FAQs

An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a bylaw that defines policies for the way land is to be used and developed in a City or Regional District, over a 20-30 year timeframe. Aside from providing policy direction on development, the OCP addresses other matters important to a local government such as economic development, transportation, housing, environmental protection, and infrastructure, in order to guide decisions in a way that helps achieve the community’s long-term vision.

The zoning bylaw is a regulatory tool that is very specific about the way land is used, how much floor space is allowed (density), building siting (where it's located on a lot), building height, and other issues such as landscaping and lot coverage requirements as they relate to a lot or site. The zoning bylaw regulates what a property owner can legally do with their land. The OCP is more strategic and often less prescriptive about specific sites and is the guiding document for general land uses. The OCP is the overriding land use direction for future zoning.

• Remove invasive plants for the purposes of habitat restoration.
• Plant more native plants. For more information on what species and how to plant see the Riparian Area Regulation Revegetation Guidelines for Brownfield Sites, available here: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/ plants-animals-and-ecosystems/fish-fish-habitat/riparianareas-regulations/rar_reveg_guidebk_sept6_2012_final.pdf
• Remove trees that are deemed to be hazardous by a Certified Arborist

• Construct buildings or structures (e.g. gazebo, deck, shed, septic field, pool, retaining walls, etc.) 
• Install non-structural impervious or semi-impervious surfaces (e.g. driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.) 
• Construct roads, trails, docks, wharves and bridges 
• Install flood protection works 
• Install sewer or water services 
• Install drainage systems or utility corridors 
• Remove, deposit or disturb soils 
• Remove, alter, disrupt or destroy native vegetation (including trees, shrubs and understory plants) 
• Plant ornamental (i.e. non-native) plants or allow non-native plants from your garden to spread into the SPEA 
• Allow your pets to utilize the area with such frequency that they impact vegetation through trampling 
• Use pesticides, unless they are for removing invasive plants and prior permission is given by the SCRD
• Store any equipment, materials, etc.
• Place recreational or play structures (e.g. trampolines, swing-sets, fire rings/pits, etc.)
• Dispose of garbage or yard waste 
• Use motorized vehicles (e.g. dirt bikes, ATVs, etc.)