HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Features Development Permit Guidelines Version: March 2011
Natural Features Development Permit Checklist
Low Impact Development Guidelines for NFDP
This is an expanded document based on Schedule G of the Development Procedures Bylaw 5879-
1999 with additional information added for clarity on the required low impact development guidelines.
A Natural Features Development Permit (NFDP) is established for the preservation, protection, restoration
and enhancement of the natural environment around parks and hillside areas. It is also established for
the protection of development from hazardous conditions.
Mandatory Information
A NFDP application will require all applicants and their environmental consultants to read the attached
documents and submit the necessary information listed below to the District’s Planning Department.
A completed application form with the prescribed fee;
A Certificate of Title and a Consent Form (if the applicant is different from the owner shown on the
certificate of title) plus copies of any restrictive covenant documents registered against title;
A Site Profile;
Applicants must complete their NFDP application and provide the file manager along with the
environmental section with the following for the application to be complete:
A signed NFDP checklist by the environmental consultant with the information provided to the
District as outlined in the most current DP guidelines checklist;
A preliminary letter of inspection/assurance from the designated environmental monitor before
any clearing, grading, or construction activity begins on site as per requirements of the
Watercourse Protection Bylaw. See attached preliminary letter of inspection.
A final letter of inspection and approval from the environmental consultant to the District is
required in order to get the security deposit back. See attached final inspection letter.
1. Survey Plans. Two hard copies and one digital copy of a survey plan that has been prepared by a
BC Land Surveyor illustrating the location of the following:
i) Areas found within an Active or 1:200 year floodplain boundary, forest lands found on OCP
Schedule C or areas on site located within 50 metres from a designated Conservation or Park
area;
ii) Watercourses, ponds, ditches, drainage channels, or wetland areas on site; to be flagged;
iii) Existing topography with features such as rock bluffs and contours with 1 metre intervals;
iv) Existing structures, infrastructure, encumbrances, and roads;
v) Existing slopes greater than 15% and existing slopes greater than 25% on the site, colour
coded
Steep slopes are defined by the District as any reach on site where there is a rise of 25-feet or
8 metres, and the average slope is 25% or greater using 1 metre contour intervals, shown on a
map at a scale no smaller than 1:500
vi) Location of geotechnical setback determined by qualified geotechnical professional
that takes into consideration erosion, access corridors, fisheries setbacks, bank stability
2. Location of existing or proposed building structures, roads, septic or drainage facilities, as well as
any right of ways, easements, restrictive covenants or existing or proposed equestrian trails.
3. An Environmental Assessment is required by the District based on the type, size, and location of the
proposed development. It must be prepared by a qualified environmental professional.
Version: March 2011
Environmental Assessment
An Environmental Assessment will most often include a report with a bio-physical inventory and
plan(s) showing the location of the following:
a. Areas where the proposed development is going to require cutting, grading, or
alteration of natural slopes > 15% will require a detailed geotechnical assessment
which must include use of a conservative factor of safety and illustration of
geotechnical setback lines. Geotechnical recommendations must consider OCP
hillside development objectives and Natural Features DP Low Impact Development
Guidelines. (attached)
b. A description of the type, size, and condition of vegetation on site. Healthy trees and
shrubs are considered to be a significant resource by the District to be retained where
possible and incorporated into the site design. The vegetation survey must include a
Vegetation Retention Plan prepared by a qualified professional that addresses the
following:
i. For sites that are larger than one (1) hectare, a Plan showing the location of
significant tree stands on site that are being proposed for retention outside the
setback areas and within the WPDP area. Significant tree stands include
unique mature tree stands (Sitka Spruce, Big Leaf Maple, Cedar, Old Growth) or
stands where the average tree diameters are greater than 25cm (dbh).
ii. For sites less than one (1) hectare in size, a Plan that identifies significant
individual trees over 25cm (dbh) that are located outside of the setback area
but within the NFDP zone, to be retained is required.
iii. A plan that illustrates where significant trees, tree stands, and shrubs are
located on site relative to proposed building lots, structures, infrastructure, or
roads.
