Development Services
MainActive ApplicationsBuilding InspectionBylaw ComplianceOfficial Community Plans (OCP)Telecommunication TowersGuidelines SubdivisionsZoning AmendmentResources & FAQPlanning Projects
Application Process
When considering a development please check with a land-use planner to confirm whether the proposal meets regulatory requirements, or requires an application. Staff implement the policies of the Regional Board through regulations such as zoning and building inspection.
Development Services can assist you with:
Planning functions include:
Active Applications
The PRRD provides planning in the unincorporated areas of the Regional District. The map below contains all of the active applications in the regional district that the public is encouraged to provide input on.
Please select an individual application below to view details and submit your comment. Do you have questions about the development application process or how the PRRD can help you? Email: planning@prrd.bc.ca or contact a land-use planner.
Building Inspection
Building inspections are conducted according to PRRD Building Bylaw 2542, 2024 and the BC Building Code, and involve inspections throughout construction of the project.
The Peace River Regional District employs full-time building inspectors who are located at the PRRD offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. Before starting construction, please contact a building inspector regarding requirements:
All residential construction requires a New Home Registration Form from BC Housing, Licensing and Consumer Services. This registration provides Home Warranty Insurance and can be obtained by the owner/builder or a Licensed Registered Builder.
All gas and electrical work undertaken by homeowners and contracts requires permits from Technical Safety BC.
Inspection Forms and Reference
Simple Building Permit Application
Complex Building Permit Application
Complex Code Analysis
Landowner / Homeowner Consent Form
BC Energy Code Requirements (reference)
(Click questions to expand)
What is a simple building?
A building of three stories or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 600 square meters and used for a major occupancy classified as:
- residential occupancy;
- business and personal services occupancy;
- mercantile occupancy;
- medium hazard industrial occupancy;
- low hazard industrial occupancy.
What is a complex building?
A building used for a major occupancy classified as:
- assembly occupancy;
- care occupancy;
- detention occupancy;
- high hazard industrial occupancy,
- treatment occupancy;
- or post-disaster building.
b) a building exceeding 600 square meters in building area or exceeding three stories in building height used for a major occupancy classified as:
- residential occupancy;
- business and personal services occupancy.
How long will it take to process my Building Permit application?
For residential applications, we strive to maintain a turn-around of ten (10) working days. You will be contacted by the PRRD as soon as your permit is ready. Payment is required at the time the permit is picked up.
How do I expedite my Building Permit application?
- Make a preliminary enquiry about the land use regulations and feasibility of your proposal to the Regional District Building Department; call 250-784-3200 or 800-670-7773.
- Complete the required application for a building permit
- Application must include construction and site plan drawings
- Construction plans must conform to the most recent edition of the BC Building Code.
Is a Development Permit required?
When a parcel of land is within a development permit area the landowner must obtain a development permit before the land is subdivided or the construction of, addition to or alterations of a building or other structure on the land is started. Additionally, a development permit may be required before the land is altered or a building or other structure on the land is altered.
The Regional District has designated development permit areas to meet one or more of the following objectives:
a) to establish objectives for the form and character of residential, commercial or industrial development;
b) to protect the natural environment, its ecosystem, and biological diversity;
c) to protect farming; and
d) to protect life and property from hazardous conditions.
For questions about development permits, please contact the PRRD Development Services Department.
What do I need to build a dock?
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development permits docks within the Regional District. Find their regulations and other useful information
here.
Issuance of a Building Permit
The building inspector may issue a building permit if all of the following conditions have been met:
- All requirements for the application have been submitted;
- A satisfactory review of the application has been completed;
- The building permit fee and other applicable fees have been paid.
Owner’s Responsibility
- Carry out the work authorized by a permit in accordance with the requirements of the BC Building Code and the bylaws of the Peace River Regional District;
- Ensure that a building permit is obtained prior to commencing any construction;
- Ensure that requests for inspections are made with at least 48 hours notice;
- Ensure that all forms and applications have been completed in full and properly endorsed;
- Display a copy of the building permit where it may be visible upon entering the property.
Fees and Charges
Additional fees, sewer permits and their associated fees may be required if you are within any of the following PRRD community sewer boundary areas:
For questions about additional fees, and whether or not they apply to your building project, please contact the Development Services Department.
Requirements for Plumbing Work
- Must possess a BC Tradesman’s qualifications certification as a plumber, OR
- Be an indentured apprentice supervised by a BC Journeyman Plumber, OR
- Be the registered owner and occupier of the single family dwelling provided that that building inspector has been provided with proof that the owner is able to satisfactorily complete the proposed work.
Bylaw Compliance
Most bylaw compliance issues are related to land use or building bylaw matters. The Peace River Regional District appreciates all feedback received from residents and take all concerns seriously. In an effort to ensure equality and fairness, we require all complaints to be in writing with a signature and includes your name and address.
