By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle

The RDOS is cracking down on another property that illegally converted a farm storage building to housing for farm workers. 

The Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) decided to file a notice on the title of 5530 Primrose Lane just south of Oliver for converting a chemical storage farm building to worker housing without a building permit. 

Since the building was renovated without a permit, the building is considered to be a category three infraction which is the highest level representing health and safety deficiencies or building without a permit. 

The RDOS reports that approximately 15 workers are being housed in the building which has never had any inspections. 

The building was constructed in 2011 as a farm exemption chemical storage building. 

In order to ensure basic safety, connection to a proper septic system, approved electrical work, structural integrity, smoke detectors, and egress exits are some of the things needed. 

The RDOS has been aware of the building in question since November 2017, when a building official stopped at the property and noticed the building with the garage doors blocked up and a window added to the building. 

After a stop work order was issued in November 2017, a site visit revealed that the building had a bathroom addition and was converted to worker accommodations with a kitchen and multiple beds. 

According to RDOS reports, the owners met with a planning technician to apply for the required variance to allow a larger second dwelling on the property which sits wholly inside Agricultural  Land Reserve (ALR). 

During the process the owners were informed that a permit was required by the Agricultural and Commission (ALC), and as of May 2019, still no application was received. 

As of February 2023, building officials took more photos which revealed the building still appears to be occupied as a dwelling when no application was ever received by the ALC, who requested and then cancelled the file. 

In order to close the notice on title the owner must remove the residential components of the building and return it to a farm storage unit. 

If this is not done by October 31, 2024 injunctive action will be commenced by the RDOS.