Environmental Areas

The 2018 Official Community Plan expanded the Development Permit Area for protection of the natural environment. 

This Development Permit Area applies to:

  • New buildings and structures
  • Additions greater than 10 m 2
  • Landscaping (with some exceptions)

The Development Permit does NOT apply to:

  • Interior renovations with no associated increase in residential density
  • Ecological restoration projects approved by the Township
  • New paths and trails less than 1 m in width and surfaced with permeable materials 

Within Development Permit  Area No 1 – Natural Environment, new development is not permitted:

  • within 20 metres of the high water mark of the Gorge Waterway
  • Within 10 m of the high water mark of the Strait of Juan de Fuca

In addition, there are a number of guidelines related to the protection of:

  • Natural Features
  • Biodiversity
  • Natural Environment
  • Drainage and Erosion
  • Protection of Shorelines
  • Native Bird Biodiversity

Please consult the Development Services Department at 250-414-7103 if you are planning any structural work or clearing of the foreshore area. 

View the Development Permit Area No 1 – Natural Environment guidelines here

Review Esquimalt’s Official Community Plan.

More information:

Click here for Development Services contacts.