When a concern is brought forward, the matter is investigated by staff. All efforts are made to resolve issues before the Regional Board is asked to consider enforcement action. Where an issue cannot be resolved, the Regional Board may seek legal remedies such as court orders.
Bylaw enforcement is complaint-based.
Regional District regulatory bylaws are found on our bylaw page.
If you observe a situation that you feel is not in keeping with Regional District regulations telephone a staff member to discuss the matter.
Peace River Regional District Bylaw Enforcement Policy
PRRD Complaint Form
For more information on Regulatory Agencies visit the resources tab.
Official Community Plans (OCP)
An Official Community Plan (OCP)
- general statement of the broad objectives and policies
- respecting the form and character of existing and proposed land use and servicing requirements
- generally intended to apply for a period of five years, after which a review and possibly an update is undertaken.
- does not commit or authorize any project noted in the plan, however, all bylaws enacted or works undertaken after the adoption of an OCP must be consistent with the plan.
Current Official Community Plans:
PRRD Rural Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1940, 2011
This OCP comprises of the Rural Area of the Peace River Regional District. For example: Clayhurst, Prespatou, Pink Mountain, Farmington, Lone Prairie area. Please see maps.
Rural Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1940, 2011
PRRD North Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2460, 2021
This OCP comprises a portion of the rural area surrounding the City of Fort St John. For example: Charlie Lake, Baldonnel, District of Taylor Rural Area.
North Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2460, 2021
PRRD South Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2048, 2012
This OCP comprises a portion of the rural area surrounding the City of Dawson Creek within the Peace River Regional District. For example: South Dawson, Bear Mountain, Pouce Coupe, Tupper area. Please see maps.
South Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2048, 2012
PRRD West Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2312, 2018
This OCP comprises a portion of the rural area surrounding the District of Chetwynd within the Peace River Regional District. For example: Wabi Hill, Jackfish Lake and Moberly Lake area. Please see maps.
West Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2312, 2018
Proposed Community Plans:
Telecommunication Towers
The Regional Board has approved a Telecommunications Tower Siting Policy (the Policy) to clarify the Peace River Regional District’s role in the siting of Telecommunication Antenna Systems and their supporting structures in the Electoral Areas.
What does this mean?
- An application is now required;
- There is a fee;
- A public meeting may be required;
- Notifications are required to be sent;
- Some concurrence letters must be authorized by a Board resolution.
Applications:
You must now submit a complete application along with the required fee to the PRRD for all telecommunication towers. The application fee is $250.00 and is due when you submit your application.
Application requirements and details on tower location and siting guidelines can be found in the Policy.
Requirement for Public Meeting:
Details on the requirements for hosting a public meeting in addition to notification requirements can be found in the Policy.
- For applications located on private land, a public meeting is now required.
- For applications on crown land within 1.5 km of a residential dwelling, a public meeting is now required.
Notification Requirements:
If a public meeting is required you must send notifications to affected property owners within the specified notification area. Timing of notifications, notification distance and details on required recipients can be found in the Policy.
Concurrence:
For proposals on private land, staff may issue a concurrence letter subject to the requirements listed in the Policy. For proposals on Crown Land, staff may issue a concurrence letter subject to the conditions listed in the Policy.
Should you fail to meet the requirements of the Policy, staff will issue a letter of non-concurrence.
View the policy
Download Application form
For more information please contact:
Ashley Murphey, RPP, MCIP | Planning Services Manager
250-785-8084 ashley.murphey@prrd.bc.ca
PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT
9505-100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4
Guidelines
Guidelines for Review of Large Industrial Dugouts and Borrow Pits on ALR Lands
The Regional District is periodically asked to review and provide comment on proposals for large industry use of dugouts and borrow pits that occur on ALR lands. These guidelines are intended to provide base considerations for staff and Directors when reviewing ALR non-farm use applications for Large Industrial Dugouts and Borrow Pits on ALR Lands. PRRD Guidelines for Review of Large Industrial Dugouts
Campground Guidelines
These guidelines have been established in order to assist campground operators in the general development and operation of campgrounds within the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Electoral Areas only. These guidelines do not apply to campgrounds within municipalities and are not intended to be used for mobile home parks, hotels, motels, marinas, or work camps. It is the responsibility of campground owners and operators to comply with any relevant Regional, Provincial or Federal legislation. Contact information for these agencies has also been provided. Campground Guidelines
Lakeshore Development Guidelines
The PRRD Lakeshore Development Guidelines is a policy document that prepared in response to growing pressures for development around lakeshore areas in the region. The policies and guidelines are relevant to development within 300 metres of the high water mark of a lake. The general intent of the document is threefold:
1. To provide the public with important educational and background information on lakeshore ecological and development issues;
2. To provide developers with valuable conservation guidelines which can be used for construction projects in proximity to lakeshore areas, streams and ecologically sensitive areas; and
3. To provide the Board of the Peace River Regional District and Development Services Staff with development policies and conservation guidelines for specific lakes in the region, in order to assist in the decision making process for future development proposals.
