City of Vernon Official Community Plan Bylaw #5470

Topic	Sub-topic	Policy or Policy Excerpt	Document Location	Language Rating
development and productive use of agricultural land;	ALR;	Encourage the protection of agricultural land through the support of the ALR and the continued farm use on lands with Rural/Agricultural designation. The City will direct new growth away from ALR lands and Rural/Agricultural lands to infill areas and redevelopment areas.	15.1	*
development and productive use of agricultural land;	ALR; ALR exclusion;	Protect Agricultural Land Reserve lands which have viable, productive soils which may be improved through standard farming practices of soil capability classes 1-4, and consider the exclusion of ALR Lands which are not considered to be able to be improved through standard farming practices (i.e.irrigation), classes 5-7. Consider the exclusion of lands (classes 4-7). that are immediately adjacent to infrastructure, services and amenities, with due consideration of the rural protection area boundary. Where such lands fall within the rural protection area, but are deemed to support the City’s growth strategy and are in keeping with the RGS goal of compact, complete communities, require the Regional District of North Okanagan's approval on the redesignation of the lands as growth or future growth areas in the Regional Growth Strategy prior to exploring any redesignation of the lands in theOCP's land use plan to a more intensive land use.)	15.2	*
development and productive use of agricultural land; urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;	ALR;	Encourage compatibility between existing agricultural uses and adjacent land uses and ensure that the impacts on agricultural lands are minimised. Critical areas include higher density residential, institutional, recreational and all other uses that are people intensive at any one time, which are adjacent to agricultural uses (non-ALR and ALR).	15.6
urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;	buffer at agricultural edge;	Require buffer strips to protect agricultural operations where non-agricultural properties are adjacent to land with agricultural uses, particularly ALR lands. This buffer should be located on non-agricultural land and may include a variety of landscaping, vegetation and fencing types and sizes such as those outlined in the Landscaped Buffer Specifications from the Agricultural Land Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guide to Edge Planning. To allow for buffering, the City will establish larger setbacks and lot depths for properties abutting agricultural uses, particularly ALR lands.	15.7	*
	irrigation and drainage;	The City will continue to support the development of high quality agricultural infrastructure.	15.9
development and productive use of agricultural land; economic development;	ALR; agri-tourism;	With regard to Rural/Agricultural designations located within the ALR, the City of Vernon will: a. Confine land uses to agricultural activity, as permitted under the Agricultural Land Reserve Act. b. Strongly support the continuation, enhancement and growth of agricultural activity and agritourism. c. Work closely with the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) and relevant agencies on any developments that have a direct impact on ALR lands to minimize any potential impacts on agricultural uses.	15.10	*
development and productive use of agricultural land;	ALR subdivision; recreational use of agricultural land; residential development;	With regard to Rural/Agricultural designations outside of the ALR, the City of Vernon will: a. Allow for very low density residential use, low intensity recreation, agricultural use and resource use as permitted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act.b. Permit trail development, low intensity recreation activities and open space areas within the Rural/Agricultural designations in these areas.c. Maintain a subdivision lot size minimum of 12 hectares (30 acres), or an equivalent density of 1 lot per 12-hectare (30 acre) lot area, to preserve the present nature of the Vernon countryside and encourage maintenance of the agricultural industry. Exceptions include parcels intended for utility, transportation or public use within the Rural/Agricultural designations in these areas.	15.11
development and productive use of agricultural land;	roads in agricultural land; signage in agricultural areas; recreational use of agricultural land; ALR;	Collaborate with the Agricultural Land Commission to mitigate the impact of recreational trails and transportation routes on ALR lands and agricultural operations through sensitive routing, signage, fencing and other measures.	15.12
policy partnerships, advocacy and development;	partnerships/advocacy/liaising;	Encourage collaboration and partnerships with community agricultural organizations, private industry and government agencies to support and encourage food access programs and alternatives.	15.13
food sales, access and procurement; urban agriculture;	farmers' markets; urban gardens/orchard;	Support sustainable rural and urban agricultural practices within the city, including support for community and neighbourhood gardens and urban food production wherever possible, and encourage the development of a year round, indoor public market.	15.14
urban agriculture;	urban gardens/orchard; amenity density zoning/contributions; covenants; residential development;	Encourage new development to include contiguous space intended for garden space for residents. Density bonusing may be considered for multiple family developments which allocate roof top garden space for residents. A covenant would be required to guarantee its ongoing maintenance and protect resident access to the facility.	15.15	*
food sales, access and procurement;	local food culture;	Support community access to food, with specific emphasis on local farm products and encourage increased capacity for local food production and marketing.	15.16