Model Low Impact Development Bylaw for Small Communities in British Columbia
Introduction
This project was designed to develop a model subdivision and development standards bylaw for small communities in BC that incorporates low-impact development (LID) principles.
Background
As a coastal community in a semi-rural setting, but also in a growing region, the District of Lantzville recognized the need to ensure that future growth reflected a commitment to current environmental standards and a low impact approach to development. The District of Lantzville partnered with the Town of Qualicum Beach, the Town of Gibsons, the Village of Cumberland, the Ministry of Community Services and leaders in the field of low impact development to ensure that the bylaw and standards reflected the most up-to-date, progressive thinking.
The bylaw was developed by the local governments and the work was guided by key principles, including:
- adopting Low Impact Development standard practices that are widely accepted by the development industry for infrastructure;
- adopting site adaptive low impact development standards for roads to provide cost savings and reduction of paved surfaces;
- adopting site adaptive low impact development standards for storm water management; and
- providing alternatives to impervious surfaces for parking lots, sidewalks and multi-use paths.
The low impact development bylaw is designed to promote:
- community efficiency by reducing the need for costly infrastructure;
- community liveability by adopting standards and specifications that impose Low Impact Development, small communities are able to retain, promote, and support distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
- community sustainability by considering the impact of development on the environment, particularly storm water management and protection of watersheds.
Conclusion
The bylaw is available for review and use by other local governments in Word and PDF formats at www.lantzville.ca and CivicInfo BC (PDF Version)(Word Version). For further information contact the District of Lantzville at (250) 390-4006.
Posted July 2007