Before You Build at Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake is a unique boat-access area in Electoral Area B and C, located within the traditional territory of N’Quatqua and other St’át’imc communities. Responsible development helps protect water quality, aquatic habitat, the natural environment and the long-term value of properties in the area.

Property owners at Anderson Lake must confirm compliance with Provincial Regulations before building or making changes to surface water use, sewerage systems, docks or boat ramps.  

Property owners at Anderson Lake must confirm compliance with SLRD Bylaws and Regulations before constructing, altering, moving, demolishing or changing the use of a building or structure or altering the landscape.

The SLRD is here to assist you. Before starting work, contact the Building and Planning team and/or Front Counter BC to understand which permits, approvals or authorization may be required.

Build responsibly - protect your property and the natural environment

Riparian and shoreline area regulations

Protecting Anderson Lake’s shorelines and aquatic habitat is an important part of responsible waterfront development. Any development activities within 30 metres of a lake, stream or watercourse require a development permit under the Riparian Protection Development Permit Area (DPA). This includes activities such as vegetation removal/alternation, soil disturbance, construction, demolition and restoration work of buildings and docks. The Riparian Protection DPA implements the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR), as required by the Province.  RAPR calls on local governments to protect riparian areas during residential, commercial, and industrial development by ensuring that a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) conducts a science-based assessment of proposed activities. 

Contact: planning@slrd.bc.ca

Guide to Riparian Area Development Permits 

Wastewater and septic systems

All buildings with indoor plumbing must have a sewerage system in compliance with the BC Sewerage System Regulation. Every owner who wants to construct a new septic system, or alter or repair an existing one, must retain the services of an authorized person, who may be a professional engineer or a registered onsite wastewater practitioner, to design and oversee the construction of the disposal system. In Electoral Area C, sewerage system filings are under the jurisdiction of Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. In Electoral Area B, sewerage systems are under the jurisdiction of Interior Health Authority.

Electoral Area C:
Vancouver Coastal Health Sewerage System 
 
Electoral Area B:
Interior Health Sewerage System 
 

Water licensing and rights

A water right is the authorized use of surface water or groundwater. If you own land that contains or has access to surface water or groundwater, the right to divert and use surface water or groundwater is authorized by a licence or approval from the Province of BC. Licences and approvals are granted in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Water Sustainability Act.

Contact: frontcounterbc@gov.bc.ca

Province of BC Licenses and Approvals

Docks and boat ramps

The construction, placement and use of private moorage facilities require authorization from the Province. Private moorage facilities include docks, boatways/ramps or boat lifts used for private residential use. 

Contact: frontcounterbc@gov.bc.ca

Province of BC Private Moorage

Zoning and land use

Zoning regulates how land can be used and where buildings or structures can be located on a property. Zoning is in place to ensure that cumulative impacts are managed while respecting neighbouring properties and communities. Property owners must confirm compliance with zoning bylaws before starting any project. More information and a Zoning FAQ are available in the Planning & Development section of the SLRD website.

Contact: planning@slrd.bc.ca

Zoning Bylaws

Building permits

Building Permits protect the health, safety and interests of individuals and communities in the SLRD. A building permit is required before constructing, altering, moving, demolishing or changing the use of a building or structure. Building permits ensure compliance with the BC Building Code, SLRD Zoning Bylaws, SLRD Official Community Plan Bylaws, SLRD Building Bylaw No. 1611-2020, Provincial Regulations, and other applicable regulations. Explore “A Guide to Building Permits” for more information. 

Contact: bldgofficial@slrd.bc.ca

Building Permits in the SLRD 

Buying property at Anderson Lake?

Prospective buyers and real estate professionals are encouraged to confirm property information before purchase. This may include reviewing property files for existing permits and covenants, wastewater systems, dock authorizations, water licensing, current zoning and OCP bylaws, other applicable regulations and any known compliance issues.

The SLRD can provide access to all building permit files issued to a property through a Property Information Request. [PDF/170KB]

Written assurances to property owners that a building or use of land is in compliance with Regional District Bylaws and regulations are available through a Letter of Comfort. If a use or building is not in compliance, a comfort letter may also be written to allow the Regional District to clarify its position regarding the non-conformance of the building or land use. Please contact planning@slrd.bc.ca to request a letter of comfort. 

Before you build, contact the SLRD and/or FrontCounterBC to confirm what applies to your property and project.

Stewardship and protecting the place you love

Anderson Lake has it all: natural beauty, recreation opportunities and a journey that makes it feel like you are getting away from it all. Responsible development and environmental stewardship help protect the things that you and your neighbours value the most. 

Before starting work, take the time to understand the requirements that apply to your property and do the work in a good way to protect the land, water and community.