Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: September 30, 2026·ALR & Zoning
Land clearing and tree removal on ALR land is regulated, and it is not as simple as cutting what you own, because the Agricultural Land Commission and local government both have rules to protect agricultural capacity and riparian areas. Clearing for farm use is generally treated more favourably than clearing for a non-farm purpose, but it still may require notification or approval.
The constraints that bite hardest are riparian setbacks, which protect watercourses and their banks, and soil-removal rules, because removing topsoil or altering drainage can reduce the land's agricultural value. A parcel with a creek, a ditch, or a wetland edge can have significant no-touch zones that limit where and how much you can clear.
Treat clearing as a due-diligence question before you buy, not a post-closing plan, because what you can legally clear determines what you can actually farm. Read our ALR and Water guides for the framework, and confirm the riparian and clearing rules with the ALC and your municipality for the specific parcel.
Important: This answer is general professional guidance for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Brokerage: Rexara Realty Inc.
Gurjit Ghai is a BC real estate professional specializing in agricultural land, ALR properties, and farm operations across British Columbia. He helps buyers and sellers navigate water rights, soil capability, farm classification, and the unique due diligence that farmland transactions require.