# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Bowen Island --- title: "Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply" question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.json" --- # Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply? **Short answer:** On Bowen Island you need a Municipality building permit to build a new structure, demolish or alter one, or build an accessory building over 10 m², among other work. Email a complete PDF application to building@bimbc.ca or apply through the Province's Building Permit Hub. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** An application fee (the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work) is paid with the application; the permit fee comes later. See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The Municipality gives the current processing time for complete applications as two to three months. Incomplete applications are not processed. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@bimbc.ca (Send the complete application as one PDF; attachments are limited to 10 MB.) - Online: Province's Building Permit Hub, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/ (Sign in with a BCeID or BC Services Card. The Municipality's guide page links to the Hub.) - Phone: Building Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 1 - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Needed for:** A permit is needed to build a new structure or building; demolish, alter or add to a structure; build an accessory building over 10 m²; build a deck more than 0.6 m (2 ft) above grade; install a swimming pool, rooftop solar panels or plumbing or electrical systems; build a retaining wall 1.5 m (5 ft) or higher; build moorage facilities; move a building to Bowen Island; or install a sea-can. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building a new structure or building" … "Building an accessory building greater" … "Building a deck more than 0.6m (2ft)" … "Install rooftop solar panels" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 5.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "A permit is required if work regulated under this bylaw is to be undertaken." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Not needed for:** Not covered by the bylaw: a fence (except retaining walls), an accessory building under 10 m², a trellis, arbour or soil-supporting wall under 1.5 m high. The guide adds day-to-day repairs and maintenance, renovations with no structural changes, and decks or patios less than 0.6 m (about 2 ft) above grade. These must still meet the Land Use Bylaw. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 3.3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "This bylaw does not apply to" … "an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres" … "a trellis, an arbour, a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.5 metres in height" - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 1-2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Day-to-day repairs and maintenance" … "Decks or patios that are less than" … "The above exemptions must still comply with the Land Use Bylaw" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** Email a complete application in PDF format to building@bimbc.ca (attachments limited to 10 MB), or apply through the Province's Building Permit Hub using a BCeID or BC Services Card. An application fee is paid with the application. - Source: [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, How to Apply](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) - Official wording: "All applications are to be submitted in pdf format to building@bimbc.ca." … "Attachments are limited to 10 MB." - Source: [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Permit Hub](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality has joined municipalities from across BC on the Building Permit Hub" … "Log in with your BCeID or BC Services Card" - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building permits are subject to an application fee that must be submitted at the time of the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What to submit:** A completed Building Permit Application form (its checklist lists what is needed), plus plans meeting the Minimum Requirements for Plans, a Certificate of Title and any easements or covenants. Needs vary by project; registered professionals (architect, engineer) may be needed. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "An application checklist is included in the Building Permit Application form and covers the" … "Depending on the project, registered professionals like architects or engineers may be needed" - Source: [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Guide and Application Forms](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) - Official wording: "Minimum Requirements for Plans Submitted for a Building Permit" … "Building Permit Application Form" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Processing time:** Current processing time for complete Building Permit applications is two to three months. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Current processing time for complete Building Permit applications is two to three months." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Inspections:** The owner or agent books inspections by emailing building@bimbc.ca at least 24 hours before the requested date, with name and phone, address, type of inspection and permit number. The Building Inspector is available by appointment Tuesday and Thursday. - Source: [Inspections and Occupancy, Bowen Island Municipality, How to Schedule an Inspection](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/inspections-occupancy/) - Official wording: "Please email building@bimbc.ca to book your inspection at least 24 hours before your requested date of inspection." - Source: [Inspections and Occupancy, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Inspector Schedule](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/inspections-occupancy/) - Official wording: "The Building Inspector is available by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday of each week." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** Building Department: building@bimbc.ca, 604-947-4255 ext. 1. (Sources differ: The Contact page, Building & Renovating page, guide page and inspections page give ext. 1 (inspections page has a typo 'ext. `1'); the Oct 2025 Hub news post says ext. 2. Page value used: ext. 1.) - Source: [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality, Staff contact information](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) - Official wording: "For building department related questions | Building Department | building@bimbc.ca | x1" - Source: [Building & Renovating - Bowen Island Municipality, Building & Renovating page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/) - Official wording: "Questions? Contact the Building Department at building@bimbc.ca or at 604-947-4255 ext. 1." - Source: [Bowen Island Joins the Province’s Building Permit Hub - Bowen Island Municipality, News post, Oct 6, 2025](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025/10/06/bowen-island-joins-the-provinces-building-permit-hub/) - Official wording: "please contact Bowen Island Municipality’s Building Department on 604-947-4255 ext. 2." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025; the library lists it as Consolidated May 2026). - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "BUILDING BYLAW NO. 489, 2019" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – November 24, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality's Building Department reviews applications against the [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) and the Land Use Bylaw, then inspects the work. The bylaw says a permit is required if work it regulates is to be done. The Municipality's guide lists these as needing a permit: a new structure or building; demolishing, altering or adding to a structure; an accessory building over 10 m²; a deck more than 0.6 m (2 ft) above grade; a swimming pool; rooftop solar panels; plumbing or electrical systems; a retaining wall 1.5 m (5 ft) or higher; moorage facilities; moving a building to Bowen Island; and a sea-can. The list is not complete, so ask if you are unsure. The bylaw does not cover a fence (retaining walls excepted), an accessory building under 10 m², a trellis, an arbour, or a wall holding soil under 1.5 m high. The guide adds day-to-day repairs, renovations with no structural changes, and decks or patios less than 0.6 m above grade. These must still meet the Land Use Bylaw. ## Steps 1. Check your project against the guide and call the Building Department (604-947-4255 ext. 1) if unsure. 2. Gather the application form, plans, Certificate of Title and any easements or covenants. Needs vary by project. 3. Email the complete application as a PDF to building@bimbc.ca, or apply through the Province's Building Permit Hub with a BCeID or BC Services Card. 4. Pay the application fee with the application. 5. Book inspections by emailing building@bimbc.ca at least 24 hours ahead, with your name and phone, address, inspection type and permit number. The Building Inspector is available by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday. ## Good to know - The Municipality's guide page says applications are digital PDF only and also promotes the Hub. It does not say which new permit types the Hub accepts yet. - At exactly 10 m², the guide ("not more than 10 m²") and the bylaw ("less than 10 square metres") differ. Ask the Building Department. - The Municipality posted a moratorium in 2022 on new permits needing a Snug Cove Sewer System connection; building on an approved septic field may still be considered. Ask the Building Department about your lot. ## What you'll need - Completed Building Permit Application form (its checklist lists what is needed) - Plans that meet the Minimum Requirements for Plans - Certificate of Title and any easements or covenants - Reports from registered professionals (architect, engineer) where your project needs them ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees.md) - [Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules.md) - [Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/building-permit.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/building-permit.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/building-permit.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/building-permit.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/building-permit.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Inspections and Occupancy, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/inspections-occupancy/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building & Renovating - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bowen Island Joins the Province’s Building Permit Hub - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025/10/06/bowen-island-joins-the-provinces-building-permit-hub/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits" question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules.json" --- # Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits **Question:** Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be? **Short answer:** On Bowen Island a fence does not need a building permit (retaining walls are the exception), but one in a development permit area may need a development permit. Fences up to 2.5 m high may go on any part of a lot. Ask Planning about anything taller. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No building permit fee for a fence. A development permit, if needed, costs $350. **How long:** Not stated by the Municipality for fences. **Where:** - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - Email: Planning Department, planning@bimbc.ca - Phone: Building Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 1 - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Permit:** No building permit for a fence (retaining walls are the exception). A fence in a development permit area may still need a development permit. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 3.3(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "This bylaw does not apply to" … "except as set out in Part 11 [Retaining Walls] of this bylaw, a fence;" - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Department FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "Although a building permit may not be needed, a development permit would be required for work within a development permit area." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Height, front yard:** Fences not exceeding 2.5 metres high may be sited on any portion of a lot, with no separate front yard limit. On a corner lot, see the corner visibility rule. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.29](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Fences not exceeding a height of 2.5 metres may be sited on any portion of a lot," - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Department FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "Fences not exceeding a height of 2.5 metres (approx. 8 ft) can be built anywhere on a property and can be built right up to a property line." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Height, side and rear yards:** Fences not exceeding 2.5 metres (about 8 ft) high may be sited on any portion of a lot, including right up to a property line. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.29](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Fences not exceeding a height of 2.5 metres may be sited on any portion of a lot," - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Department FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "can be built right up to a property line." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** On a corner lot, no fence (or landscaping, building or structure) may be erected within the triangle formed by the highway lines and a line joining points 6 metres from their intersection, to a height greater than 1 metre above highway grade and less than 3 metres. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.32](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "On a corner lot within the triangular space formed by the highway lines and the line" … "joining the points on the highway lines six (6) metres from the point of intersection of" … "no landscape screen, landscaping, fences, building or structure shall" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other rules:** A swimming pool, spa or hot tub must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.5 m high with no openings over 100 mm and a self-closing, self-latching gate. Height of a structure is measured from the lower of natural or finished grade to its highest point. Retaining walls up to 1.5 m high may be sited on any portion of a lot. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 13.2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "A swimming pool, including a spa or hot tub, must be enclosed within a fence constructed" … "minimum height of 1.5 metres and no openings greater than 100 mm" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.28](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Retaining walls not exceeding a height of 1.5 metres may be sited on any portion of a" … "means for the purposes of structures, the vertical distance from the lower of the natural" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002, s. 3.29 (fence height), s. 3.32 (corner visibility); Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019, s. 3.3(a) and Part 11, s. 13.2. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Land Use Bylaw (Consolidated November 2025)" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 3.3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "This bylaw does not apply to" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality's [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) does not cover a fence, except a retaining wall, so a fence needs no building permit. The Municipality's FAQ says a fence in a development permit area may still need a development permit. Use BowMap (the Municipality's online map) to see whether your property is in one. The [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (s. 3.29) says fences not exceeding 2.5 metres (about 8 ft) high may be sited on any portion of a lot, including right up to a property line. It makes no front, side or rear distinction. The bylaw does not say what applies to a fence taller than 2.5 m. ## Steps 1. Keep the fence to 2.5 m or lower, and out of the corner visibility area if you are on a corner lot (below). 2. Check BowMap, or ask Planning, whether your property is in a development permit area. 3. If it is, ask Planning (604-947-4255 ext. 6, planning@bimbc.ca) whether a development permit is needed. The fee is $350. ## Good to know - **Corner lots:** within the triangle formed by the highway lines and a line joining points 6 metres from their intersection, nothing may be built to a height greater than 1 metre above the highway grade and less than 3 metres (s. 3.32). The bylaw wording is awkward, so confirm with Planning. - **Retaining walls:** one up to 1.5 m high may be sited on any portion of a lot. Building Bylaw s. 11.1 requires a permit to build or structurally repair one, but s. 3.3(c) exempts a wall holding soil under 1.5 m high. Ask the Building Department. - **Pools, spas and hot tubs** must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.5 m high with no openings over 100 mm and a self-closing, self-latching gate (Building Bylaw s. 13.2). - Height is measured from the lower of natural or finished grade to the highest point. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) - [Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) - [Bowen Island tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/fence-rules.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/fence-rules.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/fence-rules.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/fence-rules.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/fence-rules.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage? **Short answer:** On Bowen Island you need a building permit for an accessory building over 10 m² (about 108 ft²) and for a deck more than 0.6 m (about 2 ft) above grade. Smaller sheds and low decks need no building permit but must still follow the Land Use Bylaw. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Building permit application fee is the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work. See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The Municipality gives two to three months as the current processing time for complete building permit applications. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@bimbc.ca - Phone: Building Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 1 - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Sheds:** A building permit is needed for an accessory building greater than 10 m² (about 108 ft²); the Building Bylaw exempts those with a floor area of less than 10 m². At exactly 10 m² the bylaw and the guide differ, so ask the Building Department. Small buildings must still follow the Land Use Bylaw. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 1-2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building an accessory building greater" … "An accessory building not more than" … "The above exemptions must still comply with the Land Use Bylaw" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), s. 3.3(b)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Decks:** A building permit is needed for a deck more than 0.6 m (about 2 ft) above grade. Decks or patios less than 0.6 m above grade do not need one. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building a deck more than 0.6m (2ft)" … "Decks or patios that are less than" … "0.6m (approx 2ft) above grade" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Garages and carports:** Not confirmed. The permit guide does not say whether a garage or carport counts as an accessory building. - **Zoning limits:** Total floor area of all buildings accessory to a dwelling is capped by lot area: up to 0.4 ha, 160 m²; over 0.4 ha to under 4 ha, 4.0% of lot area to a maximum of 400 m²; 4 ha and over, 4.0% to a maximum of 1,000 m². Other limits (height, setbacks, lot coverage, number of accessory buildings) depend on the zone; in RR1 to RR3, height is 9 m and setback from all lot lines is 7.5 m. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.13, Table 3-1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Up to 0.4 ha." … "160 square metres" … "4.0% of lot area to a maximum of 400 square metres" … "4.0% of lot area to a maximum of 1,000 square metres" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 4.1.2 (RR 1, RR 2, RR 3)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Maximum height of a permitted building or structure" … "Minimum setback from all lot lines (metres)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019; Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "BUILDING BYLAW NO. 489, 2019" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Land Use Bylaw (Consolidated November 2025)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality's [permit application guide](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) says a building permit is needed for an accessory building greater than 10 m² (about 108 ft²) and for a deck more than 0.6 m (about 2 ft) above grade. Decks or patios less than 0.6 m above grade do not need one. The [Building Bylaw](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (s. 3.3) exempts an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres. Exempt structures must still follow the [Land Use Bylaw](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/). The guide does not say whether a garage or carport is an accessory building, and the Building Bylaw does not treat them as a separate permit category. Ask the Building Department. ## Steps 1. Measure the floor area and, for a deck, the height above grade. 2. If a permit is needed, follow the building-permit answer: email a complete PDF application to building@bimbc.ca. 3. Check the zone limits below with Planning (604-947-4255 ext. 6) before you build. 4. A deck needing a permit also has its guardrails inspected. ## Good to know - At exactly 10 m², the guide ("not more than 10 m²") and the bylaw ("less than 10 square metres") differ, so ask the Building Department. - The Land Use Bylaw (s. 3.31) lets a small accessory building (maximum 2.5 m high, with a 10 m² footprint and floor area) sit 0 m from a lot line, subject to setbacks from water and highways. - The total floor area of all buildings accessory to a dwelling is capped by lot area: up to 0.4 ha, 160 m²; over 0.4 ha to under 4 ha, 4.0% of lot area to a maximum of 400 m²; 4 ha and over, 4.0% to a maximum of 1,000 m² (s. 3.13). - Other limits (height, setbacks, lot coverage, number of accessory buildings) depend on your zone. In the RR1 to RR3 zones, height is 9 m and the setback from all lot lines is 7.5 m. - Decks may project up to 1.25 m into a required setback, to a maximum of 20% of the required side yard setback (s. 3.23.2). - A development permit may also be needed if your property is in a development permit area. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) - [Bowen Island building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees.md) - [Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Inspections and Occupancy, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/inspections-occupancy/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Bowen Island building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island Municipality the building permit application fee is the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work, paid with the application. The permit fee is then $10 per $1,000 of value above $1,000, up to $150,000, under Building Bylaw No. 489, Appendix C. