Dwelling & Landscape Building Scheme Guidelines

As of December 2025

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This Building Scheme provides a comprehensive set of requirements designed to guide you in creating a unique and inspiring home within Swensson Park Estates. By following these guidelines, you help ensure the development remains attractive, enjoyable, and a wise investment. Illustrations are not included to encourage personal interpretation and creative application of the principles. The Developer and Design Consultant are confident that the carefully crafted Building Scheme and review process will result in a truly exceptional community.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to clearly outline the requirements and restrictions relating to design, minimizing misunderstandings and ensuring clarity and enforceability. Above all, the Building Scheme sets and maintains high standards for dwelling and landscape design, based on the expectations of residents and consumers in this location.

COMPLIANCE DEPOSITS & DESIGN CONSULTANT FEES
A compliance deposit of $10,000.00, payable to the Developer by bank draft, is required from each lot owner. This deposit, split equally between the dwelling ($5,000.00) and landscaping ($5,000.00), is held to ensure compliance with the Building Scheme and is submitted upon approval of the final dwelling plans. Additionally, a $1,000.00 fee plus applicable taxes is payable in advance for the review and inspection process.

REVIEW PROCESS
The Design Consultant is available for general inquiries at any time, though questions about specific lots are addressed only after completion of Step One.

Step One: Introductory Submissions
All initial drawings and forms must be submitted via email in PDF format. Final documents requiring signatures must be provided as hard copies. Lot owners are responsible for maintaining their lots, keeping them free from weeds and debris. Failure to do so may result in the Developer using compliance funds to resolve the situation, including potentially buying back the lot at a 10% reduction from the original price.

Step Two: Preliminary Review
A preliminary site plan at a scale of 1/8"=1'-0" must be submitted, clearly showing all relevant grading information, building envelope, proposed dwelling location, garages, porches, patios, and elevations. The preliminary dwelling plan must also include detailed floor and elevation plans, showing materials, dimensions, and layouts.

Step Three: Final Dwelling Plan Review
Submit two copies each of the final site plan and final dwelling plans, at the required scales, fully labeled and including all elements required by the Building Scheme and lot grading plan. These documents must detail property lines, building outlines, elevations, driveways, privacy and retaining walls, patios, pathways, and all other relevant features.

Step Four: Exterior Materials and Colours Review
Submit samples or product details of all exterior materials and colours. This includes body, trim, and accent colours, roofing, stone, brick, metals, window frames, soffits, gutters, rain leaders, and flashing.

Step Five: Landscape Plan Review
Provide two copies of the landscape plan at 1/8"=1'-0", complete with all relevant requirements and features, including property lines, curbs, landscaping, lighting, and detailed drawings for any structures such as trellises, arbors, and gazebos.

Inspection Process

Step One: Dwelling Framing Inspection
After foundation completion, submit a form survey by a B.C. Land Surveyor indicating foundation outlines, elevations, and setbacks. Once framing is complete but before roofing, request a framing inspection; photographs will be taken and compared to approved plans.

Step Two: Completed Dwelling Inspection
Upon completion of the home, request a final inspection. All required documents, including the City Final Inspection Certificate, must be on file. The inspection will involve photographing the home and comparing it to the approved plans. If all requirements are met, the compliance deposit for the dwelling will be refunded.

Step Three: Completed Landscape Inspection
Once landscaping is complete, request a landscape inspection. The Design Consultant will inspect and photograph the landscaping, compare it to approved plans, and issue a report. Upon confirmation of compliance, the landscape deposit will be refunded.

Site Development

Site Grading
No significant changes to lot grades are permitted except as necessary for siting the dwelling, and those must blend into the existing grade at the lot’s edge.

Drainage
Existing grades along property lines and within the building envelope must not be altered so as to affect drainage patterns or the Developer’s overall grading plan.

Dwelling Styles

All styles are permitted except those generally categorized as Log, Chalet, Rustic, or Minimalist Box, unless executed with exceptional quality and design. The following styles are encouraged:

Craftsman
Revived from the 1940s, this popular style features moderately sloped roofs, decorative stone chimneys, visible truss-like gable supports, ornate rafter ends, and heavy trims, paired with narrow horizontal cedar siding.

Whistler Lodge Craftsman
This style introduces clear stained wood tones, heavier ornamental detailing, and deeper roof overhangs for a robust, timeless appearance.

French Country
Modern French Country design favors bold roof lines, substantial trims, and ledgestone accents contrasting with tall, flared chimneys.

English Country
Characterized by tall elements, low main floor gables, ornate privacy walls, and a mix of round and rectangular windows for an elegant look.

Contemporary
Clean, layered lines, sharp shadow play, and lower roof slopes define this style, with wood-trimmed windows and doors, and a blend of traditional and modern elements.

Dwelling Types and Size

Basement Entry: Living on main and upper floors, basement exposed at the front. Upper floor recommended at 75% of main floor size.

  • Two Storey: Main floor living, bedrooms above. Upper floor recommended at 75% of main floor size.

  • One and a Half Storey: Main floor living and bedrooms, with a smaller upper floor (recommended 50% of main floor).

  • Split Level: Split living areas, upper floor recommended at 50% of main floor.

  • Rancher with Loft: Main floor living with a small upper floor (25% of main floor, not including garage).

  • Rancher: All living and bedrooms on one floor; no upper floor.

DWELLING PLACEMENT, HEIGHT AND MASSING

Main floors must not be placed unreasonably high or low. Dwellings should not interfere with neighbors’ views, and must align and visually harmonize with adjacent homes. Facades and roofs should be interesting and appropriately scaled, and accessory buildings must not obstruct views or be finished differently from the main dwelling.

DWELLING FEATURES

Exteriors must be innovative and distinctive, with no repetition of designs within six lots. All homes must have appropriate styling details, limited basement exposure, and minimal exposed concrete foundations. Window wells near walkways or lawns must be covered or landscaped, garages cannot accommodate more than three cars side-by-side, and garage doors must complement the home’s facade. Chimneys and vents require decorative details, and doors, windows, and walls must be properly trimmed. Only approved exterior materials are permitted; log and vinyl finishes are not allowed. Accent materials such as brick and stone must be realistically presented and carefully placed. Decks and balconies must be designed for privacy and aesthetics, and railings must match the style guidelines. Roofs should be varied and interesting, with preference for low to moderate slopes and thoughtful eave and gutter treatment. Only flat glass skylights are allowed, and roofing materials must complement the home.

DRIVEWAYS, FENCING & LANDSCAPING

Driveways must be built of attractive materials and bordered for definition. Wood fencing is prohibited, and metal picket fences must be black and installed according to specified standards. Fencing heights and placement are carefully controlled to preserve views and privacy. Trees and structures such as trellises, arbors, and gazebos cannot be placed to block neighbors’ views. Landscaping must be kept neat and well maintained.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All plans and changes require prior approval from the registered Design Consultant. The Developer may grant special approvals for house designs that do not fully conform to the Building Scheme, if they are consistent with its intent. Recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, and similar items cannot be stored on lots, except for temporary delivery purposes. Only the Developer can waive or alter the terms of the Building Scheme for unsold lots, except for mandatory compliance with the National Building Code.