# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Clearwater

---
title: "Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.json"
---

# Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater you need a building permit for a new home, an addition, any building used for living, a garage or shed of 20 m² or more, and a retaining wall over 1.2 m. The District contracts the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) to process applications.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Based on the value of the work, plus a $200 application fee, under the Building Regulations Bylaw schedule. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The District and the TNRD do not state a processing time in the documents we read. Ask the TNRD.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Building Inspection (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Toll free 1-877-377-8673.)
- Email: TNRD Building Inspection, building@tnrd.ca
- In person: Clearwater Building Inspector's office, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, BC (By appointment, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 250-319-6253.)

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A permit is needed for a new home or manufactured home; a garage or shed over 20 m² (215 sq. ft.); any size building used for living; an addition; a commercial, industrial or public building; interior work such as partitions; a sundeck or roofing one; a retaining wall over 1.2 m (4 ft); moving or demolishing a building; a change of occupancy or use.
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page, list of when a permit is required](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "construct a new home or install/place a manufactured home;" … "construct any size building which serves a habitable use such as a bunkhouse or tiny home;" … "construct a sundeck;" … "construct a retaining wall more than 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height;" … "change of occupancy or use of a building or part thereof" … "construct a new accessory building such as a garage or storage shed greater than 20 square metres (215 square feet) in size;" … "construct a commercial, industrial or public use building;" … "enclose a porch or roof over a sundeck;"
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 6.1; s. 1.5(b)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "A permit is required whenever work regulated by this bylaw is to be undertaken." … "single-storey accessory buildings less than 20 m² (215 ft²) in building area;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Not needed for:** Bylaw 129 s. 1.5 does not apply to: single-storey accessory buildings under 20 m² (215 sq. ft.); unroofed decks at single or two-family dwellings 600 mm (24 in) or less above the ground; farm buildings of low human occupancy under 600 m² on land assessed as Farm; buildings exempted by the Building Code. The District page gives a smaller exemption (see note). (Sources differ: Conflict: the District's Building Permits page says a detached accessory building under 10 m² (107 sq ft) and 4.5 m high on a lot with a single family dwelling is exempt. The bylaw (consolidated to May 4, 2021) exempts single-storey accessory buildings under 20 m². Bylaw followed. The TNRD guide for dwellings lists 10 m² for municipalities and 20 m² / 55 m² for TNRD electoral areas. Setbacks in the Zoning Bylaw apply even without a permit.)
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "single-storey accessory buildings less than 20 m² (215 ft²) in building area;" … "unroofed decks attached to or adjacent to single and two-family dwellings if the" … "deck surface is 600 mm (24 in) or less above the adjacent ground level." … "Low-Human Occupancy farm buildings less than 600 m² (6458 ft²) in building area,"
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page note](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "A detached accessory building less than 10 m2 (107 sq ft) and 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) in height"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How to apply:** The District contracts with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), so building permit applications, forms and enquiries are processed through the TNRD. Use the Building Permit Application form on the District's page. The Building Inspector's office is by appointment, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; call 250-319-6253.
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "building permit applications, forms, submissions, and related inquiries are processed through the TNRD." … "Tuesdays & Thursdays 11 am – 12 pm." … "To Schedule an appointment call 1.250.319.6253."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **What to submit:** For a dwelling: the building and plumbing permit application, Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) registration, corporate registration if required, and two sets of building plans including site plan(s), foundation, cross-section and an energy model or prescriptive energy calculations.
  - Source: [Dwelling Application Checklist](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-checklist-Dwelling-Jan-2024.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building and Plumbing Permit Application*" … "HPO registration" … "TWO SETS OF BUILDING PLANS, INCLUDING:" … "Corporate Registration/summary (if required)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The District's pages do not state a processing time.
- **Inspections:** Inspections are booked with the TNRD: use the online form at tnrd.ca or call the 24-hour inspection line, 250-377-7076, by 12 p.m. on the business day before. Bylaw 129 requires at least one working day's notice. Quote the permit number. A $50 re-inspection fee applies if work is incomplete.
  - Source: [Guide to Building Permit Applications for Dwellings, Guide, What types of building inspections are required?](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-GUIDE-to-BP-app-for-dwellings-Feb-2024.pdf)
  - Official wording: "request no later than 12pm on the business day prior to the scheduled inspection day." … "or call the 24 hour inspection" … "request line: 250-377-7076" … "a $50 re-inspection fee is charged"
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 15.4](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "The owner, or his or her agent, shall give a minimum of one working day notice of the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Contact:** Building Inspection, Thompson-Nicola Regional District (contracted): 250-377-8673 (toll free 1-877-377-8673), building@tnrd.ca. Clearwater Building Inspector's office: by appointment, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 250-319-6253.
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "If you require a building inspection, contact 1.877.377.8673 and ask for Building Inspection." … "To Schedule an appointment call 1.250.319.6253."
  - Source: [Dwelling Application Checklist, Dwelling Application Checklist header](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-checklist-Dwelling-Jan-2024.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building Inspection Department T 250.377.8673 Type of Dwelling: ☐ Single Family Dwelling ☐ with suite 300-465 Victoria Street E building@tnrd.ca ☐ Duplex ☐ 2nd or Additional Dwelling Kamloops, BC | V2C 2A0 tnrd.ca See next page for an explanatory guide to this checklist"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District of Clearwater contracts with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), so building permit applications, forms and questions go through the TNRD. District zoning and bylaws still apply to your property. The rules are in the District's [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/).

