Developing in the CVRD?
Within the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Electoral Areas, properties located within Development Permit Area 5 (DPA 5: Wildfire Hazard) are subject to guidelines intended to reduce the risk of wildfire to people, buildings and property.
DPA 5 applies to areas identified as being within 200 metres of moderate, high or extreme wildfire-behaviour threat areas. The designation applies throughout the CVRD's electoral areas but does not include incorporated municipalities or First Nations reserve lands.
Development within DPA 5 must address wildfire risk through measures such as FireSmart principles, building design and construction, site planning, emergency access and subdivision layout. During construction, FireSmart measures must be implemented, including thinning fuels in the surrounding area and providing appropriate firefighting equipment on site. Building design and construction should also be generally consistent with current standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or a similar organization.
When is a Wildfire Risk Assessment required?
A Wildfire Risk Assessment Report is not automatically required for every property within DPA 5.
The CVRD may require a risk assessment report prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) with experience or training in wildland fire risk assessments. Alternative measures to the DPA guidelines may also be considered where supported by qualified professional advice.
For industrial subdivisions, a Wildfire Risk Assessment Report prepared by a qualified professional with experience or training in wildland fire risk assessments is required. The report must assess wildfire risk and provide recommendations to mitigate that risk.
What may not need an assessment?
The CVRD identifies several exemptions from the DPA 5 Development Permit requirement, including:
- Construction, addition to or alteration of a single-detached dwelling, including accessory buildings and structures, where the home, yard/non-combustible zone and Zone 1 all have a low or moderate FireSmart hazard score, and the score remains low or moderate over time.
- Gardening and routine yard maintenance.
- Construction of a fence where only non-native trees are removed and disturbance of native vegetation is limited to 0.5 m on either side of the fence.
- Construction of a trail that is no more than 1 m wide, removes no native trees, uses a pervious surface and addresses erosion where required.
- Agricultural activities.
- Lot-line adjustments where the subdivision does not create the ability to construct a new dwelling.
- Certain CVRD, park, federal and provincial works and services.
- Emergency actions required to prevent, control or reduce an immediate threat to human life, the natural environment or public or private property.