Addressing Bylaw No. 825, 2012, Amendment Bylaw No. 1170, 2026

Exemptions

The following do not require a development permit:

• Repair, maintenance, alteration or reconstruction of existing legally or legally non-conforming sited buildings, structures or utilities provided there is no alteration of undisturbed land or vegetation.
• Development, upon submission to the Director of Development Services of a written statement from a professional biologist with relevant experience confirming the absence of a sensitive ecosystem within the area that would be affected by the proposed work.
• Emergency repairs to existing structures and public walkways where a potential safety hazard exists.
• Construction of a fence so long as no native trees are removed and the disturbance of native vegetation is restricted to 0.5 metres on either side of the fence.
• Removal of trees, deemed to be hazardous by a qualified arborist, that threaten the immediate safety of life and buildings.
• Removal of hazardous trees with a valid Tree Alteration and Cutting Permit.
• Repair and maintenance of existing roads, driveways, paths and trails, provided there is no expansion of the width or length of the road, driveway, path or trail, and no creation of additional impervious surfacing, including paving, asphalting or similar surfacing.
• Small-scale removal by hand (10m² or less) of invasive species or noxious weeds.
• Larger-scale removal of invasive species or noxious weeds in accordance with a vegetation management plan prepared by a registered professional biologist, with appropriate relevant experience.
• Gardening and yard maintenance activities within an existing landscaped area, such as lawn mowing, tree and shrub pruning, vegetation planting and minor soil disturbance that do not alter the general contours of the land.
• Forest harvesting and related activities that comply with the Private Managed Forest Land Act on properties assessed as Managed Forest under the BC Assessment Act.
• Within an existing landscaped area that is outside of a Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area, the placement of impermanent structures, such as benches, tables and garden ornaments and the gardening and yard maintenance activities, such as lawn mowing, tree and shrub pruning, vegetation planning and minor soil disturbances that do not alter the contours of the land.
• Municipal public works, undertaken or authorized by the Town of View Royal.
• Park and works services, undertaken or authorized by the Town of View Royal, the Province of BC or the Capital Regional District.