The City of Mission has implemented the Land Clearing Management Program to ensure that land disturbance is regulated and undertaken responsibly.
Protecting Our Ecosystem
The City uses the Official Community Plan and other policies to protect the natural environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity of the community.
Land Clearing Management in the OCP
Mission’s Official Community Plan promotes conservation and enhancement of natural areas for fish, wildlife, and the interests of the public.
Permits may be required for land alterations or clearing in regulated areas as identified on Map 14A and Map 14B of the Official Community Plan.
The purpose of this program is to equip the City with the proper tools to regulate otherwise uncontrolled land clearing that may occur outside or in advance of development processes.
Permits and Fines
Unless subject to an exemption, a Development Permit is required for any of the following activities within a designated area:
- Subdivision of land,
- Construction of, addition to, or alteration of a building or other structure; and
- Alteration of land.
Failure to obtain or comply with the conditions of a Development Permit can result in a daily fine of $500. Some violations may incur additional fines or restoration orders from senior government agencies.
Clearing in Forested Areas
A Development Permit is required for any land disturbance within a designated area as depicted on Map 14A which exceeds the following cumulative area in a calendar year:
- 200 m2 within the Urban Growth Boundary
- 500 m2 outside the Urban Growth Boundary
To obtain a Development Permit, a preliminary site survey must be prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) to catalogue environmentally sensitive features and recommend mitigation measures.
Exemptions
Exemptions have been provided to enable responsible land stewardship and property maintenance without the hindrance of a Development Permit. The exemptions include the removal of noxious weeds and other invasive plants, maintenance of easements and existing landscaping, habitat restoration, and survey sight lines. Please note that these exemptions do not apply to designated areas as identified on Map 14B.
Clearing Near Streams
The Land Clearing Management Program includes the protection of fish habitat by regulating development near streams. It also promotes the restoration and enhancement of riparian areas to create biologically diverse habitat and corridors for wildlife movement. This also supports the natural features, functions and conditions that are critical for fish populations.
Permits are required for all development in areas depicted on Map 14B in the Official Community Plan and any other lands within the Riparian Assessment Area (RAA) as defined by the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR).
Requirements
Under the RAPR, a local government must not approve development within the RAA unless a QEP has prepared an Assessment Report that provides a professional opinion that there will be no adverse effects to fish habitat based on the proposal and imposed conditions.
Illustrations
