HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchedule G - Natural Features Development Permits
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Development Application Submission Checklist
Schedule G
NATURAL FEATURES DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
The Natural Features Development Permit Area (NFDPA) is established for the preservation,
protection, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment. It is also established for
the protection of development from hazardous conditions. Applications for a Development Permit
within the Natural Features Development Permit Area are to be made to the Planning
Department.
A Natural Features Development Permit NFDP is required to be secured before any clearing,
grading, or construction activity begins within the development permit area and before any
subdivision of the lands. The following information is required:
1) A completed application form with the prescribed fee;
2) 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;
3) A Site Profile;
4) Two hard copies and one digital copy of a survey plan that has been prepared by a
British Columbia Land Surveyor illustrating the location of the following:
i) Areas found within the Floodplain boundary shown on Schedule “C” to the Official
Community Plan (OCP), or areas on site located within 50 metres from a designated
Conservation area;
ii) Watercourse Protection Development Permit Area setback boundary where
applicable;
iii) Existing topographic contours with 1 metre intervals;
iv) Existing structures and roads;
v) Existing slopes on the site greater than 15%.
5) Location of existing or proposed buildings, structures, roads, septic or drainage facilities, as
well as any rights of way, easements, or restrictive covenants.
6) An Environmental Assessment of pre-development site conditions located within the
development permit area. The assessment must be prepared and signed by a qualified
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environmental consultant. An Environmental Assessment will include a report and map with
the location of the following:
a. Areas where the proposed development is going to require cutting, grading, or
alteration of natural slopes > 15% up to 25% or > 25%. Slope categories
shall be shown using contrasting colours;
b. Size (diameter) and type of significant trees in the NFDPA area greater than 25
cm (8 inches) in diameter to be saved or removed. The report must include
recommendations on mitigation measures for the protection of root zones and
trees that are to be preserved;
c. Enhancement or restoration opportunities within the natural features
development permit area including the cleanup of refuse, re-planting, or
slope stabilization measures;
d. Significant wildlife habitat features found on the site such as raptor nests,
wildlife trees, large mammal dens, or significant wildlife corridors;
e. Potential hazards on the site including unstable slopes, erosion areas, or
floodplain areas;
f. Natural topographical or hydrological features such as rock outcroppings,
ridgelines, cliffs, water bodies, or floodplain boundaries where applicable.
7) A copy of Schedule “A” (attached) signed by the developer/landowner and the
environmental consultant. A final inspection and sign off by the environmental
consultant will be required for release of an environmental security deposit.
Additional information may be required as follows:
8) A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Development Permit Area
prepared and/or coordinated by a qualified environmental professional. 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 require an environmental inventory as described in Section Three
“Environmental Assessment”. An EIA will also require that the following additional
information is prepared and submitted to the District as outlined below:
I. Environmental Impact Assessment
An environmental assessment for the proposed development will include an evaluation
of the following items:
a. An arborist report with a tree retention strategy for groves of mature trees or
trees > 25cm in diameter. The report must also include information on the
location, condition, and removal of danger trees within striking distance of the
site. Removal of trees must meet the requirements of the current Maple
Ridge Tree Protection Bylaw;
b. Re-planting and slope stabilization strategy for sparsely vegetated areas or
disturbed proposed slope areas > 15%;
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c. Proposed final slope map with proposed lot geometry, structures, and slope
categories of (0-15%; 15- 25%, >25%) Slope categories must use contrasting
colours;
d. Conceptual stormwater management plan that encourages site source
controls where possible and meet requirements of the current municipal
Watercourse Protection Bylaw;
e. Site design in terms of compatibility with environmentally sensitive areas
including wildlife habitat areas and wildlife or greenway corridors.
II. Environmental Recommendations
Recommendations prepared by a qualified environmental professional for
protection, mitigation, or restoration of natural features should include the following
information:
a. Mitigation measures for the proposed development activity including:
Phasing and timing of development to minimize impacts where possible.
Retention strategy for mature trees and replanting strategy for interim site
treatment
Incorporation of municipal Low Impact Development guidelines into the
development process for the subdivision, roads, and individual lots that
strive to utilize stormwater management site source controls and
minimize impervious surfaces.
b. Recommendations regarding the adequacy of proposed development plans,
including site design and landscaping plans to deal with the following:
protection of environmentally sensitive areas or natural features,
provision of ecological connectivity or access to recreational greenway
corridors
mitigation for identified potential hazards including an action plan for the
removal of identified danger trees.
c. Evaluation of the need for more detailed technical report by a qualified
professional for potential hazards including geotechnical, bio-engineering, or
flooding related concerns.
9) A more detailed technical assessment and report prepared by a qualified professional
for addressing impacts and recommendations for specific issues such as potential hazards,
hydro geological concerns, or wildlife habitat assessments. The details of the study will
depend on the complexity of the site, the size of the development, and/or the environmental
sensitivity of the site.
10) For large scale or multi phase developments, a report on Post Construction
Environmental Monitoring Duties prepared by the developer and the engineer of
record to help determine the adequacy of the existing and/or proposed facilities.
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11) A Restoration and Maintenance Agreement along with a security deposit for DP
areas where restoration or enhancement related works are required including removal
of hazard trees. Replanting plans shall be carried out in accordance with District
of Maple Ridge Re-vegetation and Maintenance Guidelines.
Notes:
• Survey plans should include one set of full size plans and two sets of reduced (11”x17”)
plans suitable for reproduction. An electronic copy of the plans in CAD or GIS compatible
format may be required by the District.
• Environmental security may be taken as a condition of issuance
• Grade changes over 0.50 metres will require a Building Permit as defined in the Building
Bylaw.
• Staff or Council may require additional information at any time to properly assess the
application;
• All plans to be in metric scale;
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted;
• A pre-application meeting with staff prior to submission of an application is strongly
recommended to assist in identifying issues and expedite processing times.
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SCHEDULE “A”
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
TO: District of Maple Ridge DATE: ___________________________
ATTENTION: Natural Features 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 to the site, the Development Permit Area must be
inspected by the environmental monitor to ensure all protective controls and mitigation measures
are installed/constructed in accordance with municipal requirements found within the current
Watercourse Protection Bylaw and the approved environmental Development Permit. A final
inspection and written confirmation by the environmental monitor is required that provides
assurance all environmental requirements have been adequately addressed and completed.
2) Development and construction plans must incorporate the low impact development guidelines.
See Schedule “A” Low Impact Development Guidelines. The professionals of record for the site
are responsible for providing recommendations on how and when these guidelines can be
incorporated into the development plans.
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 fencing
and markers have been placed around protected areas, natural features, or infiltration areas for
protection. Where encroachment and degradation of vegetation within a setback or protected
area occurs or where vegetation has been removed from a non developable area, the QEP must
prepare a restoration or replanting plan for the District of Maple Ridge.
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.
Environmental Monitor:
Signature: ____________________________ Name: _______________________________
Company: ___________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number ________________
Owner/Developer: In executing this Letter of Appointment I covenant that I have authority to and do
hereby unconditionally authorize the named qualified environmental professional to modify or halt any
construction activity as necessary to ensure compliance with Natural Features Development Permit
and the Maple Ridge Watercourse Protection Bylaw 6410-2006.
Signature: ____________________________ Print Name: _______________________________