Heritage Conservation Areas: Exemptions

Heritage Conservation Areas (HCA) attempt to balance property rights with conservation. To achieve this, at least in part, local governments may provide exemptions to the restrictions that would otherwise require a Heritage Alteration Permit.

The following list suggests the types of exemptions that could be included in maintenance and design guidelines.  This is not an exhaustive or authoritative list. Exemptions will be developed to suit the particular circumstances of each HCA.

• Additions under 100m² that do not exceed the width or height of the rear wall opposite a street
• Building envelope remediation, so long as there are no changes to appearance or design when the remediation is completed, and the only change to materials is in-kind replacements;
• Construction and maintenance activities carried out by, or on behalf of, the City; or
• Exterior maintenance or in-kind repairs, including repainting in identical colours or routine repairs. Note: alterations to windows, siding or architectural features are not included in this exemption;
• Garden suites located behind the main rear wall of the existing home
• In-kind replacements of missing, worn or damaged exterior materials, so long as there are no changes to appearance or design when the replacements are completed;
• Interior renovations
• Landscaping changes to non-historic features
• Regular and emergency City maintenance of municipal infrastructure conducted in a manner that is consistent with the objectives of the Heritage Conservation Area designation.
• Roof replacement
• The construction or installation of a rain garden, bioswale, permeable paving, green roof, or cistern that is no more than 9000 litres in capacity [and meeting other requirements].

(source, source, source)

This guide provides an overview of Heritage Conservation Areas through research and commentary. Application of this heritage conservation tool is not prescriptive, as it can be adapted to each situation. Local governments and regional districts wanting to implement the heritage conservation tools should seek legal counsel as required.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is intended this guide will develop through community input. If you have best practices and case studies that would benefit this guide, please contact Heritage BC.