Lakeshore Development Guidelines A Primer

1. Lakeshore Development GuidelinesA Primer Charlie Lake Conservation Society September 2007

2. Topics • Background on the Guidelines • Lake Classification and Development Policies • Scope of Guidelines • Responsibilities • General Development and Subdivision Guidelines • Special Case Lakes • Draft Official Community Plan

3. Background Why Guidelines? • Need for balance between preservation of ecological resources and desire to develop lakeshore properties • Although land surrounding lake may be private, lakes are ultimately considered as a public resource and should be accessible to all to be used and enjoyed in a responsible manner

4. Background Intent of Guidelines: • Public - education on lakeshore ecology and development issues • Developers - conservation guidelines (construction projects close to water) • Board of PRRD and Development Services Staff – development policies and conservation guidelines (for decisions on development projects)

5. Background Process for establishing Guidelines: • Classify lakes re. development potential • Develop guidelines that outline specifics for development proposals • Consult with technical experts and public • Communicate finalized Guidelines July 2000 • 2006-2008 – Approve North Peace Fringe Official Community Plan

6. Scope of Guidelines Apply to: • Private land • Within 300 m of lakes (high water mark) within official community planning areas of PRRD Are not: • Regulations • An intention of PRRD to expropriate private land

7. Responsibility Local Government (Regional District ) • Adopt and administer subdivision, zoning and development permit regulations* • Provincial legislation has been broadened to give regional districts the authority to protect, restore and enhance natural environment *pursuant to the Local Government Act

8. Responsibility Provincial Government • MOE – in-stream (e.g. lakes) works and development adjacent to high water mark • MOH (Peace-Liard Health Unit) – sewage disposal • Agriculture Land Commission – development in ALR • MOT – access to watercourses and final approval for all subdivision proposals • BC Assets and Lands Corp – all development on Crown Lands (including foreshore leases and permanent dock construction)

9. Responsibility Federal Government • Potential for involvement in lakeshore development proposals: • Agriculture Canada • Department of Fisheries and Oceans

10. General Development and Subdivision Guidelines • Should be considered for all new developmentand subdivision proposals within 300 m from high water mark (shore zone) of lakes (ideally should also apply near any stream, watercourse and wetland throughout a watershed) • Prior to development proposal, owners are encouraged to consult with PRRD • Official Community Plans, bylaws take precedence in case of conflict with Guidelines

11. General Development and Subdivision Guidelines Single Lot Development and Construction (considerations to minimize erosion and sediments): • Planning construction access • Minimizing clearing and grading activities • Controlling excavated soil and properly locating stockpiles • Consideration of surface and slope conditions • Planning surface runoff and control

12. Single Lot Development and Construction Site Layout and Clearing: • Design and layout of building site to minimize impervious areas • Retain existing vegetation and ground cover wherever possible • Minimize clearing and stripping of setbacks and easements • Restrict vehicle access and provide surfaced working areas • Clearly mark the building area and clearing boundaries on the site

13. Single Lot Development and Construction Soil Erosion Control: • Cover temporary fills or soil stockpiles with tarps • Prompt re-vegetation on disturbed areas • Limit machine access and operation to prepared access areas

14. Single Lot Development and Construction Drainage and Sediment Control: • Divert runoff away from cleared areas with swales or low berms • Use silt fences around soil stockpiles and sloped areas • Collect runoff into sediment traps prior to discharge • Divert runoff towards vegetated areas

15. Single Lot Development and Construction Retaining Vegetation Leave Strip: • 15 m width from high water mark

16. Single Lot Development and Construction Retaining Vegetation Leave Strip: • Clear less than 50% of frontage up to a maximum of 15 m for beach development or waterfront access • Depth of cleared beach less than 4.5 m from high water mark

17. Single Lot Development and Construction Building Setbacks: • Unless otherwise specified, at least 15 m from high water level

18. Single Lot Development and Construction Septic Field Setbacks: • all on-site sewage and septic fields (other than community sewage systems) require permit from Peace-Liard Health Unit (MOH) • On-site systems located at least 30 m from high water mark • Greater setback may be required based on soil percolation tests

19. Single Lot Development and Construction Road Construction: • kept to a minimum within the shore zone • Prevent ditch line erosion by: • Grass seeding or hydro-seeding • Drop structures • Rip-rap • Ditch blocks • Cross drains

20. Subdivision Guidelines General location • Appropriate site conditions Design • Cluster subdivision designs to increase amount of open space for public and habitat conservation Access • MOT may require road access to water and in the PRRD where most lots are > 0.5 ha the access spacing is generally 400 m

21. Routine Activities • On-site sewage • Yard Maintenance, Landscaping and Gardening • Automobile maintenance • Boating • Dock Construction

22. Special Case Lakes Intent • Easily accessible • Mix of different land use activities around shore zone • Recreational, ecological, cultural, heritage and archeological characteristics for preservation • Potential for future development and recreational opportunities

23. Special Case Lakes Criteria • Surface area greater than 800 hectares • Perimeter development less 50% • Plus any 3 of the following: • A development permit area that intersects any part of shore zone • Aquatic environmentally sensitive area • Below average water quality values, low flushing rates and high tropic levels • Existing or proposed Ducks Unlimited project site • Existing community sewer system

24. Special Case Lakes Charlie Lake is a Special Case Lake

25. Special Case Lakes Specific Development Guidelines • Max perimeter development less 50% • Any development proposal must meet: • Official Community Plan policies and zoning requirements and • General development and subdivision guidelines • Proposals for land within development permit areas may require a comprehensive development plan

26. Special Case Lakes Specific Development Guidelines • Proposals for land within development permit areas may require a comprehensive development plan including: • Environmental assessment report • Erosion and sediment control plan • Vegetation management plan • PRRD or provincial agencies may reject proposal based on negative environmental impact or out of character with existing land uses

27. Draft Official Community Plan • Consultation on draft plan 2007 • Includes Charlie Lake Development Permit Area • References Lakeshore Development Guidelines