Reducing wildfire risk through building and landscaping practices
The SLRD is taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk and build community resilience by regulating building and landscaping practices near structures. These wildfire protection measures are designed to help property owners take practical, informed actions to reduce the risk of wildfire.
Wildfire Protection Development Permit Areas
Wildfire Protection Development Permit Areas (DPAs) are in place across the SLRD. The overall Wildfire Protection DPA approach has sought to align with FireSmart BC, while providing flexibility for property owners in terms of implementation. The DPAs continue to be widely implemented and contribute to increasing community resiliency to wildfires. Generally, a development permit requires the implementation of non-combustible roofing materials and two or more Zones as identified in the FireSmart™BC Begins At Home Guide:
Mandatory:
The Roof/Non-Combustible Roofing Materials – use non-combustible roofing materials that conform to Class A or Class B fire resistance as referenced in the current BC Building Code (options include metal, asphalt, clay and composite rubber tiles).
Select two or more:
The Home/Immediate Zone (0 – 1.5 meters from face of building) – use non-combustible siding, fire-resistant windows, install a spark arrestor on chimney, and screen vents, eaves, attics and underfloor openings with three-millimetre non-combustible wire mesh;
The Yard/Intermediate Zone (1.5 – 10 meters) – implement fire-resistant landscaping (plants to avoid include cedar, juniper, yew, pine, spruce and tall grass) and maintain a 1.5-metre, non-combustible zone around the entire home and any attachments; and/or
Extended Zone (10 – 30 meters) – implement coniferous tree spacing (spacing trees at least 3 meters apart), tree pruning (removing branches within two metres of the ground), remove combustible materials, and clearly mark the property with a civic address.
Wildfire Landscaping Management Bylaw
The SLRD Wildfire Landscaping Management Bylaw seeks to increase community resiliency to wildfire hazards by addressing landscaping practices in close proximity to buildings and structures. The SLRD Wildfire Landscaping Management Bylaw is a new bylaw, that will work alongside the SLRD Wildfire Protection Development Permit Areas (DPAs), providing a tool to address landscaping where building permits are not involved. The bylaw supports the implementation of the FireSmart BC Landscaping Best Practices Guide.
prohibits the use of juniper, cedar and yew in landscaping as these plants are highly flammable and create the highest risk
encourages the use of fire-resistant plants for new landscaping and provides guidance on how to reduce the risk for existing landscaping involving fire-prone plants
Have questions?
Here are some frequently asked questions to learn more about what the bylaw means for you, how enforcement works, and how to access support.
Wildfire Landscaping Management Bylaw No. 1925-2025 is a new bylaw that seeks to increase community resiliency to wildfire hazards by addressing landscaping practices and vegetation planted in close proximity to buildings and structures. This bylaw will work alongside the SLRD Wildfire Protection Development Permit Areas (DPAs), providing a tool to address landscaping where building permits are not involved. The bylaw supports implementation of the FireSmart™BC landscaping best practices, and is more of an educational tool rather than an enforcement tool.
With fire seasons becoming more severe across British Columbia, it is important to use every opportunity to build wildfire resiliency into our communities. Landscaping choices near buildings are a simple and significant part of reducing fire spread and protecting homes and neighbourhoods.
Yes, the bylaw applies to Electoral Areas A, B, C and D. It does not apply within the District of Lillooet, Village of Pemberton, Resort Municipality of Whistler, or District of Squamish. Squamish adopted its own landscaping bylaw in 2021.
New landscaping within 10 metres of buildings:
Do not plant any variety of juniper, cedar, or yew
Do not plant fire-prone shrubs, trees, or other flammable landscaping materials
Coniferous trees must be spaced at least 3 metres apart
Do not use grasses that grow taller than 20 cm or juniper, cedar, or yew on green roofs
Existing landscaping within 10 metres of buildings:
Keep grass trimmed to no more than 20 centimetres high
Space coniferous trees at least 3 metres apart and prune lower branches up to 2 metres from the ground
Maintain a 1.5 metre separation between fire-prone plants and buildings
Remove fire-prone trees and shrubs growing under building eaves
Fines are included in the bylaw but are considered a last resort. The SLRD’s approach emphasizes education and voluntary compliance, particularly for new landscaping. Enforcement is complaints-based and not proactive. The main focus is on raising awareness and encouraging safer landscaping practices over time, in alignment with FireSmart™BC landscaping recommendations. Most property owners will not be affected unless a formal complaint is received.
No. Property owners are not required to remove existing landscaping. However, maintenance is important. If existing vegetation grows or spreads in a way that no longer complies with the bylaw, it may need to be trimmed or managed.
The bylaw prohibits the use of highly flammable plants such as juniper, cedar, and yew within 10 metres of structures in new landscaping. Learn more about plants to avoid in the FireSmart™BC Landscaping Guide.
Fire-resistant plants include many native and ornamental deciduous shrubs, broadleaf evergreens, and low-growing groundcovers. Safer plants often have supple leaves, low sap content, minimal dead material, and a loose branching structure. Examples include kinnikinnick, potentilla, Oregon grape, lilac, daylily, and native deciduous trees. Refer to the FireSmart™BC Landscaping Guide for a comprehensive plant list and design tips.
SLRD bylaw enforcement is complaints-based and there are no proactive inspections. SLRD bylaws are in place to develop and maintain a safe and livable environment for all residents. The goal is not to penalize residents, but to achieve compliance through education and the provision of information. However, it is recognized that in some cases, compliance may require that penalties be issued especially when situations are related to the health and safety of residents.
The SLRD is sharing information through the SLRD Update newsletter, social media, a dedicated webpage, and direct outreach to landscapers, contractors, nurseries, stratas, and property managers. An email info package has been developed to support awareness and education for these key audiences.
No, the FireSmart™BC team are not enforcing bylaws or reporting any issues or infractions. They provide education, resources, and on-site support to help property owners reduce wildfire risk. They do not issue warnings, conduct inspections, or enforce bylaws.