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Application fee: the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work. Permit fee: $10 for each $1,000 (or part) of value above $1,000 up to $150,000, then $9 for each additional $1,000 (or part) above $150,000, minus the part of the application fee over $150. A 1.0% security deposit applies when the value of work exceeds $15,000. **How long:** Pay the application fee when you apply. The Building Department tells you when the permit fee and deposit are ready to pay once the application is approved. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@bimbc.ca - Phone: Building Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 1 - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** The building permit application fee is the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work, so $150 is the smallest. Plumbing permits have a $75 minimum; a chimney, heating device or fireplace permit is $75. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Appendix C, items 1, 10, 11](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "building permit application fee" … "The greater of $150.00 or" … "0.25% of the value of work" … "fee of $75.00." - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "$150.00 or" … "0.25% of the value of work" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How the fee is worked out:** Permit fee: $10 for each $1,000 (or part) of value of work above $1,000 up to $150,000, then $9 for each additional $1,000 (or part) above $150,000, minus the part of the application fee that exceeds $150. A 1.0% security deposit is also taken when the value of work exceeds $15,000. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Appendix C, items 2 and 4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "For each $1,000.00 or part thereof" … "exceeding $1,000.00 up to $150,000.00 of value of" … "For each additional $1,000.00 or part" … "thereof exceeding $150,000.00 of value of" … "1.0% of value of work, when the" … "The portion of the Building" … "Permit application Fees" … "exceeding $150" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Application or plan review fee:** Yes: the application fee (the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work) is paid when applying. The permit fee is reduced by the part of the application fee that exceeds $150. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building permits are subject to an application fee that must be submitted at the time of the" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Appendix C, items 1 and 4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "The greater of $150.00 or" … "The portion of the Building" … "exceeding $150" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other fees:** Plumbing: $20 per fixture (minimum $75). Demolition: $150 under 500 sq ft, $300 at 500 sq ft or more. Excavation permit $250. Foundation permit $300. Re-inspection (after the second for one type): $100 each. After-hours inspection: $100 minimum plus actual time. Permit transfer $75. Design change review $100. Extensions: $150 or 20% of the permit fee, whichever is greater (first two). - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Appendix C](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "per fixture with a minimum" … "$150.00 if less than 500 square feet," … "$300.00 if 500 square feet or more" … "Excavation Permit Fee" … "For the issuance of a Foundation Permit" … "more than two inspections are necessary for a" … "Requested after hours inspection." … "$100.00 minimum plus actual time" … "For the transfer of a building permit" … "Plan review for building design modifications" … "$150.00 or 20% of the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to pay:** The application fee is paid with the application. When the application is approved, the Building Department says when the permit fee and deposit are ready to pay. Pay by cheque (mail or drop off at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane), or by cash or debit in person. Do not e-transfer until given instructions for your application. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Application guide, p. 3 and 4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) - Official wording: "Building permits are subject to an application fee that must be submitted at the time of the" … "The Building Department will notify the applicant once the permit is ready to be issued and that" … "the permit fee and deposit is ready to be paid." - Source: [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Payment](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) - Official wording: "You can pay by cheque, either mail to or drop off at Bowen Island Municipality, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2." … "Cash and debit card payments are also accepted in person at Municipal Hall." … "Please do not send e-transfer payments until you have received instructions specific to your application." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019, Appendix C (Fees), with Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 651, 2024, Schedule A, s. 7.8. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Appendix C](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality BYLAW No. 489, 2019 Appendix C - Fees BUILDING PERMIT FEES FEES 1. building permit application fee The greater of $150.00 or" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 651, 2024, Schedule A, s. 7.8](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) - Official wording: "Building Permit Inspection Fee" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality sets building permit fees in Appendix C of [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/). You pay an application fee when you apply, and the permit fee and a security deposit later. - **Application fee:** the greater of $150 or 0.25% of the value of work, so $150 is the smallest. The permit fee is reduced by the part of the application fee that is over $150. - **Permit fee:** $10 for each $1,000 (or part) of value of work above $1,000, up to $150,000, then $9 for each additional $1,000 (or part) above $150,000. - **Security deposit:** 1.0% of the value of work when it exceeds $15,000. It is returned after an Occupancy Certificate or Letter of Completion. ## Steps 1. Email the application to building@bimbc.ca and pay the application fee with it. 2. When the application is approved, wait for the Building Department to say when the permit fee and deposit are ready to pay. 3. Pay by cheque (mail or drop off at Municipal Hall), or by cash or debit in person. Do not e-transfer until given instructions for your application. ## Good to know - Other fees: plumbing $20 per fixture (minimum $75); chimney, heating device or fireplace $75; demolition $150 under 500 sq ft and $300 at 500 sq ft or more; excavation permit $250; foundation permit $300. - Re-inspection after the second one for a type is $100 each. An after-hours inspection is $100 minimum plus actual time. Permit transfer is $75; design change review is $100. - Extensions cost $150 or 20% of the permit fee, whichever is greater (first two). - If construction starts before the permit, the permit fee is doubled (to a maximum of $10,000). A Stop Work notice adds a charge equal to 100% of the permit fee (maximum $10,000). - The [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 651, 2024](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) (Schedule A, s. 7.8) also sets a Building Permit Inspection Fee of 0.1% of the value of the work, with a $75 minimum. - A Regional Transportation Development Cost Charge (for TransLink) is also collected on building permits. The guide does not state the amount, so ask the Building Department. - The Municipality's FAQ page says payments can also be made to Finance at finance@bimbc.ca, quoting the application number. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019, Appendix C Fees (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 651, 2024 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) - [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) - [Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/building-permit-fees.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/building-permit-fees.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/building-permit-fees.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/building-permit-fees.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/building-permit-fees.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 651, 2024 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/320439/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Applications Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/building-permit-applications-guide/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows" question: "How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.json" --- # Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows **Question:** How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island Municipality, zones are shown on Schedule B, the Land Use Bylaw Map, on the Municipality's Land Use Bylaw page. Its online map, BowMap, locates a property and shows development permit areas. Each zone's rules are in Land Use Bylaw No. 57. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Not stated on the Municipality's pages. **How long:** Not stated on the Municipality's pages. **Where:** - Online: Land Use Bylaw page (Schedule B map), https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/ - Online: BowMap, bowmap.bowenislandmunicipality.ca - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - Email: Planning Department, planning@bimbc.ca - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** The location of each zone is shown on Schedule B, the Land Use Bylaw Map, which the Municipality posts on its Land Use Bylaw page. The Municipality's BowMap online map (bowmap.bowenislandmunicipality.ca) is used to locate a property and check whether it is in a development permit area. - Source: [Land Use Planning Documents, Bowen Island Municipality, Land Use Bylaw](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/) - Official wording: "The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) regulates the use of land, building, and structures on the island" … "Land Use Bylaw Maps & Schedules" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 4.C](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "The location of each zone is on Schedule “B” the Land Use Bylaw Map." - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Building Department FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "Check out Bowmap to confirm whether or not your property is located within a development permit area." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Zoning bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002, consolidated for convenience November 2025 (the Municipality's page lists amending bylaws through No. 723, 2026). - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – November 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What the zone controls:** Each zone sets permitted uses, the size, height and siting of buildings and structures, lot coverage, minimum lot area, and parking standards. - Source: [Land Use Planning Documents, Bowen Island Municipality, Land Use Bylaw](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/) - Official wording: "The LUB defines legal zones that specify:" … "Permitted uses" … "The size, height, and siting of buildings and structures" … "Lot coverage" … "Minimum lot area" … "Parking standards" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** Planning Department: planning@bimbc.ca, 604-947-4255 ext. 6. - Source: [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality, Staff contact information](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) - Official wording: "For planning & zoning related questions | Planning Department | planning@bimbc.ca | x6" - Source: [Land Use Planning Documents, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/) - Official wording: "Questions? Contact the Planning Department at planning@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255 ext. 6" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality zones its land under [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/), consolidated for convenience in November 2025. The Municipality's page lists later amending bylaws through No. 723, 2026, so the consolidation may be out of date. The location of each zone is shown on Schedule B, the Land Use Bylaw Map, posted on the Municipality's Land Use Bylaw page. The Municipality's online map, BowMap (bowmap.bowenislandmunicipality.ca), is used to locate a property and check whether it is in a development permit area. The Planning FAQ says zoning information and permitted uses are in the Land Use Bylaw. Each zone sets permitted uses, the size, height and siting of buildings and structures, lot coverage, minimum lot area and parking standards. ## Steps 1. Find your property on Schedule B (the Land Use Bylaw Map) or on BowMap. 2. Open the Land Use Bylaw and read your zone's section for permitted uses and building limits. 3. Check on BowMap whether your property is in a development permit area. 4. Confirm with the Planning Department: 604-947-4255 ext. 6 or planning@bimbc.ca. ## Good to know - Example zone figures: in the RR1 to RR3 zones, height is 9 m and the setback is 7.5 m from all lot lines. Your zone may differ. - The consolidated bylaw is not a legal document. Ask Planning to confirm the current rules and any 2026 amendments for your lot. - The Official Community Plan is Bylaw No. 282, 2010, and is under review. ## Zones 52 zones are listed from [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated for convenience, November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning/index.json Look up the zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Planning Documents, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) - [Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules.md) - [Bowen Island permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite.md) - [Bowen Island home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/zoning-lookup.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/zoning-lookup.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/zoning-lookup.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/zoning-lookup.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/zoning-lookup.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Planning Documents, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/planning-development/land-use-planning-documents/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite.json" --- # Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house? **Short answer:** Yes. Bowen Island allows one secondary suite per property, inside the house or detached, where the zone permits Accessory Residential Use. Both need a building permit, and a detached suite also needs a development permit unless exempt. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Building permit application fee $150 (final cost depends on construction value). A detached suite also needs a development permit costing $350, unless exempt. **How long:** The Municipality gives two to three months as the current processing time for complete building permit applications. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@bimbc.ca - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - Email: Planning Department, planning@bimbc.ca - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** One secondary suite (inside the house) is allowed in all residentially zoned properties, subject to the Land Use Bylaw. Some strata bylaws or covenants on title prohibit suites. - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Planning FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "Yes, one secondary suite is permitted in the zoning bylaw for all residentially zoned properties on Bowen Island." … "Some strata bylaws or individual covenants do restrict secondary suites on certain properties" - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Introduction](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "In July 2024, Council amended the regulations in order to allow secondary suites in any residential zone which didn’t previously allow them." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.57](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Where permitted in a zone, an accessory residential use shall comply with the following" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Allowed where the zone permits 'Accessory Residential Use'. Since 2022 there is no minimum lot size for a detached suite. Only one suite in total (attached or detached) per property; a detached suite needs a development permit in the Detached Secondary Suite Development Permit Area (some exemptions). - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, Introduction](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "in 2022 Council amended the regulations for detached secondary suites to remove the requirement of a minimum lot size." - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "Only one secondary suite, either an attached or detached suite, can be constructed on a property." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.58](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "a development permit shall be required for the construction of, addition to or alteration of a detached" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** Generally one suite per lot (attached or detached). Detached suite: up to 65 m² plus 0.625% of lot area, to a maximum of 140 m². Attached suite: up to the greater of 90 m², or 65 m² plus 0.625% of lot area to a maximum of 140 m². Some zones differ (CD 12 sets 75 m² for a detached suite). Zone coverage, height and density still apply. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.57.1, .3, .4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "not more than one (1) accessory residential use shall be permitted on a lot;" … "a detached secondary suite shall not exceed a total floor area of 65 square" … "a secondary suite shall not exceed the greater of either: a total floor area of 90" … "square metres plus 0.625% of lot area to a maximum of 140 square metres" … "Despite subsections 3.54.4 and 3.54.5, maximum size of detached" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Parking:** At least one parking space on the lot for each suite, in addition to the spaces required for the dwelling. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.57.2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "in addition to the parking requirements set out in Part 5 of this Bylaw, at least" … "one parking space must be provided on the lot for each secondary suite or" - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, General Regulations](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "A parking space is provided for the suite, in addition to any space(s) required for the dwelling;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permits:** A building permit is required for an attached or detached suite (application fee $150, final cost depends on construction value). A detached suite also needs a development permit ($350) unless exempt; exemptions include a conversion of a building built with a building permit before December 2016. Septic certification is needed if living area increases. - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, FAQ / Permits and costs for secondary suites](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "A Building Permit is required to build an attached or a detached secondary suite." … "A Development Permit is required for a detached secondary suite and costs $350." … "If the building was built with a Building Permit issued before December 2016, you are exempt from requiring a Development Permit." … "The Land Use Bylaw defines Floor Area as all areas of a building or structure having a floor and ceiling more than 1.5 metres apart, and where more than 60% of the area between the roof and the floor is enclosed by walls and windows. What permits are necessary and how much do they cost? A Building Permit is required to build an attached or a detached secondary suite. A Building Permit application is $150, and final cost depends on the value of the construction. A Development Permit is required for a detached secondary suite and costs $350. Your property may also be located within another development permit area, like the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection DP area. Check the Planning & Development webpage for current development permit areas and requirements." - Source: [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019, Table 2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) - Official wording: "TABLE 2 - Permits Column 1 Column 2 1. Development Permit $350 2. Development Permit Amendment $250 3. Development Variance Permit $900" - Source: [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality, FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - Official wording: "you must submit certification from a septic professional that the existing septic system can handle the additional load" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (s. 3.57, s. 3.58, s. 7.6; consolidated November 2025); Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019; Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Title page](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Land Use Bylaw (Consolidated November 2025)" - Source: [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019, Citation](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) - Official wording: "1.0 Citation 1.1 This bylaw may be cited as the "Bowen Island Municipality Development Application Fees Bylaw, 484, 2019"." - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025), Title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) - Official wording: "BUILDING BYLAW NO. 489, 2019" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality allows one secondary suite (inside the house) in all residentially zoned properties, subject to the [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/). Some strata bylaws or covenants on title prohibit suites. A detached suite is allowed where the zone permits "Accessory Residential Use". Since 2022 there is no minimum lot size for one. Only one suite in total (attached or detached) is allowed per property. A detached suite must meet the BC Building Code, sit on a permanent foundation, meet Step Code and be served by water and sewer. ## Steps 1. Check your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer) and any strata bylaws or covenants. 2. Apply for a building permit (application fee $150). Septic certification is needed if living area increases. 3. For a detached suite, also apply for a development permit ($350) in the Detached Secondary Suite Development Permit Area, unless exempt. Exemptions include converting a building built with a building permit before December 2016, a suite 30 m or more from any lot line, or a suite under 5 m high at least 10 m from any lot line (s. 7.6). 