Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content
Report a ConcernContact Us
View our Facebook Page View our X Page View our Instagram Page

District of Kent Logo

Contact Us
  • Living Here
    View our Building Permits page
    Building Permits
    • Accessibility
    • Burning Permits
    • Bylaw Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • Community Event Calendar
    • Community Gardens
    • Community Gifts Donation Program
    • Dog Licences
    • Emergency Services
    • Home and Property
    • Invasive Plants
    • Mapping and GIS
    • Roads and Sidewalks
    • Transit
    • Sustainability Spotlight
    • Seeding Stewardship Fund
  • Explore and Play
    View our Connect to Rec page
    Connect to Rec
    • Community Event Calendar
    • Experience Agassiz
    • Facilities
    • Leisure Guide
    • Parks and Trails
    • Visiting Kent
    • Volunteer
  • Business and Development
    • Active Transportation Network Plan
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Community Profile
    • Development and Planning
    • Filming in Kent
    • Grant in Aid Program
    • Short Term Rentals
  • District Hall
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Bylaw Library
    • Contact Us
    • Emergency Operations Centre
    • Financial Plans and Reports
    • Freedom of Information and Privacy
    • Join Our Team
    • Local Elections
    • Mayor and Council
    • News and Notices
    • Property Taxes
    • Utilities
I Want To
  • Apply or Register

    • Login or Register to Property Information Online
    • Building Permits
    • Burning Permits
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Speaking Before Council
    • Volunteer
  • Pay

    • Dog Licences
    • Facilities
    • Parking Tickets
    • Property Taxes
  • Report

    • Report a Concern
    • Property Damage

train

OCP and Zoning

HomeBusiness and DevelopmentDevelopment and PlanningOCP and Zoning
 
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter
  • Email this page

The District of Kent's Official Community Plan (OCP) sets out goals and supporting policies that reflect the desires of the community on a broad range of issues, from land use and economic development to transit and agriculture. Although not a regulatory tool such as a zoning bylaw, the OCP is a critical document that serves as the foundation for all policies, regulations, and decisions affecting local land use and development.

The Zoning Bylaw is the key tool used in implementing and regulating land use in the District. This bylaw establishes where uses and buildings can occur, and at what densities. It also sets regulations for different uses, locations and siting requirements.

OCP Documents

  • Official Community Plan
  • Adopted by Bylaw No. 1508, 2014

Amendments: Bylaw 1508.01, Bylaw 1508.02, Bylaw 1508.03, Bylaw 1508.04, Bylaw 1508.05, Bylaw 1508.06, Bylaw 1508.06, Bylaw 1508.07, Bylaw 1508.08, Bylaw 1508.15, Bylaw 1508.16, Bylaw 1508.19, Bylaw 1508.21, Bylaw 1508.22, Bylaw 1508.25

Land Use Plans contained in the OCP

  • Schedule B - Land Use Plan

Neighbourhood Plans

  • Mount Woodside Neighbourhood Plan

Official Community Plan Maps

  • Map 1 - Regional Context
  • Map 2 - Location Map
  • Map 3 - Agricultural Land Reserve
  • Map 4 Existing Parks, Trails, Recreation & Public Use in the Agassiz Townsite
  • Map 5 Existing Parks, Trails, Recreation & Public Use Outside of the Agassiz Townsite
  • Map 6 - Dyke System Trail Route
  • Map 7 - Geotechnical Hazards
  • Map 8 - Road Network and Utility Corridors
  • Map 9 - Road Network, Off-Road Trails and Utility Corridors

Other Schedules

  • Schedule E - Agricultural Area Plan
  • Schedule F - Regional Context Statement

OCP Amendment Application

An OCP amendment is required when a proposed land use is not consistent with the land use designations of the OCP.

  • Read the OCP Amendment Application Guidelines [document in the works].
  • Complete an OCP amendment application form
  • Fees and charges

Contact Planning staff about your amendment proposal before submitting any application so that we can advise you of any specific application requirements and applicable fees associated with your project.

Zoning Bylaw Documents

  • Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 - Consolidated for convenience only
  • Zoning Reference Maps

Zoning Bylaw Amendment Applications

A Zoning Bylaw amendment is required when a proposed land use is not permitted under the current zoning for a property.

  • Complete a Zoning Amendment Application
  • Fees and charges

Contact Planning staff about your amendment proposal before submitting any application so that we can advise you of any specific application requirements and applicable fees associated with your project.

Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Legislation (SSMUH)

Small-Scale Multi-Unit (RS1) Housing little houses

In the fall of 2023, the Province of British Columbia (BC) passed Bill 44 (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) as part of the Province's Homes for People Action Plan. This action plan is based on four foundational principles:

  • Unlock more homes, faster;
  • Deliver better, more affordable homes;
  • Support those with the greatest housing needs; and
  • Create a housing market for people, not speculators.

