Secondary residences on Regional District of North Okanagan properties within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) won’t be allowed by the end of next month.
In February 2019, provincial regulations changed affecting properties within the ALR, with one major change involving secondary residences for a member of the property owner’s immediate family — manufactured or mobile homes — being prohibited after Feb. 22, 2020.
For residents planning on installing a secondary family dwelling within the building inspection area of the RDNO (Electoral Areas B, C, D, E, F, Lumby and Spallumcheen), building permits must be obtained by that Feb. 22 deadline.
At least 30 days prior are required so staff can assess applications and issue a permit on time. That means the actual final application deadline for those interested in installing a secondary family dwelling is Jan. 23, 2020.
Several regulations regarding existing and new residential buildings, including moving soil and fill materials, will also be put into effect and as provincial regulations continue changing.
The RDNO recommends speaking with regional district planning and building staff or Agricultural Land Commission staff before making an application, starting construction, non-agricultural uses or moving soil on ALR land.
For more information on the Agricultural Land Commission can be found at alc.gov.bc.ca.
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