Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is seeking public feedback on proposed targeted updates to seven Official Community Plan (OCP) and land-use bylaws covering Electoral Areas A, B, C, F, G, J, and K. The amendments are intended to keep OCP policies consistent with residential zoning changes adopted by the RDCK in 2024 and again in 2026 in response to provincial housing legislation, including Bill 44: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023. Bill 44 requires local governments to allow Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) in certain residential zones.
This is a focused update to specific residential policies. It is not a full rewrite of the OCPs and does not propose new zoning changes. The proposed changes primarily modernize residential terminology, support accessory dwelling units in applicable policies, and remove regulatory details such as minimum lot size and density where those matters are more appropriately addressed through zoning bylaws.
To learn more, review the proposed changes and provide feedback: https://engage.rdck.ca/projects/official-community-plan-updates-2026
As part of the OCP amendment process under the Local Government Act, the RDCK is seeking feedback from the public, First Nations, provincial agencies and other interested parties. The updates are intended to improve consistency between OCP policy and zoning regulations while continuing to consider water and sewer servicing, environmental conditions, and form and character requirements where applicable.
“These targeted updates are about keeping our planning documents clear and consistent with zoning changes already adopted by the Board.” said Nelson Wight, RDCK Planning Manager.
The OCP updates apply to the following bylaws:
- Electoral Area ‘A’ Comprehensive Land Use Bylaw No. 2315, 2013
- Electoral Area ‘B’ Comprehensive Land Use Bylaw No. 2316, 2013
- Electoral Area ‘C’ Comprehensive Land Use Bylaw No. 2317, 2013
- Electoral Area ‘F’ Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2214, 2011
- Electoral Area ‘G’ Land Use Bylaw No. 2452, 2018
- Kootenay-Columbia Rivers OCP Bylaw No. 1157, 1996
- Electoral Area ‘K’ – The Arrow Lakes OCP Bylaw No. 2022, 2009
The proposed amendments are intended to maintain OCPs as high-level policy documents, with detailed land use regulations addressed through zoning bylaws. This approach is intended to provide clearer and more consistent direction for residents, applicants and decision-makers while maintaining flexibility to respond to future legislative or regulatory changes.
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