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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchedule J - Wildfire Development Permit ApplicationPage 1 of 3 May 2015 CITY OF MAPLE RIDGE PLANNING DEPARTMENT Development Application Submission Checklist Schedule J WILDFIRE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION A. INITIAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS The City will provide the opportunity for applicants to meet with staff from the appropriate departments early in the application process. Applications for Wildfire Development Permits are to be made to the Planning Department and must include the first five items listed below as the initial step in the process: 1) A completed application form with prescribed fee. 2) A Site profile. 3) Site information based on a survey plan prepared by a certified B.C. Land Surveyor. 4) A current Certificate of Title and a Consent Form (if the application is different from the owner shown on the certificate of title), copies of all restrictive covenants registered on title, including relevant schedules and attachments. 5) Location map. 6) Map or plan of the property including topography, natural features, existing structures, infrastructure, surface drainage, parcel boundaries, adjacent streets and rights-of-way; and 7) Detailed site plan and/or air photo overlay indicating the intended location of all proposed new lots, structures, approved environmental protection setback areas for watercourses, wetlands, and steep slopes, sewage disposal systems, stormwater detention, drainage works, driveways, parking areas or impervious surfaces, and servicing infrastructure. Also include details on the extent of the proposed site clearing. B. ASSESSMENT OF FIRE INTERFACE RISKS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Subsequent to a meeting with Planning, Fire, and Engineering staff, the following will be required: 1) Assessment of fire interface risks and mitigation measures by a Registered Professional Forester, qualified by training or experience in fire protection engineering, with at least two years’ experience in fire protection engineering and assessment and mitigation of wildfire risks in British Columbia; and 2) A description of the methodology, criteria and assumptions used to undertake the assessment. Page 2 of 3 May 2015 C. ASSESSMENT REPORT REQUIREMENTS The results of the assessment must include: 1) Identification of hazardous C2, C3 and C4 fuels at the wildland-urban interface edges of the planned subdivision and map these edges based on the drip-line of the trees at the wildland edge; 2) Recommendations for FireSmart fuel removal and fuel reduction zones to be completed for the entire development prior to Development Permit approval; 3) Recommendations for establishing defensive space around all buildings by spacing of all coniferous trees and maintaining and pruning of all remaining trees; 4) Recommendations for the type and placement of trees and other vegetation in proximity to the development; 5) Recommendations for the clean-up and proper disposal of combustible material remaining from construction as soon as construction is complete; 6) Recommendations for mitigation of wildfire risk on any wildland/green spaces to be handed over to the City; 7) Results of an assessment of “Wildland Fire Risk and Hazard Severity in the Structure Ignition Zone” as per NFPA 1144 (latest edition); 8) Recommendations for the removal and proper disposal of dead trees and continued efforts to keep the land free of accumulation of any dead trees; 9) Recommendations for removal and proper disposal of all tree limbs and shrubs that may overhang roofs or grow under building eaves and to continually maintain this condition; 10) Recommendations for the removal and disposal of all needles, dead twigs and branches, and to maintain the lands free of such accumulation; 11) A written synopsis demonstrating that the proposed development is consistent with the applicable Development Permit Guidelines as provided by the City, and NFPA 1144 (latest edition) (Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire) and NFPA 1141(latest edition) (Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Developments in Suburban and Rural Areas) identifying any mitigation or compensation measures that may be specified as development permit or rezoning conditions; a. if alternative solutions are being proposed for the consideration of the Maple Ridge Fire Chief, as noted in Section 8.12.2(A)(2) of the Development Permit Area Guidelines, the alternative solutions must be provided by either a Fire Protection Engineer and/or a Registered Professional Forester registered with the Association of BC Forest Professionals and other professionals as deemed necessary by the City. Note: The Registered Professional Forester must have at least two years’ experience in fire protection engineering and with assessment and mitigation of wildfire hazards in British Columbia. The qualifications of the Registered Professional Forester must be acceptable to the City of Maple Ridge Fire Chief; 12) Conclusions of a qualified professional (as discussed in 11(a) above), accompanied by supporting rationale; and 13) The City may solicit a peer review by another qualified professional and/or ask for other additional information the City deems necessary. Page 3 of 3 May 2015 D. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS 1) All wood, vegetation and construction debris identified in the Registered Professional Forester’s report should be removed within three months of Development Permit issuance, or immediately during high fire risk seasons, and the City may require security in connection with such removal. 2) Coordination amongst all relevant consultants of record is recommended for final wildfire interface mitigation measures. Mitigation measures for wildfire areas must take place outside of approved environmental protection areas and geotechnical setback areas where possible, unless approved by the Fire Chief, Chief Building Official, and/or the City’s Approving Officer. 3) All reports and information shall be prepared in a digital format, compatible with municipal GIS mapping program, as well as three paper copies and provided at the applicant’s cost. All reports, opinions and plans shall be signed and sealed by the appropriate qualified professional. References:  National Fire Protection Association 1144 (Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire);  National Fire Protection Association 1141 (Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Developments in Suburban and Rural Areas);  The Home Owner’s FireSmart Manual – Protecting Your Home From Wildfire;  FireSmart – Protecting Your Community From Wildfire.