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Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Land Tenures Branch - Crown Land Program Areas

Roadways

Application Documents

In addition to reading the information on this webpage, the following documents should be reviewed prior to submitting your application:

The following documents MUST BE COMPLETED prior to submitting your application:

Complete Application Package which includes:
If you have questions regarding any aspect of the application process, a specific file or a proposal about a specific area, please contact FrontCounter BC.

What is the Roadways Program?

The roadways program authorizes the building of public and private roadways over Crown land in British Columbia.

The program supports access needs and contributes to the development of the transportation infrastructure across the province.

Providing access to Crown land for roads ensures that British Columbia will benefit from the development of transportation infrastructure in a co-ordinated, responsible manner that encourages the efficient use of Crown land resources.

What is the Role of the Authorizing Agencies?

The Authorizing Agency is responsible for:

  • socially and environmentally responsible allocation of Crown land for roadways; and
  • ensuring sufficient Crown land is available for future roads.

Therefore, whenever a decision to sell or lease Crown land is made, the roads required for surrounding area are assessed and the appropriate public road allowance is made.

The area required for a roadway allowance may be removed from the parcel being sold or leased.

When Authorizing Agency authorizes Crown land for roadways, the land is normally made available by a direct offer, which is made in response to an individual application.

For more details, please check the Roadways Policy.

Who May Apply?

Eligible to apply under this program are:

  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada aged 19 years or older;
  • corporations registered in British Columbia or incorporated under the laws of Canada; and
  • provincial and federal government agencies requiring Crown land for roadway purposes.
Tenure Options
  • Works permits for the construction and maintenance of a public road or bridge are typically offered for a 1-year term but may be available for up to 10 years where the work cannot be completed in 1 year. The permit fee is $250 for a 1-year term. For a term greater than 1-year, a prepaid fee of $500 is required.
  • Statutory right-of-way (private roads) is the preferred tenure type for road where public use must be excluded. The typical term for a statutory right-of-way is 30 years. These tenures are priced at twice the zoning rates for public and private utilities with a minimum prepaid rent of $500.
  • An interim licence of occupation may be offered pending completion of the land survey where an application has been received for a statutory right-of-way for a private road. The licence is available for a 2-year term. Rental payments will be made at the same rates as those for statutory rights-of-way.
  • A licence of occupation may be offered for a private roadway where land survey costs are unaffordable. Licence is normally available for a10-year term. Prepaid rental fees are payable at a rate of 100% of the zone land value for the full term of the tenure, with a minimum payment of $500.
Application Fees

Application Fees are outlined in the Land Tenure Purpose and Application Fees schedule.

Special Requirements

Applicants must provide detailed information about the specific site and location including:

  • an explanation of why the road is required;
  • map of the location;
  • location and details of culverts, bridges, cattle guards, etc.;
  • construction material to be used and source of aggregate;
  • maximum sustained grade and location of grades steeper than 10%; and
  • description of equipment to be used to construct the road.

The following may also be required:

  • An engineering report may also be required to accompany the application.
  • Roadways should be designed to connect to the roadway plan for the surrounding area.
  • A performance bond may be required depending on the level of proposed land development must be posted by the applicant.
  • If the proposal contains plans to cut timber on the requested site, an appropriate licence must be obtained prior to cutting or removal of any timber.

The most common reason for delay is submission of an incomplete application, which is then returned to the applicant. To ensure an application is processed as quickly as possible, be sure to complete all the required forms outlined in the Requirements List/Management Plan and submit the required Application Fee.

If your application is accepted, you will be notified if Advertising is required. Please wait for confirmation before advertising.