The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District has temporarily halted the issuing of building permits in fire-impacted areas of the Shuswap until the results of geotechnical assessments are complete.

The CSRD has hired BGC Engineering to complete the geotechnical work, which has already begun. Preliminary findings are expected to be released in the next four-to-six weeks with a full report is expected before the end of the year.

“Wildfires, especially those of the size and scale of the Bush Creek East Wildfire, change the soil, vegetation, watercourses and other natural features of the area,” the CSRD said, in a news release. “This can significantly increase the risk of landslides, flooding, rockfall and erosion.”

The CSRD says the moratorium does not hinder rebuilding attempts in the North Shuswap, Adams Lake and Sorrento areas.

They say residents need to go through several steps – including property clean-up and danger tree assessments – before they can apply for building permits. They’ll also have to confirm their planning requirements with the CSRD before applying for a building permit.

“Throughout this emergency, public safety has been the number one priority. It is critical we continue to ensure the safety of residents from the potential hazards that come into play for these burned areas,” said Gerald Christie, the CSRD’s Manager of Development Services.

“Once we have more information about the level of risk, we will be able to remove properties in low-risk areas from the moratorium.”

Property owners may be exempt from the temporary moratorium on new building permits, if they submit a report from a certified professional engineer or geoscientist that says their land may be used safely.

For more information on the next steps for a particular property, email the CSRD building department. Questions about land-use planning in the CSRD can be directed here.