The District lists these as needing a permit:
- a new home or manufactured home
- an addition
- any building used for living, of any size
- a garage or shed over 20 m² (215 sq. ft.)
- a commercial, industrial or public building
- interior work such as partitions
- a sundeck, or roofing one
- a retaining wall over 1.2 m (4 ft)
- moving or demolishing a building
- a change of occupancy or use

The bylaw does not apply to single-storey accessory buildings under 20 m², unroofed decks at single or two-family homes 600 mm (24 in) or less above the ground, farm buildings of low human occupancy under 600 m² on land assessed as Farm, or buildings the Building Code exempts. Zoning setbacks apply even when no permit is needed.

## Steps

1. Check the zoning for your lot (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Use the Building Permit Application form on the District's page. For a dwelling, also use the checklist and guide posted there.
3. Submit it through the TNRD. Call 250-377-8673 or email building@tnrd.ca. The page does not state an online portal.
4. Pay the fees and pick up the permit when the TNRD calls you.
5. Book inspections with the TNRD, by the online form at tnrd.ca or the 24-hour line, 250-377-7076, by 12 p.m. on the business day before. Give your permit number. The bylaw requires at least one working day's notice.

## Good to know

- The District's page says an accessory building under 10 m² and 4.5 m high is exempt; the bylaw says under 20 m². We followed the bylaw. Confirm with the TNRD before you build.
- A two-storey accessory building appears to need a permit at any size.
- A $50 re-inspection fee applies if the work is not ready.
- The TNRD guide also mentions a Site Disclosure Statement for excavation on contaminated sites.

## What you'll need

- Building and plumbing permit application
- Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) registration, and corporate registration if required (dwellings)
- Two sets of building plans with site plan, foundation, cross-section and an energy model or prescriptive energy calculations (dwellings)

## Official forms and pages

- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
- [Dwelling Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-checklist-Dwelling-Jan-2024.pdf)
- [Guide to Building Permit Applications for Dwellings (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-GUIDE-to-BP-app-for-dwellings-Feb-2024.pdf)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/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)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/building-permit.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/building-permit.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/building-permit.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/building-permit.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Dwelling Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-checklist-Dwelling-Jan-2024.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Guide to Building Permit Applications for Dwellings (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-GUIDE-to-BP-app-for-dwellings-Feb-2024.pdf) (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 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit/_


---

---
title: "Clearwater fence rules: permits and height limits"
question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules.json"
---

# Clearwater fence rules: permits and height limits

**Question:** Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater a fence does not need a building permit. In the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones a fence can be 1.2 m high in the front yard and 2 m in the side and rear yards. Retaining walls over 1.2 m do need a permit.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No fee is stated for a fence.  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Planning (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257 (209 Dutch Lake Road. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Permit:** No building permit: Building Regulations Bylaw 129 defines a structure as excluding fences. A retaining wall over 1.2 m (4 ft) does need a permit. Zoning Bylaw height and corner-sightline rules still apply.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 2 Definitions, "Structure"; s. 1.4(h)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "but specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and" … "(h) the design and construction of retaining walls where the difference in finish"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Height, front yard:** 1.2 m (4 ft) in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones, in the front yard and the part of a side yard that abuts a street in front of the principal building. Subject to the corner vision triangle.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.11.1(a)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "the following maximum height restrictions shall apply to fences in the R-1, R-2, R-" … "1.2 metres (4 feet) in the front yard and that portion of a side yard that abuts a street in"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Height, side and rear yards:** 2 m (6.5 ft) in the side yard and rear yard in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.11.1(b)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "2 metres (6.5 feet) in the side yard and rear yard."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Corner lots and sightlines:** In a residential zone at a street intersection, no landscaping, building or structure over 1 m (3.3 ft) high (above the established grade of the intersecting street) may be placed in a triangle 6 m (20 ft) along the lot lines from the intersection.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.10](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "a lot in a residential zone at the intersection of any" … "metre (3.3 ft) in height above the established grade" … "triangular plane 6 metres (20 ft) along the lot lines"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Other rules:** Height is measured from the base of the fence. Open mesh or chain link fences for tennis courts, schools, utilities and Civic and Industrial zones may be up to 5 m. Barbed wire is allowed in Commercial, Industrial and Public and Institutional zones if the barbed portion is at least 2.1 m above grade. A building permit is needed for a retaining wall over 1.2 m.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.11.2 to 5.11.4](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "The height of a fence shall be measured from the base of the fence." … "shall not exceed a height of 5 metres (16.5 ft)." … "b) barbed fences are permitted in Commercial, Industrial and Public and Institutional zones" … "provided the barbed wire portion is a minimum of 2.1 metres (7ft) above grade at any point;"
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "construct a retaining wall more than 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.11 (fence height) and s. 5.10 (corner vision triangle)
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016" … "CONSOLIDATED APRIL 1, 2025"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.11](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "5.10 CORNER VISION TRIANGLE ........................................................................................................................ 22 5.11 FENCE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS .................................................................................................................. 23 5.12 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 23" … "DISTRICT OF CLEARWATER ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016 CONSOLIDATED APRIL 1, 2025"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District's [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) defines a structure as excluding fences, so a fence does not need a building permit. A retaining wall over 1.2 m (4 ft) does. Height rules are in section 5.11 of the [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/).

