The City’s Economic Development & Planning Services Department offers brochures with frequently asked questions to assist you with various building and development processes and environment questions.
Contact the Planning Services Division at 604-864-5510 (2nd Floor, City Hall) or the Building Permits & Licences Division at 604-864-5525 (1st Floor, City Hall) for more information regarding the processes related to development and building.
Q. How do I find my zoning?
A. You can find your zoning by accessing Webmap.
Q. What can I do on my property under my current zoning? (i.e. uses, setbacks, etc.)
A. See Zoning Bylaw.
Q. Am I allowed to build an accessory building (eg. shed or workshop) on my residential lot?
A. Refer to our Accessory Buildings & Structures Brochure.
Q. How big can I build my detached garage?
A. See our brochures, Detached Garages in RR Zones or Detached Garages in RS Zones.
Q. How high can I build my fence?
A. See our Fences in Residential Areas Guide (also available Fences in Residential Areas in Punjabi).
Q. What are the requirements for a private swimming pool?
A. See our Private Swimming Pool Brochure.
Q. Am I allowed to build a retaining wall?
A. See our Retaining Wall Brochure.
Q. Am I allowed to have a secondary suite?
A. See our Secondary Suites Guide (also available Secondary Suites Guide in Punjabi).
Please note that staff are unable to provide legal advice or interpretation of the Zoning Bylaw.
Contact Environmental staff at 604-864-5510 (2nd Floor, City Hall) for more information regarding the FAQ's and brochures listed below:
Q: Where can I find information on Erosion and Sediment Control for my development site that has a developable area greater than 2000m2?
A: This information can be found in the brochure, Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Bylaw – For development sites that are 2000m2 or larger.
Q: Where can I find information on Erosion and Sediment Control for my development site that has a developable area less than 2000m2?
A: This information can be found in the brochure, Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Bylaw – For development sites that are exempt from the ESC Submission requirements.
Q: Where can I find information on why sediment is harmful to aquatic habitats? A: This information can be found in the brochure, Impacts of Sediments to Aquatic Habitats.
Q: Where can I find information on the City’s Streamside Protection Bylaw?
A: General information can be found in the Living Near Streams and Ravines booklet, while more detailed information can be found in the Information Package for Developing Near Streams and Ravines.
Q: What is the Habitat Review Panel?
A: The City of Abbotsford Streamside Protection Bylaw (SPB) prescribes setback distances from watercourses and ravines containing watercourses. If a proposed development or activity cannot meet the setbacks prescribed under the City SPB, the proponent must apply to the Abbotsford Habitat Review Panel (HRP) for a setback variance. The HRP is comprised of City of Abbotsford Environment staff with representation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). DFO attend the HRP to ensure setback variances comply with the federal Fisheries Act. HRP jurisdiction is limited to approval of setbacks variances under the City SPB and works below a site-specific minimum setback (typically the provincial Riparian Areas Regulation "Detailed Assessment" setback), including instream works, exceed the jurisdiction of the HRP and will require senior government (i.e. DFO, BC Ministry of Environment) approval. More information can be found in the Information Package for Developing Near Streams and Ravines.
Q: How does the City protect wildlife?
A: A number of areas within the City are designated as Environmental Development Permit (EDP) areas. EDP areas are parts of the City that are relatively undeveloped or “greenfield”. If development is proposed within the EDP area, a permit must be obtained from the City. The intent of an EDP is to protect the natural environment, including environmentally sensitive habitats, significant stands of vegetation, watercourses, and areas downstream; protect development from hazardous conditions, such as unstable slopes; and control erosion and sediment. For sites greater than 2.0 hectares in size, a detailed vegetation inventory and wildlife assessment is required, and results are factored into development planning.. More information can be found in the Wildlife Assessment Guidelines.
Q: What Species-At-Risk are found in Abbotsford?
A: There is an abundance of wildlife in the City of Abbotsford and many endangered species of plants and animals are found here, including over 40 species classified as at-risk with 22 species currently listed on the federal Species at Risk Act reside in Abbotsford. Over 30 of these species-at-risk are located on Sumas Mountain which is well-known both regionally and provincially as a biodiversity hotspot. More information on species-at-risk can be found here.
Q: What Invasive Species are commonly found in Abbotsford?
A: Non-native species are plant or animal species that have evolved elsewhere and have been relocated (purposely or accidentally) outside of their native range. When non-native species persist, proliferate, and cause environmental and/or economic harm, or harm to human health they are considered Invasive Species. Examples of Invasive Species in the Abbotsford area include Scotch broom (plant), brown bullhead (fish), European starling (bird), American bullfrog (amphibian), and gray squirrel (mammal).
The City is an active participant in the Fraser Valley Invasive Plant Council (FVIPC) that is developing a coordinated regional Invasive Plant Management Strategy to minimize the impacts that invasive plants have on agriculture, economics, aesthetics, and biodiversity in the Fraser Valley Region. More information on the FVIPC can be found at www.fraservalleyweeds.com.
Q: What is the West Nile Virus?
A: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that is found in both tropical and temperate regions of the globe. It mainly infects birds, but is known to infect humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits. The main route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The City of Abbotsford relies on the the Fraser Valley Regional District - West Nile Virus Reduction initiatives which can be viewed here.