011

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Topic

 Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating 
food production;
development and productive use of agricultural land;		 ALR; Protect agricultural land for
food production		 1.1  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; aquaculture;
wildlife and ecosystem management;		 Restore fish habitat and
protect sustainable sources of seafood		 1.2  
food production;
development and productive use of agricultural land;		   Enable expansion of agricultural production 1.3  
food production; new entrans to farming; Invest in a new generation of food producers 1.4  
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban farm; Expand commercial food production in urban areas 1.5  
food processing, storage and distribution;
economic development;		 food processing;
food storage;
food distribution;		 Increase the capacity to process, warehouse and distribute local foods 2.1  

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

 local procurement; Include local foods in the purchasing policies of large public institutions 2.2  

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

   Increase direct marketing opportunities for local foods 2.3  
economic development;   Further develop value chains within the food sector 2.4  
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;   Review government policies and programs to ensure they enable the expansion of the local food sector 2.5  
nutrition and public health;   Enable residents to make healthy food choices 3.1  
education; community food systems education; Communicate how food choices support sustainability 3.2  
education; community food systems education; Enhance food literacy and skills in schools 3.3  
education; local food culture; Celebrate the taste of local foods and the diversity of cuisines 3.4  
food sales, access and procurement;
nutrition and public health;		 community food systems education; Improve access to nutritious food among vulnerable groups 4.1  
food production;
urban agriculture;		   Encourage urban agriculture 4.2  
food sales, access and procurement;
waste management;		 food recovery/gleaning/donation; Enable non-profit organizations to recover nutritious food 4.3  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Protect and Enhance Ecosystem Goods and Services 5.1  
waste management;   Reduce waste in the food system 5.2  
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Facilitate adoption of environmentally sustainable practices 5.3  
  climate change and greenhouse gases; emergency preparedness; Prepare for the impacts of climate change 5.4  

 

Metro Vancouver's Regional Food System Action Plan adopted in 2016, outlines the actions that actions that local governments are planning to undertake in the next 3-5 years to advance implementation of the Regional Food System Strategy.

Download Metro Vancouver's Regional Food System Action Plan. 

See Metro Vancouver's website for more details.

 

Guide for Bylaw Development in Farming Areas

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

Sub-topic(s): zoning, residential development, siting and coverage

Document Type: Guideline | Year: 2015

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Bylaw standards created to promote consistency among local governments in their treatment of farming activities and to minimize conflict around agricultural uses. They are intended to guide the development of local government bylaws in farming areas.

City of Dawson Creek Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4042

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

Sub-topic(s): ALR, ALR exclusion, aquaculture, beekeeping/apiculture, buffer at agricultural edge, commercial development, community kitchen, composting, edible landscaping, farmers' markets, food policy council, food processing, food recovery/gleaning/donation, food storage, grocery stores, institutional development, local food culture, local procurement, nuisance complaints, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, pilot project, residential development, tax mechanisms, urban gardens/orchard, zoning

Region: Peace River | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: revised 2010