4. Register a detached suite with the Homeowner Protection Office. ## Good to know - **Size:** a detached suite may be up to 65 m² plus 0.625% of lot area, to a maximum of 140 m². An attached suite may be up to the greater of 90 m², or 65 m² plus 0.625% of lot area to a maximum of 140 m². Some zones differ. Zone coverage, height and density still apply. - **Parking:** at least one space on the lot for each suite, in addition to the dwelling's spaces. The guide says a second driveway is not allowed, with exceptions through the Public Works Superintendent. - A suite cannot be stratified or subdivided from the main dwelling, except a detached suite on a lot large enough to subdivide. - No owner-occupancy rule was found in the bylaw or the guide. Ask Planning (604-947-4255 ext. 6). - The guide page has an "Existing Secondary Suite" building permit application form for bringing an existing suite into compliance. ## Official forms and pages - [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) - [Bowen Island building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit-fees.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) - [Bowen Island short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/secondary-suite.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/secondary-suite.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/secondary-suite.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/secondary-suite.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/secondary-suite.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Secondary Suites Guide, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-renovating/secondary-suites-guide/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Bylaw No. 489, 2019 (PDF, consolidated for convenience to November 24, 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341697/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal.json" --- # Bowen Island tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property? **Short answer:** Bowen Island has no municipal tree removal bylaw or permit. But in a development permit area, such as the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection area, cutting trees likely needs a development permit. Check BowMap or ask Planning first. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No tree-specific fee. A development permit costs $350. A site alteration permit, if needed, costs $50 for under 50 m³ of soil, with a $250 fee for 50 to 200 m³. **How long:** Not stated by the Municipality. **Where:** - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - Email: Planning Department, planning@bimbc.ca - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** No municipal tree removal bylaw or permit. But in a development permit area (such as the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection area) cutting trees and vegetation likely needs a development permit, and a site alteration permit may also be required in some cases. - Source: [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality, Planning FAQ](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island does not have a tree removal bylaw or permit process." … "if you are located in a Development Permit (DP) Area, you likely require a DP to remove trees and vegetation." … "In some circumstances, a site alteration permit may also be required." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 7.2, Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection DPA](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "the limbing, pruning, cutting, falling" … "or removal of one or more trees within a streamside protection and enhancement area, the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Exemptions:** In the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection development permit area, no permit is needed for: clearing trees and vegetation within a water resource protection area for fire protection within 30 m of a dwelling, for a residential vegetable garden or orchard, or for farming on agriculturally designated land, provided water resources are not adversely affected; and emergency actions including removing hazardous trees. In the Tourist Commercial DP area, a dead, diseased, hazardous or under-15 cm tree is exempt. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 7.2 Exemptions 3 and 8](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "3) Clearing of trees and other vegetation within a water resource protection area, for fire" … "protection within 30 metres from a dwelling, creating or expanding a residential vegetable" … "the removal of any hazardous trees; fire suppression; flood" … "including, without limitation: the removal of any hazardous trees; fire suppression; flood" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 7.5 Exemption 4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Removal of a tree that is dead, diseased or hazardous to persons or property or that is" … "less than 15 cm in trunk diameter measured 1.5 metres above grade." - Source: [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022, s. 6.1(g)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) - Official wording: "removal of any hazardous trees; fire suppression; flood protection; erosion protection; land slip" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** No tree-specific fee. A development permit costs $350. A site alteration permit (if needed) costs $50 for under 50 m³ of soil, with a $250 fee for 50 to 200 m³. - Source: [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019, Table 2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) - Official wording: "TABLE 2 - Permits Column 1 Column 2 1. Development Permit $350 2. Development Permit Amendment $250 3. Development Variance Permit $900" - Source: [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022, Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) - Official wording: "Site Alteration Permit $50" … "Not Applicable" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Replacement trees:** Not set as a general rule. A development permit in the stream protection area may require that vegetation or trees be planted or retained to protect fish habitat, control drainage or erosion, or protect banks. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 7.2, A.7(d)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "protection measures be implemented, including that vegetation or trees be planted or" … "retained in order to preserve, protect, restore or enhance fish habitat or riparian" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **City trees:** On a public place, no one may destroy, alter, damage or remove any tree, shrub or plant without authority (the Use of Public Places Bylaw). Municipal employees, contractors or agents may do so in carrying out their duties. - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, s. 3.1(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "destroy, alter, damage, or remove any tree, shrub, plant, turf, flower, soil, gravel, or other" - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, s. 3.3(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "an employee, contractor or agent of the Municipality from carrying out their duties of an" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** No fine specific to cutting a private tree. Bylaw notices: causing site alteration without a permit, $200 first offence ($175 early, $225 late), $400 second, $475 further. Removing a tree in a public place: $500 ($400 early, $500 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AN (Site Alteration)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Causing Site Alteration – first" … "$200.00 $175.00 $225.00" … "$400.00 $375.00 $425.00" … "$475.00 $450.00 $500.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AL, s. 3.1(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Destroy, alter, damage, or" … "remove any tree, shrub," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022; Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (Part 7, development permit areas); Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021. - Source: [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022, Title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) - Official wording: "A Bylaw to regulate Site Alterations within the Bowen Island Municipality" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Part 7](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "WATERSHED, AQUIFER AND STREAM PROTECTION DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA" - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "Use of Public Places" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality has no tree removal bylaw or permit for private land, according to its Planning FAQ. But cutting trees and vegetation in a development permit area, such as the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection area, likely needs a development permit under the [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (Part 7). Use BowMap, the Municipality's online map, to see if your property is in one. A site alteration permit may also be needed in some cases. The [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) covers clearing and grubbing that alters grade, moving 10 m³ or more of soil in a year (20 m³ on land with average slope under 20%), or 50 m² or more of exposed soil. It defines a tree as a woody plant 10 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m above ground. ## Steps 1. Check BowMap to see whether your property is in a development permit area. 2. Ask Planning (604-947-4255 ext. 6, planning@bimbc.ca) whether your tree work needs a development permit or site alteration permit. 3. If it does, apply before cutting. Fees are in the Cost line above. ## Good to know - **Exemptions:** in the Watershed, Aquifer and Stream Protection area, no permit is needed to clear trees and vegetation within a water resource protection area for fire protection within 30 m of a dwelling, for a residential vegetable garden or orchard, or for farming on agriculturally designated land, as long as water resources are not adversely affected. Emergency actions, including removing hazardous trees, are also exempt. In the Tourist Commercial area, a dead, diseased, hazardous or under-15 cm tree is exempt. The Site Alteration Bylaw exempts a garden or orchard up to 500 m² and work under a building permit. - **Replacement:** no general rule. A development permit in the stream protection area may require that trees or vegetation be planted or kept. - **Public trees:** under the [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/), no one may destroy, alter, damage or remove a tree, shrub or plant on a public place without authority. - **Fines:** none is specific to cutting a private tree. A bylaw notice for site alteration without a permit is $200 for a first offence ($175 early, $225 late), $400 for a second and $475 for further offences. Removing a tree in a public place is $500 ($400 early, $500 late). The Land Use Bylaw sets a penalty of up to $2,000 on summary conviction for development without a required development permit. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) - [Bowen Island fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fence-rules.md) - [Bowen Island building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/tree-removal.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/tree-removal.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/tree-removal.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/tree-removal.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/tree-removal.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [Building and Planning Frequently Asked Questions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/building-planning-frequently-asked-questions/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/272552/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Development Application Fees Bylaw No. 484, 2019 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/274482/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits" question: "When is garbage collected in Bowen Island, and what are the rules for cans, limits, and extra bags?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/garbage-collection.json" --- # Bowen Island garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits **Question:** When is garbage collected in Bowen Island, and what are the rules for cans, limits, and extra bags? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island, regular garbage is picked up bi-weekly on Tuesdays, alternating between the east and west sides of the island. Organics are picked up every Wednesday island-wide. There is no curbside recycling. The garbage parcel tax is $650 per parcel, included in property taxes. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Garbage parcel tax of $650 per parcel, included in property taxes. Second can: annual decal (page lists $175 for 2022-23) or single-use decal $10. **How long:** Cans or bags must be out by 8:00 a.m. on collection day. **Where:** - Phone: Bowen Waste Solutions (collection contractor), 604-947-2255 - Email: Bowen Waste Solutions email, info@bowenwastesolutions.com - Online: Collection schedule and map, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/ ## Key facts - **How often:** Regular garbage is picked up every two weeks on Tuesdays, alternating between the east and west sides of the island. Organic refuse is picked up every week on Wednesdays, island-wide. There is no curbside recycling; recyclables go to the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD). - Source: [Garbage Collection Schedule, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) - Official wording: "Regular garbage is picked up every two weeks on Tuesdays." … "We alternate each week between the east and west sides of the island." … "Organic refuse is picked up every week on Wednesdays, island-wide." - Source: [Recycling, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/recycling/) - Official wording: "There is no curbside collection of recyclable materials on Bowen Island." … "Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Finding your day:** Check the map and collection calendar on the Schedule page (2026 Collection Schedule and Map PDF). Bowen Waste Solutions: 604-947-2255 or info@bowenwastesolutions.com. - Source: [Garbage Collection Schedule, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) - Official wording: "Please check the map and collection calendar below to find the schedule for your area." - Source: [Garbage Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/) - Official wording: "Bowen Waste phone number 604-947-2255" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Carts:** Not confirmed. The municipality's page does not state cart sizes. - **Setting carts out:** Cans or bags must be accessible to the garbage collector by 8:00 a.m. on collection day. Bags must be sealed and intact. If the day is a statutory holiday, pickup is the first business day after unless arranged. No time to bring cans in is stated. - Source: [Garbage Collection Schedule, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) - Official wording: "must be accessible to the garbage collector by 8:00 am on collection day." … "Bags must be sealed and intact" … "pickup will occur on the first business day after the statutory holiday" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits and extra garbage:** One can of regular garbage per property per collection day, all bagged, total weight not over 18 kg. A second can needs an annual second can decal ($175, listed for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) or a single-use decal ($10, no expiry), bought from Bowen Waste Solutions. Organics: one container of kitchen waste plus up to three cans, bags or bundles of yard trimmings per week. - Source: [Regular Garbage, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/regular-garbage/) - Official wording: "Each residential property can put out ONE can of regular garbage per collection day." … "Total weight of garbage cannot exceed 18 kg." - Source: [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) - Official wording: "Annual second can decal (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) | $175" … "Single-use decal (no expiry) | $10" - Source: [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - Official wording: "Kitchen waste: one container per week" … "Yard waste: three containers or bags per week" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** A garbage parcel tax of $650 per parcel (Solid Waste Collection/Disposal), set by Bylaw No. 713, 2026. The service fee is included in property taxes. - Source: [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 2.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341182/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Solid Waste Collection/Disposal $650.00" … "FINALLY ADOPTED this 27th day of April, 2026." - Source: [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) - Official wording: "The fee is included in your property taxes." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Bylaw No. 518, 2020, as amended by Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026 (parcel tax). The municipality's bylaw page also lists Waste Collection, Removal and Disposal Regulations Amendment Bylaws No. 109, 2004 and No. 387, 2015, which amend the former Greater Vancouver Regional District Electoral Area C Bylaw No. 729, 1992. - Source: [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Bylaw No. 518, 2020, Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/307677/) - Official wording: "Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Bylaw 518, 2020" - Source: [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341182/) - Official wording: "Garbage Parcel Tax Rate" … "Bylaw No.518, 2020, Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026" - Source: [Waste Collection, Removal and Disposal Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 387, 2015, Bowen Island Municipality, preamble](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/65312/) - Official wording: "Electoral Area C Waste Collection, Removal, and Disposal Regulations" … "Bylaw No. 729, 1992" … "Collection, Removal, and Disposal Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 109, 2004, is" … "hereby amended by deleting Schedule “A” entitled “Rates for Collection of Waste” and substituting" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The Municipality's Public Works Department arranges residential collection through its contractor, Bowen Waste Solutions. Regular garbage is picked up bi-weekly on Tuesdays, alternating between the east and west sides of the island. Organic refuse is picked up every week on Wednesdays, island-wide. There is no curbside recycling; recyclables go to the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD). The regional district does not run collection here. ## Steps 1. Find your collection dates on the map and calendar on the [Collection Schedule page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) (2026 Collection Schedule and Map, PDF). 2. Put garbage in a can or sealed, intact bags where the collector can reach it by 8:00 a.m. on collection day. 3. For questions, call Bowen Waste Solutions at 604-947-2255 or email info@bowenwastesolutions.com. ## Good to know - Limit: one can of regular garbage per property per collection day, all bagged, total weight not over 18 kg. - A second can needs an annual second can decal or a single-use decal ($10, no expiry), bought from Bowen Waste Solutions. The [fees page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) lists the annual decal at $175 for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, so confirm the current price. - Organics: one container of kitchen waste plus up to three cans, bags or bundles of yard trimmings per week. - If collection day is a statutory holiday, pickup is the first business day after unless arranged. The page states no time to bring cans in, and no cart sizes. - The fee is a garbage parcel tax of $650 per parcel (Solid Waste Collection/Disposal), set by Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026, which replaces the amount in the [consolidated Bylaw No. 518, 2020](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/307677/). ## Official forms and pages - [Garbage Collection Schedule, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) - [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) - [Regular Garbage, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/regular-garbage/) - [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341182/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/yard-waste.md) - [Bowen Island backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/garbage-collection.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/garbage-collection.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/garbage-collection.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/garbage-collection.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/garbage-collection.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Garbage Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Garbage Collection Schedule, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-schedule/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Regular Garbage, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/regular-garbage/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Recycling, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/recycling/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 713, 2026 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/341182/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Garbage Parcel Tax Rate Bylaw No. 518, 2020 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/307677/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Waste Collection, Removal and Disposal Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 387, 2015 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/65312/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island yard waste collection and drop-off question: "Where does yard waste and brush go in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/yard-waste/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/yard-waste.json" --- # Bowen Island yard waste collection and drop-off **Question:** Where does yard waste and brush go in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island, yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday, island-wide. You can put out up to three cans, bags or bundles per property, not counting one container of kitchen waste. Tie sticks in bundles. There is no separate charge; it is covered by the fee in property taxes. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No separate charge stated; covered by the fee included in property taxes. **How long:** Collected every Wednesday. **Where:** - Phone: Bowen Waste Solutions (yard trimmings labels), 604-947-2255 - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Curbside collection:** Yes. Yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday, island-wide, in yard waste bags or other clearly labelled containers (Yard Trimmings labels are available from Bowen Waste Solutions). Sticks should be tied into bundles. - Source: [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality, Yard waste](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - Official wording: "Yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday." … "These can be put into yard waste bags or other containers that are clearly labelled." … "Yard Trimmings labels are available from Bowen Waste Solutions." … "Sticks should be tied into bundles." