At its meeting of March 6, 2014, the Board adopted the Electoral Area “D” Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 2603, 2013.  Amongst other things, this bylaw introduced a Hillside and Steep Slope Development Permit (HSSDP) Area designation. 

The objectives of the HSSDP Area are to minimize the risk of erosion, landslip or rockfall on development in steep slope areas; and to preserve significant natural features and landscapes that contribute to the positive image and identity of the community (eg. rock outcroppings, ravines, hilltops and ridgelines).

Between 2014 & 2017, the Regional District issued approximately 27 Hillside Development Permits.  These have largely related to the construction of single detached dwellings and accessory buildings, but have also been issued for two (2) subdivisions.

This was identified as placing a significant regulatory and financial obligation on property owners seeking to build on their property, with no appreciable difference in the resultant form or location of development at the building permit stage.

In response, the Planning and Development (P&D) Committee of the Board directed that "an amendment to the Electoral Area “D-2” Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw [be initiated] in order to amend the Hillside and Steep Slope Development Permit Area to apply to subdivisions only" at its meeting of August 17, 2017.

Currently, the “adoption of an amendment to Electoral Area D Official Community Plan to exempt building permits from requiring a Hillside and Steep Slope Development Permit” is a Q2 deliverable in the 2019 Development Services business plan.