Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw Board Resolution

News Article

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board resolved to adopt the Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw No. 2974 (the “Soil Bylaw”) on March 2, 2023. The bylaw is intended to mitigate the negative impacts of removing and depositing soil through the regulation and monitoring of these activities in Greater West Bench hazard areas (Husula Highlands, Sage Mesa, West Bench, and the Westwood subdivision). 

For the purposes of this bylaw, the term ‘soil’ includes any substance of which land is composed, including soil, sand, gravel, rock, silt, clay, peat, or any combination of these. This definition also includes mulches, bark, and other woody garden or landscaping substrates. It does not include soil amendments or conditioners such as compost or biosolids.

The Soil Bylaw exempts smaller scale projects involving less than 25 m³ of material (i.e., minor landscaping and gardening works) which do not pose a significant risk. A Soil Permit is required for moderate scale projects, including soil removed or deposited for residential development (i.e., construction of buildings/structures, driveways, and swimming pools) and other projects involving between 25 m³ and 100 m³ of material. Larger scale projects exceeding 100 m³ of material require the approval of an amendment to the Soil Bylaw prior to submission of a Soil Permit application. Along with other required documents, applications for both Soil Permits and Soil Bylaw amendments require the submission of a geotechnical assessment prepared by a qualified professional.

For further information and to access application forms, please visit the RDOS website or contact RDOS Planning Services staff.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:
RDOS Planning
250-490-4108

Jessica Browne

RDOS Communications

250-490-4147

 

RDOS Communications
Toll Free 1-877-610-3737

 

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