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to set it out:** Up to three cans, bags or bundles of organic refuse or yard trimmings per residential property (not counting one container of kitchen waste). Each bag or bin should not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs). - Source: [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality, Yard waste](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - Official wording: "Each residential property can put out up to three cans, bags or bundles of organic refuse or yard trimmings" … "Each bag or bin should not exceed 18kg (40lbs)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Drop-off:** Not confirmed. The pages read do not give a yard waste drop-off location. - **Cost:** No separate charge stated: up to three cans, bags or bundles of organic refuse or yard trimmings are covered by the fee included in property taxes. - Source: [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) - Official wording: "up to three cans, bags or bundles of organic refuse or yard trimmings. The fee is included in your property taxes." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Not accepted:** Sod, soil and rocks do not belong in yard waste. Also not for the organics bin: plastic (except bin liners marked ASTM D6400), paper coffee cups, metal, rubber or glass, diapers and baby wipes, and pet waste or kitty litter. - Source: [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality, Yard waste](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - Official wording: "Sod, soil and rocks do not belong in your yard waste." … "pet waste or kitty litter" … "diapers and baby wipes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. ## How it works Bowen Island yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday, island-wide, in yard waste bags or other clearly labelled containers. Yard Trimmings labels are available from Bowen Waste Solutions. Tie sticks into bundles. The [Organics Collection page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) encourages composting yard waste. ## Steps 1. Put yard trimmings in yard waste bags or clearly labelled containers, with sticks tied in bundles. 2. Set out up to three cans, bags or bundles per property (not counting one container of kitchen waste). Each bag or bin should not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs). 3. Have them out on Wednesday, the weekly organics day. ## Good to know - There is no separate charge: up to three cans, bags or bundles are covered by the fee included in property taxes. - Sod, soil and rocks do not belong in yard waste. Also not for the organics bin: plastic (except bin liners marked ASTM D6400), paper coffee cups, metal, rubber or glass, diapers and baby wipes, and pet waste or kitty litter. - The pages read do not give a yard waste drop-off location or branch size limit. Ask Public Works through municipal hall at 604-947-4255. - Burning yard waste needs a permit; see the backyard fire answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/garbage-collection.md) - [Bowen Island backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/yard-waste.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/yard-waste.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/yard-waste.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/yard-waste.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/yard-waste.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/yard-waste.md) ## Sources - [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Garbage Collection Fees, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/garbage-collection-fees/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/yard-waste/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/water-restrictions.json" --- # Bowen Island watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Yes. Under Bowen Island's Water Conservation Bylaw, Stage 1 restrictions apply in all municipal water systems from May 1 through October 15 each year, and the Municipality can raise the stage. In Stage 1, lawns can be watered one morning a week between 5 and 9 a.m. Check the website for the current stage. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** New lawn watering permit $66 plus GST. Bylaw notices from $100 (Stage 1). **How long:** Stage 1 runs May 1 to October 15 unless the Municipality changes the dates. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Water Conservation page (current stage), https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/ - Phone: Roads and water emergencies after hours (4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.), 604-834-0770 ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** Stage 1 restrictions are in effect in all municipal water systems from May 1 through October 15 each year. The municipality may change the dates or replace Stage 1 with Stage 2, 3 or 4 for any or all systems by publishing a notice at municipal hall, on its website and by email alert. The rules apply to Municipal Water only (not rainwater caught in a cistern or barrel). (Sources differ: The same page headline says restrictions run May 1 to October 31 while its body and the bylaw say Stage 1 starts by default May 1 and ends October 15. The current stage shown on the page is a dated notice and is not given here.) - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 4.1-4.2](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "Municipal Water use Stage 1 restrictions are in effect in all Local Service Areas from May 1st through to" … "October 15th of each year." … "the Municipality may amend the effective period, or suspend and replace Stage 1 restrictions" … "with Stage 2,3, or 4 for any or all Local Service Areas by publishing a Notice" - Source: [Water Conservation, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/) - Official wording: "Stage 1 goes into effect by default between May 1 and October 15" - Source: [Water Conservation, Bowen Island Municipality, Heading](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/) - Official wording: "Water Use Restrictions in Effect from May 1 – October 31" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Sprinkling schedule:** Stage 1: lawn watering one morning per week between 5 and 9 a.m. (no weekday is named in the bylaw); trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers by sprinkler between 5 and 9 a.m. Stage 2: no lawn watering; sprinkler for trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers 5 to 9 a.m. Stage 3: no lawn watering; hand watering or drip only. Stage 4: no watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, vegetables or flowers. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "One morning per week between 5am and 9am." … "by way of Sprinkler between 5am and 9am;" … "Is prohibited for watering a Lawn." … "Is prohibited for watering trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers." … "by way of Hand Watering (using a handheld watering can or a hose equipped with an" … "Micro-irrigation or Drip-irrigation System only." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Allowed at any time:** In Stages 1 and 2, trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers may be watered at any time by hand (watering can or hose with an automatic shut-off device), soaker hose, or micro-irrigation or drip system. In Stage 3, only hand watering or drip/micro-irrigation. In Stage 4, none of these is allowed for plants. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "Soaker Hose, or a Micro-irrigation or Drip-irrigation System" … "anytime." … "Micro-irrigation or Drip-irrigation System only." … "Is prohibited for watering trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **New lawns:** During Stage 1 only, newly installed sod or newly seeded lawn may be watered under a permit outside the usual hours for up to three weeks after installation, within a prescribed number of hours per day. Apply to Public Works. No new lawn permits are issued in July or August, and permits are not issued or valid in Stage 2, 3 or 4. Permit fee: $66 plus GST. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule B](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "No new Lawn Permits will be issued in the months of July or August." … "Permits will not be issued or be valid during Stage 2, Stage 3 or Stage 4." … "may apply to the Municipality Public Works Department for a Permit" … "for three weeks following installation." - Source: [Fees bylaw with new lawn watering permit fee, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule C](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339499/) - Official wording: "New Lawn Watering Permit: $66.00 plus GST" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice (Schedule AP). Breaking Stage 1: $100 first, $200 second, $400 further. Stage 2: $200, $300, $500. Stage 3: $300, $400, $500. Stage 4: $500 each time. Letting a tap or hose run: $300. Early-payment amounts are $25 lower (due within 14 days). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AP](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Contravene Stage 1 Restrictions described" … "$100.00 $75.00 $125.00" … "$400.00 $375.00 $425.00" … "$200.00 $175.00 $225.00" … "Contravene Stage 4 Restrictions described" … "Waste Municipal Water by allowing a tap" … "$300.00 $275.00 $325.00" - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 10.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "shall be liable to paying a fine of up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025 - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695," … "2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/), Stage 1 restrictions are in effect in all municipal water systems from May 1 through October 15 each year. The Municipality may change the dates or replace Stage 1 with Stage 2, 3 or 4 for any or all systems by publishing a notice at municipal hall, on its website and by email alert. The rules apply to Municipal Water only, not rainwater caught in a cistern or barrel. The Water Conservation page's headline says October 31, but its body and the bylaw say October 15, so confirm the dates there. ## Good to know - Stage 1: lawn watering one morning per week between 5 and 9 a.m. (the bylaw names no weekday); trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers by sprinkler between 5 and 9 a.m. - Stage 2: no lawn watering; sprinkler for trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers 5 to 9 a.m. Stage 3: no lawn watering; hand watering or drip only. Stage 4: no watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, vegetables or flowers. - In Stages 1 and 2, trees, shrubs, vegetables and flowers may be watered at any time by hand (watering can or hose with an automatic shut-off device), soaker hose, or micro-irrigation or drip system. In Stage 3, only hand watering or drip and micro-irrigation. In Stage 4, none of these is allowed for plants. - New lawns: during Stage 1 only, newly installed sod or seeded lawn may be watered under a permit outside the usual hours for up to three weeks. Apply to Public Works. No new lawn permits are issued in July or August, and permits are not valid in Stage 2, 3 or 4. The fee is $66 plus GST. - Vehicle and boat washing, power washing and filling pools are also limited by stage (Schedule A of the bylaw). - Bylaw notice: Stage 1 $100 first, $200 second, $400 further. Stage 2: $200, $300, $500. Stage 3: $300, $400, $500. Stage 4: $500 each time. Letting a tap or hose run: $300. Early-payment amounts are $25 lower if paid within 14 days. The bylaw also allows a court fine up to $10,000 on conviction. - Check the [Water Conservation page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/) for the current stage. ## Official forms and pages - [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - [Water Conservation, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/) - [Fees bylaw with new lawn watering permit fee (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339499/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/water-restrictions.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/water-restrictions.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/water-restrictions.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/water-restrictions.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/water-restrictions.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 695, 2025 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Water Conservation, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/water-and-sewer/water-conservation/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fees bylaw with new lawn watering permit fee (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339499/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence in Bowen Island, and what does it cost?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence.json" --- # Bowen Island dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence in Bowen Island, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** Bowen Island Municipality does not require dog licences, so there is no licence to buy and no licence fee. A dog off its owner's property must wear a collar tag with the owner's last name and phone number. Tags are sold at pet stores, not by the Municipality. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No licence fee. If a dog is impounded the fee is $25 (first time), $50 (second) and $75 (third and later) within a year, plus $7 for the first day, $16 for the second day and $32 a day after that. **How long:** Not applicable; there is no licence to renew. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - Phone: Animal Control Officer (on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays), 604-328-5499 ## Key facts - **Licence required:** No. The municipality says it does not require licensing of pets at this time. A dog off its owner's property must wear a collar tag with the owner's last name and phone number. - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Licensing](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality does not require licensing of pets at this time" - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.2(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "the owner shall cause the dog to" … "wear around the neck a collar to which shall be attached an identification tag" … "which includes the dog owner’s last name and phone number" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Issued by:** None set. Bowen Island Municipality does not require dog licences, so no one issues one and there is no renewal or licence fine. - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** None set. Bowen Island's Dog Control Bylaw has no licence or licence-fee rules. - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** None set. Bowen Island's Dog Control Bylaw has no licence or licence-fee rules. - **Other fees and discounts:** No licence discounts or fees. Impoundment fee for a dog is $25 (1st), $50 (2nd) and $75 (3rd and later) within 12 months, plus maintenance fees of $7 (first day), $16 (second day) and $32 per day after that. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, Appendix A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "Impoundment Fees:" … "1st impoundment 2nd impoundment" … "Dog $25.00 $50.00 $75.00" … "First day $7.00" … "Second Day $16.00" … "Third and Subsequent Days $32.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** None set. Bowen Island Municipality does not require dog licences, so no one issues one and there is no renewal or licence fine. - **How to get one:** No licence is sold. Dog ID tags can be bought at pet stores; the municipality does not sell them. - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Licensing](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Tags can be purchased from pet stores – they are not available for purchase from the municipality." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** None set. Bowen Island Municipality does not require dog licences, so no one issues one and there is no renewal or licence fine. - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, title and s. 7.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – JULY 2022" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The Municipality's [Dog Control page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) says it does not require licensing of pets at this time. The [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) has no licence or licence-fee rules. A dog that is off its owner's property must wear a collar tag with the owner's last name and phone number. The Municipality does not sell tags; buy one at a pet store. ## Steps 1. Buy an ID tag at a pet store and put the owner's last name and phone number on it. 2. Keep it on your dog's collar whenever the dog is off your property. ## Good to know - A dog without an ID tag off its owner's property is a bylaw notice offence: $25 for a first offence, $50 for a second and $150 for further ones. - Impounded dogs: $25, $50 and $75 for the first, second and third and later impoundments within a year, plus daily care of $7, $16 and then $32 a day. - For animal control, call 604-328-5499 (officer on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays) or Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2, or email bylaw@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Bowen Island rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dangerous-dogs.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets.md) - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/dog-licence.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/dog-licence.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/dog-licence.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/dog-licence.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/dog-licence.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 9 facts was matched to the official text; 5 are recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash in Bowen Island, and what are the leash rules?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash in Bowen Island, and what are the leash rules? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island, dogs may not run at large. On public property a dog must be on a leash, or off leash within 3 metres of its owner and under command. Dogs must be leashed in Snug Cove, around Grafton Lake and in Crippen Regional Park, and are banned from three beaches in July and August. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No cost to follow the rules. A bylaw notice for a dog running at large or not on a leash or under control is $25 for a first offence. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - Phone: Animal Control Officer (on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays), 604-328-5499 ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** Dogs may not run at large. On public property a dog must be under control: on a leash, or off leash and within 3 metres of its owner and under command. Dogs must be on a leash in the Snug Cove area shown on Schedule A; the municipality also names Grafton Lake and Crippen Regional Park as on-leash. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 1, 3.1(c), (e), (f)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "The running at large of dogs is prohibited within the Municipality." … "Dogs are to be kept under control when on public property." … "Dogs are to be on leash in the area designated in Schedule A." … "not more than 3 metres away from its owner" - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Leash rules](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Dogs are required to be on-leash in both Snug Cove and around Grafton Lake." … "Crippen Regional Park also requires that dogs are kept on-leash." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Maximum leash length:** The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for ordinary dogs. A dangerous dog must be on a leash not longer than two metres. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 4.1(c)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "on a leash not longer than two metres" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Off-leash areas:** On municipal trails other than Grafton Lake, a dog can be off leash but must be under control, within three metres of you. The page mentions a dog park but gives no list or map. - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Leash rules](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "On Municipal trails, except for Grafton Lake, your dog can be off its leash but must be under your control at all times (within three meters of you)." … "your dog must be leashed at all times (except in the dog park, of course)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Places dogs are not allowed:** Dogs are not allowed on Sandy Beach, Tunstall Bay Beach and Bowen Bay Beach in July and August. The page says service dogs and their handlers are the only exception. On other beaches dogs must be on a leash or within 3 metres of you. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.1(d), Appendix B](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "Dogs are not allowed on public beaches listed in Appendix" … "during the months of July and August." … "Sandy Beach" … "Tunstall Bay Beach" … "Bowen Bay Beach" - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Dogs on beaches](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Dogs are not permitted on Bowen Bay Beach, Tunstall Bay Beach and Sandy Beach during the months of July and August." … "The only exception is for service dogs and their handlers." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cleaning up:** If a dog defecates on any public traffic area or on property other than its owner's, the owner must remove the faeces immediately. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.1(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "the owner shall cause the faeces to be removed immediately." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Bylaw notice for a dog running at large: $25 first offence ($15 if paid early, $35 late); $50 second ($25 early, $75 late); $150 further ($125 early, $175 late). Dog not on leash or not under control carries the same amounts. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AC](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "3.1c Dog running at large – first contravention 25.00 15.00 35.00" … "3.1c Dog running at large – further contraventions 150.00 125.00 175.00" … "3.1f Dog not on leash – first contravention" … "3.1e Dog not under control – first contravention" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, title and s. 7.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – JULY 2022" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/), dogs may not run at large. On public property a dog must be under control: on a leash, or off leash and within 3 metres of its owner and under command. Dogs must be on a leash in the Snug Cove area shown on Schedule A of the bylaw, and the Municipality's [Dog Control page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) also names Grafton Lake and Crippen Regional Park as on-leash. The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for ordinary dogs. ## Good to know - On municipal trails other than Grafton Lake, a dog can be off leash if it is under control and within 3 metres of you. The page mentions a dog park but gives no list or map; ask Bylaw Services where it is. - Dogs are not allowed on Sandy Beach, Tunstall Bay Beach and Bowen Bay Beach in July and August. The page says service dogs and their handlers are the only exception. On other beaches dogs must be on a leash or within 3 metres of you. - If your dog defecates on a public traffic area or on someone else's property, remove the faeces immediately. - A bylaw notice for a dog running at large, off leash or not under control is $25 for a first offence, $50 for a second and $150 for further ones. Paid within 14 days they are $15, $25 and $125. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence.md) - [Bowen Island rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dangerous-dogs.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets.md) - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/dog-leash-rules.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/dog-leash-rules.