Agriculture Applications
The protection of Kelowna's agricultural land is a priority to the City, and in order to protect these lands we require several types of permits on or adjacent to agricultural land. If your property is in a farm protection development permit area, and you want to alter the land through activities such as soil deposit or removal, constructing farm structures or farm help dwellings, you may be required to apply for a permit. To help ensure the success of your application, be sure to review the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw, and arrange a pre-application meeting with a planner.
If your property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), your land is also subject to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Act and ALR regulations, applicable approvals from the ALC must be obtained prior to the City processing development permits.
Learn more about specific requirements that may impact your development project if you are in the ALR:
- ALR webpage: High level overview of ALC application process and links to applicable City policies and bylaws.
- Dwellings in Agricultural Areas: Overview of our requirements for constructing a dwelling on properties zoned A1 or A2.
- Official Community Plan, Chapter 8 - Rural Lands: Policy framework to help support decision making on agricultural properties.
- Zoning Bylaw No. 12375: Governs land use and the form, siting, height, and density of all development.
- ALC Website: Official ALC home page for information on permitted uses in the ALR, ALC Applications and Notices, and Compliance and Enforcement.
- City of Kelowna Bulletin: Farm Retail Sales
- City of Kelowna Bulletin: Gathering for an Event on ALR Land
If your property is wholly or partially within the ALR, those lands are subject to the ALC Act and ALR regulations, and an ALC application may be required. Visit the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Application and Agricultural Land Reserve pages for more information.
Certain development activities on agricultural land may require a Farm Protection Development Permit. To learn when a permit is required and how to apply, visit the Farm Protection Development Permits page.
Temporary Farm Worker Housing (TFWH) Permit
If you plan to house temporary farm workers, you must apply for a Temporary Farm Worker Housing (TFWH) Permit. For more information about TFWH requirements and housing in agricultural areas, visit the Temporary Farm Worker Housing (TFWH) Permit and Dwellings in Agricultural Areas pages.
Information and details regarding these permits can be found on the Soil Deposit/Removal Permits page.
