Much of the North Shore’s appeal is the forest at the end of the street. That same forest is why West Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver have wildfire rules for homes near it. For most owners they matter only when building a new house, but they’re worth understanding before you buy a lot, plan a rebuild, or buy a home backing onto the trees.
District of North Vancouver
The District has a Wildfire Hazard Development Permit Area, set out in Schedule B of its Official Community Plan, adopted in 2012. It covers properties in the District’s forested wildland and urban interface. On the District’s online map (GeoWeb) there are two layers, a Wildfire Risk Area and a Wildfire Interface Area, and the same guidelines apply to both.
- When a permit is needed. Building a new or replacement house in the area requires a Wildfire Hazard Development Permit.
- What it takes. A signed report from a qualified professional assessing the wildfire risk and recommending measures to reduce it, following the District’s requirements.
- Renovations. Minor renovations are exempt, though the District strongly recommends FireSmart principles for new roofs, renovations and outbuildings.
- Trees. A wildfire permit is not a tree permit. Removing or pruning protected trees still needs its own tree permit, and an arborist report is a separate document.
West Vancouver
West Vancouver’s Wildfire Hazard Development Permit Area was approved by Council on December 14, 2020. It covers all properties within 100 metres of a forested area, about half the land in the District. A permit is needed to build a new single or multi-family home, duplex or detached suite with living space, or to subdivide. Work on existing homes doesn’t need one, though the Fire Department recommends the guidelines for every home. The guidelines build FireSmart principles into the design: space between the house and nearby trees and brush, more fire-resilient planting, and fire-resistant, non-combustible materials. Council has since considered widening the area, so check the Wildfire Hazard layer in WestMap, the District’s online map, for any specific property.
What this means for buyers
- Buying to build or rebuild. Expect a qualified professional’s report, possibly fire-resistant roofing, siding, decking and vents, and limits on planting close to the house. Build the time and cost into your plans.
- Buying an existing home. Nothing changes on day one. If you renovate, FireSmart steps such as a non-combustible zone right around the house, clean gutters and screened vents are sensible and inexpensive.
- Insurance. Ask your insurer early whether location affects coverage or premiums.
- Check the map. Both municipalities publish their development permit areas online. Look up the address, and see What to ask the city before you buy.
Questions people ask
Does being in the permit area lower a home’s value?
Not in itself. Many of the North Shore’s most desirable streets are next to the forest. It mainly affects the cost and process of building new.
Can I still have trees and a garden?
Yes. The guidelines focus on the area closest to the house and on materials. A qualified professional can advise on planting that works.
Does a new deck need a wildfire permit?
In both municipalities the wildfire permit is aimed at new homes, so work on an existing home generally doesn’t need one. Always check with the municipality before you build, since other permits may apply.
General information for owners and buyers on the North Shore, current as of publication. Development permit areas and guidelines change; confirm the current rules with the municipality for a specific property.