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What You Can and Can't Do on ALR Land in BC

Last updated: March 2026 · By Tishtaar Titina, P.Ag., MSc. · 3 min read

British Columbia's Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) covers approximately 4.6 million hectares of land across the province. If you own or are purchasing land in the ALR, understanding what is and isn't permitted is critical before starting any project. The rules are set out in the Agricultural Land Commission Act and the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation (BC Reg. 30/2019).

The Three Categories of Uses

Uses on ALR land fall into three categories:

1. Farm uses — directly linked to agriculture, permitted by right
2. Permitted non-farm uses — compatible with agriculture, allowed under the regulation without an application
3. Uses requiring ALC approval — everything else needs a formal application

What's Allowed by Right: Farm Uses

Regular farming and ranching activities are permitted without any application. This includes:

• Growing crops — vegetables, fruits, grains, forage, berries, grapes, mushrooms, nuts, ornamental plants
• Raising livestock, poultry, and bees
• Agroforestry and timber production
• Wineries and cideries (with conditions)
• Storage, packing, and processing of farm products produced on the farm
• Farm retail sales
• Equestrian facilities
• Temporary and seasonal agri-tourism activities
• Compost production for farm use
• Construction of farm buildings and structures

One principal residence is also permitted on ALR land.

Permitted Non-Farm Uses (No Application Needed)

Certain non-farm activities are allowed under the Use Regulation because they are considered compatible with agriculture:

• Home-based businesses (within the principal residence)
• Pet kennels and breeding facilities
• Conservation, passive recreation, and heritage conservation
• Education and research (excluding schools)
• Utility infrastructure within existing rights-of-way
• Aggregate extraction of less than 500 m³
• Temporary sawmills (subject to conditions)
• Soil removal or fill placement of 1,000 m² or less for farm structures or a principal residence

What Requires an ALC Application

Any use not listed in the regulation as permitted requires a formal application to the ALC. Common examples include:

• Excluding land from the ALR — removing the ALR designation entirely
• Subdividing ALR parcels — dividing land into smaller lots
• Non-farm uses — commercial, industrial, or institutional uses not listed in the regulation
• Additional residences — second dwellings beyond what's permitted
• Large-scale soil deposit or removal — beyond the 1,000 m² threshold
• Transportation and utility projects — roads, pipelines, power lines crossing ALR land

Application fees range from $900 to $1,500 depending on the type. See our ALC Application Guide for the full process and fee schedule.

Common Misconceptions

"I own the land, so I can do what I want with it."

ALR land comes with provincial restrictions that apply regardless of ownership. The ALC has independent authority to regulate land use within the reserve, separate from local government zoning.

"My local government approved it, so I'm fine."

Local government approval does not replace ALC approval. For activities requiring an ALC application, you need both. In fact, local government approval is just one step in the ALC application process — the local government forwards your application to the ALC for a separate decision.

"Small projects don't need permission."

Size matters, but the thresholds are specific. For example, soil placement for a farm structure is permitted up to 1,000 m² — but exceeding that by even a small amount triggers a full application. Aggregate extraction is permitted up to 500 m³. Know the thresholds before you start.

How to Stay Compliant

The safest approach is to verify before you act:

1. Check the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation to see if your planned activity is a permitted use
2. Contact your local government planning department about any additional bylaws or permits
3. If there is any doubt, consult with a Professional Agrologist who has experience with the ALC and municipal processes

Not sure if your project needs ALC approval?
Book a free consultation — we respond within one business day.

Related Guides

• How to Apply to the ALC in BC
• Soil Deposit and Fill Rules on ALR Land
• Getting Farm Classification in BC

Sources

• Provincial Agricultural Land Commission — Permitted Uses in the ALR
• Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation, BC Reg. 30/2019 — Full text
• Agricultural Land Commission Act, RSBC 2002
• Provincial Agricultural Land Commission — Applications Overview