Squamish Council will hold a public hearing on October 6 on proposed rules intended to reduce risks from development on steep slopes.
The proposed development permit area would apply to mapped lands with average slopes of 30 percent or greater. Its objectives include protecting people, neighbouring properties, roads and utilities from slope hazards.
Within the area, permits would generally be required before subdivision, building construction or alterations, tree removal, and excavation or soil placement exceeding 1.2 metres in depth. The proposal includes exemptions for development on properties of 0.2 hectares or less with an existing dwelling, certain minor works, and qualifying professional assessments.
The guidelines require hazard assessments by qualified professionals and address drainage, vegetation, excavation, and the design of buildings and retaining walls.
Exemptions also cover non-structural repairs that do not expand a compliant building’s footprint, and hazardous-tree removal supported by a certified tree risk assessor’s report, provided the stump remains.
Staff say the rules are intended to reduce landslide and erosion risks, prevent slope destabilization and protect properties downhill from changes in drainage.
Developing the permit area was allocated $30,000 in Housing Accelerator Fund project funding in 2025. Applications would carry a $500 processing fee, with ongoing reviews handled within existing operating budgets.
A companion bylaw would delegate permit approvals to District staff. Staff could seek an engineering peer review where they have concerns about an applicant’s hazard assessment.
The hearing is scheduled for the October 6 regular council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. Council may consider further bylaw readings after the hearing.
