Variance Application update
Good day, everyone,
Thank you once again for your incredible support of our Development Variance Permit application with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD). We truly appreciate every signature, every comment, and every person who has taken the time to support our little farm.
We wanted to provide you with an update on where things stand.
After carefully exploring every possible option, we have decided to submit revised plans to the FVRD next week that propose relocating our goat house and chicken coop to another area of our property.
Our original goal was to keep the structures where they are now. Unfortunately, we discovered that this would be the most expensive and complicated path forward. It would have required a geotechnical assessment, approval through the FVRD planning process, consideration by the Regional Board, and, if approved, amendments to existing covenants—all before our goats could continue sleeping in their shelter and our hens could continue laying eggs where they always have.
When we originally built these structures, we intentionally located them in the current location to minimize any potential impacts on our neighbouring property. They were placed as far away as possible from the neighbouring residence and well, while also reducing visibility, noise, dust, and manure concerns, as you know, with their consent and approval.
After 6 years and a falling out with the neighbour, a complaint was made regarding the placement of the structures, leaving us with very limited options for achieving compliance.
The only remaining area of our property that may be suitable for relocation presents its own challenges, including the presence of the neighbours large leaning maple tree along the property line that has already caused damage to our fence. Cordial and legal options have been discussed with the neighbour to remove his tree to no avail. Even with the risk regarding the tree failing, we have no choice to move forward with this option in the hope of resolving the matter.
As part of our research, we met with a crane operator to determine whether our goat house could even be relocated. Thankfully, it can—but it will require a very large crane, specialized equipment, transportation, and significant expense. Although this was not the outcome we had hoped for, preserving the goat house for our animals is important to us, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make it happen.
Our revised site plans will be submitted to the FVRD Planning Department next week for consideration. At the same time, we will also be submitting this petition to demonstrate the overwhelming community support we have received throughout this process.
Your encouragement has meant more to us than words can express. This has never simply been about two small farm structures—it has been about preserving our ability to responsibly care for our animals while continuing to enjoy the small hobby farm we have worked so hard to build.
Thank you for standing with us and supporting our little farm. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we move through the next stage of the process.