c. Enhancement or restoration opportunities within the NFDP area for enhancement of
sparsely vegetated or disturbed areas including the presence of invasive vegetative
species;
d. Protection of significant wildlife habitat areas or features found on the site such as
raptor nests, wildlife trees, high probability habitat areas for species at risk, potential
wildlife corridors that provide important links to neighbouring properties or adjacent
habitat areas;
e. Assessment and mitigation for potential hazards on the site including unstable
slopes, erosion areas, potential blowdown or windfall areas, or current floodplain
areas;
f. Topographic or hydrological features such as rock outcroppings, ridgelines, bluffs,
cliffs, watercourses, water bodies, ditches, or wetlands should be clearly identified;
g. The environmental assessment must include appropriate recommendations for
phasing and timing of works for retention of vegetation and native soils where
possible, the locations of where temporary protective fencing is to be placed, and
recommendations must address potential mitigation and timing of works during rain
and critical bird nesting periods.
h. Fencing and conservation covenants are to be applied for protected areas or non
disturbance areas including geotechnical covenanted areas and steep slopes > 25%.
They must be fenced with a continuous temporary barrier not less than 1.5 metres in
height to be replaced by permanent fencing such as post and rail fencing that has
been approved by the District.
4. An arborist report and plan must be carried out and submitted to the District for approval once the
environmental assessment, setbacks boundaries and general building envelopes have been
established to ensure adequate protection and management of significant trees and tree stands
where possible. The arborist report and environmental consultant must prepare mitigation
recommendations that include the following:
Version: March 2011
(i) short term and long term measures for the protection of significant tree stands and
individual trees identified in protected areas, non-disturbance zones, or within the
designated NFDP zones. Recommendations must include protection of root zones/drip
lines and mitigation for blow down or windfall concerns.
(ii) removal or mitigation of potential hazard trees located within adjacent or proposed park
lands that are within striking distance of the proposed building envelopes; and
(iii) appropriate on-site re-planting measures for sparsely vegetated areas or where trees or
native vegetation is to be removed or potentially impacted by the potential development.
Trees shall be replanted at a ratio of 2 new trees for every tree > 10cm (DBH) removed
within the NFDP zone and minimum tree size shall be 5 gallon. Larger sizes may be
required when site conditions warrant.
5. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by Qualified Environmental Professional(s)
may be required by the District. This requirement will depend on the complexity of the site, the
size of the proposed development, and/or the proximity of the site to protected or environmental
sensitivity areas.
An EIA will automatically require information outlined previously in Section Four of the
“Environmental Assessment”. An EIA is intended to address potential impacts and mitigation
once the developable area has been approved. An EIA will require that the following information
is prepared and submitted to the District as outlined below:
Environmental Impact Assessment
A detailed environmental impact assessment for the proposed development may include an
evaluation along with recommendations on the following items:
a. The District may require a more detailed study or peer review where safety concerns
or significant environmental impacts are being proposed;
b. Coordination of slope stabilization and landscape conservation design plan prepared
by qualified professionals for sparsely vegetated areas or disturbed slope areas >
15%;
c. Detailed risk management studies such as geotechnical assessment or hydro-
geological assessments may be required at the cost of the developer which looks at
the potential impacts on site and to surrounding properties along with necessary
protection and mitigation measures in accordance with hillside management
objectives. Coordination is required with other qualified professionals to ensure safe
and sensitive design;
d. Visual impact assessment and landscape architecture design plans prepared by
qualified professional(s) may be required that will meet the objectives of the current
municipal OCP hillside management guidelines, applicable local neighbourhood plans,
and natural features development permit area guidelines (see low impact
development guidelines);
6. The District may require more detailed technical assessment and reports prepared by qualified
Professional(s) for addressing additional impacts and recommendations for specific issues. The
details of the studies will depend on the complexity of the site, the size of the development, and/or
the environmental sensitivity of the site.
7. A Conceptual stormwater / rainwater management plan must be submitted with site plans
that comply with the current Watercourse Protection Bylaw. They should address the following:
a. Identify potential stormwater related issues such as:
significant resources, natural features, or areas to be protected must not be disturbed,
any new development plans in the neighbourhood that require integration of resources,
and
potential drainage problems on site including high flooding risks, aquifer vulnerability
issues.
Version: March 2011
b. Evaluate the opportunities for implementing stormwater source controls to achieve the
following:
Incorporate federal, provincial and regional stormwater/rainwater management standards
and best management practices using infiltration and exfiltration controls where possible
to improve water quality and restore watershed health over time.
