PRRD releases Regional Zoning Bylaw draft for public input

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is inviting residents to provide feedback on a draft of its new Regional Zoning Bylaw.

The draft comes after a round of public engagement earlier this year, where more than 600 residents weighed in on their priorities for future land use rules. 

According to the PRRD in an October 1st press release, residents asked for larger residential accessory buildings, more options for dwelling units and housing forms, fewer industrial uses near residential areas and fewer regulations overall.

Staff say they have worked to incorporate those ideas while still ensuring clarity around permitted uses.

“We’re creating a unified Regional Zoning Bylaw that reflects the needs and priorities of our communities and simplifies regulations,” said board chair Leonard Hiebert. “Public input is crucial to shape a new bylaw that will work for everyone in our region.”

The new bylaw is intended to replace the five existing zoning bylaws in the PRRD, some of which date back as far as 1976. Once complete, it will form a single set of rules to guide development across the region.

Residents can review the draft and submit feedback through an online survey. The survey is open until November 30th at 4:30 p.m. Paper copies are also available at PRRD offices in Dawson Creek (1981 Alaska Avenue) and Fort St. John (9505 100th Street).

In addition to the survey, in-person engagement sessions will be held around the region from November 15th to 23rd, with details on venues to be announced by the PRRD at a later date.

For those who have questions about the project, the PRRD can be contacted by calling 250-784-3200 or emailing planning@prrd.bc.ca. 

To follow this project and subscribe to updates, visit the PRRD’s website.

The Regional Zoning Bylaw draft can be viewed here.