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Land Use & PlanningBCMEDIUM

A developer wants to build townhouses on ALR land in Surrey. What must they do before proceeding?

Correct Answer

C) Obtain Agricultural Land Commission approval for ALR exclusion or non-farm use

Residential development (beyond what is permitted as farm use) on ALR land requires approval from the Agricultural Land Commission. The landowner must apply for either exclusion from the ALR or non-farm use permission. Municipal approval alone is insufficient; ALC approval is required before non-agricultural development can proceed.

Answer Options
A
Simply obtain a municipal building permit, since Surrey controls land use within its own boundaries
B
Register with the BC Assessment Authority so the land is reclassified from farm to residential
C
Obtain Agricultural Land Commission approval for ALR exclusion or non-farm use
D
File a notice with the Land Title Office only, since ALR status is recorded on the title

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Option C is correct because residential development beyond permitted farm use on ALR land requires ALC approval. The landowner must apply to the ALC for either exclusion from the ALR (removing the land from the reserve) or non-farm use permission (allowing a specific non-agricultural use while the land remains in the ALR). Municipal approval alone is insufficient; ALC approval is a separate, independent requirement under the Agricultural Land Commission Act.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

Agricultural Land ReserveAgricultural Land Commissionexclusionnon-farm useALR approval
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