GovHandbook

R-7 zone in Smithers: Rural Residential Hobby Farm

Smithers, British ColumbiaDraft, not yet reviewedBylaw read 2026-11-07

In short

To accommodate one and two-family dwellings in rural areas with larger parcels suitable for agricultural or hobby farm use.

Zone rules

PurposeTo accommodate one and two-family dwellings in rural areas with larger parcels suitable for agricultural or hobby farm use.
Main uses
  • Single detached dwelling
  • Semi-detached dwelling
  • Agriculture
  • Hobby farm
  • Group home (major and minor)
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Bed and breakfast
  • Carriage house
  • Secondary suite
  • Short-term rental
Minimum lot area2 hectares (4.94 acres)
Minimum lot width30 metres
Maximum lot coverage30% for all buildings and structures
Maximum densityOn community water and sewer: 4 units for fee simple parcels greater than 280 m²; 3 units for fee simple parcels less than 280 m²
Maximum height9 metres (residential buildings)
Front setback7.5 metres
Rear setback7.5 metres
Interior side setback7.5 metres (side yard)
Other rules
  • Farm animals: no more than 1 horse, 2 cattle and 12 poultry for each 0.4 hectares (1 acre) of parcel area
  • No side setback is required on an interior side line where a party wall between two dwellings sits on that line

Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 1987 (adopted June 17, 2025), s. 4.6 (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply, and a lot can have site-specific rules. The Town posts the bylaw as adopted on 17 June 2025; no later amendments are folded into this PDF. Schedule A (the zoning map) is a separate PDF. Zone pages are taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and have not yet been reviewed by a person: confirm with the bylaw before you rely on them. How answers are checked.

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