In the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones:
- **Front yard** (and the part of a side yard that borders a street in front of the main building): 1.2 m (4 ft).
- **Side and rear yards:** 2 m (6.5 ft).

Height is measured from the base of the fence.

## Steps

1. Find your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Check the height limit above, and keep the fence out of the corner sightline described below.
3. If you are building a retaining wall over 1.2 m, apply for a building permit through the TNRD (see the building-permit answer).
4. Questions? Call TNRD Planning at 250-377-8673 or the District office at 250-674-2257.

## Good to know

- **Corner lots:** in a residential zone at a street corner, nothing over 1 m (3.3 ft) high may be placed in a triangle 6 m (20 ft) along the lot lines from the intersection. Fences may be placed anywhere on a lot only if they do not block vision at an intersection.
- Open mesh or chain link fences for tennis courts, schools, utilities and Civic and Industrial zones may be up to 5 m.
- Barbed wire is allowed in Commercial, Industrial and Public and Institutional zones if the barbed part is at least 2.1 m above the ground.
- The bylaw sets no fence height limit for other zones, such as rural zones, in the sections we read. Ask TNRD Planning.
- We found no rule on electric fences or pool fencing in the Zoning or Building bylaws.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.11 and 5.10 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/fence-rules.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/fence-rules.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/fence-rules.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/fence-rules.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/fence-rules.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/fence-rules.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Planning Department, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules/_


---

---
title: Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages
question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"
---

# Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages

**Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater a single-storey shed or garage under 20 m² needs no building permit, but 20 m² or more does. An unroofed deck 600 mm (24 in) or less above the ground is exempt. Zoning setbacks still apply.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The processing time is not stated. See the building-permit answer.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Building Inspection (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Toll free 1-877-377-8673. Email building@tnrd.ca.)
- Phone: TNRD Planning (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca.)

## Key facts

- **Sheds:** Bylaw 129 exempts a single-storey accessory building under 20 m² (215 sq. ft.) from a building permit; 20 m² or more needs one. Any size building used for living (bunkhouse, tiny home) needs one. A shed must still meet zoning setbacks. (Sources differ: Conflict: the District's page also says a detached accessory building under 10 m² (107 sq ft) and 4.5 m high on a lot with a single family dwelling is exempt, which is smaller than the bylaw's 20 m² exemption. Bylaw followed. The bylaw exemption covers single-storey buildings only.)
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.5(b)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "single-storey accessory buildings less than 20 m² (215 ft²) in building area;"
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "construct a new accessory building such as a garage or storage shed greater than 20 square metres (215 square feet) in size;" … "construct any size building which serves a habitable use such as a bunkhouse or tiny home;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Decks:** Bylaw 129 does not apply to an unroofed deck at a single or two-family dwelling if the deck surface is 600 mm (24 in) or less above the adjacent ground. The District's page lists building a sundeck, enclosing a porch or roofing a sundeck as needing a permit.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.5(d)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "unroofed decks attached to or adjacent to single and two-family dwellings if the" … "deck surface is 600 mm (24 in) or less above the adjacent ground level."
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "construct a sundeck;" … "enclose a porch or roof over a sundeck;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Garages and carports:** The District's page lists a garage or shed over 20 m² (215 sq. ft.) as needing a building permit; Bylaw 129 exempts only a single-storey accessory building under 20 m². A garage or carport attached to the house is treated as part of the house for zoning (s. 5.5.2). Carports are not mentioned.
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "construct a new accessory building such as a garage or storage shed greater than 20 square metres (215 square feet) in size;"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.5.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "considered a part of the principal building and must comply in all respects with the setback"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Zoning limits:** R-1: accessory buildings total up to 65 m² (200 m² on lots of 4,000 m² or more), 6 m high, setbacks 6 m front, 1.5 m rear and interior side, 4.5 m exterior side, 40% total coverage. R-2: one building up to 65 m², 5 m high, rear yard, 45% coverage. RL-1: no height or coverage maximum.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 8.1.3, 8.1.5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "a) The total gross floor area of all accessory buildings shall not exceed 65 square metres" … "(2,153 sqft)." … "Maximum Lot Coverage Total 40%" … "Rear Lot Line 6 metres (20ft) 1.5 metres (5ft)" … "Maximum Lot Coverage Total 45%" … "Maximum Lot Coverage No maximum"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 8.2.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "Only 1 accessory building to a maximum gross floor area of 65 square metres (700 sqft)" … "*In the R-2 Zone an accessory building must be located in the rear yard"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014; Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District's [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) does not apply to a single-storey accessory building under 20 m² (215 sq. ft.). A garage or shed of 20 m² or more needs a building permit. Any size building used for living, such as a bunkhouse or tiny home, needs one too.

For decks, the bylaw does not apply to an unroofed deck at a single or two-family home if the deck surface is 600 mm (24 in) or less above the ground. The District's page lists building a sundeck, enclosing a porch or roofing a sundeck as needing a permit.

Carports are not mentioned in the bylaw or on the District's page. A garage or carport attached to the house is treated as part of the house for zoning (Zoning Bylaw s. 5.5.2).

## Steps

1. Check your zone and setbacks in the [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/).
2. If a permit is needed, apply through the TNRD (see the building-permit answer).
3. For a carport or a deck close to the exemption, ask TNRD Building Inspection at 250-377-8673.

