Growth and change in the community can be managed effectively through policies related to the provision of infrastructure, services, and amenities and through the regulation of land use and development. Promoting compact, mixed-use, and high quality development will help protect our natural areas by reducing urban sprawl, eliminating unnecessary infrastructure spending, and fostering a convenient, walkable, and livable community. Two of the District's main land use regulations are the Official Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw, which are described below. You can review the applicable zoning of properties in Sparwood by viewing our interactive map.
The District of Sparwood is in the process of updating its Zoning Bylaw. This document sets out the rules and regulations respecting land uses within the community, such as setbacks, building size and property uses. The current Zoning Bylaw which was adopted in 1981 has seen many amendments without a comprehensive review.
The purpose of this update is to modernize the bylaw, check-in with the community and business owners on any potential changes they may like to see, and to ensure consistency with the District’s Official Community Plan which was adopted in 2015.
The Zoning Bylaw Update is following three phases:
Phase 1: Orientation and Analysis Summary
Phase 2: Draft Bylaw
Phase 3: Bylaw Adoption
For any questions or comments pertaining to the Zoning Bylaw or this project, please contact Jeremy Johnston at jjohnston@sparwood.ca or 250-425-6271.
The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a comprehensive plan to guide future land use and address related needs for amenities, services, and infrastructure support. The OCP guides the Zoning Bylaw and other municipal bylaws, and guides Council as they consider development applications.
In 2035, Sparwood will be a caring, neighbourly and sustainable community with pride in our natural environment. A unique and vibrant downtown will be the social, cultural and economic heart of our community, with opportunities to live, work, learn, shop, and play in close proximity. A diverse economy will provide a range of jobs and services to supplement the mining industry, which will continue to be our economic lifeblood. A diversity of housing options will allow residents with a range of ages, income levels and lifestyles to live comfortably in Sparwood through all stages of their lives. A world-class multi-purpose network of trails, parks, and recreational areas will support an active, healthy, and highly livable community. You can read the full Official Community Plan here.
To achieve this vision, Sparwood has set the following goals to guide implementation of this Official Community Plan (OCP). These goals provide the framework for the policies in Part II.
The following directions represent this OCP’s priorities and summarize the objectives and policies in Part II:
• Focus and integrate compatible future development within Sparwood’s downtown area and existing developed and serviced areas;
• Locate the majority of future offices within the downtown area;
• Enhance the downtown as an economically and socially vibrant community centre that is pedestrian-friendly and accessible to all residents;
• Encourage diverse housing options for current and future residents that accommodate a broad range of ages, income levels, and lifestyles; and,
• Identify Sparwood’s key natural areas, including the riparian areas around the Elk River and local creeks, and protect them through policy, regulation, and enforcement.
The purpose of the Zoning Bylaw is to control the use of land in accordance with the OCP. This document sets out the rules and regulations respecting land uses within the community, such as setbacks, building size and property uses. Zoning is typically designed to create compatibility between different land uses. The Zoning Bylaw can be amended as a Council-led initiative, or by application.
Some projects require a change to the applicable land use regulations in the OCP or Zoning Bylaw. If your project requires an amendment to the OCP or Zoning Bylaw, please review the Development Application Procedures Bylaw, and then contact the District's Planning Department at 250-425-6271 or sparwood@sparwood.ca to discuss your project. You can also download the appropriate application form.
![]() | 136 Spruce Avenue Box 520 Sparwood British Columbia V0B 2G0 |
![]() | 1 250 425 6271 |
![]() | 1 250 425 7277 |
![]() | sparwood@sparwood.ca |
© 2016 District of Sparwood