On shared unceded L̓il̓wat7úl and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory

Chapter 13

AREA

All lands located within the Industrial Development Permit Area, as shown on Schedule R.

DESIGNATION

Pursuant to section 488(1)(f) of the Local Government Act, these areas are designated as a development permit area for the establishment of objectives for the form and character of industrial development. These lands are also designated under section 485 of the Local Government Act as areas in which the municipality may require applicants to provide information on the form and character of the development.

JUSTIFICATION

The Industrial DPA designation includes industrial areas located throughout the municipality that may be visible from Highway 99 or on the landscape, requiring site planning considerations so as not to impact Whistler’s natural setting and visual assets.

Pursuant to section 488(4) of the Local Government Act a development permit is not required in respect of the following:

  • (a) Routine property maintenance except that involving a change of primary building colour or primary building material.
  • (b) Vegetation management related to wildfire hazard reduction when carried out in accordance with:
    • (i) a FireSmart® Assessment or fuel management prescription; and
    • (ii) a permit to remove vegetation issued under the Environmental Protection Bylaw.
  • (c) Signs authorized by permit under the Sign Bylaw.
  • (d) Emergency works, including tree cutting to remove an immediate danger.
  • (e) Minor site clearing for topographic or other surveys for site and servicing work.

The following guidelines apply within the Industrial DPA:

SITE PLANNING

  • (a) Rock and mineral extraction operations should not be visible on the landscape in order to protect the aesthetic value that the landscape contributes to Whistler’s natural setting and visual assets.
  • (b) Maintain or install vegetation on the perimeter of the site to protect and enhance the aesthetic value that the landscape contributes to Whistler’s natural setting and visual assets and ensure minimum exposure or visibility into the site from Highway 99, public streets, public trails and adjacent uses.
  • (c) Properties adjacent to Highway 99 should maintain a 20 metre wide vegetated area adjacent to the Highway 99 right-of-way that is densely clustered to simulate the scale and variety of forest plantings in order to integrate with the surrounding trees and natural setting.
  • (d) Chain link fencing visible from Highway 99 or a public street should be screened with vegetation.

BUILDING DESIGN

  • (a) Building materials should be sufficiently durable and detailed to withstand Whistler’s harsh climate. Reflective or heavily tinted glass is discouraged.
  • (b) Building colour should be muted and consist of natural colours found in the Whistler setting.
  • (c) Roof colour should be neutral or muted and non-reflective to blend with the natural landscape.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  • (a) Outdoor lighting should be used for safe pedestrian passage and property identification firstly.
  • (b) Illumination levels should be of sufficient intensity to provide safe pedestrian mobility but not overpower the nightscape. Use warm lighting.
  • (c) Direct light downward by choosing the correct type of light fixture. Acceptable fixtures are full cut-off and fully shielded fixtures that shield the light source to protect dark skies and avoid light pollution.
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