## Good to know

- The District's page also says a detached accessory building under 10 m² (107 sq ft) and 4.5 m high is exempt, which is smaller than the bylaw's 20 m². We followed the bylaw. Confirm with the TNRD.
- The bylaw exemption covers single-storey buildings only.
- No accessory building may be used as a dwelling unless the zoning bylaw allows it.
- **R-1 zone:** accessory buildings total up to 65 m² (200 m² on lots of 4,000 m² or more), 6 m high. Setbacks are 6 m front, 1.5 m rear and interior side, and 4.5 m exterior side. Total coverage is up to 40%.
- **R-2 zone:** one accessory building up to 65 m², 5 m high, in the rear yard, with total coverage up to 45%.
- **RL-1, SH-1 and CR-1 zones:** no maximum height or lot coverage for accessory buildings, and the same setbacks as R-1.

## Official forms and pages

- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.md)
- [Clearwater building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Clearwater fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules.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)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Planning Department, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit/_


---

---
title: Clearwater building permit fees
question: "How much does a building permit cost?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees.json"
---

# Clearwater building permit fees

**Question:** How much does a building permit cost?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater a building permit costs $50 for the first $1,000 of work, plus $8 per $1,000 up to $100,000, then $6 per $1,000. A $200 application fee is included, and plumbing and other fees are extra.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** $50 for the first $1,000, plus $8 per $1,000 or part up to $100,000, then $6 per $1,000 or part. A surcharge applies (see below).  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Building Inspection (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Toll free 1-877-377-8673.)
- Email: TNRD Building Inspection, building@tnrd.ca

## Key facts

- **Lowest fee:** $50 for work valued $1 to $1,000, plus a surcharge (Bylaw 129: $50 under $10,000, rebated if all work is done within 24 months). The TNRD dwelling checklist instead says a $1500 surcharge is paid at issuance; confirm with the TNRD. (Sources differ: Plumbing, application and other fees are extra. The consolidated bylaw is dated May 4, 2021; no later fee amendment was found in the bylaw list (checked the civicweb document list, Bylaw 109 Fees and Charges).)
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), Appendix A, ss. C(1)(a), E](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "(a) $1 to $1,000; $50" … "(a) $50 where the construction value is less than $10,000;" … "When all work associated with a building permit is completed within 24 months of the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How the fee is worked out:** $50 for the first $1,000, plus $8 per $1,000 or part above that up to $100,000 ($842 at $100,000), then $6 per $1,000 or part. Bylaw 129 surcharge: $50, $200 or $500 by value, rebated if work is finished in 24 months; the TNRD dwelling checklist says $1500 at issuance.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), Appendix A, ss. C(1), E](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "$50 plus for each $1,000 or part thereof by which the value exceeds $8" … "$842 plus for each additional $1,000 or part thereof by which the value" … "(b) $200 where the construction value is from $10,000 to $50,000; or" … "(c) $500 where the construction value is in excess of $50,000."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Application or plan review fee:** A non-refundable application fee of $200, or the calculated building permit fee if that is less, is paid with the application. The building permit fee includes it. The application is cancelled and the fee forfeited if the permit is not issued and the fee paid within six months of notice that it is ready.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), Appendix A, s. B; s. 17.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "A non-refundable permit application fee of $200 or the calculated building permit fee," … "whichever is less, shall be charged for all permits. The building permit fee shall include this" … "non-refundable application fee." … "permit application fee is non-refundable;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Other fees:** Plumbing: $50 minimum or first fixture, $6 each extra fixture. Demolition: $50. Re-inspection: $50 each. Renewal permit: $100 per 12 months. Chimney or masonry fireplace: $100. Temporary building: $50. Work started before a permit: double the fee, extra up to $2,000. Removal of land title notice: $200.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), Appendix A, ss. D, H, J, K, L, M, N](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "Minimum fee for any plumbing permit or first fixture $50" … "The fee for a permit to demolish a building. $50" … "The fee for a renewal permit shall be $100 for each renewal period of 12 months." … "Fee for the installation of a chimney or masonry fireplace. $100" … "shall be $50." … "the applicant shall pay double the fee prescribed in this Schedule,"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How to pay:** The application fee is paid with the application. The permit fee must be paid in full before the permit is issued. The TNRD guide says the applicant is called to pick up and pay for the permit.
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), ss. 17.1, 17.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "a permit fee, calculated in accordance with Appendix "A" to this bylaw, shall be paid in full prior to" … "The application fee as set out in Appendix "A" shall accompany an application made for"
  - Source: [Guide to Building Permit Applications for Dwellings, Guide, review and processing, step 8](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-GUIDE-to-BP-app-for-dwellings-Feb-2024.pdf)
  - Official wording: "8. You are called to pick up and pay for your Building Permit."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014, Appendix "A" (Schedule of Permit Fees)
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "SCHEDULE OF PERMIT FEES" … "District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The fees are in Appendix A of the District's [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/). The fee is based on the value of construction, which is the total contract price or the Building Official's value from the plans, whichever is greater.