 

Bill 44 requires local governments to adopt new small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) zoning by June 30, 2024, to permit up to four dwelling units on properties exclusively zoned for single residential or duplex use.

 

On June 10, 2024, the District adopted Bylaw No. 1737, creating the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (RS1) Zone to replace our existing single dwelling and two-dwelling residential zones. The new zone provides landowners with greater housing options and development flexibility on applicable lots.

 

You can view the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone here.

 

What is SSMUH and how do I apply to build SSMUH?

The District of Kent has created an Information Guide to assist property owners in navigating the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone. The guide outlines:

  • Who is eligible;
  • How many units can be built on a property;
  • Any exemptions that may apply to a property; and
  • How to apply for permits to implement SSMUH.

 

It is recommended that you review the guide prior to pursuing a building permit to ensure you fully understand the implications of the new SSMUH (RS1) Zone.

 

To view the Information Guide, click here

 

What does SSMUH look like in Kent?

The SSMUH (RS1) zone introduces a range of new dwelling unit types and housing tenure options, all of which provide more opportunities to landowners without the need for a rezoning application. Dwelling types permitted in the SSMUH (RS1) Zone include:

  • Single dwelling;
  • Two dwelling;
  • Secondary suites;
  • Detached accessory dwelling units;
  • Townhouses; and
  • Apartments

 

As a result of these zoning changes, if your lot is zoned SSMUH (RS1), and you meet certain development conditions, you can now build up to 3 units on lots with an area equal to or less than 280 m2 (~3,000 square feet) or up to 4 units on lots with an area greater than 280 m2 (~3,000 square feet).

 

Is my property zoned SSMUH (RS1)?

Explore the District of Kent's Online Arc GIS Mapping to confirm whether your property is zoned SSMUH (RS1).

 

 Little Houses

 

 

Important Links 

 
 

District of Kent ArcGIS Web Map

Development Permit Area Application

Building Permit Application

District of Kent Fees and Charges Bylaw

SSMUH Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards

Provincial Housing Legislation

District of Kent Zoning Bylaw

 

 

Development Permit Areas

The OCP includes six Development Permit Areas (DPA) where unique guidelines for the development or alteration of land are in effect.

These areas are designated for a variety of purposes including:

  • Protecting the natural environment;
  • Ensuring development considers hazardous site conditions, such as steep slopes;
  • Shaping the form and character of new development; and
  • Revitalizing commercial use area.

If your property is located within one or more Development Permit Areas, you may need a Development Permit before obtaining a building permit, subdividing land, or engaging in land altering activities.

Development Permit Area Maps

  • Schedule C Development Permit Areas
  • Schedule C-1 Agassiz Development Permit Areas
  • Schedule C-2 Marine Commercial Development Permit Areas
  • Schedule C-3 Mount Woodside Development Permit Areas
  • Schedule C-4 Cemetery Road Development Permit Areas

 

Development Permit Application

As every property and development proposal is unique, application requirements can vary. Please contact the Planning Department to arrange a meeting to discuss your application before you apply so that we may assist you through the application process.

  • Read the Development Permit Application Guide [document in the works].
  • Complete a Development Permit application form
  • Facade Guidelines

Development Variance Permit

When a development project cannot meet the District's regulations, a variance may be necessary. Variances are generally considered when site characteristics or other unique circumstances do not permit full compliance with certain requirements set up in specific bylaws.

You may apply to vary zoning, subdivision, floodplain, or sign bylaws, but you cannot apply to vary land use or density.

View our Development Variance Permit Guide and Application Checklist for more on applying for a variance.

Before submitting your proposal, contact a planner to arrange for a pre-application meeting.

Development Variance Permit Application

Contact: Development Services

Phone: 604-796-2235

Email: planning@kentbc.ca

Business and Development
  • Active Transportation Network Plan
  • Bids and Tenders
  • Business Licences and Permits
  • Community Profile
    Toggle Section Community Profile Menu
    • Mapping and GIS
  • Development and Planning
    Toggle Section Development and Planning Menu
    • Agriculture (ALR)
    • Building Permits
    • Development Cost Charges (DCC)
    • OCP and Zoning
    • Utilities
  • Filming in Kent
  • Grant in Aid Program
  • Short Term Rentals

Contact Us

Subscribe to this Page

District of Kent logo

Visit Us
District of Kent
Box 70, 7170 Cheam Avenue
Agassiz, BC
V0M 1A0

Contact Us
Phone: 604-796-2235
Fax: 604-796-9854
Email Us

Recreation Centre Enquiries

Business Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
We are closed on statutory holidays.

Emergency after hours calls for Utilities or Public Works, please call 1-866-951-3718

Copyright 2024 District of Kent

  • A to Z Services
  • Accessibility
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Information
  • Website Feedback
  • Contact Us
Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.