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Rules impact rural housing

Ancillary single-family dwelling units must be linked to farming and not just rented out
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It could be more challenging to find housing in rural communities.

The Agricultural Land Commission recently informed the Regional District of North Okanagan that ancillary single-family dwelling units must be linked to farming on the property and not simply provide a form of housing.

“They can be a mortgage helper or for an elderly relative,” said Hank Cameron, Cherryville director, adding that ancillary dwellings under 800-square-feet have been permitted for 27 years.

“They have been a useful way for affordable housing in rural communities.”

Cameron is concerned that is could be more difficult for residents to find a place to live in communities such as Cherryville.

“The province is taking that away,” he said.

As a result of the ALC’s ruling, RDNO is amending the country residential, non-urban and large holding zones to delete the current references to ancillary single-family dwellings. They will be permitted outside of the Agricultural Land Reserve if a number of conditions are met, including lot and dwelling size, while within the ALR, they must be on a lot classified as farm.

RDNO is also amending rules after provincial authorities indicated that detached suites are allowed above an existing farm building.

“Anything we can do to enable affordable housing is in Cherryville’s interest but I don’t believe it should be on an upper level,” said Cameron.

“It would be more practical at the ground level for seniors or young children.”