Denman farming bylaw review paused for setback information

The Local Trust Committee recessed its special meeting and planned to reconvene after staff gathered more information about setbacks from watercourses.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2022-10-06 · updated 2026-10-09 · Denman Island

Staff were asked to bring back information on setbacks from watercourses before the Denman Island Local Trust Committee continued its review of proposed farming regulations; the committee recessed its special meeting and set a reconvening date of October 14, 2022, at 10 a.m.^[1]

The discussion focused on whether fencing should be included in proposed setbacks near water. Staff said the wording raised questions about distinguishing fences used to protect crops from fencing that confines animals, and the committee sought more information before deciding how to address the regulations.^[1]

At the October 14 continuation, staff recommended excluding fencing from the setback requirement at that time, to support a full range of acceptable agricultural uses. Staff also said a comprehensive review of setback requirements and Development Permit Areas was outside the project’s scope, and that provincial rules set setbacks for water protection on farmland.^[1]

The committee amended proposed Bylaw No. 229 to set a 30-metre setback for agricultural buildings and structures, except for a fence, in sections 1.7 and 1.8. It then gave the bylaw first and second readings.^[1]

The committee also gave proposed Bylaw No. 228, an Official Community Plan amendment, first and second readings. It asked staff to refer both bylaws to agencies and First Nations for comment, and to schedule a community information meeting and public hearing after the referral response period.^[1]

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