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A zoning by-law may regulate parcel size or lot density into which land can be divided and establishes requirements with respect to lot standards and frontage requirements. The Ministry of Transportation and Highways are the Approving Authority for subdivisions within unincorporated areas. Application forms can be obtained from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways Office or the Regional District Office.

How do I subdivide my land?

These steps need to be followed:

1. The Regional District has a zoning by-law for the whole Regional District. This by-law establishes lot sizes which must be adhered to when designing a subdivision. Contact the Planning Department of the Regional District to see what regulations affect your land.
2. Once you know the lot size restrictions involved, you can make application to subdivide at the Ministry of Transportation and Highways Office.
3. Transportation and Highways will tell you what their restrictions are regarding roads, paving, ditching, etc.
4. The Health Unit will also be involved in your plans as your proposed lots will have to show that safe and sanitary sewage disposal is possible and proof of potable water (if no water system exists). Therefore, you should contact this agency after you have picked up the Subdivision Application Forms from Ministry of Transportation and Highways (NOTE: The Ministry of Health requirements are included in Ministry of Transportation and Highways Subdivision "package".
5. If you are within a waterworks district, your local water board office will also have to approve your new connection.
6. If your land is within the Agricultural Land Reserve, you cannot subdivide unless you have received permission from the BC Agricultural Land Commission. (See the ALR item for details.)