- **Permit fee:** $50 for the first $1,000, plus $8 per $1,000 or part above that up to $100,000, then $6 per $1,000 or part.
- **Application fee:** non-refundable, $200 or the calculated permit fee if that is less. The permit fee includes it.
- **Surcharge:** the bylaw sets $50, $200 or $500 depending on the value of the work. It is rebated if all work is finished within 24 months.
- **Manufactured homes:** $250.
- **Reduction:** 5% where an engineer or architect undertakes to coordinate design and field reviews.

## Other fees

- Plumbing: $50 minimum or first fixture, $6 for each extra fixture
- Demolition: $50
- Re-inspection: $50 each
- Renewal permit: $100 per 12 months
- Chimney or masonry fireplace: $100
- Temporary building: $50
- Work started before a permit: double the fee, with the extra charge up to $2,000
- Removal of a land title notice: $200
- Special voluntary inspection: $80
- Building information request: $40

## Good to know

- Pay the application fee with your application. The permit fee must be paid in full before the permit is issued. The TNRD calls you to pick up and pay for the permit. The documents we read do not say which payment methods are accepted.
- The application is cancelled and the fee forfeited if the permit is not issued and paid for within six months of notice that it is ready.
- A refund of 75% of the permit fee applies if no construction starts within six months.
- The TNRD dwelling checklist says a $1500 surcharge is paid at issuance, which differs from the bylaw. Confirm with the TNRD.
- The District also collects Development Cost Charges with the permit. We did not read those rates.

## Official forms and pages

- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (Schedule of Permit Fees)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.md)
- [Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/building-permit-fees.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/building-permit-fees.md)

## Sources

- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014, Appendix A (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Guide to Building Permit Applications for Dwellings (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-GUIDE-to-BP-app-for-dwellings-Feb-2024.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Dwelling Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-checklist-Dwelling-Jan-2024.pdf) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees/_


---

---
title: "Clearwater 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: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.json"
---

# Clearwater 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:** To find your zone in Clearwater, use the interactive map link on the District's Zoning page, or see Schedule A (the zoning map) of Zoning Bylaw No. 133. Planning is handled by the TNRD under contract; call 250-377-8673.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No fee is stated for a zoning lookup.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- Online: Zoning page and interactive map link, https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/ (The page does not explain how to look up a property in the map.)
- Phone: TNRD Planning (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257 (Email admin@docbc.ca. 209 Dutch Lake Road.)

## Key facts

- **How to find your zone:** The District's Zoning page has a 'SEE INTERACTIVE MAP' link (an ArcGIS link) under the Zoning Bylaw Update heading; the page does not say how to look up a property's zone with it. The zoning map is Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw No. 133. For help, ask TNRD Planning.
  - Source: [Zoning, District Zoning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/)
  - Official wording: "SEE INTERACTIVE MAP" … "There are 12 different Parts and 17 Zones in the document so be sure to check the Table of Contents" … "Zoning Bylaw Update"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Zoning bylaw:** District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, consolidated April 1, 2025 (for convenience only). A comprehensive update is under way; a draft zoning bylaw dated 2026-10-09 is posted.
  - Source: [Zoning, District Zoning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/)
  - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw 133, 2016, Consolidated April 1, 2025" … "Draft Zoning Bylaw 2026-10-09"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "CONSOLIDATED APRIL 1, 2025"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **What the zone controls:** Permitted uses, maximum density, height, setbacks, lot coverage and on-site parking, plus general rules such as fences, accessory buildings, secondary suites and home based businesses.
  - Source: [Zoning, District Zoning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw establishes regulations related to the permitted use of land within the District as well as requirements addressing maximum density, height, setbacks, lot coverage, and on-site parking."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), Part 5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "5.11 FENCE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS 5.11.1 Subject to corner vision triangle provisions of this Bylaw and except as otherwise required in" … "HOME BASED BUSINESS means an occupation, craft or profession that is carried out for a business"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Contact:** Planning is by contract through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District: TNRD Planning 250-377-8673, planning@tnrd.ca. District office: 250-674-2257, admin@docbc.ca.
  - Source: [Planning Department, District Planning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/)
  - Official wording: "The Planning Services are by contract through the Thompson Nicola Regional District who are" … "TNRD Planning 250-377-8673 planning@tnrd.ca"
  - Source: [Contact Us](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/contact-us/)
  - Official wording: "Got a question or comment? Contact us: admin@docbc.ca"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Your zone decides what you can do with your land. The [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) sets permitted uses, maximum density, height, setbacks, lot coverage and on-site parking. It also has general rules on fences, accessory buildings, secondary suites and home based businesses.

The District's Zoning page has a "SEE INTERACTIVE MAP" link under the Zoning Bylaw Update heading. The page does not say how to look up a property's zone with it. The zoning map is also Schedule A of the Zoning Bylaw.

## Steps

1. Open the District's [Zoning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/) and try the interactive map, or find your lot on Schedule A of the bylaw.
2. Read your zone's section of the bylaw, plus the general rules in Part 5.
3. If you are unsure, ask TNRD Planning (250-377-8673, planning@tnrd.ca) or the District office (250-674-2257, admin@docbc.ca).

## Good to know

- The bylaw we link is a consolidation made for convenience only (to April 1, 2025). Check the original bylaw and its amendments for legal use.
- A comprehensive zoning update is under way, and a draft zoning bylaw dated 2026-10-09 is posted. The draft is not in force.
- For questions about the zoning bylaw update, the Zoning page lists TRUE Consulting at planning@true.bc.ca.
- Planning for the District is done by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District under contract.