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR; Encourage and support agricultural uses on ALR lands within and adjacent to the City boundary. 3.16.2  
development & productive use of agricultural land; ALR;
AlR exclusion;		 Discourage unnecessary extension of urban areas into agricultural lands by discouraging ALR exclusion applications. 3.16.3 *
development & productive use of agricultural land;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 ALR:
residential development;
institutional development;
commercial development;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure development of ALR land designated for future residential, commercial, and industrial uses occurs in an incremental, orderly manner. 3.17.1  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;   Ensure agriculture is integrated with development at the City’s edge such that they are mutually-beneficial. Integration considerations include land uses, design strategies, and programs to increase the visibility and experience of urban and regional food systems for residents. 3.17.2  
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning;
policy partnerships, advocacy & development;		 buffer at agricultural edge;
nuisance complaints;
ALR;
partnerships, advocacy/liaising;		 Collaborate with the ALC to ensure that the interface between urban and farm areas does not result in excessive trespass or complaints. Urban/rural interface design policies might include, but are not limited to, transitional densities, fencing, residential building setbacks, and vegetative buffering. 3.17.3 *
urban agriculture; edible landscaping;  Encourage planting of edible plant species in lieu of
landscaping in private developments, parks, utility corridors, and local
right-of-ways where appropriate, or require a portion of all
landscaping to include edible plant species. 		 9.1.1 *
urban-agriculture conflict & edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge;
urban gardens/orchard;		 Count food production elements, including but limited to:
allotment gardens, community gardens, green walls (i.e. vertical
landscaping), and green roofs toward or in lieu of landscaping or
screening requirements. 		 9.1.2 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 zoning;
urban gardens/orchard;
aquaculture;
beekeeping/apiculture;		 Permit community gardens, apiculture, and aquaculture
uses in all land uses. 		 9.1.3 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 urban gardens/orchard; Permit temporary or permanent use of City-owned
vacant lots for community gardens. 		 9.1.4 *
water management; urban gardens/orchard;  Provide water hook-up and secure supply storage area
for community gardening groups on public land. 		 9.1.5 *
food production;
urban agriculture;		 pilot project;
edible landscaping;		   Investigate the feasibility of piloting an edible green roof
project on a municipal building. 		 9.1.6  
food processing storage & distribution; food storage; Provide space in community centres for drop-off and storage of food for Community Supported Agriculture initiatives. 9.2.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; farmers' markets; Support and promote the existing Farmer’s Market, and work toward securing a long-term location for it. 9.2.2 *
food processing storage & distribution; food processing; Provide site selection support for food processors considering locating in the community. 9.3.1 *
food processing storage & distribution;
food sales, access and procurement;		 zoning;
food processing;
community kitchen;		 Encourage small-scale community kitchens, food processing facilities, and outdoor community ovens through permissive zoning. 9.3.2 *
food sales, access and procurement; grocery stores; Encourage the establishment of neighbourhood-scale food vendors, including grocery stores and eating establishments. 9.4.1  
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement;
food recovery/gleaning/donation;		 Support links between Dawson Creek’s food emergency organization and local producers. 9.4.3  
food sales, access and procurement; tax mechanisms; Provide incentives such as partial tax exemptions to emergency food organizations to increase their viability and efficacy. 9.4.5 *
  local food culture; Support food fairs and other food-related public events in community facilities, parks, and right-of-ways (e.g. car-free street fairs, as per the Dawson Creek Temporary Road Closure and Event Manual.) 9.5.1  
economic development; local food culture; Continue ongoing support of the “Branding of the Peace” marketing strategy to promote the region and its agricultural products. 9.6.1  
waste management; composting;
residential development;
commercial development;
institutional development;		 Provide multi-season compost facilities in all multi-family developments, and in all commercial, institutional, and industrial developments where food is consumed. 9.7.1 *
waste management;
education;		 composting; Develop a public education and awareness campaign on the importance and benefits of composting. Campaigns should use plain, accessible language. 9.7.2 *
policy partnerships, advocacy & development; food policy council; Where possible, work with the community to develop a Food Policy Council made up of local experts and members of the community, which will advise Council on matters dealing with the local food system. 9.8.1 *
food sales, access and procurement; local procurement; Where possible, develop and adopt a food procurement policy, which requires that all of the City’s facilities and services involving food include organic, local, healthy, and fair-trade options. 9.8.2  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard;

Community gardens shall be a permitted use in Neighbourhood Parks if organized by a local or neighbourhood society or adjacent institution (school, seniors centre, etc.) and as approved by the City Parks & Recreation Department. If desired by residents, dedicated space for growing food shall be permanent, viable, and determined as follows:

Table 3.