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Bowen Island rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island, a dangerous dog is one that has killed or seriously injured a person or a companion or domestic animal, or that an animal control officer believes is likely to. Off its owner's property it must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 2 metres, and it must be housed in a secure enclosure. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No dangerous-dog licence or fee. Impoundment of a dangerous dog is $250 (first), $500 (second) and $1,000 (third and later) within a year. Bylaw notices start at $50. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - Phone: Animal Control Officer (on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays), 604-328-5499 - Phone: RCMP Bowen Island Detachment (non-emergency), 604-947-0516 ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** A dangerous dog is one that has killed or seriously injured a person, that an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to do so, or that has killed or seriously injured a companion or domestic animal while in a public place or on private property other than the owner's or person responsible's. Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the animal control officer under Section 49 of the Community Charter. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1, s. 4.1(a)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "has killed or seriously injured a person," … "an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill" … "Dangerous dogs shall be dealt with by the animal control officer pursuant to" … "Section 49 of the Community Charter." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Rules for owners:** Off the owner's property a dangerous dog must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than two metres, controlled by a responsible person over 18. It must be housed in an enclosure that prevents its escape and prevents unauthorized entry by any person. - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 4.1(b)-(d)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "a dangerous dog shall be muzzled;" … "on a leash not longer than two metres and under the control of a responsible person over the" … "A dangerous dog is to be housed in an enclosure that prevents its escape and" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Licence fee:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **How to report:** Bylaw Services acts as Animal Control Officer. Call 604-328-5499 (officer on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays), or 604-947-4255 ext 2, or email bylaw@bimbc.ca. For urgent matters call the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-947-0516. - Source: [Bylaw Services, Bowen Island Municipality, Service Profile](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/our-government/departments/bylaw-services/) - Official wording: "Responding to animal-related concerns and acting as Animal Control Officer and Pound Keeper" - Source: [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices - Bowen Island Municipality, Questions?](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) - Official wording: "Please contact Bylaw Services by calling 604-947-4255 ext 2 or emailing bylaw@bimbc.ca" - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) - Official wording: "please call the RCMP non-emergency number at 604-947-0516." - Source: [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality, Barking dogs / During business hours](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Bylaw Services now have an officer on duty from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week (except statutory holidays)." … "call Bowen Bylaw Services at 604-328-5499." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: dangerous dog not muzzled or not leashed, $50 first, $100 second, $200 further; not properly housed, $100 first, $200 second, $500 further. Early-payment amounts are $25/$75/$175 and $75/$175/$475; late amounts are $75/$125/$225 and $125/$225/$500. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AC](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Dangerous dog not muzzled – first" … "Dangerous dog not leashed – further" … "Dangerous dog not properly housed – first" … "4.1d 100.00 75.00 125.00 YES" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) - Source: [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022), Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - Official wording: "Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – JULY 2022" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) says a dangerous dog is one that has killed or seriously injured a person, that an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to do so, or that has killed or seriously injured a companion or domestic animal while in a public place or on private property other than the owner's. The animal control officer deals with dangerous dogs under Section 49 of the Community Charter. ## Good to know - Off the owner's property a dangerous dog must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 2 metres, controlled by a responsible person over 18. - It must be kept in an enclosure that prevents its escape and prevents unauthorized entry by anyone. - Bylaw notices for a dangerous dog not muzzled or not leashed: $50 first, $100 second, $200 further. Not properly housed: $100 first, $200 second, $500 further. Paid within 14 days: $25, $75 and $175 for the first group and $75, $175 and $475 for the second. - Impoundment fees for a dangerous dog are $250, $500 and $1,000 for the first, second and third and later times within a year. - To report a dog, call the Animal Control Officer at 604-328-5499 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays), or Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2, or email bylaw@bimbc.ca. For urgent matters call the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-947-0516. In an emergency call 911. ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Bowen Island dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets.md) - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/dangerous-dogs.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/dangerous-dogs.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Dog Control, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Services, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/our-government/departments/bylaw-services/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Bowen Island's Dog Control Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw set no limit on the number of dogs or cats a household can keep. The Land Use Bylaw does define a kennel as three or more dogs or cats kept for money, and limits where kennels are allowed. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No cost; no pet-limit permit or fee is stated. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** None set. Bowen Island's Dog Control Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw set no limit on dogs. - **Cats allowed:** None set. Bowen Island's Dog Control Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw set no limit on cats. - **Other animal limits:** None set. No combined pet limit was found in the Municipality's bylaws. - **Exceptions:** The Land Use Bylaw defines a 'kennel' as a place where three or more dogs or cats are kept, bred, boarded or trained for monetary gain. Kennels are permitted uses in the Rural Residential zones RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3 and in SR 1. A kennel is not allowed as a home occupation. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, Definitions](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "or more dogs or cats which for monetary gain are or are intended to be trained, cared for, bred," … "“KENNEL” means any building or structure, compound, group of pens or cages or lot in which three (3)" … "The following uses shall not be permitted as home occupations and will require" … "Kennel ♦ ♦ ♦" … "Kennel ♦" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** None set. There is no ticket for having too many pets on Bowen Island. - **Bylaw:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. ## How it works The [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) sets no limit on the number of dogs. No cat limit or combined pet limit was found in the Municipality's bylaws, and there is no ticket for having too many pets. ## Good to know - The [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) defines a "kennel" as a place where three or more dogs or cats are kept, bred, boarded or trained for monetary gain. Kennels are permitted in the Rural Residential zones RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3 and in SR 1. A kennel is not allowed as a home occupation. - This is a land-use definition, not a household cap. If you plan to keep or board several animals, ask Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. - You can still be ticketed for noise from animals; see the noise rules. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-licence.md) - [Bowen Island backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-chickens.md) - [Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/how-many-pets.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/how-many-pets.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/how-many-pets.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/how-many-pets.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/how-many-pets.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Dog Control Bylaw No. 30, 2001 (consolidated July 2022) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34266/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 1 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 4 are recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Bowen Island backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Bowen Island's Land Use Bylaw does not mention hens, chickens, roosters or bees. It allows "domestic agriculture" for personal use in some residential zones, but does not say whether hens count. No hen limit, coop rule or permit is set. Ask Planning before buying birds. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** No permit or fee for hens is stated. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Planning Department, 604-947-4255 ext. 6 - Email: Planning Department email, planning@bimbc.ca - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** The Land Use Bylaw does not mention hens or chickens. It lists 'domestic agriculture' (growing or rearing any agricultural product for the occupant's personal use) as an accessory use in the Rural Residential (RR 1, RR 2, RR 3) and Settlement Residential (SR 1, SR 2) zones. It does not say whether hens count. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1 definitions](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "means the growing or rearing of any agricultural product for the personal" … "use of the occupant of the lot." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 4.1.1, 4.5.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "4.1.1 Permitted Uses of Land, Buildings and Structures" … "Domestic Agriculture ♦ ♦ ♦" … "4.5.1 Permitted Uses of Land, Buildings and Structures" … "Domestic Agriculture ♦ ♦" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Most hens:** None set. Bowen Island's bylaws set no hen limit, coop rule or permit. - **Roosters:** None set. The bylaws read for Bowen Island set no rooster rule. - **Coop rules:** No coop rules found. One general rule: keeping of livestock or poultry may not be conducted within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland, or 50 metres of a water reservoir or lake. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.21](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "No use, including those uses listed below, shall be conducted within thirty (30) metres" … "keeping of livestock or poultry or storage of agricultural waste;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit or registration:** None set. Bowen Island's bylaws set no hen limit, coop rule or permit. - **Bees:** Not confirmed. Bowen Island's Land Use Bylaw does not mention bees. - **Other livestock:** Agriculture (rearing crops, plants, livestock and other animals, subject to Provincial regulation) and stables are permitted principal uses in the Rural Residential zones RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3. In RR 1(c) areas, agriculture is limited to lots of 1 hectare and larger. Livestock and poultry may not be kept within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland, or 50 metres of a lake. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1 definition](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "the growing, rearing, producing or" … "harvesting of crops, plants, livestock and other animals subject to Provincial Regulation" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 4.1.4(3)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Agriculture use and horticulture use is limited to lots 1 hectare (2.47" … "acres) and larger." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.21](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "keeping of livestock or poultry or storage of agricultural waste;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" … "CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – November 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) does not mention hens, chickens, roosters or bees. It lists "domestic agriculture" (growing or rearing any agricultural product for the occupant's personal use) as an accessory use in the Rural Residential zones RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3 and the Settlement Residential zones SR 1 and SR 2. It does not say whether hens count. The Village Residential zones VR 1 and VR 2 list no domestic agriculture. Find your lot's zone on Schedule B (the Land Use Map). ## Good to know - No number of hens, rooster rule, coop rule or permit is set in the bylaws we read. - Keeping livestock or poultry may not be done within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland, or 50 metres of a water reservoir or lake. - Agriculture (rearing crops, plants, livestock and other animals, subject to Provincial regulation) and stables are permitted principal uses in RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3. In RR 1(c) areas, agriculture is limited to lots of 1 hectare and larger. - Before getting birds or bees, ask Planning at 604-947-4255 ext. 6 or planning@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/how-many-pets.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/backyard-chickens.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/backyard-chickens.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/backyard-chickens.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/backyard-chickens.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/backyard-chickens.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 3 are recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island RV, boat and trailer parking rules question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # Bowen Island RV, boat and trailer parking rules **Question:** Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island, a licensed trailer can be parked on a street for up to 72 hours without a permit, and an unlicensed one cannot be parked on a roadway, boulevard or sidewalk. The bylaws we read do not set rules for storing an RV or boat on your own lot. Living in an RV on a lot is generally not allowed. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $50 first offence, $100 second, $150 further. Paid within 14 days: $25, $75 and $125. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca ## Key facts - **On the street:** Trailers (and commercial vehicles) may not be parked on a street next to park, church, school or residential land without the owner's or occupier's consent; may not be parked next to business land for more than 3 hours (unless in front of land owned or occupied by the driver); a trailer may not be parked with its motive power unattached; unlicensed vehicles or trailers may not be parked on a roadway, boulevard or sidewalk; a licensed vehicle or trailer may not be parked there more than 72 hours without a permit. Trailers or commercial vehicles over 4,536 kg gross weight may not be parked on a street from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. - Source: [Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005 (consolidated July 2024), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 11-16](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/241602/) - Official wording: "for more than 3 hours except where such vehicle is parked" … "No person shall park a trailer, semi-trailer or commercial vehicle on any street abutting lands used" … "for park, church, school or residential purposes, except with the consent of the owner or occupier of" … "exceeding 4,536 kg on any street between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m." … "No person shall park a trailer or semi-trailer with its motive power unattached." … "No vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer that is not licensed in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act" … "exceeding 72 hours without displaying a permit." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **On your property:** None set. The bylaws read for Bowen Island set no rule on keeping an RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot. - **Living in an RV:** Not allowed on a lot: the Land Use Bylaw prohibits any use located in a tent trailer, motor home, camper or other recreation vehicle without a permanent foundation or service connection, except as otherwise permitted, or temporary sleeping for non-paying visitors on a residential lot for up to 90 days in any 360-day period. During construction under a building permit one travel trailer or camper may be used for up to one year. Camping (staying overnight in a trailer or vehicle) in a municipal public place needs a permit. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 3.3.5, 3.9](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "A use located partially or totally in a tent trailer, motor home, camper, or other" … "recreation vehicle, without a permanent foundation or permanent service" … "for a period not exceeding 90 days in any 360-day" … "may use one travel trailer or camper on the lot for temporary accommodation during the construction" - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 1, 3.2(j)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "Camp means to stay overnight in a tent, trailer, Motor Vehicle or other form of shelter;" … "Camp." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for the trailer rules (ss. 11-16 of the Traffic Bylaw): $50 first offence ($25 early, $75 late); $100 second ($75 early, $125 late); $150 further ($125 early, $175 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AF](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "11 Park a trailer or commercial 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "Park a trailer without motive 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "Unlicensed vehicle or trailer 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "Parked for more than 72 50.00 25.00 75.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005 (consolidated July 2024); Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002; Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 - Source: [Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005 (consolidated July 2024), Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/241602/) - Official wording: "Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No." … "133, 2005" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025), Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Bylaw No. 537, 2021" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/241602/) sets the street rules. It does not mention boats or RVs by name, so they are covered only if they are vehicles or trailers. The bylaws we read set no rule on keeping an RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot. ## Good to know - On a street, a trailer or commercial vehicle may not be parked next to park, church, school or residential land without the owner's or occupier's consent. Next to business land the limit is 3 hours, unless it is in front of land owned or occupied by the driver. - A trailer may not be parked with its motive power unattached. Unlicensed vehicles or trailers may not be parked on a roadway, boulevard or sidewalk. A licensed vehicle or trailer may not be parked there more than 72 hours without a permit. - Trailers or commercial vehicles over 4,536 kg gross weight may not be parked on a street from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. - Living in an RV: the [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) prohibits any use located in a tent trailer, motor home, camper or other recreation vehicle without a permanent foundation or service connection, except as otherwise permitted. Temporary sleeping by non-paying visitors on a residential lot is allowed for up to 90 days in any 360-day period. During construction under a building permit, one travel trailer or camper may be used for up to one year. - Camping overnight in a trailer or vehicle in a municipal public place needs a permit; without one the bylaw notice is $200 ($100 if paid early). Overnight in the ferry lane is also banned. - Bylaw notice for the trailer street rules: $50 first offence, $100 second, $150 further. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005 (consolidated July 2024) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/241602/) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) - [Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw No. 133, 2005 (consolidated July 2024) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/241602/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines" question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules.json" --- # Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines **Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Bowen Island's Noise Control Bylaw bans noise that disturbs neighbours at any hour and sets no fixed quiet hours. Construction noise is banned before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The first bylaw notice is $50. Call Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $50 first offence, $200 second, $500 further. Paid within 14 days: $25, $175 and $475. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - Phone: RCMP Bowen Island Detachment (non-emergency, urgent matters), 604-947-0516 ## Key facts - **General rule:** No one may make or allow any noise or sound that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or people nearby. This includes owners letting their property be used that way, animals that call, cry or bark, and amplified sound from premises, vehicles or vessels. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 2(a)-(d)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "any noise or sound which disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace," … "No person shall allow any animal in their control or possession which, by its calls, cries," … "for the production or amplification of sound/music" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Quiet hours:** None set. The Noise Control Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. - **Construction hours:** Construction noise is not allowed Monday to Friday before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., or on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 2(g)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "Monday through Friday, before 0700 and after 2000 hours," … "Saturday, Sunday and other holidays, before 0900 and after 1800 hours." