Soil Deposit and Fill Rules on ALR Land in BC
Last updated: March 2026 · By Tishtaar Titina, P.Ag., MSc. · 3 min read
Placing fill or removing soil on land in British Columbia's Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is regulated by both the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) and your local government. Getting it wrong can result in compliance orders, remediation requirements, and financial penalties. This guide covers the key rules based on current provincial regulations.
What Counts as "Fill"?
Under the ALC's regulations, fill placement means depositing, placing, storing, or stockpiling fill on any ALR land where that fill did not previously exist. This includes soil, gravel, rock, sand, and other earth materials.
Prohibited Materials
The following materials are prohibited from being placed on ALR land regardless of the quantity:
- Construction or demolition waste
- Asphalt
- Glass
- Synthetic polymers (plastics)
- Treated wood
- Unchipped lumber
When You Don't Need an ALC Application
Certain soil and fill activities are permitted without ALC authorization under the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation (BC Reg. 30/2019):
- Farm structure construction: Soil removal or fill placement for constructing or maintaining a farm-use structure or principal residence is permitted if the total disturbed area is 1,000 m² or less.
- Aggregate extraction under 500 m³: Small-scale gravel extraction is a permitted non-farm use without an application.
However, you may still need a Notice of Intent (NOI) depending on the activity. Always check with your local government, as municipal soil deposit bylaws often have additional requirements.
When You Need an ALC Application
A formal Soil or Fill Use Application to the ALC is required when:
- Fill placement exceeds the permitted thresholds
- Soil removal is for non-agricultural purposes
- The activity involves area-wide filling or extraction
The application fee is $1,500 ($750 to the local government, $750 to the ALC). A $150 deduction may apply if a Notice of Intent was previously submitted for the same activity.
What the Application Requires
Soil/fill applications to the ALC must include:
- Detailed building plans with floor areas and measurements (if related to construction)
- Cross-sections showing fill depths and extents for area-wide filling
- A reclamation plan with an agricultural capability assessment
- Source information for the fill material
Local Government Requirements
Municipal requirements vary. Many municipalities require soil deposit permits for any deposition or removal exceeding 15 m³ or soil placed to a depth of 0.5 m. Where more than 0.1 hectares of ALR land is proposed to be disturbed, independent ALC approval is typically required in addition to local government permits.
Contact your local government's engineering or planning department for specific requirements.
Compliance and Enforcement
Unauthorized fill placement on ALR land is a serious compliance issue. The ALC has the authority to issue orders requiring removal of unauthorized fill, remediation of the land, and restoration of agricultural capability. Local governments may also enforce their own soil bylaws independently.
How We Can Help
Titrin Agrisoil Solutions provides end-to-end support for soil and fill projects on agricultural land — from initial assessment through ALC application, construction oversight, and compliance close-out. As a Professional Agrologist with direct experience at both the ALC and municipal level, Tishtaar can help ensure your project stays compliant.
Planning a soil deposit or fill project on ALR land?
Book a free consultation — we respond within one business day.
Related Guides
Sources
- Provincial Agricultural Land Commission — Information Bulletin 07: Soil or Fill Uses in the ALR
- Provincial Agricultural Land Commission — Permitted Uses in the ALR
- Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation, BC Reg. 30/2019
- Agricultural Land Commission Act, RSBC 2002