Density (dwelling units/acre)

Dedicated Growing Space m2 (sq ft.)
7 to 14 18 (200sqft.)
> 14 and ≤ 22 9 (100sqft.)
> 22 and ≤ 28 7.5 (80sqft.)
> 28 and ≤ 35 6.5 (70sqft.)
> 35 ) 5.5 (60sqft.
or approx. 3m2 or 40sqft. for each person interested in growing

Appendix 2: Harvest View – Sunset Ridge Neighbourhood Plan

6.10

 *

City of Revelstoke Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1950

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Education, Food Production, Urban Agriculture

Sub-topic(s): community food system education, urban gardens/orchard

Region: Columbia-Shuswap | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2009

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location Language Rating
education; community food system education; Increase community awareness of food security issues by encouraging local food production and purchasing, potentially creating local food co-ops. pg 41  

protection and productive use of agricultural land;

food production;

   Increase land use resilience by allowing and encouraging local food
production, local materials and services use, and protection of the local and regional agricultural lands.		 pg 56  

food production;

urban agriculture;

   Support production of locally grown food products and urban agriculture. pf 72-73  

urban agriculture;

food production;

 urban gardens/orchard; Support community gardens as a way of locally producing food. pg 72-73  

 

Regional District of Nanaimo Regional Growth Strategy

Topic(s): Development and Productive use of Agricultural Land, Economic Development, Education, Food Processing, Storage & Distribution, Food Production, Food Sales, Access & Procurement, Policy Partnerships, Advocacy & Development, Water Management, Wildlife/Environmental/Pest Management

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, agricultural industry services, ALR, ALR subdivision, aquaculture, community food system education, farmers' markets, food distribution, food processing, food storage, home occupation/home based businesses, irrigation and drainage, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, research and data collection, wildlife and ecosystem management, zoning

Region: Nanaimo | Year: 2011

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Topic Sub-topic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

ALR;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Recognize the importance of agriculture to the region’s economy. To this end, the RDN and member municipalities agree to:

Encourage the provincial government to protect the agricultural land base through the ALR;

 7.14
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; Support the agricultural use of ALR lands within designated Urban Areas or Rural Village Areas except in instances where urban land uses have already been established at the time of the adoption of this RGS;
 		 7.14
  research and data collection; Support the preparation of a study of agriculture in the region for the purpose of identifying the issues and needs (both immediate and future) of the agricultural sector; 7.14
economic development;   Encourage and support value-added agricultural industries; and 7.14
development and productive use of agricultural land;   Enhance opportunities for agricultural activity on lands not in the ALR. 7.14
  aquaculture;

Recognize the importance of shellfish aquaculture to the region’s economy and environment. To this end the RDN and member municipalities agree to:

Support the management of the Shellfish Aquaculture leases by the provincial and federal governments;

 7.15

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

 aquaculture; Work collaboratively with the provincial and federal government to protect the shellfish aquaculture leases from wastewater or industrial runoff contamination;
 		 7.15
economic development; aquaculture; Encourage and support value-added shellfish  aquaculture industries;  7.15
development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

 Encourage and support the Agricultural Land Commission in retaining lands within the ALR for agricultural purposes. 8.1

development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

 Discourage the subdivision of agricultural lands. 8.2
economic development; zoning; Include provisions in their official community plans and zoning bylaws to allow for complementary land uses and activities that support the on-going viability of farming operations. 8.3
development and productive use of agricultural land; ALR; Establish agriculture as the priority use on land in the ALR. 8.4

development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

 ALR; Minimize the potential impact non-farm land uses may have on farming operations and include policies in their official community plans and zoning bylaws that reduce the opportunity for land use conflicts to occur. 8.5
  home occupation/home based businesses; Encourage and support agricultural activity on lands that are not within the ALR. This may include small-scale home-based agricultural businesses. 8.6
economic development;

farmers' market;

food processing;

agricultural industry services;

agri-tourism;

Recognize the importance of value-added agricultural uses and complementary land use activities for the economic viability of farms. To support complementary farm uses, official community plans should consider:

· The provision of appropriately located agricultural support services and infrastructure;

· Reducing impediments to agricultural processing and related land uses;

· Allowing compatible complementary land use activities (e.g., agri-tourism);

· Allowing farmers’ markets and other outlets that sell local produce to locate in all parts of the community.