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other limits:** Schedule A lists dogs or other animals making noise for more than 15 minutes, car, security or fire alarms sounding more than 30 minutes, and sound over 55 decibels (or 10 above ambient, whichever is greater) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, or over 45 decibels (or 10 above ambient) at other times. Exemptions include emergency work and vehicles, approved parades and special events, and licensed marina operations between sunrise and sunset. Council or designated staff may grant a permit exemption for a particular event. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule A (a), (d), (h)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "any sound made by a dog barking, howling or other noise it creates either continually or sporadically" … "for any period in excess of 30 minutes of time;" … "the greater of 55 decibels or the sound level that is 10 decibels above the ambient sound" … "the greater of 45 decibels or the sound level that is 10 decibels above the ambient sound" - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 3, 4(b)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "any person lawfully participating in any parade, exhibition or other special event" … "may by permit grant specific exemptions from the application of section 2" - Source: [Noise Control and Exemptions, Bowen Island Municipality, How to Apply](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/noise-control-and-exemptions/) - Official wording: "Complete an application form and submit it to Municipal Hall at least four (4) weeks prior to the proposed event." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Who to call, business hours:** Bylaw Services: 604-947-4255 ext 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. The Dog Control page says an officer is on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays, at 604-328-5499. - Source: [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality, Questions?](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) - Official wording: "Please contact Bylaw Services by calling 604-947-4255 ext 2 or emailing bylaw@bimbc.ca" - Source: [Dog Control - Bowen Island Municipality, During business hours](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) - Official wording: "Bylaw Services now have an officer on duty from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week (except statutory holidays)." … "please call Bylaw Services at 604-328-5499." - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 5](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "The Bylaw Enforcement Officer, as appointed by Council, including but not exclusively" … "limited to the RCMP, shall be responsible for receiving and responding to complaints" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Who to call, after hours:** For urgent matters, the RCMP non-emergency line is 604-947-0516 (the RCMP may not be on shift and a response may be delayed). Emergencies: 911. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) - Official wording: "please call the RCMP non-emergency number at 604-947-0516." … "Please be aware that the RCMP may not be on shift when you call" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for noise (disturbing noise, animal noise, amplified sound, alarms, construction outside permitted hours): $50 first offence ($25 if paid early, $75 late); $200 second ($175 early, $225 late); $500 further ($475 early, $500 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AE](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "2a Making disturbing noise – first contravention 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "2g 200.00 175.00 225.00" … "Construction noise outside of permitted hours" … "500.00 475.00 500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004 - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004, Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - Official wording: "Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/), no one may make or allow any noise or sound that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or people nearby. This covers property owners who let their property be used that way, animals that call, cry or bark, and amplified sound from premises, vehicles or vessels. The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. ## Good to know - Construction noise (and lawn and garden maintenance sounds) is not allowed Monday to Friday before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., or on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. - Schedule A also lists dogs or other animals making noise for more than 15 minutes, car, security or fire alarms sounding more than 30 minutes, and sound over 55 decibels (or 10 above ambient, whichever is greater) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, or over 45 decibels (or 10 above ambient) at other times. - Exemptions include emergency work and vehicles, approved parades and special events, and licensed marina operations between sunrise and sunset. Council or designated staff may grant a permit exemption for a particular event; see the [Noise Control and Exemptions page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/noise-control-and-exemptions/). - Bylaw notice: $50 first offence, $200 second, $500 further . Paid within 14 days: $25, $175 and $475. - Report noise to Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. The Dog Control page lists an officer on duty 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week except statutory holidays, at 604-328-5499. - For urgent matters, the RCMP non-emergency line is 604-947-0516. The RCMP may not be on shift and a response may be delayed. In an emergency call 911. ## Official forms and pages - [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) - [Noise Control and Exemptions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/noise-control-and-exemptions/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) - [Bowen Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Bowen Island fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/noise-rules.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/noise-rules.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/noise-rules.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/noise-rules.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/noise-rules.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/noise-rules.md) ## Sources - [Noise Control Bylaw No. 108, 2004 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/34276/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Noise Control and Exemptions, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/noise-control-and-exemptions/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Dog Control - Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/dog-control/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/unsightly-property.json" --- # Bowen Island unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Bowen Island's Real Property Maintenance Bylaw requires owners to keep property from becoming unsightly or a risk to health and safety. To report a problem, call Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or email bylaw@bimbc.ca. The first bylaw notice is $100. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 first offence, $200 second, $500 further. Paid within 14 days: $75, $175 and $475. **How long:** No fixed time to comply is set in the bylaw. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca ## Key facts - **What counts:** The owner or occupier must keep the property from being a risk to public health and safety, must keep it from becoming unsightly, and must not let rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter collect. Unsightly conditions include rubbish accumulations, more than one unlicensed vehicle not capable of operation (unless in an enclosed structure), auto parts, uncontained compost or manure piles, indoor furniture, bedding or appliances stored outside, dilapidated fences and graffiti. - Source: [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 2, 3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - Official wording: "Maintain such real property in a manner that prevents it from becoming unsightly" … "Not permit rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter of any kind to collect or" … "More than one motor vehicle stored on the real property that are unlicensed and not" … "Uncontained compost or manure piles" … "Graffiti on fences, buildings or structures on the real property" … "(g) Furniture (other than furniture designed specifically for outdoor use), bedding or" … "appliances stored outside the premises;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to report:** Bylaw Services takes requests: phone 604-947-4255 ext 2 or email bylaw@bimbc.ca. Bylaw Services is 'request driven', so officers usually investigate in response to public requests. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) - Official wording: "Bylaw Services is “request driven”, meaning that Bylaw Officers will usually investigate issues only in response to requests from the public." - Source: [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality, Questions?](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) - Official wording: "Please contact Bylaw Services by calling 604-947-4255 ext 2 or emailing bylaw@bimbc.ca" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What happens next:** An officer may order the owner or occupier to remove accumulated rubbish. If they do not, the municipality may enter and remove it at their expense, and unpaid charges on December 31 are added to the property taxes. A bylaw notice may be issued: pay or ask for adjudication within 14 days of receiving it. No fixed time to comply is set in the bylaw. - Source: [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 4, 5, 11](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - Official wording: "Upon order by any duly appointed officer of the Municipality" … "may enter and" … "effect such removal at the expense of the defaulting owner or occupier or agent" … "If the penalty indicated on the Violation Notice is not paid within thirty (30) days of the" … "issuance, a Summons may be issued" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 6 Period for Paying or Disputing Notice](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "a) A person who receives a bylaw notice must, within 14 days of the date on which the" … "i) pay the penalty, or" … "ii) request dispute adjudication," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $100 first offence ($75 if paid early, $125 late); $200 second ($175 early, $225 late); $500 further ($475 early, $500 late). Failure to obey an order has the same amounts. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AG](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Failure to Maintain – unsightly – first" … "3b 100.00 75.00 125.00" … "Failure to obey order – further contraventions 500.00 475.00 500.00" - Source: [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 11](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - Official wording: "$100.00 for each violation of this Bylaw." … "$75.00 for each violation if paid within fourteen (14) days" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006 - Source: [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Real Property" … "Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) says the owner or occupier must keep the property from being a risk to public health and safety, must keep it from becoming unsightly, and must not let rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter collect. Unsightly conditions include rubbish accumulations, more than one unlicensed vehicle not capable of operation (unless in an enclosed structure), auto parts, uncontained compost or manure piles, indoor furniture, bedding or appliances stored outside, dilapidated fences and graffiti. The list is not exhaustive, and some items are excused if not visible from a public highway or neighbouring property. ## Steps 1. Call Bylaw Services at 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or email bylaw@bimbc.ca with the address and what you see. Bylaw Services is "request driven", so officers usually investigate in response to public requests. 2. An officer may order the owner or occupier to remove accumulated rubbish. 3. If they do not, the Municipality may enter and remove it at their expense. Unpaid charges on December 31 are added to the property taxes. ## Good to know - Bylaw notice: $100 first offence, $200 second, $500 further. Failure to obey an order carries the same amounts. - A notice can be paid or disputed within 14 days of receiving it. - The bylaw also allows a fine of up to $1,000 on summary conviction (court). - The bylaw sets no fixed time to comply. Most issues are resolved through voluntary compliance. ## Official forms and pages - [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) - [Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules.md) - [Bowen Island fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/unsightly-property.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/unsightly-property.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/unsightly-property.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/unsightly-property.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/unsightly-property.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire.json" --- # Bowen Island backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island you can have a recreational campfire up to 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide, burning clean dry wood, without a permit. Burning yard waste needs a Category 2 permit ($50) and a Metro Vancouver registration. No fires are allowed during a ban or extreme fire danger. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** Campfire: no permit. Category 2 (yard clean-up) permit $50; Category 3 (land clearing) $300. **How long:** A Category 2 permit is valid October 15 to April 15 of one burn season. **Where:** - Online: Burn permits (Bowen Island Fire Rescue), https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/ - Phone: Bowen Island Fire Hall (non-emergency), 604-947-9324 - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** Allowed on private property without a permit: a recreational campfire no bigger than 0.5 m high by 0.5 m wide, burning only clean dry wood. Not allowed during an outdoor burning ban or extreme fire danger. Campfires are restricted by Fire Danger Rating. - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 1, 5.8(a), 5.9](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "except during an outdoor burning ban or during" … "extreme fire danger, campfires can be started and maintained at anytime without a" … "permit on private property." … "no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width" … "Only clean dry" - Source: [Burn Permits, Bowen Island Fire Rescue, Category 1](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/) - Official wording: "You do not need a permit to have a campfire." … "Campfires are restricted based on Fire Danger Rating." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Burning yard waste:** The bylaw prohibits open-air burning of residential waste, including household and yard materials, except as allowed. A Category 2 permit can allow yard clean-up burning of 1 to 2 piles up to 2 m high by 3 m wide, only from October 15 to April 15 and only when Metro Vancouver's ventilation index allows. Page conditions: at least 100 m from neighbouring buildings and 500 m from hospitals, schools and community care facilities; up to 6 days a month and 12 days a year; material must come from the property. - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 5.7, 5.9](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "Burning of residential" … "waste, including both household and yard materials, is strictly prohibited in the open air." … "Open air burning may only occur between October 15th of a given year and April 15th of the" … "Open air burning may only occur when the ventilation index allows" - Source: [Category 2 Burning Permit, Bowen Island Municipality, Conditions](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/permits/burn-permits/category-2-burning-permit/) - Official wording: "Do not burn more than 12 days or portions of days in a year and 6 days or portions of days in a month." … "at least 100 metres from any building that is a neighbouring residence or place of work" … "at least 500 metres from the nearest property line of a hospital, school, or community care facility." … "The materials to be burned shall have originated on the property for which the permit is issued." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** Yes for Category 2 (yard clean-up) and Category 3 (land clearing); no permit for a small campfire. First register with Metro Vancouver and get a registration number, then apply to Bowen Island Fire Rescue; the Fire Chief verifies the site, then you pay. Fees: Category 2 $50, Category 3 $300. - Source: [Fees and charges bylaw schedule with burn permit fees, Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) - Official wording: "Category 2 – Yard Clean-Up Burn Permit $50" … "Category 3 – Land Clearing Burn Permit $300" - Source: [Burn Permits, Bowen Island Fire Rescue, How do I apply](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/) - Official wording: "Obtain burn authorization from Metro Vancouver" … "Wait for the Fire Chief to verify the eligibility for your burn pile location." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fire bans:** The Fire Chief may order that no one light a campfire or use a wood or charcoal grill, barbecue or fireplace, and may suspend or deny permits. The Fire Chief updates the Fire Danger Rating notice board in Snug Cove; the municipality's Fire Danger Rating page says open burning is not permitted between April 15 and October 15. - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 5.10](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "Order that a person not light, ignite, start, or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted," … "Suspend, revoke or deny any Permits." - Source: [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) - Official wording: "The Fire Chief updates the Fire Danger Rating notice board in Snug Cove as conditions change." … "Open burning is not permitted between April 15 and October 15." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Instead of burning:** Yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday: up to three cans, bags or bundles per property (sticks tied in bundles). The municipality encourages composting yard waste. - Source: [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality, Yard waste](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) - Official wording: "Yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday." … "Sticks should be tied into bundles." … "We encourage residents to compost their yard waste for garden reuse" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** No bylaw notice amount is listed for open burning without a permit (s. 5.7). Listed notices: failing to comply with permit requirements $500 ($475 early, $500 late); violating a fire ban order $300 ($275 early, $325 late); causing a fire hazard $200 ($175 early, $225 late). Court proceedings under the Offence Act carry a fine of $2,000 to $50,000. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AO](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "5.9 Fail to comply with Permit 500 475 500" … "5.12(b) Violate fire ban Order 300 275 325" … "5.2 Cause fire hazard 200 175 225" - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 9.18](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "(a) if proceedings are brought under the Offence Act, to pay a minimum fine of $2,000, to a" … "maximum fine of $50,000; or" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024. Metro Vancouver's Open Burning Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1355 also applies to Category 2 and 3 burning. - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No.650, 2024" - Source: [Burn Permits, Bowen Island Fire Rescue, Category 2](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/) - Official wording: "you must first register under Metro Vancouver’s Open Burning Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1355" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/), a recreational campfire on private property needs no permit if it is no bigger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide and burns only clean dry wood. It is not allowed during an outdoor burning ban or extreme fire danger. The bylaw prohibits open-air burning of residential waste, including household and yard materials, except as allowed. Metro Vancouver's Open Burning Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1355 also applies to Category 2 and 3 burning. ## Steps For yard clean-up burning (Category 2) or land clearing (Category 3): 1. Register with Metro Vancouver and get a registration number. 2. Apply to Bowen Island Fire Rescue through the [Burn Permits page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/). 3. The Fire Chief verifies the site, then you pay: Category 2 is $50, Category 3 is $300. ## Good to know - A Category 2 permit allows 1 to 2 piles up to 2 metres high by 3 metres wide, only from October 15 to April 15 and only when Metro Vancouver's ventilation index allows. Conditions on the page include at least 100 metres from neighbouring buildings and 500 metres from hospitals, schools and community care facilities, up to 6 days a month and 12 days a year, and material must come from the property. - The Fire Chief may order that no one light a campfire or use a wood or charcoal grill, barbecue or fireplace, and may suspend or deny permits. The [Fire Danger Rating page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) says open burning is not permitted between April 15 and October 15. Check it for the current rating. - Yard trimmings are collected with organics every Wednesday: up to three cans, bags or bundles per property, with sticks tied in bundles. - No bylaw notice amount is listed for open burning without a permit. Failing to comply with permit requirements is $500; violating a fire ban order is $300; causing a fire hazard is $200. Court proceedings under the Offence Act carry a fine of $2,000 to $50,000. - Questions: Bowen Island Fire Hall (non-emergency) 604-947-9324. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - [Burn Permits, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/) - [Category 2 Burning Permit, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/permits/burn-permits/category-2-burning-permit/) - [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks.md) - [Bowen Island yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/yard-waste.md) - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/backyard-fire.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/backyard-fire.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/backyard-fire.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/backyard-fire.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/backyard-fire.