PlaceDossier / Questions
Does my property have road access?
A lot with no road along it may be reachable only across someone else's land. A report checks OpenStreetMap's roads for one along the lot line and the distance to the nearest public road.
The report opens at this answer, with the lot drawn on the map and every other check alongside. A PID (on the tax notice or title) always finds the lot; an address works when it's an exact match.
What the answer means
- A road on the map
- A mapped road along the lot is a good sign, not proof. The road can be private, unbuilt, gated or closed in winter, and a strip of land can sit between the road and the lot line.
- No road
- A lot with no road along it needs a registered easement or right of way over a neighbour's land to be reached legally. A trail or a handshake with the neighbour doesn't carry over to a new owner. Ask a lawyer or notary to check the title for an easement.
- Resource roads
- Forest service roads and other resource roads on Crown land aren't part of the highway system. They're used by industry, may not be maintained, and can be deactivated when no longer needed. Non-status roads on Crown land have no permit and aren't maintained or inspected.
- Building
- A building permit or a subdivision usually needs legal access. Ask the local government, or the Ministry of Transportation outside towns, before you count on one.
Road access is worked out by us from OpenStreetMap, which is drawn by volunteers and can be incomplete or out of date in rural BC. Confirm with a lawyer or notary, and the local government (or the Ministry of Transportation outside towns) before you buy or build.
Source: OpenStreetMap road data, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL); Resource roads, Province of BC (summarised in our words, read 2026-10-01).
Other questions: is my property in the Agricultural Land Reserve · is my property on a floodplain map · has my property burned in a wildfire · is there a mineral or placer claim on my property · how close to a creek or lake can I build · how strong could earthquake shaking be at my property · are there water wells on or near my property · are there species at risk or protected habitat on my property.