 8.7

food production;

education;

urban agriculture;

 community food system education; Encourage urban agriculture initiatives and support activities and programs that increase awareness of local food production within the region. 8.8
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support the appropriate use of water resources for irrigation of agricultural lands. 8.9
water management; irrigation and drainage; Support the provision of drainage infrastructure to flood-prone lands that do not lie within environmentally sensitive areas. 8.10

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 irrigation and drainage; Work in collaboration with federal and provincial agencies, adjacent regional districts, and agricultural organizations to improve access to markets for agricultural products. 8.11

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

 partnerships/advocacy/liaising; Support partnerships and collaborate with non-profit groups to enhance the economic viability of farms. 8.12
wildlife/environmental/pest management; wildlife and ecosystem management; Support farms that produce organic agricultural products and use sustainable farming practices. 8.13

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing;

food storage;

food distribution;

aquaculture;

 Support the production, processing, distribution and sale of locally grown produce (including shellfish). 8.14

District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw, No. 2200

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

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

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

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

food production;

food sales, access and procurement;

zoning;

composting;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

urban gardens/orchard;

residential development;

 

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

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

...(o) urban agriculture;

 4.2 (o)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban gardens/orchard;

composting;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

irrigation and drainage;

URBAN AGRICULTURE (Bylaw 2303, 2013)


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

 4.33 (a)  

food production;

urban agriculture;

zoning;

urban chickens;

livestock;

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

zoning;

beekeeping/apiculture;

pollinators;

livestock;

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

zoning;

mobile /street food vending;

PORTABLE FOOD VENDING - CONDITIONS OF USE


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

 4.34  

urban agriculture;

development and     productive use of agricultural land;

 zoning;

AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS


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

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

zoning;

greenhouses;

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

zoning;

residential development;

ACCESSORY RETAIL


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

 15.10 and 16.12  

Electoral Area 'C' Oliver Rural OCP Bylaw No. 2452

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

Sub-topic(s): agri-tourism, agricultural advisory committee, ALR, ALR subdivision, buffer at agricultural edge, farm diversification, farm home plate, farm worker accommodation, home occupation/home based businesses, partnerships/advocacy/liaising, protection of farming development permit area, residential development, roads in agricultural land, urban containment/growth boundary, water restrictions and conservation, zoning

Region: Okanagan-Similkameen | Document Type: Official Community Plan | Year: 2008

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Topic Subtopic Policy or Policy Excerpt Document Location

water management;

 

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

water restrictions and conservation;

 Encourage the Provincial water authority and the Town of Oliver to make decisions about water availability, quantity and quality with the interests of the agricultural community as the first priority. 6.3.1
education;   Promote public education and awareness of and sensitivity to agricultural operations through farming practices. 6.3.2
policy partnerships, advocacy and development; agricultural advisory committee; Continue to support the Agricultural Advisory Committee to consider and advise the Board on agricultural matters, and the preparation of an Agricultural Area Plan. 6.3.3
economic development; agri-tourism; Support agri-tourism activities which promote local agriculture and are secondary and incidental to the area’s farming production. 6.3.4
development and productive use of agricultural;  ALR; Preserve and protect the existing agricultural land base in rural Oliver 6.3.5
development and productive use of agricultural;  ALR: Encourage new agricultural land to be incorporated within the Agricultural Land Reserve. 6.3.6
development and productive use of agricultural;  urban containment/growth boundary; To reinforce the agricultural policies and to preserve the integrity of the Agricultural Land Reserve by establishing an urban containment boundary to define Oliver’s urban/rural boundary. 6.3.7
development and productive use of agricultural;  protection of farming development permit area; Consider the creation of a development permit area for the protection of farming 6.3.8
development and productive use of agricultural;  zoning; Directs that the principal use of lands designated as ‘Agriculture’ on the Official Community Plan Map shall be agriculture. 6.3.9

