Encyclopedia
ALC
The Agricultural Land Commission, the provincial body that decides applications for non-farm use, subdivision and exclusion of land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
For example: A landowner wanting to run a business on ALR land that isn't permitted outright applies to the ALC and waits for its decision before spending money. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Agricultural Land Commission
Example only, not a real client. Say you want to add a non-farm use on land in the reserve. You apply to the Agricultural Land Commission, which decides whether to allow it. You plan for the time and possibility of refusal.
What I’d tell a friend
Applications to the commission can take time and may be refused. Plan for both.
Why it matters to you
When your plans touch farmland, the Commission's answer can matter more than the city's. An application takes time and can be refused, so a purchase that relies on approval should have a subject period that allows for it.
How to use it in your deal
Owners and buyers of ALR land should check the ALC's rules on permitted uses, such as farm retail, agri-tourism, home businesses and residences, before planning anything. Many uses need an application to the ALC through the local government, which can take months and may be refused. Fill and soil removal also have rules. Exclusion from the ALR is difficult.
The ALC enforces against unauthorized uses, including industrial storage and truck parking on farmland, with orders and penalties. Buyers should check for compliance issues before buying. Municipal bylaws also apply. Leases on ALR land should match permitted uses. Use the ALC's online map and decisions to see what's been allowed nearby.
If a seller says a use was always allowed, ask for the approval in writing, since past tolerance isn't permission. Talk to the local government's planning staff before applying; they forward applications and can tell you what local policies apply. Budget for reports from an agrologist if your application needs one.
Mistakes I see
Assuming farmland can be used for anything. Ignoring fill rules. Buying non-compliant properties.
In BC and Vancouver
The Agricultural Land Commission Act and regulations govern the ALR.
Official sources: Agricultural Land Commission · Agricultural Land Commission Act (BC Laws)
What it is
The Agricultural Land Commission is the provincial body that administers the Agricultural Land Reserve.
It decides applications to use, subdivide or remove land from the reserve.
What to know
Talk with the municipality and the commission early.
Get advice from a BC lawyer or planner on applications, and do not pay for a use that depends on approval.
Decisions can be reconsidered in some cases, but plan for refusal.
Farm retail and tourist stays
The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) oversees the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Farm retail sales are a permitted farm use with size rules when products are not all from that farm. Total retail area is capped, and at least half must sell products from that farm or its co-op.
Tourist accommodation in the ALR is tightly limited. Current ALC guidance counts campsites and recreational vehicle sites toward a small total of sleeping units unless there is a non-adhering residential use approval. Larger parks need that approval or proof they were established lawfully before the rules applied.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the land in the ALR?
- Is my use permitted?
- Do I need an application?
- Are there compliance issues?
Keep reading
Related terms: Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), Permitted use
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.