Crown Land Residence
Crown Land Residence
Crown Land Residence: Residential applications are considered only in specific circumstances which must be determined before you apply. If your specific circumstance meets the policy criteria, the Residential Program may provide access to Crown land for permanent residential development by individuals and private developers. Individual applications for new recreational or residential shoreland tenures are not accepted. Please contact FrontCounter BC before beginning a residential application.
If your application is for nature-based shoreline protection on Vancouver Island, please see Nature-based erosion protection for important information.
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 - Residential | 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. | $262.50 | Crown Land Application Fee Structure |
| Rent | Land rental fee which is prepaid on an annual basis. | Varies | Crown Land Use: Residential Policy - See Appendix 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: Residential Policy - See Section 9.2 |
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for Residential Crown land use | Due to the complexity of the residential program, eligibility to apply will depend on the applicant's specific purpose. Refer to the Residential Land Use Policy found in the Links section to find the Application Eligibility information. |
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. | Residential Application Requirements Checklist |
| Crown Land Use Management Plan | A written report explaining the proposal in detail. Refer to link provided for 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 "Residential" 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 |
Potential Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Description | When is it Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Letter | Signed and dated letter providing approval for agent or consultant to act on behalf of applicant. Legal names/entities to be used on letter. Refer to Links section for template. | When an agent or consultant will be acting on behalf of applicant. |
| 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. |
| Occupant Licence to Cut | An authorization for trees to be cut on a Crown land tenure. Refer to Links section for additional information. | When the tenure holder needs to cut timber on the Crown land tenure. |
| 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. Refer to Links section for additional information. | 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: Residential Policy | The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document. |
| Crown Land Use: Residential 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. |
| Occupant Licence to Cut Form | A form to use if requesting to cut or cut and remove trees on a Crown land tenure. |
| Water Sustainability Act Change or Use Approval | A web page providing additional detail. |
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