## Zones

17 zones are listed from [District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning/index.json

Look up the zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.md)
- [Clearwater fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules.md)
- [Clearwater permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Clearwater home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/zoning-lookup.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/zoning-lookup.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/zoning/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Planning Department, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Contact Us, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/contact-us/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup/_


---

---
title: Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules
question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.json"
---

# Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules

**Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?

**Short answer:** Yes, in Clearwater one secondary suite is allowed inside a single family home in the RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1, R-2 and MX-1 zones. A carriage or garden suite is allowed only in the RL-1 zone, on lots over 2 ha outside the Agricultural Land Reserve.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The processing time is not stated. See the building-permit answer.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Planning and Building Inspection (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca or building@tnrd.ca.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257 (209 Dutch Lake Road. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Secondary suite allowed:** Yes, one secondary suite inside a single family dwelling, only in zones that expressly allow it. It is an accessory use in the RL-1 (Rural), SH-1 (Small Holding), CR-1 (Country Residential), R-1, R-2 and MX-1 (Riverside Centre Mixed Use) zones.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.22](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "A maximum of one secondary suite is permitted within a single family dwelling, only" … "where expressly permitted within a zone"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 7.1.2 (RL-1)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "m) home based business; n) commercial kennel; and o) secondary suite."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 7.2.2 (SH-1)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "f) home based business; g) secondary suite; and h) keeping of a limited number of animals"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 8.1.2 (R-1)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "e) home based business; and f) secondary suite."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 8.2.2 (R-2)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "e) home based business; f) secondary suite; and g) one accessory building per lot."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 9.5.2 (MX-1)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "v) accessory building; w) secondary suite; and x) home based business."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** A carriage suite or garden suite is allowed in the RL-1 (Rural) zone only: one, on lots larger than 2 ha (5 acres) where the land is not in the Agricultural Land Reserve. In the ALR an extra dwelling needs approval from the Agricultural Land Commission.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 7.1.2(l)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "l) one carriage suite or garden suite on lots larger than 2 ha (5 acres) where land is not within" … "the ALR;"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 4.4.2(a)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "any additional dwelling, duplex, carriage suite, or garden suite is not permitted on lands"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Limits:** One suite per single family dwelling; wholly inside the primary dwelling with a separate entrance; up to 40% of the building's habitable floor area and no more than 90 m² (969 sq. ft.); must meet the BC Building Code; supplementary utility charges apply where bylaws set them.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.22(a), (b), (c), (d)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "a) must be wholly within the primary dwelling unit with a separate and distinct entrance;" … "b) must meet the BC Building Code and all other applicable local and Provincial enactments;" … "d) must be located in and not exceed 40% of the habitable gross floor area of the building, to" … "maximum of 90 square metres (969 sqft);"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Parking:** One off-street space per dwelling unit or sleeping unit for an accessory residential use, which includes a secondary suite, on the same lot (Table 3). The main dwelling needs 2 spaces.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.22(e); Table 3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "e) must provide parking upon the lot in conformance with Part 6 of this Bylaw; and" … "Accessory residential use" … "(boarding, bed and breakfast, secondary suite)" … "1 per dwelling unit or sleeping unit" … "2 per dwelling unit"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Permits:** A building permit (processed by the TNRD) is needed for interior work such as partitions and for a change of occupancy or use. The suite must meet the BC Building Code, be registered with the District and be inspected by the Building Inspector before anyone lives in it. No development permit rule for suites was found.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.22(f)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "must be registered with the District and inspected by the Building Inspector prior to"
  - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/)
  - Official wording: "change of occupancy or use of a building or part thereof" … "undertake any interior work such as partitions, etc.;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.22; Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Building Regulations Bylaw 129, 2014"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) allows one secondary suite inside a single family dwelling, but only in zones that expressly allow it: RL-1 (Rural), SH-1 (Small Holding), CR-1 (Country Residential), R-1, R-2 and MX-1 (Riverside Centre Mixed Use). The R-3, MHP-1 and commercial zones do not list a suite.

A **carriage suite or garden suite** is allowed in the RL-1 zone only: one, on lots larger than 2 ha (5 acres) that are not in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). In the ALR an extra dwelling needs approval from the Agricultural Land Commission. A carriage suite is a self-contained two-storey unit with a footprint up to 80 square metres and up to 95 square metres of living space.

Suite limits (section 5.22):
- one suite per single family dwelling, wholly inside the main home, with a separate entrance
- up to 40% of the building's habitable floor area and no more than 90 m² (969 sq. ft.)
- must meet the BC Building Code
- one off-street parking space for the suite, on the same lot (the main home needs 2)

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone allows a suite (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Apply for a building permit through the TNRD for the interior work and change of use (see the building-permit answer).
3. Register the suite with the District.
4. Have the Building Inspector inspect it before anyone lives in it.

