Ecosystem Development Plan (EDP)
A Development Permit within the City of Surrey
The City of Surrey's Ecosystem Development Plan (EDP) is part of an adopted municipal regulatory process that affects how certain development projects proceed. The City's bylaw states that Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit (DP3) approval from the City of Surrey is required for any proposed development activity within 50 meters of City of Surrey mapped and Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) confirmed sensitive ecosystems. Our QEPs are able to take you through the environmental development process, and prepare applications and reports for submission to governing bodies.
An EDP can be prepared for a client to address the Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit (DP3) guidelines set out in the City of Surrey’s Official Community Plan (OCP). A large component of PLG's environmental work includes preparing EDPs for development projects located with 50 m of environmentally sensitive ecosystems. Sensitive ecosystems, as outlined in the Ecosystem Protection Measures, consist of two distinct areas:
- Green Infrastructure Areas: Consists of an interconnected system of protected natural areas throughout the City of Surrey. These areas aim to conserve ecosystems and provide connectivity between habitat areas for our local wildlife, and are identified in the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) as Green Infrastructure Networks (GIN).
- Streamside Areas: Areas that are adjacent to watercourses, that are designated as streamside setbacks, implemented for the protection of riparian area and aquatic habitat. Identified in the BCS and defined in the Zoning Bylaw No. 12000 Part 7A.
Development works that fall within 50 m of sensitive ecosystems and will require this EDP/DP3 approval process include any of the following activities:
- Subdivision of land
- Construction, addition or alteration of a building or structure
- Construction of roads and trails
- Disturbance of soils, land alteration or land clearing
- Installation of non-structural surfaces with semi-pervious or impervious material
Streamside setbacks may need to be implemented for a proposed development to protect these sensitive ecosystems. Through development permit guidelines, as described in the City of Surrey’s OCP and Part 7A of the Zoning Bylaw, a Development Variance Permit (DVP) will be required if the proposed development involves a request to vary the bylaw’s recommended setbacks. To obtain a DVP approval, additional reports, including an Impact Mitigation Plan (IMP) and a detailed Riparian Areas Protectio Regulation (RAPR) assessment, will be required to provide options and mitigation measures to minimize project effects to the satisfaction of the City staff and Council.
PLG’s environmental team is highly versed in the City of Surrey’s environmental bylaws and updated Ecosystem Protection Measures (i.e., DP3 Areas and Zoning Bylaw Streamside Protection Setback), as well as other local government policies, bylaws and regulations, and is committed to helping you achieve environmental compliance in connection with your development goals. Our QEPs are able to provide assistance with determining what environmental requirements are applicable to your property (e.g., slope stability assessment, arborist assessment), management of any necessary permits and approvals by elected officials, and prepare applications and reports (e.g., EDP) for submission to governing bodies.
Talk to us
Talk to our environmental professionals. Please contact Kyla,a QEP with experience in watercourse assessments, Riparian Area Protection Regulation (RAPR) assessments, bird nest surveys, fish and wildlife salvages, environmental monitoring, and the preparation of Ecosystem Development Plans (EDP), Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP), and Invasive Species Management Plans (ISMP).