Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: October 6, 2026·ALR & Zoning
Greenhouse production on ALR land is a permitted farm use in many circumstances, but the rules around the buildings, their size, and their siting are regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission and the local government, and the details matter. A greenhouse used for growing plants in soil is generally treated as a farm use, while a sealed, climate-controlled structure for non-soil-based production can fall under different and stricter rules.
The building size, setbacks, and whether the structure is considered a farm building or a non-farm use can all affect what you can build and where. Local zoning adds another layer, and some municipalities cap greenhouse footprint or require permits for large structures. A greenhouse operation also has water, energy, and sometimes waste-water considerations that are separate from the land-use question.
If a greenhouse operation is part of your farm plan, confirm what the ALR rules and the local zoning allow on that specific parcel before you commit. Read our ALR guide for the framework, and check with the ALC and your municipality, because the difference between a permitted soil-based greenhouse and a restricted controlled-environment structure is significant.
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.