FAQs

In simplest terms, zoning is the regulation of land use and development. Zoning bylaws tell us what can (and cannot) be done on a property, including things like:

• What activities are permitted: Such as residential, business, agriculture, industry, and more
• How much you can build: The density or the number of buildings that can be put on one property
• How big buildings and structures can be: How tall and wide buildings and structures can be and how much of the site can be covered
• Where buildings or structures are located on the property: Setbacks or how close to your property line you can build
• If and how you can subdivide: How land is divided into separate parcels

  including the shape and dimensions

Learn more about zoning by watching this video.

Here’s how it started: 

• The CVRD had ten separate Zoning Bylaws and seven separate Official Community Plans (OCPs). There were inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and unintended consequences. 

Here’s what has happened:

• In 2018, the CVRD Board directed staff to harmonize and modernize both the Electoral Area Official Community Plans (OCPs) and the Zoning Bylaws.
• In 2021 a harmonized OCP for the electoral areas was adopted, consolidating seven OCPs into one. 
• In 2025, the OCP was modernized and updated with refined land use designations and growth containment boundaries.
• IN 2026, the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw is being updated to align with the OCP and consolidate nine Zoning Bylaws into one.