Building in the ALR

What is the ALR?

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is BC’s provincial zone that preserves agricultural land for the future. The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is the administrative tribunal that adjudicates applications in the ALR while prioritizing and protecting the ALR land base and its use for agriculture. 

How do I know if my property is in the ALR?

You can use ALC Map Tool (for various methods and tools see the ALR Mapping page ) or CVRD Web Map Tool to find your property and toggle on the ALR layer.

Are there size limits and design constraints for residential buildings in the ALR?

Yes. 

  • Any residence being constructed in the ALR must comply with the requirements set out by the ALC, not just the CVRD Zoning Requirements. Please review the ALC's bulletin on Residences in the ALR. 
  • For Non-Farm Use (Residential Use) Accessory Buildings, please review the ALC Accessory Residential Use Structures in the ALR Guidelines document prior to submitting a Building Permit Application to the CVRD to ensure your design is compliant with ALC requirements.

How do I know if my proposed building is Farm Use or Residential Use?

The ALC has a guideline that can be reviewed to determine necessary Farm Use. Please review the ALC's Necessary Farm Use Structures in the ALR document that has recently been updated.

Notice of Intent Requirements

Depending on the type of building or development project you are planning on undertaking, a Soil or Fill Notice of Intent (NOI) may be required through the ALC prior to the issuance of a Building Permit for the removal or placement of soil or fill.

What kind of building or structure is an NOI required for?

  • Detached, accessory dwelling structures,
  • Non-farm use (residential or uses other than farm) accessory buildings or structures,
  • Constructing or maintaining a structure for farm use OR for a principal residence if the total area from which soil is removed, or on which fill is placed, is greater than 1,000 m², and
  • Any other work not exempted by the ALR Use Regulation

A person who places fill or removes soil from land in the ALR without successfully having completed an NOI or Soil or Fill Use Application, may be subject to a penalty or order to remediate the land or remove the unauthorized fill.

If you require further clarification, please contact the ALC at alc.soil@gov.bc.ca or 236-468-3343.

Directory of ALC Policies and Bulletins