Communication Site
Communication Site
An application to build a communication site (e.g. tower, dish, antenna, etc.) on Crown land or to add equipment to an existing communication site tower.
Contents:
- Mandatory Authorizations
- Costs
- Eligibility Requirements
- Information Requirements
- Potential Additional Requirements
- Related Links
- Other Things you Should Know
About this Activity Guide
| This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only. |
Mandatory Authorizations
| Authorization Name | Link to Authorization Guidance | Link to Application |
|---|---|---|
| Land Act authorization - Communication Site | Authorization Guidance | Apply Now |
Costs
Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.
| Cost Type | Cost Description | Cost | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Application processing fee due when application is submitted. | $1,050.00 | Crown Land Application Fee Structure |
| Rent | Rent is based on zone and user category and is payable annually. Rent is required for additional users on a site. | Varies | Crown Land Use: Communication Sites Policy - See Appendix 1 |
| Insurance | A minimum level of liability insurance as specified in Section 9.1 of the policy. | Varies - please consult your insurance agent | Crown Land Use: Communication Sites Policy - See Section 9.1 |
| Security | A security deposit may be required to ensure the tenure holder complies with and completes all the obligations and requirements specified in the tenure. | Varies | Crown Land Use: Communication Sites Policy - See Section 9.2 |
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 19 years of age or older if applying as an individual. |
| Canadian Citizen or permanent resident | You must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident if applying as an individual. |
| Company eligible to do business in BC | Must be incorporated through the BC Companies Registry, or extraprovincially registered if applying as an organization. |
| First Nations | Must apply through Band corporations or Indian Band and Tribal Councils (Band or Tribal Councils require a Band Council Resolution), if applying as First Nations. |
Information Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|
| Land Act Online Application | An online system which requires you to enter information onscreen and upload documentation, digital files and/or maps to support your application. See the link provided for a checklist of requirements. You can link directly to the online application in the Mandatory Authorizations section. | Communication Site Application Requirements Checklist |
| Crown Land Use Management Plan | A written report explaining the proposal in detail. Refer to link provided for the Crown Land Use Management Plan template, as well as guidance to help you complete your plan. | Crown Land Use Management Plans |
| Location and Site Plan Map | Create a Location Map and Site Plan Map as per the "Communication Site" mapping instructions on the linked page. A digital file in the form of a shapefile, KML or Geomark link is preferred although not required. See Links section for mapping tools to assist with digital files. | Site Map Samples Web Page |
| Completed Communication Sites Inventory | Signed and dated inventory of all communication uses on a tenure. | Communication Sites Inventory Form |
| Side View Tower Profile | Tower profile showing location and elevation of all antennae on the tower. | |
| Communication Site Questionnaire | 1. Applicant information 2. General site and location information 3. Tower antenna & frequency information | Communication Site Questionnaire |
| Certificate as to Subsidiary Status | Complete even if no subsidiary status exists. | Certificate as to Subsidiary Status |
Potential Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Description | When is it Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Registration Number | See Guide to Open Burning for additional information. | When planning an open fire, you may require a Burn Registration Number. |
| Co-Applicant Permission | A co-applicant authorization letter is generated within the Online Application system which must be signed digitally or printed, signed and uploaded. The letter authorizes the main applicant to provide personal information for all co-applicants. A separate letter is required for each coapplicant. | When more than one applicant has requested to be named on the tenure document, which makes them coapplicants. |
| Copies of all Subtenure Agreements | Sub-tenure Agreement should contain the following as applicable: 1) Names of the parties involved 2) Proposed term of the sub-tenure (Sub-tenures must expire at least one day prior to the absolute expiry of the head tenure) 3) Sub-tenure consideration (fee, rental, etc.) paid to the tenure holder 4) Updated site plan if the additional facilities are not shown on the original site plan. | When a site is used by a third party subsidiary of the tenure holder. |
| Occupant Licence to Cut | An authorization for trees to be cut on a Crown land tenure. | When the tenure holder needs to cut timber on the Crown land tenure. |
| Radio Licences | Include copies of federal government radio licenses for all communication site users. | When site includes federal government radio licences |
| Road Use Permit or Maintenance Agreement | Road Use Permit (RUP) for a Forest Service road or a Maintenance Agreement with an existing permit holder, if the road is under road permit or special use permit. | If you will transport heavy equipment or materials on an existing forest road. |
| Water Sustainability Act - Change or Use Approval | An authorization under the Water Sustainability Act which allows you to make changes in and about a freshwater source. Change or Use approval applies depending on activity and length of use. | If you will be working in or around freshwater. |
Related Links
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Agent Letter (Letter of Agency) | A document to be signed to allow another party to manage an application on behalf of a client. |
| Crown Land Use: Communication Sites Policy | The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document. |
| Crown Land Use: Communication Sites Web Page | A web page providing additional detail. |
| FrontCounter BC Discovery Tool | A Google Earth based mapping tool where you can create a Geomark or KML. |
| iMapBC | A mapping tool where you can create a shapefile. |
Other Things You Should Know
Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.
BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:
- Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
- Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
- Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID
Consulting with First Nations
- The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
- The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.
Last Updated: July 14, 2023