Ensure appropriate design of stormwater management detention facilities to mimic natural
features and integrate them in with natural landforms or surrounding topography, using
safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs. Ensure that facilities and
infrastructure does not encroach into parks, conservation areas, or slopes > 25%.
Limit the total impervious area for the NFDP zone and site where possible, meeting the
municipal 10% runoff volume target and ensuring water quality issues have been
addressed.
8. Grade changes over 0.50 metres will require a Building Permit as defined in the Building Bylaw
or approval through a Subdivision Servicing agreement, rezoning agreement, or Highway Use
permit.
9. For large scale or multi phase developments, Pre and Post Development Monitoring of water
volumes and water quality may have to be prepared by the environmental monitor or the engineer
of record to help determine the adequacy of the existing and/or proposed facilities.
10. A Restoration and Maintenance Agreement along with an environmental security deposit for DP
areas where restoration or enhancement related works are required including maintenance
periods. Replanting plans shall be carried out in accordance with District of Maple Ridge
Landscape Standards.
11. A copy of the attached Schedule “A” with the Natural Features agreement signed by the
developer/landowner and the environmental consultant and submitted to the District’s Planning
Department along with a signed and completed checklist of documents submitted to the District.
12. A copy of the Watercourse Protection Bylaw erosion and sediment control plan along with the
appropriate schedules must be submitted and signed by the Engineer of record along with the
qualified environmental professional that will be monitoring the site.
NFDP SCHEDULE “A”
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
TO: District of Maple Ridge DATE:___________________________
ATTENTION: Development Permit Application No._________________
We/I_______________________________________ confirm that we/I have been retained
(Environmental Monitor’s name)
by _______________________________ for the District Project No. ___________
(Developer’s name printed)
to provide inspection, assessment, and reporting services in accordance with the requirements of the
Natural Features Development Permit. This includes the requirement to ensure compliance with the
following:
1) Prior to any clearing and/or disturbance of the site, it must be inspected by the environmental
monitor to ensure all necessary protective controls and mitigation measures are
installed/constructed properly and in accordance with municipal requirements and the approved
environmental Development Permit.
2) Regular inspections are required to ensure compliance with the approved DP. A preliminary and
final inspection and written letter of confirmation by the environmental monitor is required that
provides assurance all environmental requirements and cleanup of the site and conservation
areas have been adequately addressed and completed. See attached letters of preliminary and
final inspection
2) Development and site design must incorporate the best management practices found in the
attached form entitled “Low Impact Design Guidelines for NFDP Areas”. The environmental
professionals of record for the site are responsible for overseeing the implementation of these
practices, reporting on a regular basis to the District, and for sharing the responsibilities with the
supervisor or foreman of the construction works.
3) To prevent damage or destruction to protected areas and natural features, it is the responsibility
of the developer and the qualified environmental professional (QEP) to ensure protective
temporary fencing and markers have been placed around protected areas, natural features, or
infiltration areas to ensure these areas are protected and are not damaged during the
development process. The developer is responsible for restoring or compensating for any
damages or disturbance occurring within District of Maple Ridge lands or to their property.
4) The qualified environmental professional/monitor must have unconditional authority from
Developer to modify and/or halt any construction activity necessary to ensure compliance with
municipal environmental regulations. The QEP is required to contact municipal environmental
staff directly within 24 hours of any incident that constitutes an infraction and that has not been
remedied.
Environmental Consultant: Developer/Project Manager:
Name:_______________________________ __________________________________
Signature:____________________________ ___________________________________
Company: _____________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number ________________
Low Impact Design Guidelines For NFDP “Schedule A” attachment
Detailed Site Design and BMP’s For (NFDP) Areas
The following guidelines and best management practices support and work in conjunction with the OCP
Natural Feature policy guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate the following NFDP design
guidelines into their development proposals and as part of the Natural Features Development Permit
application:
1. Hillside Management Guidelines and Best Management Practices:
Grading and Topography
A. Geotechnical review and geotechnical setback lines should be required on all sites with
proposed development on slopes > 15% to identify potential hazardous areas using a
conservative factor of safety. Development is not encouraged by the District where average
natural slopes are greater than 25 (%) percent. Grading of small areas or reclamation areas
with slopes over 25% shall be reviewed by the District for potential development.
