Building

As of July 27, 2021 building permit applications may be impacted by changes adopted by Township of Langley Council to Tree Protection Bylaw 2019, No 5478. Exemptions for the siting of a building, driveway, septic field, or water well have been revised by Amendment Bylaw 2021, No 5712. Further information on the changes can be found at tol.ca/treeprotection.

Familiarize yourself with the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) legislation that affect properties located in the ALR. Access the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission website and review the ALC Bulletin Residences in the ALR.

Permits

Building permit applications are accepted between 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. For information regarding building regulations, call 604-533-6018.

Building permits ready for issuance, can be picked up and paid for between 8:30am and 3:00pm.

To ensure all proposed buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with accepted standards and codes, the appropriate permits must be issued, and inspections must occur.

Also, be sure to view the BC Building Code online by visiting any Langley library, or purchase the building code from the provincial government.

Inspection requests

Building Inspection requests must be submitted at a minimum by 3:30pm on the business day prior to the day of inspection and is based on availability due to limited inspections per day. When scheduling your inspections, please note we are unable to guarantee next day inspections. Township inspectors make every effort to attend your site as scheduled. However, in the event of a delay, the inspection is rescheduled for the following business day.

Submit your request online.

Green Building Rebate Program

The Township offers building permit rebates to builders and homeowners for energy efficient new residential construction or home renovations.

Currently, we offer rebates for mid-construction blower door tests, energy evaluations, and building to Step 4 or 5 of the BC Energy Step Code. For more information on these rebates please visit our Green Buildings: Builders page and click on the roll-up section titled Rebates and Incentives – Township of Langley GBRP.

BC Energy Step Code

The Township of Langley has adopted the BC Energy Step Code, a provincial standard that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code. Effective January 1, 2019, compliance with the BC Energy Step Code is required for all new building permit applications for residential buildings.

To learn more about the Township’s specific BC Energy Step Code requirements, visit our Green Buildings: Builders page and click on the roll-up section titled BC Energy Step Code in the Township. Documents that are required at building permit application can be found in the roll-up section titled Building Permit Application Documents.

Exterior lighting

Cities around the world are facing the challenge of improving outdoor spaces while minimizing the impacts of light pollution. As an urban centre, the Township of Langley has experienced impressive growth in the development of new and existing neighbourhoods.

The Township recognizes that light pollution from artificial light may impact neighbouring properties. Using good neighbour practices can add to the safety and aesthetics of a home while ensuring the least possible disruption to neighbouring properties and homes.

What is light pollution?

Most of us are familiar with air, water, and land pollution, but did you know that light can also be a pollutant? Here are some examples of light pollution:

Glare: a visual sensation caused by excessive and uncontrolled brightness
Light trespass: light falling where it is not intended or needed
Sky glow: upward-directed light emanating from poorly designed or directed lamps and security floodlights

What does responsible lighting look like?

The architectural lighting on the house on the left was installed in a way that trespasses on the neighbouring property.

The house on the right has lighting on the lower floor only, directed down so as to not impact the neighbouring property.

Architectural lighting

Using shielded outdoor light fixtures that have a solid cap above the light bulb helps to prevent light from being emitted directly to the sky, minimizing sky pollution. The image below shows cap options with the most responsible exterior home lighting choice being on the far right.

Lighting types

What can I do to reduce light pollution?

Illuminate only where necessary for safety and security purposes, such as doorways, paths, gathering areas, and staircases.
Mount lights at a height no greater than is necessary. Consider eliminating soffit lighting from second floor eaves.
Install motion sensors on outdoor fixtures so they turn on when needed and turn off after a short time. Make sure to adjust the motion detector sensitivity as needed to prevent lights from turning on and off unnecessarily.
Install and aim lighting so it does not shine across property lines.
Select full cut off or shielded fixtures that shine light downwards rather than sideways or upwards. Outdoor lights need to be within a fixture that aims light downward.
Switch to LED lighting to reduce illuminance without compromising visibility. Select warm coloured LED bulbs with dimmers.

Find more helpful information on exterior lighting through the International Dark Sky Association and Natural Resources Canada.