The City of Campbell River (the City) wants to share updates to the Official Community Plan’s Hazard Conditions (Steep Slope) Development Permit Guidelines with residents and homeowners at upcoming Open House sessions.
STEEP SLOPE OPEN HOUSES
When:
- Thursday, June 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., and
- Tuesday, June 27, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where:
- Campbell River Community Centre, Room 1, 401-11th Avenue
During each session, staff will explain the development permit process that regulates land development and the updated exemptions that apply to maintaining vegetation on and near steep slopes. The same information will be presented at both events and residents are invited to stop in and review the information as their schedule permits. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. No formal presentation is scheduled.
“Whether planning for a large multifamily building or removing branches to improve a view, understanding the development permit process that regulates land development in the City is important,” says Andy Gaylor, Director of Community Planning and Livability. “Interested citizens are invited to come to one of the upcoming open houses to learn more about changes that aim to lessen the risk of landslides and support both property owners and the community as a whole.”
The draft amendments to the steep slope development permit guidelines, including updates to exemptions, are needed to align with current knowledge for landslide assessments, as detailed in the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia’s professional practice guidelines.
“Landslides are typically caused by a combination of factors, some of which can exist for years without causing slope failure, but then a landslide can be triggered by a change in conditions, often weather and water related. The typical contributing factors are the terrain, loss of trees and vegetation, fill placement including compost, concentrated drainage, and removal of the base or toe of the slopes,” continues Gaylor.
Development on steep slopes refers to any land alteration on the property; including tree work and soil disturbance. Some work can trigger the permit process and may require a technical report by a qualified landslide assessment professional. Minor routine landscape maintenance activities on steep slopes are generally exempt provided an exemption form is filled out by a certified arborist and accepted by the City.
Learn more about applying for a development permit or an exemption at www.getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/steepslopes.
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Contact: Terri Martin, Environmental Specialist | 250.286.5711 | sustainability@campbellriver.ca
DIGGING INTO THE DETAILS OF STEEP SLOPE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT GUIDELINES - NEWS RELEASE - JUNE 2023