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1. How do I present an item to Council?

The Corporate Officer (CO) sets the agenda. If you have an item which you wish to present to Council the item can be forwarded to the Corporate Officer via email or alternatively you may deliver the item to our office or mail the item in.  The District will contact you regarding this item so please remember to include contact information.

2. Where do I view municipal bylaws?

Municipal bylaw can be viewed here: Municipal Bylaws

3. How do I make a Freedom of Information request?

If you would like to make a request for information protected under FOIPPA legislation, please contact the Corporate Officer.

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1. Do I need a permit to cut down trees on my property?

A tree cutting permit is necessary if the trees are within 10 meters of a lot line, or within 20 meters of a lot line the is adjacent or abutting a road, trail or right-of-way. If the trees are situated within a Development Permit Area, (within 30 meters of a steep slope, wetland or sensitive ecosystem) or are a protected tree species a permit is needed.

2. What is the fee for a tree cutting permit?

Application fee is $25 for each 50 trees or portion.

3. Where can I find the Tree Cutting Bylaw?

Bylaw 010 - Tree Management Bylaw Bylaw 010 - Tree Management Bylaw

4. Do I need a building permit?

A building permit is needed before any work is done that requires a permit. You cannot start any stage of the project without first obtaining a building permit. With the building permit application you need:

A certificate of title Two copies of detailed plans,
A home owner protection form
A septic field approval from Vancouver Island Health Authority

5. When do I NOT need a building permit?

Permits are not required for such things as:
- Painting or re-painting
- Cosmetic work or interior decorating
- Landscape planting
- Replacing a plumbing fixture
- Structures under 10 sq metres

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1. When are current property taxes due?

2018 Property taxes are due July 3, 2018

2. What is the penalty for paying property taxes late?

On July 4, 2018 a 5% penalty was added to all outstanding amounts including Home Owner Grant (HOG). To ensure your payment is applied to your account in a timely fashion, please drop your payment or HOG directly to the Municipal Office located at 1980 Millstream Road. We accept cash, cheque or debit. Should you have any questions regarding your outstanding taxes please contact our office at 250-474-1773. Office hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

3. What if my property taxes are delinquent?

Taxes that are delinquent will be sold in a tax sale / auction at 10:00am on Monday, September 24, 2018 unless the delinquent taxes with interest are paid in full prior to this date.

4. How long do I have to apply for a Grant in Aid?

The deadline for receipt of completed grant applications shall be the end of January each year for the year in which the grant is requested.

Grant in Aid

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1. How do I contact a district department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is the current zoning of my property?

Staff at the District Office will be happy to help determine your property's zoning designation. Call 250-474-1773 or visit 1980 Millstream Road with the address or tax parcel number of the lot.

2. What is involved in rezoning a property? How long will it take?

Zoning is used to control land use, density, shape, dimesion and area of property; therefore rezoning is needed when a proposed property does not comply with the existing zoning regulations. There is a review and approval process applicants must go through. The Planning Department is availabe to review this process with you. Zoning Process

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1. Why do we need an ICSP for Highlands?

Creating an ICSP may be one of the most important public engagement initiatives undertaken by a community.

2. How will Highlands' ICSP make a difference on the ground?

The ICSP Vision and strategies set direction for progress - and the strategies lead to on-the-ground action of your ideas and ideas generated by the Sustainability Task Force.

3. How will we ensure action and real progress?

A monitoring program will measure and communicate progress.

4. See all FAQs

Highlands Sustainability Strategy HSS FAQ's