The Town has been in the process of reviewing our storm water requirements for minor developments. After feedback from some in the construction community, we agreed that the Comox Drainage Infrastructure Protection Bylaw 1824, as written, was too onerous and could result in high home cost increases. The proposed bylaw amendments are attached and, if adopted, would see the following changes:
The existing bylaw as it stands requires building permits for minor development from October 15 – May 15 to;
1) hire a designated environmental monitor (DEM) to develop an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan;
2) DEM to inspect, monitor and report on the ESC facilities
3) bond for $10,000; and
4) hold bonding until the occupancy permit has been issued and the completion of a 1-year maintenance period for all plantings and revegetated areas.
The proposed bylaw amendments to be presented to Council are to reduce the amount of dependence on the DEM and transfer the liability to the builder for minor development between October 15-May 15, they include:
- ESC Plan - The Developer or DEM can create this plan. If prepared by the developer, then the ESC plan must be signed off by the DEM. A DEM must be assigned to the site for the duration of the work.
- Monitoring of the site - this is to be determined by the developer and DEM, this will form part of the ESC plan. The developer can perform the monitoring as agreed to by them and the assigned DEM. The Town will not set monitoring thresholds.
- Bonding - $10,000 will continue to be required between Oct. 15 and May 15 and will be reduced to $3,000 post-May 15.
- Release of Bonding – bonding will be released once the site has been revegetated/planted and accepted by the Town. The requirement to bond for the 1-year maintenance period or until the occupancy permit is not required.
Please provide feedback by no later than March 3, 2023, to publicworks@comox.ca