Section 4: General objectives and policies

• support the appropriate use of land for agricultural purposes including land within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), land designated for agriculture use, soil with agricultural capability, and land suitable for non-soil-based agriculture and value- added processes 
• support the purpose of the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to preserve lands within the ALR for agricultural uses
• minimize conflicts between farm and non-farm uses through land use planning and setbacks and vegetated buffering
• implement the recommendations of the Regional Agricultural Strategy relating to land use bylaws 
• support and promote the economic viability of the agriculture sector

• The Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial land use designation that supersedes land use designations outlined in this plan, notwithstanding any other provisions of this bylaw, all lands within the ALR are subject to the Agricultural Land Commission Act (ALCA), its regulations, and any resolutions of the ALC. The ALCA and its regulations generally prohibit or restrict non-farm use and subdivision of ALR lands, unless otherwise permitted or exempted by the ALC.
• Assess proposals requiring an application to the ALC for their potential impact on the agricultural capability of the subject land, adjacent agricultural operations, and the long-term agricultural potential of the area.
• New roads, utility and communication corridors required in the Plan area should minimize the negative impact on existing and potential agricultural operations.
• Direct non-agricultural uses, including commercial and industrial development, to land outside of the ALR.
• Direct non-farming residential uses to existing residential settlements and away from existing or potential future agricultural areas.
• Provide opportunities for value-added and mixed farming activities outside of and within the ALR, such as on-farm processing, direct-to-consumer sales, rural business and agri-tourism accommodation.
• Continue to work with agriculture entities to improve meat slaughter and processing 
  capacity in the region.
• Increase opportunities for agri-tourism activities, such as farm tours, educational activities, livestock petting zoos, tractor and sleigh rides, harvest festivals, and other similar events that are secondary, incidental and compatible with established agricultural production.
• Support research, education and development of innovative farming practices that increase the climate resiliency of the agricultural sector including the development of an experimental farm, cold storage facilities, and large-scale greenhouses.
• Oppose non-agricultural reforestation of existing or potential agriculture areas.
   

• Home-based business uses are intended to include small-scale businesses operated by residents of rural residential or agricultural properties, where the business is clearly secondary to the primary residential or farming use of land.  Such businesses may be conducted within the principal dwelling or in an accessory building and to a scale that demonstrates the use is secondary to the primary residential or farming use of land.  
• Rural business uses are small- to medium-scale businesses operated on a rural residential or agricultural properties that exceed the scale of a typical home-based business but remain secondary to the primary residential or farming use of land. Rural business may employ a limited number of non-resident employees and may occupy larger buildings or outdoor areas but to a scale that demonstrates the use is secondary to the primary residential or farming use of land.  Businesses that do not fit these criteria are to be directed to lands designated commercial (C) or industrial (LI, HI), as appropriate. 
• Short-term accommodation uses are intended to include temporary lodging operated by residents of rural residential or agricultural properties, where the accommodation is clearly secondary to the primary residential or farming use of the land. Accommodations are limited to a maximum of ten (10) sleeping units and may be provided in dwellings, purpose-built buildings, campgrounds or other similar forms of guest lodging that are compatible with the rural character of the area.  Larger scale commercial accommodations are to be located on lands designated commercial (C). 

Some types of businesses are to be directed away from environmentally sensitive areas and residential properties and into lands designated commercial (C) or industrial (LI, HI), as appropriate.  Examples include businesses that are the primary use of land, are large in scale or are not compatible with the rural character of the area, including those that generate traffic, noise, or have water, air or ground impacts that adversely affect the surrounding environment, neighbouring properties, or the natural landscape. 

Provide high-level direction by outlining goals and outcomes that guide policies toward achieving the community’s long-term vision and principles.

• a wider variety of housing types and configurations become available over time to meet the unique housing needs of residents
• housing is safe, well maintained, and available in a variety of forms, sizes and price-points to meet the needs of residents
• land use patterns and development forms reduce sprawl and support a variety of housing choices, where appropriate
• support regional development of affordable housing, seniors housing, rental housing and special needs housing
   

• To help meet the projected housing needs for Electoral Area A while preserving the area’s rural character, both secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are supported within most land use designations, subject to parcel size and servicing requirements. Residential density limits are outlined in each land use designations. Figure 3. shows the different types of secondary suites and ADUs.
• A secondary suite is a private self-contained living space within a residence and has its own living space, kitchen, sleeping area and washroom. A residence and secondary suite make up a single real estate entity and cannot be stratified or otherwise legally divided from each other.
• An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller detached, self-contained housing unit on the same property as a primary residence and has its own living space, kitchen, sleeping area and washroom. The maximum size of an ADU is 90 m2.
• Each land use designation allows for different levels of housing density. Within those limits on density and built-form, a variety of housing types can be established to meet local needs. This includes homes for families, rentals, housing for people with special needs, seniors housing, and affordable options. A plan amendment to the Mixed Use (MU) designation may be considered where higher density housing is proposed, such as additional detached homes on a property or multi-unit buildings.
• Long-term residential uses for farm worker housing may be supported without a Plan amendment when the housing need is demonstrated relative to the size and scale of the farm operation, 
  meets provincial temporary worker accommodation standards, and has received ALC approval. Temporary farm worker housing should be addressed through the Temporary Use Permit process.
• Support residential uses in conjunction with commercial or industrial uses in remote locations where there is a demonstrated need, and no significant adverse human or environmental impacts are anticipated.
• Support residential development only where adequate on-site water supply and sewage disposal systems can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional District and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Subdivision creating additional residential lots is to be directed to the Residential Subdivision (RS) designation or as infill within the Rural Residential (RR) designation.
• Promote the City of Prince George as the preferred location for affordable housing, seniors housing and special needs housing to ensure access to necessary services, supports and amenities.