Making an Application
Before You Start an Application
All information submitted through the Application Portal will form part of the public file record
Before you start an application to the ALC, it is recommended that you take the following steps:
- Determine which type of application you want to submit
- Review the application instructions and learn about the Required Documents
- Learn about What the Commission Considers in making a decision
- Search for Previous Decisions in your general area and/or with similar proposals
- Contact your local government to find out about bylaws, Official Community Plan designations, and other policies applicable to your proposal
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Collect all of the necessary documents to submit your application
Who Can Make an Application
Applicants
Applications can be made by a landowner (with the exception of exclusion applications – see below), local government, Provincial Government, First Nation Government or other prescribed body pursuant to s. 29 of the ALC Act provided they are identified as the registered owner on the Certificate of title.
Exclusion Applications
Exclusion applications may only be submitted by the Province, local governments, First Nation governments, and other prescribed bodies who own the land under application pursuant to s. 29(1)(a) of the ALC Act. However local governments and First Nation governments may also make exclusion applications for land they do not own within their jurisdiction pursuant to s. 17(1), and 29(1)(b) and (c) of the ALC Act.
Using an Agent
An agent can be anybody who is appointed by the landowner, and is authorized to act on the landowner’s behalf (e.g. consultant, staff, lawyer, surveyor, registered professional, relative, friend, co-owner of the property, etc). An agent is optional in some circumstances. Read on below to see if your situation requires an agent or not.
The agent must have access to the internet and have an email address.
An agent becomes the single point of contact when acting on behalf of a landowner(s), corporation, local government, or Treaty First Nation Government. The agent must ensure that landowners are provided with all information submitted to the local government/ALC and received from the local government/ALC. A letter authorizing the agent to act on behalf of the landowner must accompany the application.
An agent can be authorized if:
- An application is submitted on behalf of a single landowner (person)
An agent must be authorized if:
- The parcel under application is owned by more than one person; or
- The parcel(s) is owned by a corporation, provincial government, local government, or treaty First Nation Government.
A letter of authorization must be signed by all landowners designating the agent to make the application on the landowner(s) behalf.
Single landowners have the option to either submit an application themselves, or authorize an agent to submit the application on their behalf.
Multiple landowners must authorize an agent to act on their behalf. The agent can be one of the landowners, or a third party agent.
The agent can be a person named on the Corporate Registry as an authorized signatory, or a third party agent. If the agent is an authorized signatory on the Corporate Registry, upload your Corporate Registry in the Application Portal as the Agent Authorization. If the agent is a third party, an agent authorization form must be signed by an authorized signatory named on the Corporate Registry.
The agent can be an authorized signatory (e.g. staff), or a third party agent.
What You Need to Make an Application
The person making the application needs:
- A computer
- Internet connection
- An email address
- A BCeID account (Basic or Business accounts only). A Basic BCeID account is the minimum requirement.
If you are not able to access the internet from home or at a friend’s or family’s home, BC Public Libraries usually have computer terminals available to the public. Alternatively, you can use an agent (e.g. friend, family, professional, etc) to make the application on your behalf.
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For Assistance
For Application assistance please contact the Land Use Planner for your Region.
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Helpful Links
– Exclusion Application Guide
– View Sample ApplicationsTroubleshooting
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For technical assistance with the Application Portal please contact:
Email: ALC.Portal@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 236-468-3342
There are different types of applications that can be submitted to the ALC. Choose an application type below to learn more about each proposal type.
Application made under Section 20.1(2) of Agricultural Land Commission Act
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application to your local government through the Application Portal
- Contact your local government to determine the appropriate form of payment
- Include the ALC Application ID on all payments and subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 4: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- The application fee is $900, of which $450 goes to the local government and $450 goes to the ALC. Applicants pay the local government their portion of the fee at this time ($450).
Should the local government choose to forward this application to the ALC, applicants/agents will be auto-notified to pay the remainder of the fee directly to the ALC ($450).
STEP 5: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE APPLICATION
The local government receives the application via the Application Portal and completes the following:
- Ensures that the appropriate fee has been paid
- Ensures the application information is sufficient for local government staff and the Board or Council to review and make informed recommendations
- Refers the application to its Board or Council for recommendations and comments
- Refers the application to various committees when necessary (e.g. Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Advisory Planning Commission (APC))
- Completes a local government report and uploads it through the Application Portal
- Holds a public information meeting when necessary
- If the land is zoned for agriculture or farm use, or if the proposal requires a bylaw amendment, the Board or Council decides whether to authorize the application to proceed to the ALC. If authorization is not granted, the application process ends and the local government returns a portion of the application fee to the applicant.
