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.