Cedar Barn Estate, an agricultural barn designed by Arcadia Designs

ALR Consulting
& Zoning Guidance

Build on farmland with a clear path through the ALC.

Book a Consultation How It Works

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Farmland comes with two sets of rules. We help you understand both, then design a project that works within them.

Overview

What this service does for you

Properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) come with a second layer of rules on top of municipal zoning. What you can build, where it can sit on the lot, and how large a home can be are all shaped by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) as well as your local government.

We help farm owners and rural landowners understand what is allowed before they spend money on design, then prepare the drawings and application material needed to move the project forward. That includes primary residences, additional residences, barns, shops and agricultural buildings across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.

Ideal for

Owners planning a new home or replacement home on ALR land
Farm operators adding barns, shops, or agricultural buildings
Families exploring an additional residence on a farm property
Buyers doing due diligence on an ALR property before purchase

What's Included

A closer look at every part of the work

We look at zoning, ALR status, lot size, existing buildings and site constraints to confirm what is realistic before design begins.

Property and feasibility review

We look at zoning, ALR status, lot size, existing buildings and site constraints to confirm what is realistic before design begins.

How It Works

From first visit to permit-ready drawings

Step 01 of 04

Site visit and goals

We walk the property with you, look at existing buildings, access and farmland, and talk through what you want to build and how the land is used.

Walk the property and existing structures
Discuss plans for the home, farm and family
Note access, servicing and site constraints

Selected Work

Projects that bring it to life

View all projects

Cedar Barn EstateRural estate

Riverview BarnAgricultural conversion

IndigoEstate residence, Campbell Valley

FAQ

Questions about ALR Consulting

Every property is different, so we confirm the details for yours during your consultation.

Ask Us Directly

Can I build a new house on ALR land?

In many cases, yes. Most ALR properties can have one principal residence, subject to ALC size limits and your municipality's zoning. Whether a specific design is allowed depends on the property, so we confirm the rules for your lot before design starts.

Is there a size limit for a house on ALR land?

Yes. Provincial rules limit the total floor area of a principal residence on ALR land, and some municipalities set lower limits or restrict where the home can sit on the lot. Larger homes generally require an application to the ALC. We check both sets of rules during feasibility.

Can I add a second home or suite on my farm?

Limited forms of additional residences are permitted on ALR land, and others require ALC approval. Local zoning also has to allow it. We review your property and tell you which options are realistic before you invest in design.

What is a non-farm use application?

It is an application to the ALC to use ALR land for something other than farming, such as certain commercial uses. Most applications are submitted through your local government first, which can decide whether to forward them to the ALC.

How long does an ALC application take?

It varies with the type of application, the municipality and the ALC's workload. Plan for several months rather than weeks. We build that time into the project schedule from the start.

Do you work on ALR properties outside Langley?

Yes. We work across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, including Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Richmond, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission.

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