Buying and Owning ALR Land
Buying and Owning ALR Land
When you buy or own a property in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), you are part of a regulated land use system where agriculture is the priority use.
Important to know
- Residential use is limited
Most properties are limited to one principal residence, with one additional residence allowed only under specific conditions. - Fill and soil removal are regulated
Placing fill or removing soil may require authorization unless it meets specific exemptions. - Non-farm activities are restricted
Activities unrelated to farming must be specifically allowed by regulation or approved by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). - Local zoning does not override ALR rules
Even if something is permitted by local zoning, it must also comply with ALR legislation. - Subdivision is tightly controlled
Land can only be subdivided if permitted by regulation or approved by the ALC.
Common assumptions about ALR land
People are often surprised to learn that:
- Meeting local zoning requirements does not guarantee approval from the ALC
- Minimum lot sizes in zoning bylaws do not mean that subdivision is allowed
- Building large homes and having multiple residences may not be permitted and may require approval
To develop or use land in the ALR, you must comply with both ALC legislation and local government bylaws.
Important to know
- ALC rules come first
The Agricultural Land Commission Act (ALC Act) and its regulations take precedence over local zoning. If zoning allows for a use not permitted under the ALR rules, it cannot proceed without an application being approved by the ALC. - Local governments can be more restrictive
Even if a use is permitted under ALR rules, local zoning may further restrict or prohibit it. - ALR rules always apply
In areas without zoning bylaws, the ALC Act and its regulations apply and must be followed. - Approval may be needed from multiple agencies
Some uses or activities may require approval from multiple agencies, including the ALC, local government, and other provincial authorities. Approval from one does not guarantee approval from others.
Before buying an ALR property or proposing any changes, it’s important to understand how ALR rules apply to the land.
Confirm whether the property is in the ALR
- Use the ALR map
The Is My Property in the ALR? mapping tool can help you determine whether a property is located within the ALR. - Review the certificate of title
The title may include a notation indicating the property is subject to the Agricultural Land Commission Act. However, titles may not reflect current or complete ALR boundaries and should be used only as a secondary reference. - Check for partial inclusion
If only part of a property is within the ALR, the rules apply only to the portion that lies within the ALR
Parcels that are within the ALR or partially within, the ALR should have a notation which states:
THIS CERTIFICATE OF TITLE MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL LAND COMMISSION ACT.
SEE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE PLAN XXXX.
A potential purchaser of land who has identified the ALR notation on a Certificate of Title should confirm whether the parcel is within the ALR and educate themselves on the permitted uses. If after reviewing the online maps there is some uncertainty about the ALR status, the ALC can confirm ALR status.
**It is very important to note that an examination of a title for the ALR notation is not a definitive method to confirm whether the parcel is or is not in the ALR. On occasion, titles endorsed with the ALR notation have later been found to be outside the ALR, while titles not endorsed with the ALR notation have later been found to be located in the ALR.
For ALR status inquiries, please contact the ALC GIS and Mapping Department with the parcel’s identifying information.
Please note that the historic ALR plan numbers noted on title are not within the ALC’s possession. You can review current ALC mapping to determine if the land is within the ALR.
Before purchasing land in the ALR, be sure you understand what is realistically possible on the property.
- Be clear about what you want to do with the land
- Confirm what is permitted under ALR rules and local zoning
- Review applicable ALC policies and the ALR Use Regulation
- Understand that approval is not guaranteed
- Existing uses may not be permitted
- The presence of buildings or ongoing activities does not mean they are authorized or compliant with ALR rules
Anyone purchasing or owning land in the ALR for non-agricultural purposes or strictly rural residential use, should be aware that the business of agriculture is the primary land use and normal farm/ranch practices are protected. For example, that means the noise, dust and odours that may arise from agricultural businesses are to be expected. The Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act enables the pursuit and continuation of normal farm/ranch practices, despite complaints from neighbours. For more information, please see the Ministry of Agriculture’s Farm Practices Protection.
Should you wish to purchase agricultural land, you should confirm the ALR status of the parcel. If the land is in the ALR be aware that land uses are restricted and agriculture is the priority use. To fully understand these restrictions, please review the ALC Act and the ALR regulation.
The ALR is the biophysical resource base suitable for agricultural use. Information regarding agricultural capability can be found under Soils and Agricultural Capability. Agricultural capability data can be found under ALR Maps.
If you wish to seek advice regarding the agricultural capability or suitability of your parcel, you can contact an appropriate professional at the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists.