P-1: Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

None: the zone lists no home of any kind, not even a caretaker suite (s. 26.2)

Main uses

A botanical garden, a cemetery, a conservation area, open space, outdoor recreation (ball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor rinks, playgrounds), a park, a passive recreation area (trails, picnic areas, gardens), a performing arts and cultural facility, a recreation facility (arenas, pools, fitness clubs); accessory buildings and a concession or refreshment booth (s. 26.2; definitions in s. 3)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

None set: the zone's table gives 0 m² and 0.0 m wide (s. 26.3, Table 25)

Lot coverage

None set in the zone (s. 26.3, Table 25)

Height limit

10.0 m for buildings and structures (s. 26.3, Table 25)

Setbacks

Main building: front 7.5 m, inside sides 4.5 m, street side 4.5 m, rear 9.0 m (s. 26.3, Table 25). Accessory buildings: not in the front yard, 1.0 m from inside lines, 3.0 m from a street side and from a lot line next to a residential or park zone, 1.5 m from the rear (s. 4.18)

The zone is for residents' amenity space and to protect natural areas (s. 26.1). Most P-1 land is City parks, cemeteries and recreation facilities, so a lot here is rarely for sale (our reading); ask the City what a lot here may be used for before you buy.

Fences along a lot line next to a residential lot are generally wooden, 1.8 m; along roads, public property and other lots, black chain link 1.2 m (s. 4.13.11). Outdoor garbage and storage areas are screened by a solid fence, and trees are planted every 10 m along a line next to a different zone (s. 4.12).

Short-term rental of a home isn't a listed use, and the zone allows no home; ask the City.

Parking and loading (Section 5), landscaping, fencing and the other general regulations (Section 4) also apply.

Site-specific exceptions listed in the bylaw by legal description can add or change uses for one property, and development permit areas, the ALR and building rules apply on top. Confirm with the City of Fort St. John's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Section 26 of City of Fort St. John Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-06); zone map: Open Government Licence – City of Fort St. John.