Foreshore Development Permit Area

April 2022 update

The Foreshore Development Permit Area was adopted on April 11, 2022. The District’s Foreshore Development Permit web page provides information on how to apply for a Foreshore Development Permit.

To view whether properties are within the Foreshore Development Permit Area go to WestMap under the Planning/Foreshore DPA layer.

March 2022 update

The proposed Official Community Plan Bylaw amendments received their first reading at the February 14 Council meeting.

Council held a public hearing on March 29, 2022, and read Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5128, 2022 a second and third time. Adoption will take place at a later date.

Learn more about how the proposed Foreshore Development Permit Area (DPA) will impact building regulations on the foreshore

As climate change causes increased sea level rise and storm surge, it is important for waterfront communities to develop building regulations that specifically address the risk of coastal hazards and flooding.

The District of West Vancouver is creating a Development Permit Area for the foreshore (waterfront) that will help protect people and properties, provide clear information for owners about how to redevelop their properties safely, and sensitively manage the foreshore environment.

Thank you to everyone who attend a discussion café to learn more, ask questions, and share comments about the proposed Foreshore Development Permit Area.

View a video of the presentations

What is a Foreshore Development Permit Area?

The Province of BC has provided guidance to assist with land use planning in coastal floodplain areas. Taking into account this guidance, the Foreshore Development Permit Area would establish guidelines for building in coastal floodplain areas by requiring new homes to be at an elevation above the risk of coastal flooding; as well as establish guidelines to help protect the foreshore environment from erosion and impacts related to new development.

The Foreshore Development Permit Area in the District of West Vancouver includes all properties at an elevation at risk of coastal flooding. Most of these properties are directly adjacent to the foreshore, thereby also requiring the need to protect this sensitive environment during redevelopment activities.

View larger map of the Foreshore DPA

Who is impacted by this?

Property owners within the Development Permit Area who are subdividing, developing, or altering property will require a development permit. As buildings are replaced over time, neighbourhoods will become more resilient to sea level rise and coastal flooding.

There are approximately 840 properties within the Foreshore Development Permit Area, including private residential properties and private commercial properties.

Why do we need this in West Vancouver?

Oceanfront homes are in high demand in West Vancouver, but building too close to the ocean can increase the risk of damage to homes and can also damage the foreshore. It is a priority for the District to address this threat by preparing strategies to protect the shoreline and waterfront properties.

What previous policy decisions related to climate change have been made?

One of Council's Council Strategic Goals is to protect our natural environment, reduce our impact on it, and adapt to climate change, including addressing the threat of sea level rise and coastal flooding.

The Official Community Plan also specifies the need for a Foreshore DPA. In addition, the Coastal Marine Management Plan Working Group, and the broader North Shore Sea Level Rise Strategy, both include recommendations to prepare a DPA as one tool to adapt to sea level rise and coastal flooding risks.

What has been the Council direction to date?

On November 16, 2020, Council directed staff to prepare and introduce for Council’s consideration a Foreshore Development Permit Area.

On June 14, 2021, Council deferred setting a public hearing for the bylaws and directed staff as follows:

• THAT further consideration of the Foreshore Development Permit Area be deferred until staff have completed additional public consultation by proactively reaching out to all homeowners in the proposed development permit area via a mailout that includes a link to tonight’s Foreshore DPA Council report and appendices as well as staff contact information, and then host two or three workshops/roundtable discussions in accordance with public health orders.
• THAT staff bring back the Foreshore Development Permit Area in conjunction with the Coastal Marine Management Plan Working Group final report.