Section 512 Frontage Analysis Tool

Planning calculator

Checks whether a proposed lot may meet the 10% minimum highway frontage requirement under Section 512 of the British Columbia Local Government Act.

How it works

The tool adds each highway frontage segment and each side and rear lot line you enter, then expresses the frontage as a percentage of the total perimeter. If the ratio is 10% or higher, the tool flags the result as appearing to meet the Section 512(1)(a) minimum. If the ratio is below 10%, the tool reports the shortfall in metres. The tool converts entries in feet, chains, and links to metres internally so you do not need a separate calculator when working from older plans.

When to use it

  • Reviewing a subdivision application or concept sketch for the 10% frontage minimum.
  • Testing whether a proposed lot configuration is likely to meet the threshold before referring it for survey.
  • Comparing two or more lot layouts during early subdivision design.
  • Checking dimensions taken from older imperial-era plans without doing manual conversions.
  • Preparing notes for a meeting with an applicant, surveyor, or approving officer.

Notes and limits

  • The tool checks frontage as a share of perimeter only. It does not assess legal access, dedicated highway versus right of way, road class, easements, statutory rights of way, or any other requirement under the Local Government Act, the Land Title Act, or local bylaws.
  • Conversions from imperial units use standard factors. Older surveys can carry measurement and rounding errors that the tool cannot detect.
  • The 10% figure is a minimum. The approving officer may require greater frontage in some cases or relax the requirement in others.
  • The tool does not save inputs or results. Closing the browser tab clears all data. Use Print or save as PDF before closing if you need a record.
  • Final determinations rest with the statutory approving officer. A British Columbia Land Surveyor must verify final dimensions.

Disclaimer

This tool is for general information only. It may contain errors or omissions. Use at your own discretion. No liability is accepted for decisions made based on this tool.

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