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Implementation Guide
operation (e.g. silos, barns, greenhouses, etc.)
• Development of a residential unit above an
existing building, where permitted.
Rationale for DPA Establishment
Residences and other farm buildings on agricultural
land may reduce the amount of land available
for agricultural production; make production less
efficient; or place limits on agricultural operations on
adjacent properties. The City’s zoning standards for
the siting and area of farm home plates are intended
to minimize the impact of residences and related
buildings and activities on agricultural land and
ensure agricultural land is retained for agriculture
in the long term. However, as these standards may
not be achievable due to specific site characteristics,
this development permit area provides for alternative
home plate siting, in keeping with established
guidelines.
Objectives
• To minimize the impact of residences and related
buildings and activities on agricultural land
• To retain agricultural land for agricultural uses in
the long term
Guidelines
1. Alternative siting for a farm home plate is
supportable with the goal of using a minimum
farm land area as possible:
a. Variations in siting are desired to allow the
clustering of farmhomeswith farmbuildings
for efficiency or security of operations (e.g.
to tend dairy cows or to watch over valuable
equipment);
b. Construction of a home is proposed to take
place on higher ground to meet floodplain
requirements or avoid a hazardous area;
c. Increased maximum setbacks for an
equivalent home plate are warranted due
to narrow or irregular shaped lots, including
panhandle lots;
d. A home must be located adjacent to a septic
field and/or disposal field that cannot be
situated within the home plate area due to
ground conditions;
e. Easements utility corridors, riparian areas,
or other physical features prevent the
location of a farm plate within the area
established by the zoning bylaw;
f. A shared driveway to support farm
operations and a house are proposed (dual
purpose);
g. For minor additions to existing homes
which may not conform to farm home plate
standards established by the zoning bylaw.
2. Proposals will not be supported to:
a. Facilitate increases in total allowable farm
home plate area under the zoning bylaw;
b. Allow placement of a home outside of a
farm home plate area for reasons that do
not support farming of the parcel (e.g. for
aesthetic reasons personal preference, or
where no physical impediments exist (e.g.
watercourse, utility corridor, etc.); or,
c. Locate the home in the middle of the
property.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
The Downtown Land Use and Development Plan is
attached and forms part of this bylaw as Schedule
D1, entitled “Downtown Land Use and Development
Plan.”
The Eastern Hillsides Comprehensive Development
Plan is attached and forms part of this bylaw as