Energy and Water Conservation and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases
The Development Permit Area (DPA) #6 aims to promote energy and water conservation and reduce greenhouse gases across the entire District. It focuses on exterior building elements, such as optimizing building placement for solar gain, selective tree cutting to balance solar gain and shading, and water-conserving landscaping. Beyond benefiting homeowners, DPA #6 will help the community achieve the provincially mandated and locally determined greenhouse gas reduction targets: a 20% reduction in per capita GHG emissions or a 9% reduction in overall emissions by 2020.
Development permit area objectives:
- To guide development in a way that conserves both energy and water.
- To guide development in a way that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- To support the community in these combined efforts, there is no fee for DPA #6.
When do I need a permit?
All of the District of Highlands falls under DPA #6. Specifically, a permit for DPA #6 is required when you are:
- Constructing a building or addition that is 50m² or larger upon completion
- Applying for another Development Permit
- Subdividing land
What do I have to do?
Please fill out and submit:
- If you are constructing or doing an addition that results in a building 50m2 or larger, please fill out a development permit application form and checklist sheet for development permit area #6; OR
It is strongly recommended that you review the DPA #6 guidelines before developing your plans and starting site preparation. This ensures your final approach meets the guidelines while providing the most benefits and cost efficiencies.