Who do I contact regarding subdividing my property?
Rural subdivision approvals in BC are under the authority of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. For information on the rural subdivision approval process and how to make an application visit http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/DA/Subdivision_Home.asp or contact:
Ministry of Transportation
6953 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8
Tel 604 485-3610 Fax 604 485-3611
Prior to submitting a subdivision application, property owners are advised to find out if the proposed subdivision complies with local land use bylaws. Official community plan bylaws and zoning bylaws are available for review on this website. For more information on how land use designations, zoning and development permit areas affect options for subdivision please contact the Planning Department by phone at 604 483-3231 or email at planning@powellriverrd.bc.ca.
How do I find out if my development complies with local land use bylaws?
To find out if a proposed development complies with local land use bylaws you should review the official community plan bylaws and zoning bylaws on this website and speak to Planning staff at the regional district office. If you believe that your development may be inconsistent with an official community plan or zoning bylaw, please consult with Planning staff prior to proceeding with any works. Development Services Procedures Bylaw No 212, 1992 sets out formal procedures for amending an official community plan or zoning bylaw or issuing a development permit.
Do I need a building permit to build in the regional district?
The BC Building Code applies to all lands within the Province of British Columbia. This regional district has not adopted a building bylaw to implement building inspections and therefore building permits are not required within the regional district. However, if you are building within the boundaries of the City of Powell River you are required to have a building permit issued by the city.
City of Powell River
6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC V8A 1V4
Tel 604 485-6291 Fax 604 485-2913
Do I need an electrical permit if building in the regional district?
Yes, electrical permits are required in this regional district. Permits are issued by the province for the electoral areas.
Government Agent
6953 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8
Tel 604 485-3622 Fax 604 485-3627
Do I need a business license to conduct business in the regional district?
Business licenses are not required in the electoral areas of the regional district. However, if you are conducting business within the boundaries of the City of Powell River you are required to have a business license issued by the city.
City of Powell River
6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC V8A 1V4
Tel 604 485-6291 Fax 604 485-2913
I am building my own home, do I need home warranty insurance?
Individuals wanting to build their own home are required by law to obtain an Owner Builder Authorization from the Homeowner Protection Office and to pay a fee, prior to commencing construction of the new home. These requirements are in effect for all areas of British Columbia, regardless of whether building permits are required and are in keeping with amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulation. For more information please contact the Homeowner Protection Office at 1 800 407-7757 or visit the Homeowner Protection Office website.
I am building a home for someone else or building to sell, do I need home warranty insurance?
All residential builders in British Columbia are required by law to be licensed by the Homeowner Protection Office and arrange for third-party home warranty insurance on proposed new homes. In geographic areas where building permits are not required for new home construction, licensing and warranty insurance must be in place prior to the commencement of construction. For more information regarding licensing and home warranty insurance requirements, please contact the Homeowner Protection Office at 1 800 407-7757 or visit the Homeowner Protection Office website.
I think my property may be in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), what does that mean?
There are a number of properties that are located within the ALR in the regional district. Maps are available in the regional district office or through the link below to help you determine if your land is part of the reserve. Subdivision and land use within the ALR is regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. For more information visit the Agricultural Land Commission website or contact:
Provincial Agricultural Land Commission
Room 133, 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6
Tel 604 660-7000 Fax 604 660-7033
Who do I contact regarding wells and sewer systems on my property?
Property owners must be very careful about how they situate wells and septic fields on their property. The minimum setback requirement is 30 metres (100 feet). For further details regarding well or sewer system installation contact:
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
3rd Floor – 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 5R3
Tel 604 485-3310 Fax 604 485-3305
All septic systems and other forms of sewage treatment must be designed and installed by an authorized installer (ROWP). Click here for a list of qualified installers.
Do I need a permit to create driveway access to my property?
Yes. Access Permits are required by the Ministry of Transportation for any new driveway or road access off of the highway. Additionally, access permits may be required for non-residential uses off of Ministry of Transportation roads. For further information contact:
Ministry of Transportation
6953 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8
Tel 604 485-3610 Fax 604 485-3611
I am putting a residential driveway access off a road other than the highway. How do I know if a culvert is required and what size it should be?
Rule of thumb – if the ditch or swale where you intend to install the driveway carries water at any time of the year, you need a culvert. A Ministry of Transportation representative (contact information above) is available to discuss your specific situation and provide advice and culvert size requirements.
Do I need to worry about how close I build my home to a road right of way?
Yes. The Ministry of Transportation requires specific setbacks for the location of buildings or structures from a dedicated road right-of-way. Contact the Ministry of Transportation (contact information above) for specific information on these requirements.
Do I need to worry about how close I build my home to property lines?
The regional district has not established setbacks from property lines through zoning. However, property owners are encouraged to ensure that all buildings and structures are sited wholly within their surveyed property boundaries in a manner which ensures adequate setbacks for wells, septic systems and fire safety.
Are there setbacks from water courses?
Yes. The Provincial Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) requires local governments to protect fish bearing streams and habitat that supports fish bearing streams. The regulations apply to residential, commercial and industrial development within 30 meters of a watercourse.
Prior to clearing or undertaking any works on your land, please contact the regional district office at 604 483-3231 to see if this regulation applies to you. Review this brochure for more information.
The regional district also encourages compliance with Ministry of Environment guidelines for recommended setbacks from the sea and steep banks. Contact the regional district office at 604 483-3231 for details on recommended setbacks that may apply to your property.
What should I do if I find archaeological remains on my property?
If you find bones, artifacts or other signs of archaeological remains when developing your property you should cease all land altering activities immediately and contact the Provincial Archaeology Branch at 250 953-3334.
Archaeological sites in British Columbia are protected by the Heritage Conservation Act. This legislation applies equally to sites on public and private land. If an archaeological site is uncovered it must be reported to the BC Archaeology Branch. Click here for more information.
For information about archaeological resources in this region, visit the Tla’amin & Simon Fraser University Heritage & Archaeology Project website.
What are invasive plants and why do we need to take immediate action?
Invasive plants are non-native plant species that have been introduced, either intentionally or accidentally, into the environment from other areas. Without their natural pathogens and predators, they are capable of moving aggressively into an area, and monopolizing resources such as light, nutrients, water, and space to the detriment of other species. Invasive plants threaten natural ecosystem functions, species biodiversity, food security, human health and safety, and economic development.
The Powell River Regional District is served locally by the Coastal Invasive Plant Committee. Visit the Coastal Invasive Plant Committee’s website to learn more about invasive plants in our area and to find out what you can do to identify and help manage them.