## Good to know

- Supplementary utility charges apply where District bylaws set them.
- We found no owner-occupancy requirement for suites. We found no development permit rule for suites either.
- The District's 2026 Official Community Plan says it will update zoning to allow more secondary suites and additional dwelling units. The update is in progress, so rules may change. Ask TNRD Planning for the current status.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.22 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.md)
- [Clearwater building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Clearwater home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/secondary-suite.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/secondary-suite.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/secondary-suite.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/secondary-suite.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/secondary-suite.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/secondary-suite.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 129, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to May 4, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/55537/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/building-permits-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite/_


---

---
title: Clearwater tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/tree-removal.json"
---

# Clearwater tree removal rules and permits

**Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?

**Short answer:** Clearwater has no tree-cutting bylaw for private land. A development permit is needed to remove vegetation inside a development permit area in the Official Community Plan, such as steep slopes, floodplain or environmental areas. Trees on a boulevard or public land need District approval.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No tree-cutting fee found. If a development permit is needed, $250 if staff decide it or $500 if Council considers it.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- Phone: TNRD Planning (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257 (209 Dutch Lake Road. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** No District tree-cutting bylaw was found. A development permit is needed to remove or destroy vegetation inside a development permit area in the 2026 OCP (DPA 4 Hazard Lands: steep slopes and floodplain; DPA 5 Environmental; and the centre DPAs 1 to 3), but only for the part of the lot inside the DPA boundary (OCP Maps 7 and 8).
  - Source: [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), s. 4.1.4, 4.5.2, 4.6.2, 4.6.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/)
  - Official wording: "A development permit is required in accordance with Section 489 of the Local Government Act, for any" … "Removal, alteration, disruption, or destruction of vegetation." … "DPA 4 guidelines apply to all lands identified as Steep Slopes or Floodplain, as shown on Map 7." … "DPA 5 guidelines apply to all lands identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Blue Listed Species" … "For clarity, these requirements apply only to the portion of the parcel located within the DPA boundary."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Exemptions:** No development permit is needed to remove danger trees identified by a qualified arborist, to remove invasive plants, or for FireSmart work within 30 m of a structure (OCP s. 4.1.5). DPA 5 also exempts clearing of land for agricultural purposes; DPA 4 exempts removal of hazardous trees on steep slopes.
  - Source: [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), s. 4.1.5 General Exemptions](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/)
  - Official wording: "danger trees as identified by a qualified arborist and removal of invasive plant species." … "FireSmart vegetation management: within 30 metres of a structure, where conducted in" … "5. Removal of: danger trees as identified by a qualified arborist and removal of invasive plant species." … "b. Clearing of land for agricultural purposes." … "c. Removal of trees deemed hazardous by a Qualified Arborist that threaten the immediate"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fee:** No tree-cutting permit or fee was found. Where a development permit is needed, the fee is $250 if issuance is delegated to staff or $500 if considered by Council (Bylaw 118, Schedule A).
  - Source: [Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118, Schedule A fees](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/24118/)
  - Official wording: "Development Permit where issuance is delegated $250" … "Development Permit where considered by Council $500" … "Development Permit where issuance is delegated" … "Development Permit where considered by Council"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Replacement trees:** No general tree replacement rule. In a development permit area the District may require a security deposit of 125% of a qualified professional's cost estimate; on steep slopes (DPA 4) replanting must occur promptly where removal is needed for grading or construction.
  - Source: [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), ss. 4.1.8, 4.5.6](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/)
  - Official wording: "be calculated at 125% of the cost estimate prepared by the Landscape Architect, Designer, Professional" … "Where removal is necessary for grading or construction, replanting must occur promptly"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **City trees:** A person must not cut, prune, top or remove trees, hedges, shrubs or other plantings from a boulevard, road allowance, park or other public place unless Council or the Public Works Manager authorizes it.
  - Source: [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (PDF, consolidated), s. 5.1(j)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
  - Official wording: "5.1 Except as specifically authorized, directed or permitted by Council, the Public Works" … "(j) alter or remove any fence or guardrail, or cut, prune, top or remove any trees," … "hedges, shrubs or other plantings from a boulevard, road allowance, park or other public place;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Boulevard trees: municipal ticket $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days) for topping or removing trees or plants on a boulevard without a permit. No ticket was found for cutting trees on private land.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024), Schedule 8; s. 3.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Top or remove trees, plants, on boulevard without" … "5.1 (j) 100 75" … "the discounted fines pursuant to section 265(2) of the Community Charter for the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** No tree bylaw found. Development permit areas: Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 331, 2026; boulevard trees: Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017
  - Source: [Planning Department, District Planning page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/)
  - Official wording: "Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 331 2026 (OCP)"
  - Source: [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (PDF, consolidated), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

We found no District bylaw that protects trees or requires a permit to cut them on private land. The one exception is a **development permit area (DPA)** in the 2026 [Official Community Plan](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/). A development permit is needed to remove or destroy vegetation inside a DPA, but only for the part of the lot inside the DPA boundary. The DPAs are:
- DPA 4, Hazard Lands (steep slopes and floodplain)
- DPA 5, Environmental
- DPAs 1 to 3, the centre areas

Check OCP Maps 7 and 8 to see if your lot is in one.

**Public land:** under the [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/), no one may cut, prune, top or remove trees, hedges, shrubs or other plantings from a boulevard, road allowance, park or other public place unless Council or the Public Works Manager authorizes it.

## Steps

1. Check OCP Maps 7 and 8 for your lot, or ask TNRD Planning (250-377-8673).
2. If the tree is in a DPA, apply for a development permit through the District. The fee is $250 if issuance is delegated to staff or $500 if Council considers it (Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118, Schedule A).
3. For a boulevard tree, ask the District office (250-674-2257) first.

