How Intentional Communities in Canada Are Redefining Zoning Laws (and How You Can Too!)

If you’ve ever thought about starting an intentional community, you might have realized zoning laws are one of the trickiest hurdles. How do you get a city to approve a village full of tiny homes or an organic farm that doubles as a housing development? The good news is that intentional communities across Canada are proving it’s possible to make these zoning changes—and in doing so, they’re paving the way for more inclusive, sustainable living.

Here’s how some trailblazers did it, what you can learn from their experiences, and when it might make sense to skip the zoning headaches and find a property that already fits your needs.

1. Yarrow Ecovillage: Crafting New Zoning from Scratch

Nestled in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Yarrow Ecovillage is a great example of what happens when a group works with their local government to create something new. In 2006, after multiple meetings with the city of Chilliwack, Yarrow successfully introduced the concept of an “Ecovillage Zoning” category. This allowed them to build homes, a learning center, an organic farm, and retail spaces all on the same property—something that traditional zoning laws wouldn’t have allowed​

This didn’t happen overnight. The Yarrow team organized informational sessions with city officials and neighbors, addressing concerns and gathering input. Their approach—transparent, cooperative, and well-researched—proved that zoning can be flexible if you’re willing to put in the work.

Takeaway: If you’re dreaming about a community project, consider hosting similar local meetings to get your neighbors and officials on board early. By involving them in the process, you show that your project is beneficial for the whole area, not just your community.

2. O.U.R. Ecovillage: Innovating Beyond the Code

On Vancouver Island, O.U.R. Ecovillage broke new ground—literally—by changing not only zoning laws but also local building codes. They successfully lobbied for permission to use natural building methods like cob and straw bale construction. These eco-friendly methods weren’t previously allowed by traditional regulations, but through persistence, O.U.R. Ecovillage made it happen​

Their success didn’t just benefit them—it set a precedent for future projects in Canada. They also serve as consultants to other ecovillages facing similar regulatory challenges.

Takeaway: Think beyond zoning. If your vision includes sustainable or non-traditional building techniques, be prepared to advocate for new building regulations. It might take time, but pushing for what you believe in can create lasting change for your community and beyond.

3. Driftwood Village Cohousing: Pushing for Higher Density

Driftwood Village in Courtenay, BC, had to overcome a more common challenge: density limits. Cohousing projects often require higher density than traditional zoning allows, but Driftwood Village worked closely with local planners to get approval for a zoning change that accommodated their community’s needs​

Their persistence paid off, and they now serve as a model for other communities looking to create denser housing with shared spaces.

Takeaway: If higher density is crucial for your project, be ready to explain how your community can offer long-term benefits, such as reducing land use, lowering environmental impacts, and fostering social connection. Officials need to understand the why behind your request.

4. Whole Village: A Model of Sustainable Living in Ontario

Whole Village, located in Ontario, shows how zoning laws can be adapted to support intentional, sustainable living. This community combines shared resources like tools, vehicles, and even clothing, all while operating within both agricultural and residential zoning guidelines​

Their success lies in balancing ecological goals with regulatory compliance, proving that you can run an organic farm, share resources, and live in community—all while following local zoning laws.

Takeaway: Align your community’s mission with existing zoning where possible. Whole Village worked within existing regulations while also advocating for flexibility, demonstrating that you don’t always need to rewrite the rules completely.

Why Zoning Matters—and How You Can Change It

For anyone dreaming of an intentional community, zoning might seem like an obstacle. But these communities prove that with the right approach, zoning laws can be adapted to fit your vision. Whether it’s pushing for higher density, natural building codes, or mixed-use land, the key is persistence and collaboration.

Is Changing Zoning Worth It?

Let’s be real—changing zoning can be a lot of work. It involves organizing meetings, educating local officials, and sometimes years of lobbying for new regulations. If you’ve got the passion, it’s worth it! But for some people, the energy and time it takes to fight for these changes might be better spent finding land that already works with your vision. Here are a couple of alternatives to changing zoning:

• Find a property with favorable zoning: Some areas already have zoning laws in place that are more flexible or conducive to intentional communities. Look for places with mixed-use zoning, higher-density allowances, or agricultural areas where eco-friendly building practices are permitted.

• Buy land with existing structures: If you can find a property that already has the structures you need (like a former school, church, or retreat center), you might avoid the zoning hassle entirely. This can be an easier way to get your community up and running while still aligning with your vision.

What You Can Do Next

Are you ready to start your own community? Here are a few steps to consider:

• Get involved early: Talk to your local officials and neighbors. Transparency and cooperation go a long way in getting people on board with your ideas.

• Educate yourself: Learn what’s possible within your region’s current zoning regulations. What can be adapted, and what might need a fresh approach?

• Host informational meetings: Bring the community into the conversation, just like Yarrow did. The more input you gather, the stronger your case will be.

• Work with professionals: O.U.R. Ecovillage didn’t just push for change on their own—they worked with experts in law and building codes to make their dream a reality.

• Consider your options: If zoning feels like too much of a hurdle, take a step back and evaluate if finding land with the right zoning or existing structures could get your community off the ground faster.

And if you’re curious about how to get started or want to brainstorm ways to overcome zoning hurdles, reach out to me. I’m always happy to chat and help you take that first step toward building a community that fits your vision.