Landscaping & Grounds

Landscaping & Grounds

Intro

Long Lake Heights was built around the landscape, not on top of it. The mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, and arbutus that define the community aren’t backdrop — they’re the point. The bylaws reflect that philosophy, and so does the way we care for both private lots and common property.

Your Lot, Your Responsibility

Long Lake Heights is a bareland strata, which means each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their own lot. The strata corporation maintains roads, common property, pump infrastructure, and shared green spaces.

Natural state: Your lot may remain in its natural BC state — native vegetation can stay as it is. If any part of your lot has been cleared of original vegetation, that cleared area must be properly landscaped, maintained, and kept weed-free. Neglected or overgrown cleared areas may be cleaned up by order of the strata council, with the cost charged to the owner. (Bylaw Part 4, Division 12)

Trees

The mature native trees of Long Lake Heights are considered defining features of the community, and the bylaws protect them accordingly. See more on the benefits of trees, and What are Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems?

All native tree removal requires council approval before any work begins. This applies whether you are removing a tree entirely or doing significant pruning. In general, council will require pruning as an alternative to removal if the problem can be resolved that way.

Removal is only approved under specific conditions, including:

  • A tree that poses a genuine safety hazard (a dangerous leaner or windfall)
  • A dead, damaged, or dying tree (unless it serves as a wildlife tree with active bird nests)
  • A tree in the path of a council-approved building or addition
  • A tree causing direct structural damage to a building, roof, drain, or eaves
  • A tree that has grown to block a view that existed when the current owner purchased the lot (requires council assessment of the original view)

Conditions that don’t justify removal include needles or cones on a roof, eliminating shade, or creating a view that wasn’t there when you bought the lot.

Council may require an opinion from a certified arborist or registered professional forester for significant pruning or removal requests. The cost of any required arborist report is the homeowner’s responsibility.

During construction: Tree removal is restricted to within 1 metre of the building’s foundation. A driveway up to 6 metres wide may also be cleared. Any removal beyond those limits requires special written permission from council.

To request approval, contact the council at council@longlakeheights.ca.

Exterior Modifications

Any change to the exterior of your home or lot that alters its appearance requires written council approval before work begins. This includes:

  • Fences, walls, and retaining structures
  • Solar panels and other energy systems
  • Outbuildings, sheds, and storage structures
  • Awnings and canopies
  • Exterior paint or siding colour changes
  • Any other modification visible from the street or common property

Solar panels have been approved on a case-by-case basis. Homeowners interested in solar can contact the council to discuss the process. Note that Long Lake Heights homes are individually metered by BC Hydro — there is no shared strata electrical infrastructure — so owners work directly with BC Hydro and a licensed electrician on capacity, with council approval still required for the exterior installation.

Submit modification requests to council@longlakeheights.ca. Include a description of the proposed work, materials, and (where relevant) a site plan or photos.

Invasive Species

Invasive plants like Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry, and English ivy are a real threat to the native landscape that makes Long Lake Heights what it is. Homeowners are encouraged to remove invasive species from their lots year-round.

The strata runs community collection events in spring and fall, organized by the Grounds Care Committee, to make disposal easy. See the Invasive Species page for identification guides, disposal instructions, and this year’s event dates.

Common Property Grounds

The strata contracts regular landscaping and grounds maintenance for common property throughout the year. This includes roadside maintenance, shared green spaces, signage, and the community’s seasonal programs.

The Grounds Care Committee (GCC) coordinates community programs including the FireSmart program, invasive species events, and the Red Bin yard waste program, and also oversees this website. The committee works with the strata council and is open to resident participation — if you’re interested in getting involved, reach out through the council.

Questions?

For tree removal requests, modification approvals, or general grounds questions, contact the strata council at council@longlakeheights.ca.