Farm buildings require a building permit called a Farm Building Exemption permit. To be considered a farm building, the building must be on agricultural land and used for agricultural operations. This includes buildings used for:
- housing livestock
- storing, sorting, grading, or bulk packaging of agricultural products that have not had secondary processing
- housing, storing, or maintaining machinery that is undertaken in the building
For a complete definition of a farm building, see the Farm Building Exemption form [PDF/221KB].
You may also need a Development Permit, if:
- your set plan shows the building within the required setback area
- there is non-conformance with the Land Use Bylaw (e.g., height, size, building number, building are, or lot coverage, etc.)
You may amend your design to confirm with the Land Use Bylaw to avoid this.
Building Permit
To apply for a Farm Building Exemption Permit, please review the checklist and submit a complete application form with the required documents:
Your drawings must show the square footages and the uses. Failing to provide this information will delay the processing of your application.
If the building is to be used for personal use in addition to farm use, a farm exemption will not apply, and a building permit will be required.
Any changes made to the initial application may affect the review of the application, and additional items may be required. This may delay the processing and decisioning of your application.
Subtrade Permits
Required subtrade permits are not included in the Farm Building Exemptions, and that work must meet the associated codes. Sub Trade Permit Applications are their own applications, and must be submitted at the same time as the Building Permit Application:
- Electrical Permit
- Gas Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Private Sewage Treatment System
- Other items if applicable:
- Solar (mounted on the structure) – Refer to Solar Panel Checklist [PDF/234KB]
- Geothermal – Refer to Geothermal System Checklist [PDF/230KB]
- Hydronic – Heating Systems - Refer to Hydronic Heating Checklist [PDF/273KB] and Hydronic Heating Systems for Dwelling Unit Guideline [PDF/135KB]
Development Permit
Any variance from the requirements in the Land Use Bylaw requires a Development Permit application. This includes whether the use is permitted or discretionary, building height, building size, number of buildings, total area of all buildings, and lot coverage. Please refer to the Land Use Bylaw and/or connect with Planning & Development to find out what is allowed.
You can find the application forms for development permits on Forms and Documents.
Sea Cans
The sea can must meet setbacks, and must meet the Land Use Bylaw requirements, including being either painted to match the dwelling, or screened from the road and adjacent properties. Contact Planning & Development to discuss.
Equestrian Centres and Private Riding Areas
An Equestrian Centre is not a farm building and requires both a Development Permit and a Building Permit. A private riding arena requires a Development Permit. Contact Planning & Development for more information.