B. New building sites should be graded such that they appear to conform to the natural
topography with retention of vegetation and forest areas on the slopes as well as along the
natural crest of the hill. Re-grading of upland sites should consider the topographic
transition with adjacent lots.
C. Any grading, soil deposition, or landscaping should be undertaken with consideration for
opportunities to achieve a greater degree of pervious area, as a means of achieving overall
stormwater management objectives.
D. Grading plans for development on slopes > 15% should include comprehensive erosion
control and innovative stormwater management plans that ensure preservation of natural
drainage channels and protection of groundwater systems.
E. The timing of grading and construction should be seasonally scheduled to avoid slope
failure or erosion problems during servicing or construction periods.
Ecological Site Design and Visual Aesthetics
A. The scenic qualities of hillside areas should be preserved by addressing the following:
Protection of natural landmarks such as watercourses, rock outcrops, significant view
corridors, steep slopes >25%, mature trees, unique forest stands, or ridge lines;
The proposed development should consider significant adverse visual impacts from site
design, modifications, vertical and horizontal size, or landscaping as viewed from all
public viewing areas.
B. Buildings, infrastructure, and accessories should blend with the natural hillside terrain and
vegetation through use of building materials, the location of structures, size, colour, and
alignment of materials.
C. Multi story homes or tall building structures are not considered appropriate for ridgeline lots
if they are setback less than 30 metres from the hill crest. Restoration and retention of
natural vegetation, viewpoints, and natural heritage features is encouraged along hill crests
or ridge lines.
D. Landscaping that enhances natural features is to be encouraged.
E. Public movement corridors within subdivisions should be encouraged to ensure access to natural
amenities, trails, or park areas where possible and green corridor access widths should be a minimum
of 30 metres wide where possible to encourage tree retention zones
F. Water and energy conservation techniques (geo-thermal) is encouraged by the District and
shall be utilized where possible, such as special irrigation techniques (e.g. drip irrigation),
alluvial rockscaping, aqua-scaping, etc.
Vegetation Management and Drainage
A. Setbacks along a hillcrest should take into consideration potential impacts from tree blow
down, geotechnical concerns, groundwater concerns, stormwater management
requirements, and consideration of aesthetic impacts for sites in view corridors.
B. Mature trees or unique tree stands are considered a significant resource and should be
retained and integrated into new development where possible. This guideline is not meant
to stop removal of unhealthy or hazard trees where necessary. Mature trees are defined as
anything > 25 cm in diameter at breast height or 5 feet about root crown.
C. For lots larger than one acre in size, where significant trees have been identified, or areas
intended for public use, the District may require protection of restoration areas or forested
lands using a conservation covenant to ensure retention or restoration of these vegetated
areas.
D. Replanting plans should use irregular plant spacing to achieve a natural appearance on
graded slopes and enhancement areas. A variety of vegetative sizes, shapes, and native
species needs to be incorporated in the plan. Plant trees along contour lines using
undulating groups to create grove effects which blur the distinctive line of the graded slope.
E. Natural vegetation shall be maintained where possible. If removal is required, re-
establishment of a compatible plant material will be required at a ratio of at least 2:1
F. Plant materials should be selected where possible for their effectiveness of erosion contol,
fire resistance, and tolerance to local weather conditions.
G. Hillside plant selection should consider neighbour’s views and potential fire hazards.
Stormwater and Rainwater Management
A. Stormwater should be collected and conveyed to on site and off site systems in a manner
which will avoid negative impacts to natural features or adjacent properties, especially in
and around sites within designated aquifer areas.
B. Where infiltration ditches or bio-swales are required, these should be naturalized with plant
materials and native rocks.
C. Natural drainage and infiltration should be protected from grading activity and compaction
through the development process and thereafter. Covenants may be required for the
protection of stormwater and rainwater mitigation controls on lots.
D. On site impervious surfaces should be minimized to reduce run-off.
E. Stormwater from building roofs and impervious structures should be collected and conveyed
to a comprehensive site drainage system that anticipates off site drainage impacts.
F. Stormwater management plans should address the following components:
Written assurances from engineer the plan will meet DFO, Provincial, and GVRD
standards for stormwater and rainwater management;
Rainwater management standards and mitigation should be designed and
implemented for building structures, roads, and impervious surfaces.
