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Model Bylaws

Zoning Bylaw Precedent: West Vancouver integrates Water Balance Solutions into Site Development Decision Process


The municipality has applied longstanding legislation – S.523 and S.527 of the Local Government Act – and amended its Zoning Bylaw to make a landscaping plan a building permit requirement for every lot in residential zones. “It is fair to characterize the District’s use of S.523 and S.527 as a basis for private property stormwater management and landscaping requirements as ‘cutting edge’,” stated Chris Bishop.

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Lessons learned by the City of Courtenay in implementing its “soil sponge policy”


In January 2004, and due to the leadership of Kevin Lagan, the City of Courtenay was the first BC municipality to adopt a policy requiring developers to provide a minimum soil depth on building sites. The City places importance on the soil sponge and has been exploring options to ensure that developers and house builders fulfil their obligations to provide and preserve the minimum required depth on building sites.

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City of Courtenay’s Sediment and Erosion Control Bylaw


According to Derek Richmond, the City of Courtenay is developing the bylaw through an inclusive and collaborative approach that educates and informs stakeholders. The bylaw is a tool that will assist with getting the “right thing” done to protect the environment from the effects of erosion and sediment.

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Smart Bylaws Guide for British Columbia Municipalities:

Many municipalities and developers in B.C. are emerging as North American leaders in smart growth practices at the regional and local scale. Residents are demanding more choices in housing, and in the quality of neighbourhoods and job opportunities. In recognition of this leadership role, West Coast Environmental Law has developed a comprehensive web-based “Smart Bylaws Guide” to help local governments implement smart growth strategies through policy and bylaw changes.

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Lantzville introduces low-impact development bylaw

The District of Lantzville is one of B.C.’s newest municipalities and the first incorporation of the new millennium. A key task is to develop its own policies and, in particular, establish standards for anticipated development. As a coastal community in a semi-rural setting, but also in a growing region, it is important to the community of Lantzville to ensure that future growth adheres to strong environmental standards.

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