Under the Community Charter, local governments have authority to regulate the deposit and removal of soil within a municipality. The District of Squamish considers it in the public interest to regulate soil movement.
Managing soil movement helps protect and maintain the integrity of green infrastructure and sensitive ecosystems, maintain water quality and drainage while controlling soil erosion and sedimentation, and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species - all of which are important objectives included within the District of Squamish Official Community Plan.
If you are unsure whether you require a permit, please contact Community Planning: [email protected] or 604-815-5002.
This bylaw applies to the deposit or removal of 30 m3 of soil (about 3 truckloads) or more, on one parcel during a 12 month period.
If the volume of soil being relocated is less than 30m3, a permit is not required unless any of the following apply:
Deposit or removal of soil is proposed on land having a slope greater than 30%
Deposit or removal of soil is proposed within 30m of the crest or toe of land having a slope greater than 30%
Proposed location of soil deposit is in a designated floodway
Soil contains Invasive Species
Proposed location of soil deposit or removal is within an Environmentally Sensitive Area or Riparian Assessment Area
Application Form and Fees
Application costs include a flat fee plus a fee per each cubic meter of soil to be deposited or removed.For details, please refer to theFees & Charges Bylaw,section 13.6 “Soil Management”.
