Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)

Use Regulations

All properties within the ALR must comply with ALR Regulations and policies, including the ALC Act and ALR Use Regulation. 

Additional Residences

New regulations for additional residences on ALR land came in force and effect on December 31, 2021, permitting a second residence on ALR land where zoning permits.  Second residences are no longer limited to manufactured homes, and carriage houses are now permitted under the new regulations.  Please note that where CRD Zoning or Land Use Bylaws are more restrictive than the ALR Use Regulation for an additional residence, the CRD Bylaws will apply.    

View the current ALR Use Regulation - Additional Residences.

Notice of Intent - Soil and Fill

Bringing fill onto the ALR and removing soil are both regulated by ALR regulations.  A Notice of Intent (NOI) is required for the introduction of any fill to the ALR, as well as for soil removal not permitted by the ALR regulations. 

The CRD requires a record of ALC NOI approval in all building permit applications for a second residence (Secondary Dwelling or Carriage House) on properties in the ALR.

Subdivision in the ALR

Subdivision of ALR land is under the jurisdiction of the ALC.  As with subdivision of land outside of the ALR, any proposed subdivision must comply with the Zoning or Rural Land Use Bylaw, including minimum lot size requirements.

ALR Inclusion

The ALC will consider applications to include land in the ALR. 

Please note that inclusion in the ALR is distinct from Zoning and Farm Class with BC Assessment. 

ALR Exclusion

As of September 30, 2020, private landowners are no longer able to apply for exclusion from the ALR; only the Provincial Government, local or First Nation governments or prescribed public bodies may make these applications.  The CRD endorsed the ALR Landowner Exclusion Application Policy on October 22, 2021, which allows landowners to identify property for future ALR exclusion through an Official Community Plan or Rural Land Use Bylaw amendment.  Planning staff will present parcels identified for inclusion and exclusion to the Board of Directors every 3 to 5 years and make the necessary ALC applications with Board approval. 

View the Development Applications page for further information.