Cancelled: Business Licence Regulation Bylaw Amendment Initiative and next week's related PIM

Greater West Bench (GWB) residents have repeatedly expressed a desire to remain a rural residential community and to limit industrial business activity on private properties. I’d like to connect with the community to confirm that this continues to be the preferred direction (I believe it is).

Conflicts sometimes arise when industrial-type activities show up in residential areas, such as auto repair, heavy equipment storage, or industrial-level use/noise. These uses have never been permitted in GWB.

Because the RDOS cannot license activities that aren’t allowed, clearly defining (and possibly licensing) what is permitted could help support home occupations (permited uses) while ensuring industrial uses remain in appropriately zoned areas.

However, RDOS staff currently have limited capacity to support meaningful engagement on this topic. The RD’s ability to issue business licences is new, and while licensing could be an effective tool for protecting the community’s character, it’s a complex discussion that deserves sufficient time and resources. I’ve asked staff to stop this initiative until a comprehensive engagement process can be supported.

Let me know if you have any questions. I provided some more context below.

PIM CANCELLED: Public Information Meeting on Business License Regulation in Greater West Bench, Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

Thank you,

Riley

A bit more context (my thoughts).

For me, this conversation had two main purposes:

First, Greater West Bench (GWB) residents have consistently said they want to remain a rural residential community and avoid industrial uses creeping in. I also sit on a board with eight other rural directors, some of whom question the value of ‘rural residential.’ Hearing directly from GWB residents could help reinforce why "rural residential" areas matter.

Second, and this may sound a bit backwards, but a clearly defined home-occupation business licence could help define what is not permitted. By clearly defining low-impact home-based businesses, the bylaw becomes easier to understand and enforce, helping prevent industrial-type activities that create conflict in residential areas.

This initiative was not changing what is already permitted by the GWB/Small Holding 5 zoning. What’s allowed: low-impact home occupations such as hair stylists, consultants, studios, someone selling extra plums, hobby-scale services, and similar activities. These have always been permitted.

Where conflict arises: when industrial-type uses emerge—auto repair, heavy equipment storage, or excessive/industrial-style noise and activity that affects neighbours and changes the character of the community.  These uses have never been permitted in GWB.

If you have any questions or suggestions on this topic, please let me know at rgettens@rdos.bc.ca 250-488-0246.

Thank you,

Riley

CANCELLED

The RDOS is holding a public information meeting for proposed amendments to Business Licence Regulation No. 3100, 2025, in order to introduce business licensing requirements for "home occupation" uses within the Greater West Bench of Electoral Area "F".

The meeting is being held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm via webex.

For further information, view the project page on the RDOS website at rdos.bc.ca/planning or contact the RDOS Planning department, at 250-490-4108.

20251114 LTR ZONE - Letter to Adjacents notifying of PIM_9897655775468434542.pdf

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