Slope Hazard DPAs in the District of North Vancouver
In a community shaped by steep terrain, forested ravines, and wet coastal weather, slope hazards are a serious consideration — especially in the District of North Vancouver (DNV).
To help manage the risk of landslides, rockfalls, and slope instability, the District has designated certain areas as Slope Hazard Development Permit Areas (DPAs). If you’re planning to buy, sell, or build in one of these areas, it’s important to understand what this designation means and how it could affect your property plans — or its value.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, engineering, or other professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.
What Is the Slope Hazard DPA?
The Slope Hazard DPA is a mapped overlay within the District of North Vancouver that highlights properties where landslide risk or slope instability may be higher due to natural terrain features.
Typically, these are:
- Slopes steeper than 20 degrees (36%)
- Slopes more than 10 metres high
- Areas within 20 metres of the top or base of such slopes
You can view the mapped areas using the District's Property Viewer App.
Why Was the DPA Established?
The Slope Hazard DPA was created to:
- Minimize risk to people and property
- Reduce the potential for slope failures and landslides
- Ensure safe and appropriate development near steep slopes
- Protect adjacent properties from drainage and erosion impacts
- Encourage long-term slope maintenance and monitoring
The DPA guidelines were shaped in part by detailed landslide assessments conducted after the 2005 Berkley Escarpment landslide — a major event that prompted the District to take a more proactive approach to managing slope hazards. Following the incident, the District commissioned BGC Engineering Inc. to conduct a multi-year review and quantitative risk assessments across several at-risk neighbourhoods.
Between 2006 and 2010, assessments were completed for:
- Berkley Escarpment
- Indian Arm Debris Flow Fans
- Pemberton Heights Escarpment
- Westlynn Escarpment
- Deep Cove / Cove Cliff
- Riverside West
- Mosquito Creek
- Capilano River East
- Mount Fromme East
These assessments helped prioritize risk reduction efforts and shape the current Slope Hazard DPA regulations. Many of these areas remain part of the active hazard inventory monitored by the District today.
You can read more in the:
District of North Vancouver Landslide Risk Summary
2009 Landslide Risk Assessment for Select Escarpment Slopes
Do Slope Hazard DPAs Affect Property Value?
It depends.
Being within a Slope Hazard Development Permit Area (DPA) doesn’t automatically mean a property is unsafe. The DPA is a planning tool used by the District to flag areas where slope-related hazards — such as landslides or erosion — may exist. The actual level of risk varies by property and depends on slope conditions, construction history, and professional assessment.
That said, Slope Hazard DPA designation can impact real estate property value in a few key ways:
1] Smaller Pool of Buyers
Homes or lots within mapped DPAs may appeal to fewer buyers, especially those unfamiliar with the permitting process or concerned about future restrictions. This reduced demand can affect resale timing and price.
2] Higher Development Costs
If you're planning to renovate or rebuild, the DPA introduces additional steps: professional geotechnical reports, permitting, and potentially higher construction standards. These added costs can reduce the perceived value of the land — especially if redevelopment is a key selling point.
3] Potential Limitations on Use
In some cases, slope conditions may limit the size, location, or features of a home. For example, adding a walkout basement, swimming pool, or major landscaping changes may not be permitted or may require costly mitigation.
Considering a property flagged with a Slope Hazard DPA?
It’s essential to talk to your real estate agent, architect, and the District of North Vancouver early in the process to understand the implications. Our team is experienced with slope-related permitting and redevelopment, and we’d be pleased to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Do You Need a Development Permit?
If you live within a Slope Hazard DPA and plan to build or alter the property, you may require a Development Permit (DP) from the District.
Typical triggers include:
- New home construction
- Structural renovations or additions
- Demolition and rebuilds
- New habitable basement space
- Landscaping near the top or bottom of the slope
There are exceptions, such as minor non-structural renovations or exact-footprint deck replacements — but these still require review by the Environment Department for a formal exemption.
What’s Required for a Slope Hazard DP?
Most applications require:
- A completed Environmental DPA application
- A legal topographic survey
- Site plans
- A slope hazard assessment report from a Qualified Professional (QP) engineer or geoscientist
- A signed Landslide Assurance Statement (Appendix D)
The QP’s report must show that your project meets the District’s Risk Tolerance Criteria and is safe for the intended use.
Learn more at the District of North Vancouver’s Slope Hazard DPA page.
What If You’re Buying or Selling?
If You’re Buying
If you're looking at a District of North Vancouver property near a creek, ravine, or mountainside, review the DNV's mapping closely.
- Is the lot in a Slope Hazard DPA?
- Are there any prior geotechnical reports?
- Will I need a permit for future work?
- Are there any use or design limitations?
If redevelopment is part of your plan, consulting an engineer, architect, and the District early on is highly recommended.
If You’re Selling
If your property is within the Slope Hazard DPA — especially if it’s in a known high-risk zone — it may be prudent to make sure buyers are fully informed. This means:
- Disclosing the DPA designation
- Including relevant documents in the listing
- Using clear language in the contract
How the Development Permit Process Works
The Slope Hazard DP process typically involves:
- Early consultation with the Environment Department
- Preliminary assessment by a Qualified Professional
- Document submission and District review
- Development Permit issuance (if safety criteria are met)
Timelines vary based on project complexity and whether other DPAs (e.g. streamside or wildfire) also apply.
Design Tips for Slope-Affected Properties
Working with a steep site? Consider:
- A stepped or tiered design that follows the natural slope
- Minimizing hardscaping or changes near slope edges
- Avoiding fill or excavation near ravines or escarpments
- Using native, deep-rooted landscaping to stabilize soil
Pools, hot tubs, retaining walls, or patios near slope edges may be discouraged or require mitigation.
Want to Learn More?
- Download the District’s Slope Hazard DPA - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Download the District’s Slope Hazard DPA Brochure (PDF)
- Read the 2009 Landslide Risk Summary Report (PDF)
- Explore your property using the DNV’s Property Viewer Map
- Contact the Environment Department: environment@dnv.org
Planning to Buy or Sell a Slope-Affected Property?
Navigating a Slope Hazard DPA requires expert guidance. Whether you're buying a home with future plans or selling in a mapped area, our experienced North Vancouver real estate team can help.
We’ll connect you with trusted professionals, guide you through permit questions, and help you understand how slope risk may affect your property's use or value.
Reach out today — we’re here to help you make safe, confident real estate decisions.