For all non concealed surface parking areas, streets, and major institutional or
commercial structures, functional infiltration and exfiltration areas should be
incorporated into the design where possible and planted with a combination of
trees and shrubs. An internal area equivalent to 10 - 15% of the total parking
and roof top areas should be planted with a combination of infiltration and
exfiltration facilities utilizing trees and shrubs where possible.
Roads and Infrastructure
A. Exploration of narrower street widths should be encouraged when it can be proven that:
it will reduce grading impacts;
where there are a small number of lots served; and
the probable future traffic development is such that it justifies narrow widths and
safety will not be compromised.
B. Street layout should strive to conform to the natural grades and topography. Where
possible, streets should flank open space areas that will provide future trail systems.
C. Long stretches of straight road should be avoided by utilizing gentle horizontal and vertical
curves where possible.
Retaining Walls and Fences
A. Retaining walls should be designed with smooth, continuous lines that conform to the
natural topography. Retaining walls and pony walls visible from off site should be of
minimum height where possible.
B. Fences, walls, and accessory structures should be designed to be compatible with
surrounding natural topography and buildings in terms of color, materials, and alignment.
C. Open fence design is encouraged on public streets to encourage opportunity for views.
2. Applicants for sites located within a floodplain area, on steep slopes, or within wildfire interface
areas should refer to the Building Department for appropriate permits and requirements:
A. The Building Department has requirements for approval of plans on lands subject to
flooding or geotechnical concerns. See Building Permit Requirements For Covenants.
B. Property owners and developers must identify development limits as defined by but not
limited to steep slopes, geotechnical hazards, wildfire interface areas, and flood plains prior
to commencing design. Development activity, site design, and building forms must not have
a negative impact or create additional risk to neighbouring properties and protected areas.
3. Applicants with sites located within 50 metres from a municipal, regional, or provincial park
area or within 50 metres of designated conservation or forest area.
A. Incorporate a vegetative edge and root protection zone back from these park and forest
boundaries to these areas from encroachment, blow down impacts, pollution, noise, help
support wildlife habitat, and provide stormwater management infiltration and exfiltration
opportunities.
NFDP Development Standards For Maple Ridge
The District of Maple Ridge OCP and Watercourse Protection Bylaw require the use of low impact
development practices which includes the following requirements and best management
practices:
� Timing of development activity and inventories during suitable periods. Encourage
land disturbance activity between June and September. Inventories or
assessments also need to be carried out at an appropriate time of year which
should be considerate of bird nesting periods, fisheries windows, etc
� Leave existing vegetation in place during the planning and approvals stages. Pre-
clearing vegetation results in increased costs for temporary re-vegetation and
erosion control, at the same time it increases runoff and sedimentation
unnecessarily.
� Clear the site in stages as development proceeds. For instance, for larger
developments, clear only road and utility corridors during each phase of
subdivision, leaving the future development parcels vegetated for as long as
possible.
� Identify areas where vegetation can permanently remain in the development or
building area. These may be areas of steep slope, stream riparian or wetland areas,
wildlife trees, significant greenway corridors, groves of mature trees, or site areas
with topographical constraints.
� Protect the soils under vegetation to be retained during construction. It is critical to
the performance of stormwater management that designated areas of infiltration
not be disturbed or compacted by equipment or storage during construction.
Temporary protective fencing is likely required for these areas.
� A phased construction schedule and plan will be prepared for each of the following
development phases that demonstrates maximum retention of vegetation and
minimal disruption to soils especially during rain periods:
Clearing and grubbing
Servicing works
Construction of buildings
� Slopes and soils must be stabilized and re-planting is required for all bare or
sparsely vegetated areas within a watercourse protection or natural features
development permit area. The slope stabilization and re-vegetation plan must be
prepared by a qualified environmental consultant. Soil stabilization and re-planting
is also immediately required for the following:
Interim periods where development is not active for longer than 30 days
Where construction activity has destroyed vegetation on slopes > 15%
Encroachment into conservation or riparian protected areas
� Coordination of professional consultants and their recommendations. This includes
coordination of assessments and recommendations from the following:
Environmental consultants and professional engineers
Developers, architects, and landscape architects
Specialized professionals that are required i.e.geotechnical professionals,
hydrologists, arborists, etc.