Type
Public Notices
The District of North Saanich has updated its Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw.
We’ve made several changes to the previous bylaw to provide a more modern and comprehensive approach to regulating soil removal and deposit activities in North Saanich.
Key changes include:
- Alignment with provincial legislation: Property owners must secure approval from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), where required, before receiving a municipal permit.
- New exemptions and volume caps: Up to 30 cubic metres per lot per year for small lots and 60 cubic metres per lot per year for lots larger than 4 hectares. These exemptions allow property owners to complete minor yard work without requiring a permit, while helping prevent large-scale, unregulated soil removal or deposit activities on larger rural properties.
- Comprehensive performance standards: A new Schedule A establishes operational standards that apply to all soil activities, including those that do not require a permit. The standards address hours of operation, dust control, maximum stockpile heights, grade changes, road maintenance, and measures to control the spread of invasive plant species.
- Use of Qualified Professionals: The updated bylaw allows for obtaining services from Qualified Professionals, which could include Engineers or Agrologists.
- Updated fees and security deposits:
- The previous flat permit fee of $25.00 has been replaced with a $250 application fee.
- The previous security bond of $500 per acre has been replaced with a security deposit of $250 plus $2/cubic meter of material, with a minimum deposit of $1,000. This ensures the District has adequate funds available to address site remediation or damage to municipal infrastructure, if necessary.
- Updated penalties: The bylaw outlines penalties for a range of non-compliance offences, ranging from $325 to $1,000.
Find the new bylaw and accompanying schedules, FAQs, and the permit application form on our website: www.northsaanich.ca/local-government/applications-permits-licences/application-soil-removal-deposit-permit