Riparian Areas Protection Regulation ("RAPR") Update
Did you know it has been 1 year since amendments to the old Riparian Areas Regulation ("RAR") came into effect, resulting in the new Riparian Areas Protection Regulation ("RAPR") for continued protection of streams, lakes, wetlands, and their associated riparian areas in British Columbia?
On November 1 2019, RAR was amended and became RAPR under Section 12 of the Fish Protection Act. The key changes made to RAR (for it to become RAPR) included the following:
- The Ministry’s ability to approve/reject reports
- New variance protocol language to determine allowable streamside setback encroachments
- New prescriptive methods for managing “Undue Hardship” situations
- Mandatory RAPR Training Course for all Qualified Environmental Professionals (“QEPs”)
- Five (5) year RAPR assessment report validity
- New online step-by-step submission system for applicants
- Additional clarification to existing language and definitions (e.g., active floodplain, stream boundary, SPEA, etc.)
PLG’s QEPs are formally certified through Vancouver Island University’s Natural Resources Extension Program to complete RAPR assessments under the new Regulation.
Just a reminder, RAPR legislation only applies to local government regulation or approval of residential, commercial, or industrial development or ancillary development under their jurisdiction in Part 14 (Planning and Land Use Management) of the Local Government Act.
If you are interested in finding out more about the 2019 RAR amendments, or whether RAPR legislation may apply to your project or site, please contact our QEP, Kyla Milne, at kyla@pacificlandgroup.ca or 604-501-1624.