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

   Supports the policy direction of the Province to implement the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act. The possibility of adopting Farm Bylaws that will support the concept of ‘right to farm’ in the Plan area will be considered. 6.3.10
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; buffer at agricultural edge; Encourages the provision of sufficient buffering of new development adjacent to agricultural areas in the form of setbacks, fencing and landscaping consistent with the buffer design guidelines of the Agricultural Land Commission set out in the document “ALR & Community Planning Guidelines”. 6.3.11
development and productive use of agricultural;  farm diversification; Encourage a range of parcel sizes for farming operations to allow for larger (greater than 10 hectares) and smaller (4 hectares) agricultural operations. 6.3.12
development and productive use of agricultural;  ALR subdivision;
ALR;		 Will consider applications to subdivide parcels smaller than 4 hectares within the Agricultural Land Reserve, subject to approval of the provincial Agricultural Land Commission, in the following cases: a) for a homesite severance under the Agricultural Land Commission’s homesite severance policy.; vi b) where the subdivision or boundary adjustment will allow for more
efficient use of agricultural land or the better utilization of farm
buildings for farm purposes; and
In these cases, the individual parcel sizes within the ‘Agriculture’
designation are subject to approval by the provincial Agricultural
Land Commission, and must meet minimum parcel size required to
meet the applicable Provincial regulations for septic disposal fields.		 6.3.13
economic development; home occupation/home based businesses; Provides for home industry operations, home occupations and bed and breakfast establishments and encouraging secondary ‘value added’ uses such as agri-tourism for the purpose of diversifying and enhancing farm income, provided that these developments: • are compatible with the agricultural character of the area,; • remain incidental to the primary agricultural uses; • remain subject to the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw, the Agricultural Land Reserve Act (if in the Agricultural Land Reserve) and other Provincial standards; and • do not present a potential land use conflict with surrounding properties. v 6.3.14
development and productive use of agricultural;    Supports the consolidation of legal parcels that support more efficient agricultural operations. 6.3.15
development and productive use of agricultural;  roads in agricultural land;
recreational use of agricultural land;
ALR;		 Encourage the Province to minimize the impact of road, utility corridors and trails through agricultural lands, utilizing only those lands necessary and to the maximum capacity prior to seeking new corridors. All levels of government will seek approval of all affected adjacent farm owners. Provision for farms traffic to cross major roads should be made. Trail development should follow the Provincial reference ‘A Guide to Using and Developing Trails in Farm and Ranch Areas’.viii 6.3.16
urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning; zoning;
buffer at agricultural edge;		 Supports increased building setbacks and other possible restrictions in the Zoning Bylaw for intensive agricultural operations that are not in accordance with the Local Government Act to prevent potential conflicts with adjacent agricultural, residential or commercial uses, subject to compliance with the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act. 6.3.18
development and productive use of agricultural;  farm home plate;
residential development;		 Encourages maximizing productive farm activity and minimizes nonfarm use on farmland by limiting the footprint of non-farm uses. ix 6.3.19
development and productive use of agricultural;  farm worker accommodation; Supports establishing housing for year round farm help and seasonal farm workers. x 6.3.20
waste management;
wildlife/environmental/pest management		 wildlife and ecosystem management; Encourages farm operations and practices that are sustainable and environmentally sound, including best practices for waste disposal, and protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat and ecosystems. xi 6.3.21
development and productive use of agricultural;  zoning; On existing parcels, encourage agricultural use of all farm parcels regardless of size. xi 6.3.22
economic development; agri-toursim; Will consider proposed agri-tourism accommodation development using the following criteria: a) Capability of handling of on-site domestic water and sewage disposal; b) Impact on agricultural productive lands; c) Impact on adjacent land uses and character of the existing area; d) Location relative to existing roads, access and other buildings; and e) Consideration of visual impacts where development is proposed on hillsides and other visually sensitive areas.xiii 6.3.23
development and productive use of agricultural;  farm home plate; Encourages maximizing productive farm activity and minimizing areas of development by clustering buildings, structures and related activities. Xiv 6.3.24

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

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

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

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

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

Agri-Tourism Accommodation


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

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

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

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

See document for additional details.

 7.22
food production; livestock;

Keeping of Livestock


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

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

 7.2.3

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

food processing;

food distribution;

food storage;

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Maximum Number of Dwellings Permitted Per Parcel

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

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

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

 

Township of Langley Agricultural Viability (Phase 3)

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

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

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

View policy:  HTML PDF

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

education;

economic development;

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

ALR;

residential development;

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

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

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

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

covenants;

commercial development;

residential development;

nuisance complaints;

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

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

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

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

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

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

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

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

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

roads in agricultural land;

ALR;

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

food production;

food processing, storage, and distribution;

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

food processing;

ALR;

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

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

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

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

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

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

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

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

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

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

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

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

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

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

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