86 / 101
86
specified below in relation watercourse classes A
through E.
5. “Top of bank” means the point closest to
the boundary of the active floodplain of a
watercourse where a break in the slope of the
land occurs such that the grade beyond the
break is flatter than 3:1 (3 horizontal / 1 vertical)
at any point for a minimum distance of 15 meters
measured perpendicularly from the boundary of
the active floodplain.
6. “Top of ravine bank” means the first significant
break in a ravine slope where the break occurs
such that the grade beyond is flatter than 3:1 (3
horizontal / 1 vertical) for a minimum distance
of 15 metres measured perpendicularly from the
break, and the break does not include a bench
within the ravine that could be developed.
Watercourse Classification:
The Watercourse Map (Map 8A) identifies the clas-
sification of the inventoried watercourses within the
City of Chilliwack as follows:
Development Permit Required
As set out on the OCP Watercourse Map (Map 8A)
and Village West Riparian Setbacks Map (Map 8B),
the following activities require a Development Per-
mit:
1. Development within 30m of the top of bank of a
watercourse classified as Class “A”.
2. Development within 30m of the top of the bank
of a watercourse classified as Class “B”, where
the existing or potential adjacent vegetation is
continuously over 30m wide.
3. Development within 15m of the top of bank of
a watercourse classified as Class “B”, where the
existing or potential adjacent vegetation is less
than 30m wide.
4. Development within 15m of the top of bank of a
watercourse classified as Class “C”.
5. Development within 7.5m of the top of bank of a
watercourse classified as Class “D”.
6. Development within the setbacks from top of
bank as indicated on the Village West Riparian
Setbacks Map (OCP Map 8B).
7. Development within 30m of the top of bank of a
watercourse classified on the Watercourse Map,
as “E” (unclassified) unless it is tributary to Class
“C” or “D” watercourse; in which case the dis-
tance shall be 15m to 7.5m respectively.
8. Development within 30m of the top of bank of
an unmapped watercourse identified at time of
development unless it is tributary to Class “C” or
“D” watercourse; in which case the distance shall
be 15m and 7.5m respectively.
Exemptions
The following activities are exempted from the
requirements for a Development Permit:
1. Farming operations as defined in the Farm
Practices Protection Act;
2. Reconstruction or repair of a permanent
structure remaining on its existing foundation;
and
3. Development not associated with or resulting
from residential, commercial or industrial
activities.
The above exemptions do not remove setbacks
requirements from watercourses stipulated by the
City of Chilliwack Floodplain Regulation Bylaw that
is in force from time to time. In the event of any
inconsistency between the guidelines of this DPA and
other DPAs, the former shall prevail.
Guidelines
1. In compliance with the Riparian Areas Regulation,
development may be permitted if the City is
notified by the appropriate federal and provincial
ministries that they have been notified of the
development proposal, and provided with a copy
of an assessment report prepared by a QEP that:
a. Certifies that they are qualified to carry out
the assessment;
Implementation Guide