Tree Management Permits

Why protect our urban forest?

Trees improve air and water quality, prevent soil erosion and flooding, offer shade to control temperatures and conserve energy, attract wildlife, birds and pollinators,increase property values and make Colwood neighbourhoods more beautiful and enjoyable. For all of these reasons, trees improve health and wellness and contribute to a high quality of life for residents. 

Can the City regulate trees on property I own?

Under Section 8 of the “Community Charter” a Council may enact regulations in relation to trees. Most cities have similar bylaws for the management or the protection of trees. This bylaw brings the City of Colwood up to date with common practice for the protection of trees. 

How do I measure the diameter of a tree?

The diameter of a tree is measured at chest height (1.4 metres above the ground). It can be determined by measuring the tree around it's circumference and dividing that by 3.142.)

What if the tree is in imminent danger of falling?

In the event that a protected tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property due to natural causes, and it is not possible to obtain a permit prior to the tree falling, the owner may cut the tree or have it cut, but must report the cutting of the tree to the City within the next business day along with a photograph of the tree prior to cutting.

The owner must not remove the tree from the lot until the city has attended the site and has confirmed the tree was in imminent danger of falling. In this instance, the trees that are cut must be replaced in accordance with the City's Urban Forest Bylaw. If the City determines that the tree was not in imminent danger of falling, or was in imminent danger of falling due to reasons other than natural causes, the owner may be subject to penalties.

What is a wildlife tree?

Birds, eggs and nest trees are protected by the BC Wildlife Act. When a property owner wishes to remove or modify nest trees, they must obtain a written permit from the Ministry of Environment. More information is available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/lower-mainland/wildlife/management/wildlife_man...

Secondary and Garden Suites

What do I need to build a new secondary suite in an existing house?

The first step is to confirm that your property is zoned for the intended use. Please reference the Adding a Suite Checklist to familiarize yourself with zoning requirements such as permitted size and parking to be provided. Once you have confirmed what you intend to do is possible, please submit a completed building permit application and plans. The plans required for this application are outlined in the chart on the main page for building permits. While you are able to submit drawings on your own, a designer or contractor who is familiar with zoning/building code requirements can save you time.

What do I need to bring my existing secondary suite into compliance if there is no record of it or I want to confirm it is safe to occupy?

Please follow the steps outlined in the FAQ answer above. You are not committed to anything by reaching out to inquire. If you are zoned for that use and parking can be provided on the property, the city approaches existing suites on a case by case basis and works with the property owner to ensure the key life and safety requirements are in place. Examples of what those requirements may be are smoke alarms, egress requirements, and operational exhaust fans.

I have a class ll secondary suite permit, does this mean my suite is legal?

At one time the City issued “class two” secondary suite permits. This was a declaration provided by the homeowner that the secondary suite met the basic zoning and building code requirements. The City no longer issues class two secondary suite permits or requires them to be renewed. They are no longer valid as that bylaw has been repealed. Because of this, the City is unable to confirm the suites legitimacy unless there is record of a building permit but does not consider existing ones to be an issue unless we are made aware of safety concerns. It is important for the property owner to know that a class two permit should not be taken as assurance that there were inspections to confirm the key life and safety aspects are in place. If you would like to confirm those are in place or require proof of the suites legitimacy, we encourage you to follow the steps explained in the FAQ answer above.   

What do I need to build a new accessory dwelling unit? (commonly referred to as garden suite)

The first step is to confirm that your property is zoned for the intended use. Please reference the Adding a Suite Checklist to familiarize yourself with zoning requirements such as permitted gross floor area, parking and to confirm whether a development permit is required please reach out to planning@colwood.ca. Once you have confirmed what you intend to do is possible, please submit a completed building permit application and plans. The plans required for this application are outlined in the chart on the main page for building permits and the plans and documentation needed would be the same as what is required for a regular single-family dwelling. Hiring a designer or contractor who is familiar with zoning/building code requirements can save you time with application process.

What do I need to convert an existing accessory building to an accessory dwelling unit? (commonly referred to as garden suite)

Please follow the steps outlined in the FAQ answer above. You are not committed to anything by reaching out to inquire. If you are zoned for that use and parking can be provided on the property, the city approaches these proposed conversions on a case by case basis. A city building official will attend the site free of charge to determine the extent of what is needed and will provide a summarized list for you to consider without any sort of commitment.

Retaining Walls

What is considered a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure that is constructed to hold back, stabilize, or support the land behind it. They vary in size, configuration and material. Most often they are built using rock or concrete.

What is “natural grade”?

Natural grade refers to the elevation of the ground surface prior to any disturbance, alteration, excavation or filling takes place. A topographical survey is used to document the grade prior to land alteration.

What is "finished grade"?

Finished grade refers to the elevation of the ground surface after the wall is constructed.​

If you have further questions, please see our other Development Services pages for more information, or contact Development Services at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca.