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Land Use & PlanningBCMEDIUM

Under BC's Local Government Act, what is the significance of a local government designating a property as protected heritage property by bylaw?

Correct Answer

A) Alterations need a heritage alteration permit, and the owner may be entitled to compensation for lost value

Under Local Government Act s. 611, a heritage designation bylaw bars altering the exterior, making structural changes or moving a protected building without a heritage alteration permit, except for alterations the bylaw allows. Under s. 613, if the designation reduces the property's market value, the local government must compensate an owner who applies within one year after the bylaw is adopted. The property stays in private ownership.

Answer Options
A
Alterations need a heritage alteration permit, and the owner may be entitled to compensation for lost value
B
The property is automatically exempt from property taxes to offset the owner's cost of preserving its heritage features
C
The property must be transferred to government ownership so that the local government can protect it for the public
D
The property can only be sold to approved heritage organizations that have agreed to maintain the designated features

Why This Is the Correct Answer

This answer is correct. Section 611 requires a heritage alteration permit for protected alterations, and s. 613 entitles an owner to compensation for a reduction in market value caused by the designation, if they apply in time.

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Key Terms

heritage designationLocal Government Act s. 611heritage alteration permitcompensation s. 613protected heritage property
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