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Burn Permits, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/burn-permits/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Category 2 Burning Permit, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/permits/burn-permits/category-2-burning-permit/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fees and charges bylaw schedule with burn permit fees (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/323003/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Organics Collection, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/garbage-collection/organics-collection/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks.json" --- # Bowen Island fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island's public places (parks, trails, beaches, streets, municipal wharfs), setting off fireworks without a permit is banned and the bylaw notice is $500. No Municipal bylaw we read sets rules for fireworks on private property. The Fire Danger Rating page says no fireworks between April 15 and October 15. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $500 for fireworks in a public place without a permit ($400 if paid early). Permit fee not stated. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - Phone: Bowen Island Fire Hall (non-emergency), 604-947-9324 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** No bylaw read sets rules for residents setting off fireworks on private property. In municipal public places (parks, trails, beaches, streets, municipal wharfs) no one may discharge, explode or fire any fireworks without a permit. The Fire Danger Rating page says there are absolutely no fireworks between April 15 and October 15. - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 1, 3.2(h)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "Public Place means property owned, held or under the care, custody or possession of the Municipality" … "discharge, explode, or fire any fireworks, pyrotechnical or other combustible or explosive" … "material;" - Source: [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) - Official wording: "Open burning is not permitted between April 15 and October 15. Absolutely no bonfires, burn barrels, burn cages or fireworks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Selling fireworks:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **What counts as fireworks:** The Use of Public Places Bylaw covers 'fireworks, pyrotechnical or other combustible or explosive material'. No definition of fireworks, and no exclusion for sparklers or firecrackers, was found. - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 3.2(h)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "discharge, explode, or fire any fireworks, pyrotechnical or other combustible or explosive" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** In public places a person or group may apply for a permit for an activity banned by s. 3.2 by submitting a completed form, the prescribed fee and proof of liability insurance naming the Municipality as co-insured; the Departmental Manager may issue it with conditions. For events with pyrotechnics, the Fire Rescue bylaw requires a permit in the form prescribed by the Fire Chief, with a site plan and mitigation measures. - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 6.1-6.3](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "may apply for a Permit authorizing the carrying out of an activity" … "proof that the applicant has obtained liability insurance naming the Municipality as a co-insured" … "the Departmental Manager may issue a Permit authorizing the proposed activity." - Source: [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 7.14](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - Official wording: "Fire protection is required for Special Effects, Special Events and any other event involving" … "pyrotechnics. A Permit is required in the form prescribed by the Fire Chief" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for setting off fireworks or similar material in a public place without a permit: $500 ($400 if paid early, $500 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedule AL](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "3.2(h) Discharge, explode, or" … "fire any fireworks" … "500.00 400.00 500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 - Source: [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021, Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Bylaw No. 537, 2021" … "Use of Public Places" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) covers "fireworks, pyrotechnical or other combustible or explosive material". In municipal public places (parks, trails, beaches, streets and municipal wharfs), no one may discharge, explode or fire any fireworks without a permit. The bylaw gives no definition of fireworks and no exclusion for sparklers or firecrackers. No bylaw we read sets rules for residents setting off fireworks on private property. ## Good to know - The [Fire Danger Rating page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) says there are absolutely no fireworks between April 15 and October 15. The scope of that statement is not defined in a bylaw, so confirm with Fire Rescue. - Bylaw notice for fireworks in a public place without a permit: $500 ($400 if paid early). - To apply for a public-place permit, submit a completed form, the prescribed fee and proof of liability insurance naming the Municipality as co-insured. The Departmental Manager may issue it with conditions. The permit fee is not stated. - Events with pyrotechnics also need a permit in the form prescribed by the Fire Chief, with a site plan and mitigation measures, under the [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/). The Fees bylaw lists a "Special Effects Application Review" fee; ask Fire Rescue what applies. - No municipal rule on selling fireworks was found. Federal and Provincial explosives rules are not covered here. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) - [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) - [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/backyard-fire.md) - [Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules.md) - [Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/fireworks.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/fireworks.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/fireworks.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/fireworks.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/fireworks.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Use of Public Places Bylaw No. 537, 2021 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/248670/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fire and Rescue Services Bylaw No. 650, 2024 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/314707/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Fire Danger Rating, Bowen Island Fire Rescue](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bowen-island-fire-rescue/fire-danger-rating/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Bowen Island bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** Bowen Island uses bylaw notices under its Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw. Each bylaw has a schedule with the penalty, an early-payment amount if paid within 14 days, and a late amount after 28 days. Typical first offences: dog at large $25, noise $50, unsightly premises $100. No Municipal Ticket Information bylaw was found. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** First-offence bylaw notices include: dog at large or off leash $25; noise $50; unsightly premises $100; trailer parking $50; failure to remove dog faeces $25; Stage 1 water restriction $100; burning permit non-compliance $500. **How long:** Dispute within 14 days of receiving the notice. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 (Municipal offices: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Email: Bylaw Services email, bylaw@bimbc.ca - In person: Municipal Hall (deliver a dispute in person during office hours), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** Bowen Island uses bylaw notices under the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw. Notices are issued by designated bylaw enforcement officers, including the RCMP, Bylaw Enforcement Officers, the Animal Control Officer, the Building Inspector, the Public Works Superintendent and others. Each bylaw has a schedule with the penalty, early-payment and late-payment amounts. Some offences can also be prosecuted in court (for example up to $1,000 under the Real Property Maintenance Bylaw and up to $10,000 under the Water Conservation Bylaw). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 4, 10](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "The bylaws and bylaw contraventions designated in Schedule A and Schedules AA through" … "Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police," … "an Animal Control Officer," … "the Public Works Superintendent" - Source: [https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/, s. 10.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) - Official wording: "shall be liable to paying a fine of up to Ten" … "Thousand Dollars ($10,000)" - Source: [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006, Bowen Island Municipality, s. 13](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) - Official wording: "a fine not exceeding one" … "thousand dollars ($1,000.00)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Common fines:** First-offence bylaw notices: dog running at large or off leash $25; noise $50; unsightly premises $100; trailer parked on a street without consent, over 72 hours, or unlicensed $50; failure to remove dog faeces $25; Stage 1 water restriction $100; permit non-compliance (burning) $500. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, Schedules AC, AE, AG, AF, AO, AP](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "3.1c Dog running at large – first contravention 25.00 15.00 35.00" … "2a Making disturbing noise – first contravention 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "Failure to Maintain – unsightly – first" … "3b 100.00 75.00 125.00" … "12 Park a trailer or commercial 50.00 25.00 75.00" … "Contravene Stage 1 Restrictions described" … "5.9 Fail to comply with Permit 500 475 500" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying early:** Yes. If the municipality receives payment within 14 days of the person receiving (or being presumed to receive) the notice, the early-payment amount in the schedule applies (for example $25 instead of $50 for a first noise offence). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 5(b)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "if received by the Municipality within 14 days of the person receiving or being presumed" … "to have received the notice, is the Early Payment Penalty set out in column A2" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying late:** Yes. If paid more than 28 days after the notice was received (or presumed received), a late-payment surcharge applies and the amount is the late-payment penalty in the schedule (for example $75 for a first noise offence). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, s. 5(c)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "if more than 28 days after the person received or is presumed to have received the bylaw" … "is the Late Payment Penalty set out in column A3" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Disputing a ticket:** Within 14 days of receiving the notice, fill in the dispute part of the notice and deliver it in person during office hours or by mail to municipal hall; disputes are heard by the North Shore Bylaw Notice Dispute Adjudication Registry. A person who loses an adjudication pays an extra $25 fee. A screening officer may offer a compliance agreement (up to a 50% reduction for some offences, for up to one year). Disputes cannot be made after 14 days. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, ss. 6, 7(d), 9](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "must, within 14 days of the date on which the" … "pay the penalty, or" … "request dispute adjudication," … "must pay the Municipality an additional fee of $25" … "but no person" … "may dispute the notice after 14 days of receiving the bylaw notice." … "The maximum duration of a compliance agreement is one year." - Source: [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality, Disputing a ticket](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) - Official wording: "It must be received within two weeks of the date of issue." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bowen Island Municipality Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026), Bowen Island Municipality, title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008" … "Consolidated March 2026" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality issues bylaw notices under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/). Notices are issued by designated bylaw enforcement officers, including the RCMP, Bylaw Enforcement Officers, the Animal Control Officer, the Building Inspector, the Public Works Superintendent and others. Each bylaw has a schedule with the penalty, early-payment and late-payment amounts. Some offences can also be prosecuted in court, for example up to $1,000 under the Real Property Maintenance Bylaw and up to $10,000 under the Water Conservation Bylaw. Only the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw was found; no Municipal Ticket Information bylaw is posted on the pages we read. ## Steps To dispute a notice: 1. Within 14 days of receiving it, fill in the dispute part of the notice. 2. Deliver it in person during office hours, or by mail, to municipal hall. 3. The dispute is heard by the North Shore Bylaw Notice Dispute Adjudication Registry. ## Good to know - First-offence bylaw notices: dog running at large or off leash $25; noise $50; unsightly premises $100; trailer parked on a street without consent, over 72 hours, or unlicensed $50; failure to remove dog faeces $25; Stage 1 water restriction $100; permit non-compliance (burning) $500. Second and further offences cost more. - Early payment: if the Municipality receives payment within 14 days of you receiving (or being presumed to receive) the notice, the early-payment amount applies, for example $25 instead of $50 for a first noise offence. - Late payment: if paid more than 28 days after the notice was received, a late-payment surcharge applies, for example $75 for a first noise offence. - A person who loses an adjudication pays an extra $25 fee. A screening officer may offer a compliance agreement (up to a 50% reduction for some offences, for up to one year). Disputes cannot be made after 14 days. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 604-947-4255 ext. 2 or bylaw@bimbc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/noise-rules.md) - [Bowen Island fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/fireworks.md) - [Bowen Island unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/unsightly-property.md) - [Bowen Island watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/water-restrictions.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/bylaw-fines.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/bylaw-fines.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/bylaw-fines.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/bylaw-fines.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/bylaw-fines.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (consolidated March 2026) (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parking Tickets and Violation Notices, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/parking-tickets-and-violation-notices/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/bylaw-enforcement/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Real Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 174, 2006 (PDF), Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/44606/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339498/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- title: "Bowen Island business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply" question: "Do I need a business licence in Bowen Island, and how do I get one?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/business-licence.json" --- # Bowen Island business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a business licence in Bowen Island, and how do I get one? **Short answer:** Yes. Every business operating on Bowen Island needs a Bowen Island Municipality licence, with a few exemptions. Email the signed application to businesslicence@bimbc.ca. Fees run from free (non-profit) to $125 a year plus a first-time application fee. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Annual licence plus first-time application fee: Commercial $125 + $75; Contractor $100 + $50; Non-Resident $100 + $50; Home-Based Public Access $100 + $50; Home-Based Non-Public $25 + $50; Non-Profit free. Fee is halved if the business starts after July 31. Credit card payments add a 2.6% non-refundable convenience fee. **How long:** Review generally takes a minimum of three weeks. The licence must be issued before you operate or advertise. **Where:** - Email: Business licences, businesslicence@bimbc.ca - Online: Apply for a Business Licence, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/ - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** All businesses operating on Bowen Island: commercial, home-based, non-profit and contractor businesses, and off-island businesses coming to perform work. A few exemptions apply (yard sales, buskers, non-profit fund-raising, farmers' market vendors, and some non-resident professionals working under 30 days). - Source: [Business Licences, Bowen Island Municipality, Business Licences page](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/) - Official wording: "All businesses operating on Bowen Island need a business licence." - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), s. 3 and s. 5](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on within the Municipality any business unless they are the holder of a" … "The following types of businesses do not require a Licence:" … "yard or garage sales provided that the sales do not occur more than once every 3" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** Annual licence fee plus a first-time application fee: Commercial $125 + $75; Contractor $100 + $50; Non-Resident $100 + $50; Home-Based Public Access $100 + $50; Home-Based Non-Public $25 + $50; Non-Profit free. Fee is halved if business starts after July 31. - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Bed and Breakfast $150 $200 Commercial $125 $75 Commercial Guest $150 $200 Accommodation Contractor $100 $50" … "Category Licence Fee Application Fee Bed and Breakfast $150 $200 Commercial $125 $75 Commercial Guest $150 $200 Accommodation" … "Commercial Guest $150 $200 Accommodation Contractor $100 $50 Guest House $150 $75 Home-Based Business- Public $100 $50 Access Home-Based Business - Non- $25 $50" … "Home-Based Business - Non- $25 $50 Public Access Non-Profit Organization $0 $0 Non-Resident Business $100 $50 Residential Guest $300 $200 Accommodation Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018" - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, General Information](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "The licence fee is reduced by 50% for applicants that start all business activity after July 31." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** Pick your business category, complete and sign the application form and any schedules, then email them to businesslicence@bimbc.ca or drop them off at Municipal Hall. Review generally takes a minimum of three weeks and covers zoning, building, driveway access and fire safety (and may need Vancouver Coastal Health approval). The licence must be issued before you operate or advertise. - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, How to apply](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Step 4: Send all completed and signed application form and schedules to businesslicence@bimbc.ca or drop them off at Municipal Hall." - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, Review Process](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "The licence review will generally take a minimum of three weeks." … "Licence reviews include zoning, building, driveway access, fire safety requirements and may require Vancouver Coastal Health approval." - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, General Information](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Your business licence must be issued before you begin operating or advertising on Bowen Island." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** Licences run January 1 to December 31 and expire December 31 each year regardless of issue date. The application includes an option to renew automatically; to stop it, contact the Municipality before the renewal date it announces. - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), s. 6](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "The period of the annual Licence begins January 1st and expires December 31st." - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, General Information](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "The business licence application includes an option to automatically renew for subsequent years." - Source: [2026 Bowen Business Licence Renewal Timeline, Bowen Island Municipality, Renewal notice, Nov 4, 2025](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025/11/04/2026-bowen-business-licence-renewal-timeline/) - Official wording: "before December 19, 2025, to deactivate your account before it auto-renews." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Inter-community licence:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Fine:** Bylaw notices (Schedule AJ): Commercial business without a licence $125 first offence ($100 early, $150 late), $450 further; Contractor $100 first ($75 early, $125 late); Home-based (public access) $100; Home-based (non-public) $25; Non-resident $100; further offences $450 ($400 early, $500 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AJ](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "3. Operating a Commercial $125.00 $100.00 $150.00 NO business without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a Commercial $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 NO business without a licence - further offences" … "3. Operating a Contractor $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 NO business without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a Contractor $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 NO business without a licence - further offences" … "3. Operating a Home Based $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 NO Business - public access without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a Home Based $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 NO Business - public access without a licence - further offences 3. Operating a Home Based $25.00 $25.00 $50.00 NO Business - non-public access without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a Home Based $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 NO Business - non-public access without a licence - further offences" … "3. Operating a non-resident $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 NO business without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a non-resident $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 NO business without a licence - further offences" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (consolidated for convenience December 2024). - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), s. 1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw" … "No. 465, 2018" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality requires a licence for all businesses operating on the island: commercial, home-based, non-profit and contractor businesses, and off-island businesses coming to do work. Exemptions include yard sales, buskers, non-profit fund-raising, farmers' market vendors and some non-resident professionals working under 30 days. See s. 5 of [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) for the full list. Licences run January 1 to December 31 and expire on December 31 each year, whatever the issue date. The application includes an option to renew automatically. To stop it, contact the Municipality before the renewal date it announces. ## Steps 1. Pick your business category on the Municipality's Apply page. 2. Complete and sign the application form and any schedules. 