A landscape security deposit is money the City of Courtenay collects from developers and applicants during the development process.
It may be required at development permit issuance, subdivision approval or building permit to make sure approved landscaping and related site improvements are installed and maintained during the first few growing seasons.
What the deposit covers
- Proper installation that meets approved design standards.
- Maintenance through the required establishment period.
- Long-term survival beyond initial installation.
- Cost recovery if the City needs to complete or restore landscaping.
How the deposit system works
Each type of work must have its own deposit. This covers:
- 125 per cent of the estimated cost of the works.
- estimate prepared and sealed by a qualified professional at the developer’s expense.
- hardscape and softscape costs shown separately to allow phased or partial release.
- Install landscaping according to the approved plan.
- Revised plans must be submitted and approved by the City before installation.
- A qualified professional submits a signed and sealed compliance report confirming substantial completion, including:
- date and drawing number of the plan reviewed
- date(s) of inspection
- statement confirming the work matches the approved plan
- any differences and the reason for them
- The City will not release funds if the report refers to unapproved changes.
- Softscape: up to 80 per cent of the deposit may be released after installation is certified; the remaining 20 per cent is held for two full growing seasons (up to three for large or complex projects).
- Hardscape: up to 90 per cent may be released after completion and inspection when a qualified professional confirms the work matches the approved plan; the remaining 10 per cent is held for 12 months to cover deficiencies.
To request a release, provide the City with:
- A stamped and sealed compliance report from a qualified professional.
- A copy of the approved landscape plan (or the revised and approved plan).
- A copy of the original financial security submission.
- The original cost estimate.
- Receipts for installation and construction costs.
- A list of deficiencies (if applicable) with a plan to resolve them.
- Any other documentation the City requests.
Keep complete records. The City cannot process a release without all required documents. Refunds are processed after the City confirms the submission is complete and the requirements are met.
Managing your deposit and responsibilities
- irrevocable letter of credit (preferred)
- cash
- cheque
Phasing may be approved through a Works and Services agreement. Deposits and releases are handled separately for each phase.
- If landscaping is put in outside the planting season, the developer is still responsible for its survival and compliance. The City may add conditions.
- If landscaping fails, the developer must repair or replace it. If not corrected, the City may use the deposit to finish the work.
If the property is sold, responsibilities and deposits transfer to the new owner unless otherwise arranged.
If you disagree with a decision to hold or use a deposit, you may send more documents or ask the City for another review.
Frequently asked questions (suggest removing these altogether)
The deposit ensures that approved landscaping is completed, maintained, and protected. It provides:
- Completion assurance – prevents landscaping from being skipped or delayed at the end of a project.
- Quality assurance – ensures work meets approved plans, bylaws, and environmental standards.
- Maintenance and survival – supports plant health, irrigation, and soil quality during the two-season establishment period.
- Cost recovery – allows the City to use the deposit to complete or restore landscaping if needed.
At the time of development permit issuance, subdivision approval, or before occupancy.
At 125% of the cost estimate prepared by a Qualified Professional. Hardscape and softscape costs must be shown separately.
A Qualified Professional as defined in Bylaw No. 3106. Typically, a landscape architect prepares or stamps/seals the estimate.
Irrevocable letter of credit (preferred), cash, or cheque.
No, hardscape and softscape costs must be listed separately, each with its own deposit.
Yes. Phased plans may be approved through a Works and Services Agreement, with deposits and releases handled separately for each phase.
Revised plans must be submitted and approved by the City before installation. Deposits may be recalculated.
Developers remain responsible for survival and compliance regardless of the season. Additional conditions may apply.
You must repair or replace deficiencies. If not corrected, the City may use the deposit to complete the work.
For plants, trees, soil, and irrigation:
- Standard: Two full growing seasons after substantial completion (80% of the deposit is released after installation; the final 20% is held until the end of the period).
- Extended: Up to three growing seasons for larger or more complex projects, confirmed at permit issuance.
One year (12 months) after installation, confirmed by a Qualified Professional through a stamped and sealed compliance report.
Submit a compliance report from a Qualified Professional. Once confirmed:
- hardscape deposits are released in full
- softscape deposits: 80% after installation, final 20% after two growing seasons (or three if required)
To request release, applicants must provide:
- a stamped and sealed compliance report
- the original cost estimate
- a copy of the approved landscape plan
- a copy of the original financial security submission
- receipts for installation and construction costs
- a list of deficiencies (if applicable) with a plan to resolve them
- any other documentation requested by the City.
Important: Applicants are responsible for keeping complete records. The City will not process a release without all required documentation.
Refunds are processed once all required documentation is received and confirmed complete.
Yes. Responsibilities and deposits transfer to the new owner unless otherwise arranged.
You may provide additional documentation or request further review by the City.