Vancouver is where the mountains meet the ocean — and where some of the most valuable residential real estate in Canada demands outdoor spaces that match. From the heritage mansions of Shaughnessy and the character homes of Kitsilano to the modern rebuilds along the Cambie Corridor, Vancouver homeowners invest in hardscaping that performs in a maritime climate and adds real value to properties worth $2M and up.
The city's terrain is mostly gentle, but areas around Queen Elizabeth Park, Capitol Hill, and the escarpments backing onto the Fraser River have meaningful grade changes that require proper retaining wall engineering. Vancouver's R1-1 zone caps impervious surfaces at 75%, which means driveway, patio, and walkway sizing must be calculated carefully. Every project we design accounts for Vancouver's coverage limits and rainwater management requirements.
Vancouver gets roughly 1,200mm of rain annually, concentrated between October and March. That means drainage-first design, proper base preparation, and materials built for wet conditions are non-negotiable. We build covered patios, permeable paving systems, and concrete that handles freeze-thaw cycles — because your outdoor space should work in November, not just July.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Retaining Wall Permits — 1.2m Threshold
Retaining walls under 1.2m generally do not require a permit unless they support a structure or retain a slope critical to foundation stability. Walls 1.2m or over require a building permit plus structural and geotechnical engineering. Any portion projecting above retained ground is classified as a fence.
Source: BC Building Code Part 9; City of Vancouver Fences & Walls Guide
75% Maximum Impervious Surface (R1-1 Zone)
In Vancouver's primary residential zone (R1-1), no more than 75% of the lot can be covered by impervious materials — buildings, driveways, patios, and walkways combined. Rainwater must be managed on-site and cannot drain to neighbours.
Source: R1-1 District Schedule §3.2.2.8; Rainwater Management Policy
Tree Protection — 20cm+ DBH
All trees with a trunk diameter of 20cm or more are protected. Removal requires a permit — $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period, $324 for each additional tree. Replacement trees are required. Tree protection zones must be fenced during construction.
Source: Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958, §4.4(c)
Permit Fees in Vancouver
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Building Permit (up to $5,000 value) | $217 flat |
| Building Permit ($10,000 value) | ~$287 |
| Building Permit ($25,000 value) | ~$495 |
| Tree Removal (first tree) | $113 |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-873-7611 for current rates.
What We Build in Vancouver
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