Zoning

Zoning is how local governments control the physical development of lands.

The RDKS has a number of zoning bylaws. Zoning bylaws divide up the land into different zone designations - by the type of uses and activities that can take place on the land. They also include building information such as setbacks from property lines, the size and height of buildings, and building within designated floodplains.

If you need help understanding what bylaw applies to your property, or you are unable to view a copy of the zoning bylaw, please contact us.

Map of Zoning Bylaws

RDKS Zoning Map
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Zoning Bylaws

We have zoning bylaws that divide the land into different zones designating the type of uses and activities that can take place on the land.

They also include building information such as setbacks from property lines, the size and height of buildings, and building within designated floodplains. You’ll find all our Zoning Bylaws in the Related Documents section on this page.

Rezoning

A rezoning or zoning amendment application is required when a proposed development is not consistent with the uses and density allowed within the current zoning of the property. If a change in zone or use is not consistent with the current OCP land use designation, an OCP Amendment application will be required for change in designation of the subject property.  

Rezoning Application Service Fee: $700

OCP Amendment Fee: $700

Combined OCP / Zoning Amendment Fee: $800

Floodplain Management

We have created a Floodplain Management Bylaw to designate land as a floodplain in areas where the Board considers flooding may occur, and to regulate the siting and construction of buildings and structures in floodplains and near watercourses and bodies of water in our region.

This Bylaw provides clarity for property owners who want to develop within a floodplain or in close proximity to a body of water. This Bylaw will create consistency for floodplain management and apply to those lands that fall within Regional District Zoning Bylaws and Land Use Regulation areas of Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E and F. The purpose of this Bylaw is to help protect against the loss of life and minimize property damage, injury and trauma associated with flooding events.

Review Application Guide

Subdivision

The approving authority for all subdivisions within the Regional District is the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI). Applications to subdivide property are submitted directly to the MoTI.

However, as part of the process of subdivision approval the MoTI sends referrals to a number of regulating agencies for comment, including the Regional District. The Regional District, within its zoning bylaws and subdivision control bylaws has regulations for subdivision. These include minimum parcel size, minimum frontage, setbacks of buildings, parkland acquisition and requirement for connection to water, sewer and other utility services. In addition, the Regional District is interested in responsible development and therefore may provide comment on property access, septic disposal, environmental protection, flooding issues and geotechnical concerns. Some lands in the Regional District are within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).   Land within the ALR must also have permission to subdivide from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). Therefore an owner of land  wishing to subdivide will also be required to submit a subdivision application to the Agricultural Land Commission. The Regional District acts as an agent for the Agricultural Land Commission and applications can be made on the Agricultural Land Commission website.

It is recommended that a property owner considering subdivision visit the Regional District Planning Department to discuss their plans prior to submitting a subdivision application to the MoTI. Staff can provide advice and inform property owners of any requirements the Regional District has for subdivision.

Contact our office at 250-615-6100 or email [email protected].