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application upon receipt of the ALC portion of the application fee
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Application made under Section 20(2) of Agricultural Land Commission Act
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application to your local government through the Application Portal
- Contact your local government to determine the appropriate form of payment
- Include the ALC Application ID on all payments and subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 4: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- The application fee is $1,500, of which $750 goes to the local government and $750 goes to the ALC. Applicants pay the local government their portion of the fee at this time ($750).
Should the local government choose to forward this application to the ALC, applicants/agents will be auto-notified to pay the remainder of the fee directly to the ALC ($750).
STEP 5: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE APPLICATION
The local government receives the application via the Application Portal and completes the following:
- Ensures that the appropriate fee has been paid
- Ensures the application information is sufficient for local government staff and the Board or Council to review and make informed recommendations
- Refers the application to its Board or Council for recommendations and comments
- Refers the application to various committees when necessary (e.g. Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Advisory Planning Commission (APC))
- Completes a local government report and uploads it through the Application Portal
- Holds a public information meeting when necessary
- If the land is zoned for agriculture or farm use, or if the proposal requires a bylaw amendment, the Board or Council decides whether to authorize the application to proceed to the ALC. If authorization is not granted, the application process ends and the local government returns a portion of the application fee to the applicant.
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application upon receipt of the ALC portion of the application fee
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Application made under Section 21(2) of Agricultural Land Commission Act
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application to your local government through the Application Portal
- Contact your local government to determine the appropriate form of payment
- Include the ALC Application ID on all payments and subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 4: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- The application fee is $1,500, of which $750 goes to the local government and $750 goes to the ALC. Applicants pay the local government their portion of the fee at this time ($750).
Should the local government choose to forward this application to the ALC, applicants/agents will be auto-notified to pay the remainder of the fee directly to the ALC ($750).
STEP 5: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE APPLICATION
The local government receives the application via the Application Portal and completes the following:
- Ensures that the appropriate fee has been paid
- Ensures the application information is sufficient for local government staff and the Board or Council to review and make informed recommendations
- Refers the application to its Board or Council for recommendations and comments
- Refers the application to various committees when necessary (e.g. Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Advisory Planning Commission (APC))
- Completes a local government report and uploads it through the Application Portal
- Holds a public information meeting when necessary
- If the land is zoned for agriculture or farm use, or if the proposal requires a bylaw amendment, the Board or Council decides whether to authorize the application to proceed to the ALC. If authorization is not granted, the application process ends and the local government returns a portion of the application fee to the applicant.
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application upon receipt of the ALC portion of the application fee
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Application made under Section 17 of Agricultural Land Commission Act
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 2b: ADDITIONAL INCLUSION REQUIREMENTS – LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATED APPLICATION ONLY
In addition to the general documents required for an application, inclusion applications initiated by a local government or First Nation government under s.17(1) of the ALC Act have additional requirements as per s.14 of the Agricultural Land Reserve General Regulation.
- Posting notice of application, on a sign, on the land to which the application relates
- Proof of notice of the Public Hearing
- A Report of the the Public Hearing
- Sending a copy of the application to an adjacent local government or treaty first nation government if the land to which the application relates is located adjacent to a different local or treaty first nation government.
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application to your local government through the Application Portal
- Include the ALC Application ID on all subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 4: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- There is no application fee for an inclusion application.
STEP 5: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE APPLICATION
The local government receives the application via the Application Portal and completes the following:
- Ensures the application information is sufficient for local government staff and the Board or Council to review and make informed recommendations
- Refers the application to its Board or Council for recommendations and comments
- Refers the application to various committees when necessary (e.g. Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Advisory Planning Commission (APC))
- Completes a local government report and uploads it through the Application Portal
- Holds a public information meeting when necessary
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Application made under Section 22 of the Agricultural Land Reserve General Regulation
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 3: ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION, UTILITY AND RECREATIONAL TRAIL USE DOCUMENTS
1. Advisory for Landowners in the ALR Brochure
You must serve a copy of the brochure “Advisory for Landowners in the ALR” to all registered owners of land in the ALR that are affected. It is the registered owner of the property that must be served the notice and this may not necessarily be the occupant.
