Regional Zoning Bylaw
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is creating a new Regional Zoning Bylaw to replace the five existing ones, some of which date back to 1976. These bylaws dictate property use, including the number of homes allowed, building setbacks, maximum sizes for accessory buildings, and home business regulations. They also specify if land can be used for agriculture, residential, industrial, or commercial purposes.
Why Update the Bylaw?
The new bylaw aims to:
- Simplify: Combine multiple bylaws into one for better accessibility.
- Update Regulations: Incorporate community feedback on:
- Accessory building sizes
- Home-based business rules
- Secondary and Detached Suites
- Reduce Red Tape: Streamline processes to support local residents, agriculture and industries.
- Modernize: Replace outdated regulations from 1976.
The project will gather public input through surveys and community events. Subscribe on this project page for updates!
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is creating a new Regional Zoning Bylaw to replace the five existing ones, some of which date back to 1976. These bylaws dictate property use, including the number of homes allowed, building setbacks, maximum sizes for accessory buildings, and home business regulations. They also specify if land can be used for agriculture, residential, industrial, or commercial purposes.
Why Update the Bylaw?
The new bylaw aims to:
- Simplify: Combine multiple bylaws into one for better accessibility.
- Update Regulations: Incorporate community feedback on:
- Accessory building sizes
- Home-based business rules
- Secondary and Detached Suites
- Reduce Red Tape: Streamline processes to support local residents, agriculture and industries.
- Modernize: Replace outdated regulations from 1976.
The project will gather public input through surveys and community events. Subscribe on this project page for updates!
-
Join an Open House to Talk Regional Zoning Bylaw!
Share Join an Open House to Talk Regional Zoning Bylaw! on Facebook Share Join an Open House to Talk Regional Zoning Bylaw! on Twitter Share Join an Open House to Talk Regional Zoning Bylaw! on Linkedin Email Join an Open House to Talk Regional Zoning Bylaw! linkWe're Coming to You!
We're hitting the road for 15 open houses across the region to make sure we got it right. Come see the draft, check out the zoning maps and share your feedback.Can't Make It?
Get your feedback in through our online survey open until November 30.Open House Schedule
November 15
Cecil Lake Hall: 9am–12pm
McLeod Hall (Groundbirch): 3pm–6pm
November 16
Stillwater Inn (Hudson's Hope): 11am–2pm
Moberly Lake Community Hall: 3:30pm–6:30pm
November 17
Kelly Lake Community Centre: 11am–2pm
Tate Creek Community Hall (Tomslake): 4pm–7pm
November 18
Rolla Community Hall: 5pm–8pm
November 19
Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre: 5pm–8pm
November 20
Calvin Kruk Centre (Dawson Creek): 5pm–8pm
November 21
Charlie Lake Hall: 5pm–8pm
November 22
Prespatou School: 10am–1pm
Wonowon School: 3:30pm–6:30pm
November 23
Pomeroy Sport Centre (Fort St. John): 8am–11am
Baldonnel Elementary: 12pm–3pm
Rose Prairie Curling Club: 5pm–8pm
ContactIf you have any questions about the Regional Zoning Bylaw project or the open houses, please contact the Development Services Department at planning@prrd.bc.ca or 250-785-8084.
-
Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2 Now Open for Review
Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2 Now Open for Review on Facebook Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2 Now Open for Review on Twitter Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2 Now Open for Review on Linkedin Email Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2 Now Open for Review linkThe Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is pleased to share the new draft Regional Zoning Bylaw for public review and feedback. Following public engagement earlier this year, staff have crafted a draft bylaw based on the feedback received from over 600 regional residents.
What We Heard from ResidentsThe PRRD heard residents wanted:
- Larger residential accessory buildings
- More dwelling units and different housing forms
- Fewer industrial uses in residential areas
- Less regulations and red tape in general
Staff have worked hard to incorporate feedback and reduce unnecessary regulations while providing structure and clarity around permitted uses.
Round 1 Engagement ResultsIf you would like to learn more about the first round of public engagement, you can check out the Round 1 Engagement Summary that contains the survey results and analytics. The Round 1 Engagement Summary - Responses by Electoral Area, which breaks out responses for each Electoral Area was shared with the Regional Board on October 16, 2025 and is also available to view.
Check Your Property's Proposed ZoningWant to see where your property is proposed to be zoned? You can use our new Regional Zoning Bylaw map to check!
How to Provide FeedbackResidents are encouraged to review this draft and provide feedback via the online survey open from October 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, at 4:30pm (MST). Responses are anonymous and voluntary.
Hard copies of the survey are available at both PRRD offices in:- Dawson Creek (1981 Alaska Avenue)
- Fort St. John (9505 100 Street)
-
Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Presented to Regional Board
Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Presented to Regional Board on Facebook Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Presented to Regional Board on Twitter Share Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Presented to Regional Board on Linkedin Email Draft Regional Zoning Bylaw Presented to Regional Board linkThe first draft of the Regional Zoning Bylaw was presented to the Regional Board on September 18, 2025.
The Regional Board also gave first reading to the bylaw, which introduces it as a formal bylaw. View the Board report.
The PRRD heard residents wanted larger residential accessory buildings, more dwelling units and different housing forms, fewer industrial uses in residential areas and less regulations and red-tape in general. Staff have worked hard to incorporate feedback and reduce unnecessary regulations while providing structure and clarity around permitted uses.
In-person engagement events are scheduled around the region from November 15 - 23, 2025.
View the draft bylaw and subscribe to this page to keep up to date on all things Regional Zoning Bylaw.
Follow Project
Project Timeline
-
Discover - Spring 2025
Regional Zoning Bylaw has finished this stageBuild awareness of the project and gather initial feedback on key topics.
-
Develop - Summer 2025
Regional Zoning Bylaw has finished this stageCreate the first draft of the Regional Zoning Bylaw.
-
Refine - Fall 2025
Regional Zoning Bylaw is currently at this stageReview the 1st version of the Regional Zoning Bylaw and refine based on community feedback.
-
Finalize - Spring 2026
this is an upcoming stage for Regional Zoning BylawFinalize and adopt the Regional Zoning Bylaw.
Key Dates
-
November 15 → November 23 2025
-
October 01 → November 30 2025
-
September 18 2025
Documents
-
Text - Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582 2025 - 1st Reading (824 KB) (pdf)
-
Maps - Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582 2025 - 1st Reading (134 MB) (pdf)
-
Round 1 Engagement Summary (2.33 MB) (pdf)
-
Round 1 Engagement Summary - Responses by Electoral Area (1.9 MB) (pdf)
-
Regional Zoning Bylaw - Committee of the Whole Presentation - September 18 2025 (1.83 MB) (pdf)
-
Regional Zoning Bylaw - Board Report for 1st Reading - September 18 2025
FAQs
- How do I find out what my property is proposed to be zoned?
- What is a Zoning Bylaw and why do we need one?
- How do I find out what my property is zoned currently?
- What if my property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)?
- Why are you asking about accessory building (shop) sizes?
- Why are you asking about Secondary and Detached Suites?
- Why are you asking about home-based businesses?
- What action do I need to take as a resident of the PRRD?
- Why don’t we just look at development on a case-by-case basis?
- Why can't you just enforce on things that cause an issue?
- Why don’t we just get rid of all zoning rules?
Who's Listening
-
AM
Phone 250-785-8084 Email ashley.murphey@prrd.bc.ca -
DC
Phone 250-784-3205 Email devin.croin@prrd.bc.ca