3. Email them to businesslicence@bimbc.ca or drop them off at Municipal Hall. 4. Wait for the review of zoning, building, driveway access and fire safety (it may need Vancouver Coastal Health approval). 5. Do not operate or advertise until the licence is issued. ## Good to know - Guest accommodation licences cost more: Bed and Breakfast $150 + $200; Commercial Guest Accommodation $150 + $200; Guest House $150 + $75; Residential Guest Accommodation $300 + $200. No refund if a business stops operating mid-year. - **Fines** (bylaw notices, Schedule AJ): operating a commercial business without a licence is $125 for a first offence ($100 early, $150 late), and $450 for further offences ($400 early, $500 late). Contractor $100 first ($75 early, $125 late); home-based (public access) $100; home-based (non-public) $25; non-resident $100. Not displaying a licence is $150; not following licence terms is $150. - The website and bylaw name no general inter-community licence. Ask the Municipality if you work in other communities. ## Official forms and pages - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - [Business Licences, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/) - [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business.md) - [Bowen Island short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/business-licence.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/business-licence.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/business-licence.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/business-licence.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/business-licence.md) - [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licences, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [2026 Bowen Business Licence Renewal Timeline, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025/11/04/2026-bowen-business-licence-renewal-timeline/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licence Payments, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/business-licence-payments/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: Bowen Island Municipality sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business.json" --- # Bowen Island home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island Municipality you can run a home occupation where your zone lists it as a permitted use, and you need a Bowen Island business licence. The licence is $100 a year if the public can drop in, or $25 a year if not, plus a $50 application fee. **Who handles it:** Municipal (Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca) **Cost:** Public Access: $100 a year plus a $50 application fee. Non-Public Access (clients by appointment only, or work done online or by phone): $25 a year plus a $50 application fee. The licence fee is halved if the business starts after July 31. **How long:** Review generally takes a minimum of three weeks. **Where:** - Email: Business licences, businesslicence@bimbc.ca - Online: Apply for a Business Licence, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/ - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes, where a zone lists home occupation as a permitted use (for example the RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3 rural residential zones list 'Home occupation use subject to Part 3'). It must be run by a resident of the dwelling. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), Zone RR1-RR3 uses](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Home occupation use subject to Part 3" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.35.1](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "A home occupation shall be operated by a resident of the dwelling on the lot." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** Yes. Home-Based Business - Public Access (regular hours, public can drop in): $100 per year plus $50 application fee. Non-Public Access (clients by appointment only, or work done online or by phone): $25 per year plus $50 application fee. A resident of the property must operate it. - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, Home-Based Business – Non Public Access](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Application Fee: $50 (non refundable)" … "Licence Fee: $25 per year." - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, Home-Based – Public Access](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Licence Fee: $100 per year." - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Contractor $100 $50 Guest House $150 $75 Home-Based Business- Public $100 $50 Access Home-Based Business - Non- $25 $50" … "Home-Based Business- Public $100 $50 Access Home-Based Business - Non- $25 $50 Public Access Non-Profit Organization $0 $0" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** Run by a resident of the dwelling; no more than two employees per dwelling who are not residents (per home occupation); one sign up to 0.5 m²; no exterior changes that alter the residential look; no outside storage unless screened by a fence or landscape screen; goods sold limited to those produced, repaired or modified on the premises or directly related to the business. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.35](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "A maximum of two (2) employees per dwelling, other than residents of the" … "entails or necessitates any alteration of the exterior of the dwelling that would" … "No outside storage of material or equipment or both shall be permitted unless" … "The sale of goods or commodities shall be limited to goods or commodities" … "Home occupations shall be permitted a total of one sign not exceeding 0.5 square metre" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Businesses not allowed:** Not permitted as home occupations (need proper zoning or a temporary use permit): kennel; storage of toxic or flammable materials beyond what the business needs; chemical manufacturing; shake manufacture; contractor yards (two licensed vehicles may be parked); portable saw mill; welding shop; salvage yard or automobile repair. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.35.11](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "The following uses shall not be permitted as home occupations and will require" … "Kennel;" … "chemical manufacturing;" … "shake manufacture;" … "portable saw mill;" … "welding shop; and" … "salvage yard or automobile repair." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002, s. 3.35 (Home Occupations); Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.35](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "shall be maintained in a healthy condition. HOME OCCUPATIONS 3.35 Where permitted within a Zone, home occupation use shall comply with the following" … "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE - November 2025" - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), Title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality allows a home occupation where the zone lists it as a permitted use. For example, the RR 1, RR 2 and RR 3 rural residential zones list "Home occupation use subject to Part 3" of the [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/). Not every zone allows it, so check yours. It must be run by a resident of the dwelling, and more than one home occupation may be run in a dwelling. You also need a business licence under [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/). A contractor with an "at home" part pays the Contractor fee ($100 licence, $50 application) and also submits Schedule C, Home-Based Business. ## Steps 1. Check your zone's permitted uses (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. Choose the licence category: Public Access (regular hours, public can drop in) or Non-Public Access. 3. Complete and sign the application and any schedules, then email them to businesslicence@bimbc.ca or drop them off at Municipal Hall. 4. Wait for the review, which covers zoning, building, driveway access and fire safety. Get the licence before you operate or advertise. ## Good to know - **Limits (Land Use Bylaw s. 3.35):** no more than two employees per dwelling who are not residents (per home occupation); one sign up to 0.5 m²; no exterior changes that alter the residential look; no outside storage unless screened by a fence or landscape screen; goods sold limited to those produced, repaired or modified on the premises or directly related to the business. - **Not allowed as a home occupation** (these need proper zoning or a temporary use permit): a kennel; storage of toxic or flammable materials beyond what the business needs; chemical manufacturing; shake manufacture; contractor yards (two licensed vehicles may be parked); a portable saw mill; a welding shop; a salvage yard; automobile repair. - The bylaw and licence pages set no floor-area or client-visit limit that we found. Ask Planning (604-947-4255 ext. 6). ## Official forms and pages - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/business-licence.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) - [Bowen Island short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md) - [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/home-based-business.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/home-based-business.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/home-based-business.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/home-based-business.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/home-based-business.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bowen Island Municipality. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Bowen Island short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Bowen Island?" place: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/bowen-island category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental.json" --- # Bowen Island short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Bowen Island? **Short answer:** In Bowen Island Municipality you can run a short-term rental in your principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling on the same lot, with a Bowen Island business licence. You must also register with the Province. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** Municipal licence: Residential Guest Accommodation $300 a year plus a $200 non-refundable application fee; Bed and Breakfast $150 a year plus a $200 application fee. Provincial registration: $100 a year for your principal residence unit and $450 a year for a separate secondary unit. **How long:** Not stated. Business licence review generally takes a minimum of three weeks. **Where:** - Email: Business licences, businesslicence@bimbc.ca - Online: Short-Term Rentals, Bowen Island Municipality, https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/ - Online: Provincial registry, gov.bc.ca/strregistry - In person: Municipal Offices (in the Community Centre), 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)) ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes, in residential zones, but only in the host's principal residence, plus not more than one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same lot. Two types: Bed and Breakfast (home occupation, 365 days a year, resident operator) and Residential Guest Accommodation (entire dwelling or suite, up to 120 days a year). Bowen Island is on the Province's list of communities where the principal residence requirement applies. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.59.4](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "except in one or both of the following:" … "in the property host’s principal residence; or" … "in not more than one accessory residential use on the lot which contains the" - Source: [Short-Term Rentals, Bowen Island Municipality, Types of Short-Term Rentals](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/) - Official wording: "In residential zones, two types of short-term rentals are permitted on Bowen Island." - Source: [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC, List: Communities with principal residence requirement](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Communities with principal residence requirement" … "Bowen Island Municipality" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** Yes. A Bowen Island business licence is required, and its number must appear in any advertising. Residential Guest Accommodation: $300 per year plus $200 non-refundable application fee. Bed and Breakfast: $150 per year plus $200 application fee. A Principal Residence Declaration is part of the application. - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, Residential Guest Accommodations](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Application Fee: $200 (non refundable)" … "Licence Fee: $300 per year." … "Principal Residence Declaration Form" - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality, Bed and Breakfast](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - Official wording: "Licence Fee: $150 per year." - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), Schedule A](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Non-Profit Organization $0 $0 Non-Resident Business $100 $50 Residential Guest $300 $200 Accommodation Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018" - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), s. 16](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "For any advertising of short-term rental accommodation services the Licence number must be" … "displayed in the advertisement." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Provincial registration:** Yes. Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C. must register with the Province, per unit. Fee is $100 a year for the host's own principal residence unit and $450 a year for a separate secondary unit (such as a suite or accessory dwelling). - Source: [Short-Term Rentals, Bowen Island Municipality, Recent Updates, January 21, 2025](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/) - Official wording: "Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C., and listing on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, is required to register with the Province." … "$100 for short-term rentals where the host resides" … "$450 for short-term rentals where the host does not reside" - Source: [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC, Principal residence requirement and registration fees](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "The unit the host lives in is their principal residence. The guests have access to the host's space (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room). Fee: $100 annually This includes:" … "Any accommodation that is separate from the home where the host lives, sleeps, and eats is considered a secondary unit, even if it is located on the same property or connected by an interior door. Guests stay in their own private space and do not have access to the host's bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. Fee: $450 annually This includes:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Operating rules:** Residential Guest Accommodation: no more than 120 days a year, no more than two adults per bedroom, one booking at a time; one on-site parking space per bedroom used; a designated individual available 24 hours a day who responds to complaints within two hours; neighbours notified; business licence number on all advertising; proof of insurance. B&B: up to 4 guest bedrooms on lots under 2 ha, 5 on lots 2 ha or more. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.59](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "for more than 120 days in total any calendar year;" … "by more than two adults per bedroom in the residential guest accommodation" … "for more than one booking at a time." - Source: [Residential Guest Accommodations, Bowen Island Municipality, How is it regulated?](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/residential-guest-accommodations/) - Official wording: "At least one on-site parking space per bedroom used for RGA" … "Designated individual must be available 24-hours a day to respond to complaints within two hours." - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), s. 28](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "ensure the designated individual is available for contact 24 hours a day during" … "responds to any nuisance complaint within 2 hours of notification;" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.35.8](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "Bed and breakfast use is limited to four (4) guest bedrooms on lots less than 2" … "ha, and five (5) guest bedrooms on lots 2 ha and greater." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notices (Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule AJ): operating a Residential Guest Accommodation without a licence, $300 first offence ($275 early, $350 late), $475 further offences ($450 early, $500 late). Bed and Breakfast without a licence: $150 first ($125 early, $175 late), $450 further. No display of licence $150; non-compliance with licence terms $150. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AJ](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "business without a licence - further offences 3. Operating a Residential $300.00 $275.00 $350.00 NO Guest accommodation without a licence - first" … "- further offences 3. Operating a Residential $300.00 $275.00 $350.00 NO Guest accommodation without a licence - first offence" … "without a licence - first offence 3 Operating a Residential $475.00 $450.00 $500.00 NO Guest accommodation without a licence -" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AJ](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Operating a Bed and" … "Breakfast without a" … "$150.00 $125.00 $175.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (s. 3.59, s. 3.35); Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (ss. 16, 25-28, Schedule A); Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008, Schedule AJ. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025), s. 3.59](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) - Official wording: "guidelines set out in Section 7.6 of this Bylaw; RESIDENTIAL GUEST ACCOMMODATION 3.59 Where permitted in a zone, a dwelling unit must not be used as a residential guest" … "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY "BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY LAND USE BYLAW NO. 57, 2002" CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE - November 2025" - Source: [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024), Title](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Schedule AJ](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) - Official wording: "Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Bowen Island Municipality allows short-term rentals in residential zones, but only in the host's principal residence, plus not more than one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same lot. Council opted in to the Province's principal residence requirement on March 25, 2024, in effect from November 1, 2024, and the Province's list shows Bowen Island Municipality as a community where it applies. There are two types. A Bed and Breakfast is a home occupation with a resident operator, allowed 365 days a year. Residential Guest Accommodation is the whole dwelling or suite, up to 120 days a year. Both are under [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) and need a licence under [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/). ## Steps 1. Confirm the rental is your principal residence (plus at most one suite or accessory dwelling). 2. Apply for a Bowen Island business licence, including a Principal Residence Declaration. Also provide neighbour notification, proof of insurance, a fire safety plan and a parking map. 3. Register each unit with the Province at gov.bc.ca/strregistry. 4. Show your licence number in all advertising. ## Good to know - **Residential Guest Accommodation rules:** no more than 120 days a year, no more than two adults per bedroom, one booking at a time, one on-site parking space per bedroom used, and a designated individual available 24 hours a day who responds to complaints within two hours. - **Bed and Breakfast rules:** up to 4 guest bedrooms on lots under 2 ha, 5 on lots of 2 ha or more, with one parking space per guest room in addition to the dwelling's own. Tandem parking is not permitted in residential zones. - **Municipal fines** (bylaw notices): operating a Residential Guest Accommodation without a licence is $300 for a first offence ($275 early, $350 late) and $475 for further offences ($450 early, $500 late). A Bed and Breakfast without a licence is $150 first ($125 early, $175 late) and $450 further. Not displaying the licence is $150; not following licence terms is $150. The Land Use Bylaw allows a court penalty of up to $2,000 plus prosecution costs. Provincial penalties are separate. - The Municipality's pages differ on what counts as short-term: under 30 days on its rental page, under 90 consecutive days in the licence bylaw. Confirm with the Municipality. - Provincial fees and dates on the Municipality's rental page may be out of date. Check the Province's page, or STRBranch@gov.bc.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Short-Term Rentals, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/) - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) - [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) ## Related questions - [Bowen Island business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/business-licence.md) - [Bowen Island home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/home-based-business.md) - [Bowen Island secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/secondary-suite.md) - [Bowen Island zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/short-term-rental.md) - [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/short-term-rental.md) - [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/short-term-rental.md) - [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/short-term-rental.md) - [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/short-term-rental.md) - [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Short-Term Rentals, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Residential Guest Accommodations, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/property-development/short-term-rentals/residential-guest-accommodations/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Apply for a Business Licence, Bowen Island Municipality](https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/licences/apply-for-a-business-licence/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (PDF, consolidated November 2025)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/190971/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licensing Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (PDF, consolidated for convenience December 2024)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/289893/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 196, 2008 (PDF, consolidated March 2026)](https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/339717/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/short-term-rental/_