2025 Zoning Bylaw Update

The zoning bylaw is an important regulatory tool that guides how land is used and developed in our community. It regulates things like principal uses, accessory uses, setbacks, off-street parking, home occupations, fencing, building heights and so much more.

The current Zoning Bylaw was adopted in 2020 and amended in 2024. View the current City of Dawson Creek Zoning Bylaw on the City of Dawson Creek iCompass Portal.

Updating the Zoning Bylaw

In BC, municipalities are required to update their zoning bylaws to align with their Official Community Plans (OCPs) and Housing Needs Reports (HNRs) by December 31, 2025. The City’s current Zoning Bylaw was last comprehensively reviewed and updated in 2019.

What to Expect - Timeline

Updating the Zoning Bylaw is an important process, and requires community engagement, technical review and an approval process through City Council.

We are currently at the ‘Community Engagement’ stage of the update process, and we want to hear your feedback on zoning-related topics. Engagement for this project consists of a survey available both online and through physical copies available for pick-up at City Hall, 10105 12A Street.

The survey is now open and will close on September 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM.

How the Zoning Bylaw Impacts You

The Zoning Bylaw is a key tool that guides how land is used and developed in Dawson Creek. It is a rulebook for land use that outlines what can be built, where, and how. It applies to everyone: homeowners, renters, businesses, developers, and the City itself. It helps answer questions like:

• What can I do on my property?
• Where can houses be built?
• How tall can my fence be?
• Can I build a shed in my backyard?
• Where can businesses open?
• Can I start a home occupation?
• Am I allowed to have bees or hens in my backyard?
• How big or tall can buildings be?
• How much off-street parking doing business have to provide?

Stay Informed During the Process

Updates about the Zoning Bylaw Update 2025 will come through reports to Council and will be added to this page. Subscribe to receive regular Council Meeting Agenda updates, and other City news, at www.dawsoncreek.ca/subscribe.

Questions about the Zoning Bylaw Update can be directed to:

City of Dawson Creek
Development Services: Planning
planner@dawsoncreek.ca
250-784-3601