City of Mission Riparian Protection Development Permit
The Riparian Protection Development Permit is intended to protect the features, functions, and conditions that are vital for maintaining stream health and productivity in the City of Mission.
Key Takeaways:
A Riparian Protection Development Permit is required for development within 30 metres of most streams. No development is permitted in streamside protection and enhancement areas (SPEAs), which are determined by a qualified environmental professional.
When do you Need a Riparian Protection Development Permit?
A Riparian Protection Development Permit is required for development within the Riparian Assessment Area (RAA) of a stream.
The Riparian Assessment Area is the land:
- Within 30 metres of the stream boundary, for all non-ravine streams
- Within 30 metres of the top of ravine bank, for ravines less than 60 metres wide
- Within 10 metres of the top of ravine bank, for ravines more than 60 metres wide
Riparian Assessment Areas for known streams are illustrated on Schedule 10 of the Official Community Plan. However, development within the RAA of any stream, even if unmapped, requires a permit. For more detailed information on what constitutes a stream and a riparian assessment area, consult our page on RAPR.
For the purposes of the Riparian Protection Development Permit, development includes:
- Subdivision
- Land alteration
- The construction of, addition to, or alteration of a building or structure
The following works are exempt from the Riparian Protection Development Permit:
- Alterations that do not change the structural footprint or disturb existing grade and natural soil conditions
- Routine maintenance of pre-existing areas of human disturbance
- Work near a watercourse that a qualified environmental professional (QEP) has confirmed is not a RAPR regulated stream
- Other works described in the Official Community Plan
Riparian Protection Development Permit Guidelines and Requirements
Any proposed development within a Riparian Assessment Area requires the submission of an approved assessment report, prepared by a QEP. The assessment will use the methodology outlined in the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation to calculate the width of the streamside protection and enhancement area (SPEA). No development can occur within a SPEA, unless the work is authorized through the Fisheries Act and the Water Sustainability Act. The assessment report will also include recommended measures to maintain the integrity of the SPEA. These recommendations may become conditions of the approved development permit.
The assessment report must be submitted to the province through the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation Notification System. The report will be approved by the province prior to the issuance of a Riparian Protection Development Permit by the City of Mission.
Additional Guidelines
The Official Community Plan outlines general guidelines for development within the Riparian Protection Development Permit Area. These include:
- Exceeding the riparian protection standards prescribed by the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation, whenever possible
- Retaining land within the SPEA in a natural state
- Protecting root zones of trees within the SPEA and those identified for retention outside the SPEA during development
- Removing and controlling invasive plant species in the SPEA
- Restoring previously disturbed areas within the SPEA to a natural condition
For a complete set of guidelines, consult Appendix D of the OCP.
Disclaimer: Environmental regulations change frequently. Our goal is to keep the content of this page up-to-date and accurate. If you notice inaccurate information, please contact us so we can make corrections.
Last Updated in July 2025
