April 2025 Radium Hot Springs OCP Poster Boards - Flipbook - Page 8
WILDFIRE HAZARD
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
Introduction
Key Policies
A Wildfire Development Permit Area (DPA) is a regulatory tool used by
municipalities to mitigate the risk of wildfire damage to properties and
communities. The Wildfire DPA covers the entire Village and requires
developments to follow specific guidelines aimed at reducing wildfire
hazards.
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Before undertaking development activities within a Wildfire DPA,
property owners are generally required to obtain a development
permit. The Wildfire DPA plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of
wildfire damage and enhancing community safety.
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Objectives
• Protect property and lives from wildfire.
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• Minimize the risk of fire spreading to wildland areas.
• Promote responsible development practices in wildfire-prone
areas.
Applicability
All lands within the Village of Radium are subject to the Wildfire DPA.
Exemptions
While Wildfire DPAs impose restrictions on development, there
are often exemptions to these requirements. Exemptions to this
Development Permit Area includes:
• Actions to protect Life or Property necessary to prevent immediate
threats.
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• Activities related to normal farm practices in accordance with
relevant legislation.
All lands, including undeveloped lots and common areas within
existing subdivisions must be assessed and managed as required for
wildfire safety by the property-owner or strata manager.
Buildings located near the crest of a slope must be located a
minimum of 10 m from the crest.
Any material used for exterior wall finishes must be non-combustible
such as stucco, metal siding, brick, cement shingles, or noncombustible cladding. Wood, Vinyl and treated wood siding are not
permitted.
Decks should be constructed of non-combustible or fire rated
material
Wildfire fuel reduction strategies are required on the whole property
area intended for development, and must include:
g A 1.5 metre non combustible zone must be created and maintained around the home and attached decks;
g Coniferous trees located beyond 10.0 metres from the structure must be pruned up to 2.0 m from the ground removing all
limbs, and there must be 3.0 m of space between the crown of
the trees;
g Reduction of surface fuels must also be completed to reduce
surface fire intensity; and
g Following all Municipal and Provincial burning regulations and
guidelines.
Bark mulch is prohibited.
Juniper or cedar plants are prohibited within 10.0 m of any structure,
and not encouraged within the 10.0-30.0 m Extended Zone.
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EXTENDED ZONE
10m to 30m
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INTERMEDIATE ZONE
1.5m to 10m
IMMEDIATE ZONE
0m to 1.5m
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HOME
IGNITION
ZONE
Fire Resistant Deciduous trees and vegetation maybe
planted in the area 1.5 to 10.0 m from the structure.
Fences should be constructed from non-combustible
material.
If fences are constructed from combustible material they
should be located greater than 1.5 m from the structure
and must have a 1.5 m non-combustible section where they
connect to a home or structure.
Piled debris (firewood, building materials, and other
combustible material) should be kept 10 m or further from
any structure and not exceed 2 m in diameter or 2 m in
height.
The following landscaping provisions should be followed for
any subdivision or multi-unit residential development:
g A Landscape Plan is required that shows the mature
spread of trees;
g A wildfire fuel reduction maintenance plan that outlines
how wildfire hazard will be continually managed in perpetuity; and
g The annual removal of surface litter, downed trees, and
dead and dying trees from private properties, and shared
common areas.
FireSmart, Intelli-feu and other associated Marks are trademarks of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).
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