At Council-in-Committee on July 28, Council received a report for information on the proposed Soil Management Bylaw. The new Bylaw clarifies existing requirements for when the General Manager of Planning can approve or decline permits, as well as that Bylaw provisions are no longer based on lot size, but on the permitted soil removal and deposit areas. 

Key areas of update include: 

• Provide an updated definition of soil and add a provision to prohibit the deposition of other construction and demolition materials such as wood waste, masonry and concrete/asphalt rubble;  
• Clarify that smaller landscaping-type soil removal and deposits must still comply with bylaw standards and best management practices even if not requiring a permit;  
• Remove the outdated fee schedule from the Bylaw and relocate it to the City Fees and Charges Bylaw. Staff also note that the current permit fee is under review to increase it to better reflect and cover administrative costs and staff time to process and issue permits. This will be subject to further review and Council consideration with the annual CO' Fees and Charges Bylaw update;  
• Add provisions for contractor insurance requirements plus a security (damage) deposit for the protection of adjacent public infrastructure - both consistent with current practice for most construction permits in Coquitlam; and  
• Define best-practice performance standards to enhance regulation of soil removal/deposit works including:  
  • Protection of adjacent lands;  
  • Environmental protection;  
  • Grading and drainage;  
  • Erosion and sediment control;  
  • Protection of highways, utilities, and rights-of-way;  
  • Invasive species control; and  
  • Haul road maintenance and cleaning.  

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.