Lakeshore Development Guidelines (895 KB)
Wind Energy Project Application Guidelines
The purpose of these Application Guidelines is to assist the Regional Board in assessing Wind Energy Generation Project proposals within Electoral Areas. Wind Energy Generation Project Application Guidelines
Subdivisions
What should I do before I subdivide?
Before spending time and money on a subdivision application, it is highly recommended that you check with the Peace River Regional District to see if your property is affected by any of the following:
Specific applications may be required, and depending on your circumstances, you may wish to proceed with them prior to making a formal provincial subdivision application.
The School Site Acquisition fee of $1,000.00 per new residential lot applies to residential subdivisions within School District 60, Peace River North. For more information contact School District 60.
Where do I apply to subdivide?
If your property is not affected by any points mentioned above. You can apply to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI). Please visit subdividing land outside a municipality for more information.
What constitutes a subdivision?
Subdivision includes:
- the division of land into two or more parcels
- the amalgamation (consolidation) of two or more parcels into one
Need More Info?
Download the Guide to Subdivision Procedures Brochure
Zoning Amendment
When considering a development please check with a land-use planner to confirm whether the proposal meets regulatory requirements, or requires an application.
Wind Energy Generation Project Application Guidelines
Note: Online copies of the bylaws are NOT legal versions of the bylaws and are courtesy copies only. They may not include recent amendments.
Contaminated Site Remediation
Effective February 1, 2021, the Peace River Regional District will be implementing the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy’s site identification process in the region. You can get more information about the process here.
If you are submitting an application for rezoning, development permit or a building permit, you must fill out the Contaminated Site Declaration form.
If you answer yes (by selecting second option on the Declaration form), please contact the planning staff who will ask you to fill out the Site Disclosure Statement.
Current Zoning Bylaws are:
PRRD Zoning Bylaw 1343, 2001
This zoning bylaw comprises of the immediate area around Dawson Creek, Fort St John and Chetwynd
Peace River Regional District Zoning Bylaw 1343, 2001
PRRD Zoning Bylaw 1000, 1996
This zoning bylaw comprises portions of the land North of the Peace River. For example: Pink Mountain, Rose Prairie, Halfway, Prespatou, & Buick Creek. Please see maps.
Peace River Regional District Zoning Bylaw 1000, 1996
Dawson Creek Rural Zoning Bylaw 479, 1986
This zoning bylaw comprises portions of the Rural South Peace Area within the Peace River Regional District. For example: Farmington, Arras, Progress, Rolla and One Island Lake. Please see maps.
Dawson Creek Rural Area Zoning Bylaw 479, 1986
Chetwynd Rural Zoning Bylaw 506, 1986
This zoning bylaw comprises portions of the Rural West Peace Area within the Peace River Regional District. For example: Wabi Hill, Jackfish Lake, Hasler Flats and East Pine. Please see maps.
Chetwynd Rural Area Zoning Bylaw 506, 1986
Zoning Bylaw 85, 1976
This zoning bylaw covers the area along Hwy 97 from the Lemoray area to the PRRD western boundary.
Zoning Bylaw 85, 1976
Planning Projects
In 2019, the Government of BC introduced changes to the Local Government Act, requiring municipalities and regional districts to complete Housing Needs Reports to help better understand current and future housing needs and incorporate these into local plans and policies. The PRRD was awarded funding through a program from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support the completion of the first round of reports. The PRRD retained Urban Matters to complete Housing Needs Reports for four constituent communities, and the four electoral areas.
Separate reports have been prepared for each participating community and electoral area, which are based on local context while also providing a regional lens.
Dawson Creek Housing Needs Report
Electoral Area B Housing Needs Report
Electoral Area C Housing Needs Report
Electoral Area D Housing Needs Report
Electoral Area E Housing Needs Report
Housing Needs Implementation Framework (Implementation Report)
The purpose of the PRRD Housing Needs Assessment Project is to:
▪ Develop an understanding of the current housing availability, suitability, and affordability across the entire housing continuum;
▪ Make projections and recommendations on future population growth and significant expected changes in housing demand;
▪ Provide a breakdown of housing units by type, size, condition, and state of repair; and
▪ Provide recommendations for relevant policy updates for participating local governments.
These Housing Needs Reports include relevant housing related data for the Electoral Areas and establishes a baseline understanding of housing need and will be used to help inform further policy development.
