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An agricultural property in Coldstream. (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters Staff)
By Liam Verster
Secondary Dwellings

Decision to allow more housing on Coldstream agricultural land deferred

Apr 29, 2026 | 11:42 AM

A decision to reduce the permissible lot size for secondary housing in Coldstream has been postponed.

At the meeting Monday, April 27, Coldstream Council was presented a staff report recommending that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) be allowed on agricultural properties 2.0 hectares and larger.

The report said ADUs were already permitted on agricultural properties 4.0 hectares in size or larger, but few property owners had taken advantage of this regulation.

It also recommended that the municipality adopt a Development Permit Area to regulate the floorplate and location of ADUs to minimize the impacts they would have on farmland.

Coldstream Council received the report Monday but decided more information was needed before a decision could be made on this matter.

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Council requested district staff and Greater Vernon Water provide more information about the impacts this change could have and report back at a later date, at which point council would move forward with further deliberations.

The municipality did note that property owners wishing to add a secondary dwelling could apply for to re-zone their property by contacting the district office.

by Liam Verster
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