The District of Kent -- anchored by the Agassiz townsite -- sits in the flat agricultural valley between the Fraser River and the dramatic wall of Mount Cheam. With a population of around 6,500, this is a farming community at heart: corn fields, dairy operations, poultry farms, and the historic federal research station that has operated here since 1889. Lot sizes are generous, driveways are long, and outdoor spaces serve double duty for work and family life.
Kent's terrain is predominantly flat valley floor with excellent natural drainage in most areas, but properties near the valley edges meet the mountainside with serious grade changes that demand engineered retaining solutions. The Fraser and Harrison Rivers are nearby, and low-lying parcels can face seasonal moisture issues. Whether it is a concrete driveway that handles farm equipment, an RV pad for weekend adventures, or a patio with Mount Cheam views, the hardscaping here needs to be practical, durable, and built for real use.
Building permits in Kent are administered by the Fraser Valley Regional District, not the District itself. Kent also has a stricter retaining wall trigger than the FVRD standard -- permits are required for walls over 1.0m, compared to the FVRD's usual 1.2m exemption. There is no tree protection bylaw and no impervious surface limit, which gives homeowners and contractors meaningful design freedom for hardscaping projects.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Retaining Walls -- 1.0m Permit Trigger (Stricter Than FVRD)
Kent requires a building permit for retaining walls over 1.0m -- stricter than the FVRD's standard 1.2m exemption. Walls over 1.2m require professional engineering design and field reviews. The OCP also discourages walls over 1.5m and recommends terracing instead.
Source: Kent Homeowner Guide Jan 2025 + FVRD Building Bylaw 1188, §19.1
Fence Heights -- Up to 2.4m Without a Permit
Fences abutting streets are limited to 1.2m and must be transparent with landscaping on the street side. Side and rear fences up to 2.4m (8 feet) are exempt from building permits under the FVRD bylaw. Swimming pool enclosures require a separate permit.
Source: Zoning Bylaw 1219 + FVRD Building Bylaw 1188, §5.4(r)
Open Burning -- Prohibited in Agassiz Townsite
All open burning is prohibited within the Agassiz townsite, including wood-burning fire pits. Outside the townsite, campfire permits ($25/year) and yard waste permits ($60/year) are available seasonally (October through May 15). Gas and propane barbecues are exempt everywhere.
Source: Fire Prevention Bylaw 1448, 2009
Building Permits Through FVRD
All building permits in Kent are administered by the Fraser Valley Regional District, not the District of Kent. The minimum permit fee is $190, and construction value is determined by the FVRD building official using RSMeans data or a verified contract price. Work started without a permit incurs double fees.
Source: FVRD Building Bylaw 1188, Appendix A
Permit Fees in Kent
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Minimum Building Permit Fee | $190 (FVRD) |
| Building Permit (general) | $150 + 1.27% of construction value (FVRD) |
| Swimming Pool Fence Permit | $125 flat (FVRD) |
| Work Without Permit Penalty | Double all applicable fees |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-702-5016 for current rates.
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