Advisory for Landowners in the ALR Brochure
2. Transportation, Utility, and Recreational Trail Use Proof of Serving Notice
Once you have served the Advisory for Landowners in the ALR brochure, you must record the landowners you served the brochure to on the Serving Notice template.
Upload the completed Serving Notice Template to your application in the online Application Portal.
Transportation, Utility and Recreational Trail Use Proof of Serving Notice Template (fillable PDF)
STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application directly to the ALC through the Application Portal
- Include the ALC Application ID on all payments and subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 5: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- The application fee is $1,500. Payable to the Minister of Finance c/o the ALC.
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application upon receipt of the ALC portion of the application fee
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government.
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Application made under Section 20.3(5) of Agricultural Land Commission Act
STEP 1: PLAN YOUR APPLICATION
- Identify the type of application required for your proposal
- View a sample application from the online Application Portal launch page
- Collect appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. Certificate of Title, Agent Authorization, Sketch Plan)
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their local government (e.g., Municipality, Regional District, or Islands Trust) to:
- Identify local government zoning and policies on agricultural land preservation and other regulations relevant to the proposal
- Inquire if other approvals may be also be required (e.g. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, etc.)
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
- Create a Basic or Business BCeID in order to log into the ALC Application Portal
- Login to the ALC Application Portal and select the appropriate application type
- Complete the online application
- Upload required and supporting documents
STEP 3: ADDITIONAL SOIL USE DOCUMENTS
Cross-sectional profiles
You must include the following cross-sectional profiles of the current and proposed profiles:
- East-west transect
- North-south transect
- Any additional profiles necessary to show the proposed placement of fill or extraction of soil
STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Submit the application to your local government through the Application Portal
- Contact your local government to determine the appropriate form of payment
- Include the ALC Application ID on all payments and subsequent correspondence regarding the application
STEP 5: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
- The application fee is $1,500, of which $750 goes to the local government and $750 goes to the ALC. Applicants pay the local government their portion of the fee at this time ($750).
Should the local government choose to forward this application to the ALC, applicants/agents will be auto-notified to pay the remainder of the fee directly to the ALC ($750*).
*Note: If a Soil or Fill Use applicant previously submitted an NOI, the $150 NOI fee is deducted from the ALC portion ($750 to $600).
STEP 6: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE APPLICATION
The local government receives the application via the Application Portal and completes the following:
- Ensures that the appropriate fee has been paid
- Ensures the application information is sufficient for local government staff and the Board or Council to review and make informed recommendations
- Refers the application to its Board or Council for recommendations and comments
- Refers the application to various committees when necessary (e.g. Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), Advisory Planning Commission (APC))
- Completes a local government report and uploads it through the Application Portal
- Holds a public information meeting when necessary
- If the land is zoned for agriculture or farm use, or if the proposal requires a bylaw amendment, the Board or Council decides whether to authorize the application to proceed to the ALC. If authorization is not granted, the application process ends and the local government returns a portion of the application fee to the applicant.
STEP 6: THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION ON THE APPLICATION
The ALC receives the application via the Application Portal and:
- Acknowledges the application upon receipt of the ALC portion of the application fee
- Decides on the application and advises the applicant in writing of the decision. A copy is sent to the local government
At the discretion of the Commission, it may:
- Hold a meeting with the applicant
- View the application property
- Refer the application to various agencies for comments and recommendations
The Commission’s decision may take several forms. The ALC may:
- Approve the proposal as submitted
- Approve the proposal with conditions
- Refuse the proposal
- Refuse the proposal but allow an alternate proposal
Note: It is the policy of the ALC to communicate Reasons for Decision in writing. ALC staff cannot discuss a decision with the applicant, local government, or with the public prior to its release. The applicant and local government will be notified of the finalized decision through the Application Portal.
Applications made under Section 29 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act
Exclusion applications may only be submitted by the Province, local governments, First Nation governments, and other prescribed bodies who own the land under application pursuant to s. 29(1)(a) of the ALC Act. However local governments and First Nation governments may also make exclusion applications for land they do not own within their jurisdiction pursuant to s. 29(1)(b) and (c) of the ALC Act.
