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- Modernize: Replace outdated regulations from 1976.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- Modernize: Replace outdated regulations from 1976.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!
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Fall Project Update: Community Engagement Recap
Share Fall Project Update: Community Engagement Recap on Facebook Share Fall Project Update: Community Engagement Recap on Twitter Share Fall Project Update: Community Engagement Recap on Linkedin Email Fall Project Update: Community Engagement Recap linkQuick Summary:
- Round 2 Complete: Over 200 survey responses were submitted by December 15.
- What we’re doing: Staff are currently updating the bylaw and maps based on your feedback.
- Next Opportunity: A revised draft will be presented to the Regional Board soon, followed by a Public Hearing.
- Get in touch: Questions? Email planning@prrd.bc.ca.
November was an active month for our team. we traveled across the region to visit as many rural communities as possible, gathering vital feedback on the proposed Regional Zoning Bylaw.
We were thrilled to see such strong attendance at our open houses. It was a pleasure to meet so many passionate residents and hear your perspectives firsthand.
Engagement by the NumbersIn addition to our in-person events, we recently closed our second community survey:
- Survey Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Participation: Over 200 responses received
Thank you to everyone who spoke with us, sent an email or took the time to complete the survey. Your input is essential to this process.
Current ProgressOur staff is currently reviewing your comments to refine the draft bylaw and finalize the project mapping. We’re working hard to ensure the next version reflects the feedback we received.
What’s Next?- Report Back: We’ll share a summary of the results from our Round 2 engagement activities.
- Board Presentation: We’ll present the second draft of the Regional Zoning Bylaw to the Regional Board.
- Public Hearing: A formal hearing will be scheduled for final community input.
Stay Updated: All new information and documents will be posted to this page. Please subscribe for updates to ensure you never miss an announcement! -
Survey Deadline Extended!
Share Survey Deadline Extended! on Facebook Share Survey Deadline Extended! on Twitter Share Survey Deadline Extended! on Linkedin Email Survey Deadline Extended! linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.You asked and we listened!
We heard your requests for more time! To ensure everyone has a chance to contribute, we're excited to announce an extension for the Regional Zoning Bylaw Survey #2.
New Submission Deadline
The final date to submit your responses is now December 15, 2025, at 10:00 am (MST).
How to Provide Your Feedback
The online survey is still open and ready for your input!
Review the Draft: Take a moment to read the draft bylaw to understand the proposed changes.
Share Your Thoughts: Complete the online survey by the new deadline (open since October 1, 2025). Your responses are anonymous and voluntary.
In-Person Survey Copies
Prefer a hard copy? You can pick up the survey at either of the PRRD offices:
Dawson Creek: 1981 Alaska Avenue
Fort St. John: 9505 100 Street
Check Your Proposed Zoning
Wondering how these changes might affect your land? Use our handy mapping tool!
Find Your Zone: Check your property's proposed zoning using the new Regional Zoning Bylaw map.
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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! linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.We'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.
Follow Project
Project Timeline
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Discover - Spring 2025
Regional Zoning Bylaw has finished this stageBuild awareness of the project and gather initial feedback on key topics.
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Develop - Summer 2025
Regional Zoning Bylaw has finished this stageCreate the first draft of the Regional Zoning Bylaw.
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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.
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Finalize - Spring 2026
this is an upcoming stage for Regional Zoning BylawFinalize and adopt the Regional Zoning Bylaw.
Key Dates
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December 15 2025
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November 15 → November 23 2025
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October 01 → November 30 2025
Documents
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Text - Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582 2025 - 1st Reading (824 KB) (pdf)
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Maps - Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582 2025 - 1st Reading (134 MB) (pdf)
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Round 1 Engagement Summary (2.33 MB) (pdf)
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Round 1 Engagement Summary - Responses by Electoral Area (1.9 MB) (pdf)
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Regional Zoning Bylaw - Committee of the Whole Presentation - September 18 2025 (1.83 MB) (pdf)
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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
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AM
Phone 250-785-8084 Email ashley.murphey@prrd.bc.ca -
DC
Phone 250-784-3205 Email devin.croin@prrd.bc.ca