Hardscaping Contractor in Langley
Langley is two municipalities in one name — and the hardscaping needs could not be more different. The Township of Langley is a fast-growing suburban and rural municipality stretching from the hillside developments of Willoughby and Yorkson to the heritage village of Fort Langley, the wooded acreages of Brookswood-Fernridge, and the established family streets of Walnut Grove. The City of Langley is a compact urban centre with older homes and new infill. Both are covered under one FVIMBL licence.
Willoughby is the single hottest hardscaping submarket in the Fraser Valley — thousands of new homes on engineered slopes need retaining walls, tiered patios, stairs, and drainage solutions immediately after move-in. Walnut Grove's 1990s–2000s homes are entering the renovation cycle. Brookswood's large wooded lots demand naturalistic hardscaping that works around protected trees. Fort Langley's heritage character calls for exposed aggregate, natural stone, and craftsman-style details. Each neighbourhood requires a different approach.
Neither the Township nor the City has an impervious surface limit, giving homeowners flexibility for driveways and patios. However, the Township has one of the strictest front yard fence limits at just 1.0m, while the City of Langley is the only municipality in our coverage area that allows 2.0m fences everywhere — including the front yard. Knowing which rules apply to your specific property is essential.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Township Fence Heights — 1.0m Front (Strictest in Region)
The Township of Langley limits front yard fences to just 1.0m — the most restrictive in our coverage area. Side and rear fences can reach 2.0m. Combined fence plus retaining wall heights are subject to the same limits. No permit required for standard fences.
Source: Township Zoning Bylaw 2500, §111.6(1), §111.6(3)
City of Langley Fence Heights — 2.0m Everywhere (Most Permissive)
The City of Langley allows 2.0m fences everywhere on the lot, including the front yard — the only municipality in our coverage area with no front yard fence reduction. This is a unique advantage for privacy-focused projects.
Source: City Zoning Bylaw 2100, Section I.D(d)
Retaining Walls — BC Building Code Default (1.2m)
Neither municipality has specific retaining wall provisions beyond BC Building Code defaults. Walls over 1.2m require a building permit plus Professional Engineer. In the Township, combined retaining wall plus fence cannot exceed 2.0m (or 1.0m in front yard) — more restrictive than Coquitlam's 3.0m combined limit.
Source: BC Building Code Part 9; Township §111.6
Township Tree Protection — Nesting Trees Protected Regardless of Size
All trees 20cm+ DBH are protected. Uniquely, any tree with raptor, osprey, heron, hummingbird, or pileated woodpecker nests is protected regardless of size. Bird nesting surveys are mandatory for removals between March 15 and August 1. Cash-in-lieu ranges from $600 to $1,200 per tree. The Township successfully enforced a $105,000 fine for unauthorized removal.
Source: Tree Protection Bylaw 5478; Fees Bylaw 4616, Schedule 15
Fire Pits and Chimineas Prohibited (Township)
The Township prohibits fire pits and chimineas year-round. CSA-certified gas and propane appliances and charcoal for cooking are allowed. Incidental burning permits are available only for properties 0.2 hectares or larger, for yard cleanup only, and only during spring and fall seasons.
Source: Fire Prevention Bylaw 6061
Permit Fees in Langley
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Township Building Permit (up to $1,000) | $52.50 flat (min $100) |
| Township Driveway Permit | $100 app + 15% of cost (min $300) |
| Township Demolition Permit | $150 flat |
| Township Tree Protection Application | $150 + $100–$1,200/tree cash-in-lieu |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-533-6014 for current rates.