To learn more about the process of submitting a local or First Nation government-initiated application or a prescribed body initiated application, please refer to the ALC’s Exclusion Application Guide .
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Supporting Documents
Each application type requires different supporting documents to accompany the electronic submission.
Application Process Timelines
On March 3, 2016, by Ministerial Order M072, the Minister of Agriculture provided the ALC with expectations regarding the timelines associated with processing applications for a one year period pursuant to the Agricultural Land Commission Act.
While this Ministerial Order no longer has force and effect, as an agency the ALC has adopted its own performance targets as mandated by the Administrative Tribunals Act that are reflective of the Ministerial Order.
Below is a summary of the ALC’s processing timeline targets:
- The ALC will strive to acknowledge applications as complete and incomplete within 5 business days of receipt.
- The ALC will strive to communicate most of its decisions in writing (electronic or mail), within 60 business days of an application being received and the majority of its decisions in 90 business days. Please be advised that the 60 and 90 business day application process timeline may not be consecutive given the specifics of an application; the ALC may “pause” the business day timelines should any of the following be required:
- A meeting with the applicant
- A site visit
- A request for additional information (from the applicant, local government or any other person considered appropriate)
- An applicant may also ask the ALC to pause the processing of an application at any time.
- These business day timelines are specific to the Commission’s component of the application process; it does not include time associated with the local government component of the application process.
Application Process
Applications submitted through the Application Portal are automatically directed through the appropriate process depending on the type of application being submitted.
Application Status
Throughout the application process, applicants will be notified in the Online Application Portal as the application reaches specific milestones.
An application remains “in progress” until it is completed and submitted by the applicant or agent. An application can remain “in progress” indefinitely; however, an application will be automatically deleted after six months of inactivity.
An application remains as “submitted to local government” until the local government views the application.
If an application is sent to the incorrect local government, the application will be returned to the applicant to re-submit to the correct local government.
If a local government believes that the application is incomplete, or requires more information, the application can be returned to the applicant for editing.
After a local government views and accepts an application, the review period will commence. The review period and processing time may vary between local governments.
Local government has the discretion to forward or not forward applications to the ALC pursuant to s. 25(3) and s. 30(4) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act (ALC Act). If the local government exercises its authority and does not authorize the application, the application proceeds no further and will not be considered by the ALC. If an application is not forwarded to the ALC, the local government returns the ALC portion of the application fee to the applicant.
If a local government forwards an application to the ALC, or if the application is sent directly to the ALC (Transportation, Utility and Recreational Trail Use applications and Notices of Intent only), the ALC process commences. The following is a list of possible steps:
- Acknowledgement of receipt of application and fee
- Creation of ALR context, agricultural capability, and orthophoto maps
- GIS spatial verification of application location
- Research previous or relevant application history
- Request additional information
- ALC Panel review of all application information provided by the Applicant and Local Government (if applicable)
- Conduct a site visit (at the ALC’s discretion)
- Conduct an exclusion meeting
- Conduct an applicant meeting (at the ALC’s discretion)
- Drafting and finalizing a decision
The length of processing time for each application varies depending on the type of application, statutory requirements within the ALC Act, information provided, necessity for site visit or applicant meetings, etc.
Once ALC Commissioners who are tasked with making a decision review the information provided in the application, they typically meet as a group to discuss the application. As a result of the discussion the Commissioners may do one of the following:
- Request further information from the applicant or local government
- Request a site visit on the application property
- Request a meeting with the applicant
- Direct staff to draft a decision
Once a decision is drafted, it is reviewed by all ALC Commissioners who considered the application. When the ALC Commissioners are satisfied that the draft decision accurately reflects their consideration, they will authorize the decision to be released to the applicant and copied to the local government. Decisions are posted publicly on the ALC website 2 days after the application is released to the applicant.
It is the policy of the Agricultural Land Commission that its decisions be conveyed to applicants in writing in order to avoid any misinterpretation or misunderstanding. In many instances, decisions are complex and contain extensive rationale and stipulations. By receiving the decision in writing and not verbally, there will be no question as to the content and meaning of the Commission’s ruling.
Once an application is submitted, an applicant can cancel the application by contacting the local government or ALC depending on what stage the application is at.