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Home Use of ALR Land Permitted Uses

Permitted Uses

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Protecting B.C.’s Land Resources

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial land-use zone where agriculture is the priority use. The ALR comprises just 5% of B.C.’s total land base and is the area with the greatest agricultural capacity. The information on this page is a summary of some common permitted uses.

More information on permitted uses:

Farm Uses in the ALR

Farm Use is defined in the Agricultural Land Commission Act as an occupation or use of agricultural land for:

Common farming and ranching activities in the ALR include, but are not limited to:

  • Crops such as vegetables, berries, grains and oil seeds
  • Raising livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, and poultry
  • Greenhouses, cannabis, and mushroom production
  • Ornamentals (floriculture, horticultural, nursery crops)
  • Tree fruits and nuts
  • Forage crops

Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation

Below is a partial list of permitted activities in the ALR. Land use activities permitted in the ALR Use Regulation do not require an application or approval of the ALC if the use complies with any conditions or parameters set out in the ALR Use Regulation.

Farm Uses – Part 2 of the ALR Use Regulation

Permitted farm uses are uses in addition to regular farming/ranching as noted above. These uses are for the most part directly linked to agriculture. Permitted farm uses can be restricted but not prohibited by a Local or First Nation government. Many of the permitted farm uses are subject to conditions, thresholds, or other requirements. Examples of permitted farm uses include:

  • Wineries & Cideries
  • Storage, packing & processing of farm products
  • Timber production, harvesting and silviculture
  • Equestrian facilities
  • Application of soil amendments
  • Farm retail sales
  • Temporary or seasonal agri-tourism activities
  • Agroforestry
  • Production of compost with conditions
  • Land development works for farm purposes

Permitted Non-Farm Uses – Part 3 of the ALR Use Regulation

Permitted non-farm uses are uses that may or may not be linked directly to agriculture and are considered compatible with agriculture and have low impacts on the land base. Some permitted non-farm uses can be prohibited by Local or First Nation governments. Many of the permitted non-farm uses are subject to conditions, thresholds, or other requirements. Examples of permitted uses include:

  • Home based business
  • Temporary sawmill subject to conditions
  • Pet kennels and breeding facilities
  • Production, storage and application of Class A compost
  • Production & development of biological products used in integrated pest management
  • Aggregate extraction less than 500 m3
  • Conservation & passive recreation & open land parks
  • Education & research (not schools)
  • Force mains, trunk sewers, gas and water pipelines within an existing right of way