"Bona Fide Agricultural Operation" means an operation classified as a farm by the Assessor under the Assessment Act.
The CRD Building bylaw contains the following exemption:
6.2.(d) Low-human occupancy farm buildings less than 600 m2 (6458 ft2) in building area, when situated on land used for Bona Fide Agricultural Operations.
Notable definitions as per national Farm code of 1995
Farm Building means a building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy and which is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming, and used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage, or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds. (Note: The BCBC defines Farm Buildings the same as the Farm Code)
Low Human Occupancy (as applying to farm buildings) means an occupancy having an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m2 of floor area during normal use. (Note The BCBC does not define low human occupancy. The definition in the Farm Code 1995 is to be used)
Farm Buildings as defined in the National Farm Building Code of Canada include, but are not limited to, produce storage and packing facilities, livestock and poultry housing, milking centres, manure storage facilities, grain bins, silos, feed preparation centres, farm workshops, greenhouses, farm retail centres, and horse riding, exercise and training facilities. Farm buildings may be classed as low or high human occupancy, depending on the occupant load. Farm buildings with a High Human occupancy would not be exempt from Building Bylaw requirements
Examples of farm buildings likely to be classed as low human occupancy as defined in the National Farm Building Code of Canada are livestock and poultry housing, manure and machinery storage facilities and horse exercise and training facilities where no bleachers or viewing area are provided.
Examples of farm buildings that would be classed as other than low human occupancy include farm retail centres for feeds, horticultural and livestock produce, auction barns and show areas where bleachers or other public facilities are provided. Farm work centres where the number of workers frequently exceeds the limit for low human occupancy will also be in this category.
Examples of buildings that are NOT farm buildings include but are not limited to residential garages, carports, RV Shelters.
Zoning Bylaw Compliance - Some zoning designations do not permit farm operations regardless of BC Assessment Farm Class Status. Contact the the CRD Planning Department to discuss your zoning.