Hardscaping Contractor in Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam occupies the confluence of the Pitt and Coquitlam Rivers at the eastern edge of Metro Vancouver. The city blends established post-war neighbourhoods near the town centre with newer hillside developments in Citadel Heights and Burke Mountain's shadow. PoCo is a city of transitions — flat river-adjacent lots in the south, moderate slopes in the middle, and steeper terrain climbing toward the northeast.
The 2024 SSMUH zoning amendments reshaped residential development across PoCo: lot coverage increased to 50%, height limits went to 10.5m, and multi-unit permissions expanded in all RS zones. For hardscaping, that means more infill development, more shared-lot retaining walls, and more demand for privacy fencing and outdoor living spaces on tighter footprints.
Port Coquitlam has the most permissive retaining wall permit threshold in Metro Vancouver — walls under 1.5m do not require a permit. Combined with the tallest standard fence height in the region at 2.5m for side and rear yards, PoCo gives homeowners more room to build before hitting regulatory triggers. We take advantage of that flexibility while still engineering every project to last.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Retaining Wall Permits — Most Permissive in Metro Vancouver
Retaining walls under 1.5m do not require a building permit — the highest threshold in our coverage area. Walls over 1.5m require a permit with P.Eng. letters of assurance. Walls over 2m height or 10m length trigger enhanced review with a survey certificate and engineer's site report.
Source: Building & Plumbing Bylaw 3710, §20.1-§20.3
Fence Heights — Tallest Standard in Metro Vancouver
Front yard fences: 1.2m maximum. Side and rear fences behind the front setback: 2.5m maximum — the tallest standard residential fence height in our coverage area. Vision clearance triangle requires 1.0m maximum within 5m of street/lane intersections.
Source: Zoning Bylaw 3630, §III, 4-3 to 4-6
Impervious Surface — 70% Maximum
RS1, RS2, and RS4 zones cap impervious surface at 70% of the lot. RS3 acreage zones are limited to 65%. This means driveways, patios, walkways, and building footprint combined cannot exceed 70% of the property. Permeable pavers can help maximize your outdoor living space within this limit.
Source: Zoning Bylaw 3630, Table 2.4
Tree Protection — Strictest DBH Threshold
Port Coquitlam protects all trees over 15cm diameter at breast height — the lowest threshold in the region. Six rare species (Pacific Dogwood, Arbutus, Western Yew, Western White Pine, Garry Oak, Oregon Ash) are protected at just 10cm. Significant trees over 45cm require 2:1 replacement. Bird nesting season (March 15 - August 31) requires a QEP survey before removal.
Source: Tree Bylaw 4108, 2019
Fire Pit Rules — Gas, Propane, Charcoal, and Electric
Gas, propane, CSA-approved charcoal briquette, and electric fire pits are all permitted with no permit required. Must be set 3.0m from structures, property lines, and combustibles, with constant supervision and an extinguishing agent on hand. Wood-burning fire pits are prohibited.
Source: Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 4395, 2025
Permit Fees in Port Coquitlam
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Building Permit (up to $5K value) | $120.00 flat |
| Building Permit ($5K-$50K value) | 0.8% of value + $20 (at application and issuance) |
| Demolition Permit (standard) | $230.00 |
| Tree Removal Permit | $100.00 per tree |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-927-5442 for current rates.