Requirements around the import of soil and fill onto properties when people want to build additional residential structures are hampering building permits in the Cariboo Regional District.
“It is a challenge in the Cariboo because the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) furthers their interpretation of the regulation around soil and fill for ancillary structures bigger than 968 square feet,” said Nigel Whitehead, CRD manager of planning services, during the regular board meeting Friday, March 1.
The Cariboo rarely sees a secondary residential building under 1,200 square feet, he said.
“Our take on this is this regulation was drawn up with issues mainly around the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland,” Whitehead said.
“It is probably driving development underground in the Cariboo.”
Notices of intent are required for placing fill or removing soil within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Fill is any material brought onto ALR land other than materials exempted by regulation and includes aggregate or other structural fill materials necessary for construction.
A person who intends to place fill or remove soil for specified farm uses, specified non-farm uses, or specified residential uses must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the ALC at least 60 days before engaging in the intended use.
Electoral Area D director Steve Forseth suggested the board consider reaching out to other regions for support.
CRD chair Margo Wagner said the rules were developed for “very urban” areas and agreed with the board pursuing some advocacy.
During the meeting the board unanimously endorsed a resolution for consideration at the North Central Local Government Association annual general meeting May 13-16 in Smithers.
The resolution asks the NGCLA and Union of BC Municipalities to call on the ALC to cease requiring notices of intent for residential ancillary buildings and structures on the lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
“Local governments are prohibited from issuing building permits prior to receipt of approval from the ALC, which creates an unnecessary regulatory burden on both land owners, local government, and ALC staff for structures which are regulated through size restrictions in local government zoning bylaws,” noted the resolution.
Under the ALR, agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted.
READ MORE: Judge rules against ALC on rural B.C. subdivision
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