## Good to know

- No development permit is needed to remove danger trees identified by a qualified arborist, to remove invasive plants, or for FireSmart work within 30 m of a structure. DPA 5 also exempts clearing land for agricultural purposes, and DPA 4 exempts removing hazardous trees on steep slopes.
- There is no general tree replacement rule. In a DPA the District may require a security deposit of 125% of a qualified professional's cost estimate. On steep slopes, replanting must happen promptly where removal is needed for grading or construction.
- **Fine:** topping or removing trees or plants on a boulevard without a permit is a municipal ticket of $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days). We found no ticket for cutting trees on private land.
- The Bylaw 118 fees are from a 2014 schedule with a 2019 amendment, so a newer fee may apply.

## Official forms and pages

- [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), development permit areas](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/)
- [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/tree-removal.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/tree-removal.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/tree-removal.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/tree-removal.md)
- [Revelstoke](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/revelstoke/tree-removal.md)
- [Armstrong](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/armstrong/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Planning Department, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (PDF, consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118 (PDF), Schedule A fees](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/24118/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/tree-removal/_


---

---
title: Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas
question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.json"
---

# Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas

**Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, a dog on a sidewalk, highway or in any public park, space or building must be on a leash held by a competent person. The exception is an area the District has designated as off-leash. No list or map of those areas was found. An at-large ticket is $100.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Ticket for a dog at large or off leash: $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-674-2257 (Complaints must be in writing or on the online form, with your name and phone number. Email bylaw@docbc.ca.)

## Key facts

- **Leash rule:** On a sidewalk, highway or in any public park, space or building, a dog must be under the control of a competent person by means of a leash, unless it is with its person inside an area the District has designated as off-leash. A dog must not be at large on a sidewalk, highway, park or other public place.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 6.1 and s. 5.2(a)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "ensure it is under the control of a competent person by means of a leash" … "to be at large on a sidewalk, highway, park or other public place"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Maximum leash length:** None set. Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw 148 sets no leash length for ordinary dogs.
- **Off-leash areas:** Only in an area the District designates as off-leash, and the dog must be accompanied by its person. No list or map of designated areas was found. The District is planning a fenced dog park at Weyerhaeuser Pioneer Park, with dogs on-leash until inside the fence.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 6.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "within an area designated by the District as an off-leash area"
  - Source: [Dog Park Update](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/dog-park-update/)
  - Official wording: "Council selected Weyerhaeuser Pioneer Park as the preferred site." … "Requiring dogs to remain on-leash until inside the fenced dog park"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Places dogs are not allowed:** None set. Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw does not list places where dogs are banned.
- **Cleaning up:** A person responsible for a dog must immediately remove feces the dog deposits on a sidewalk, highway or in a public park, space or building, and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 6.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "must immediately remove feces deposited by the dog and dispose of it in a sanitary manner"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Municipal ticket: animal at large $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days); dog off leash (prohibited area) $100 ($75).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7 (Animal Control Bylaw No. 148)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Animal at large" … "Dog off leash (prohibited area)" … "Fine if paid"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Under the District's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/>), a dog on a sidewalk, highway or in any public park, space or building must be under the control of a competent person by means of a leash. A dog must not be at large on a sidewalk, highway, park or other public place. The only exception is a dog with its person inside an area the District has designated as off-leash.

## Good to know

- No list or map of designated off-leash areas was found. Ask the District at 250-674-2257.
- The District's [Dog Park Update](<https://www.districtofclearwater.com/dog-park-update/>) page says Council chose Weyerhaeuser Pioneer Park as the preferred site for a fenced dog park, with dogs on leash until inside the fence. It is a project update, so check that the park is open.
- Bylaw 148 sets no leash length for ordinary dogs. Only aggressive dogs have a limit (2.4 metres).
- The bylaw does not list places where dogs are banned.
- Clean up: you must immediately remove any feces your dog leaves on a sidewalk, highway or in a public park, space or building, and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
- Municipal tickets under the [MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>): animal at large $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days); dog off leash in a prohibited area $100 ($75).

## Official forms and pages

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
- [Dog Park Update, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/dog-park-update/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.md)
- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/dog-leash-rules.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Dog Park Update, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/dog-park-update/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/) (read 2026-11-08)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 2 are recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules/_


---

---
title: Clearwater rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs
question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs.json"
---

# Clearwater rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

**Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, the Animal Control Officer can designate a dog aggressive, for example after an unprovoked bite or attack. The owner must then confine the dog, muzzle and leash it (leash no more than 2.4 m) in public, and post a warning sign. Tickets run from $200 to $1,000.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No licence fee. Impound: $175 plus $50 per day board. Tickets $200 to $1,000.  
**How long:** Owner may ask for reconsideration within 10 days of notice, then ask Council to review within 14 days of the decision.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-674-2257 (Complaints must be in writing or on the online form, with your name and phone number. Email bylaw@docbc.ca.)

## Key facts

- **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** The Animal Control Officer may designate a dog aggressive: over 4 months and bit or attacked without provocation causing at least minor injury; approached or pursued someone aggressively off its property; used for dog fighting; or shows a propensity to attack. The owner may ask for reconsideration within 10 days, then ask Council to review within 14 days. 'Dangerous dog' means as in s. 49 of the Community Charter (court order).
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 2.1, s. 13.1, 13.3, 13.5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "“Aggressive dog" means:" … "may designate a dog as an aggressive dog for the purposes of" … "within 10 calendar days of being delivered notice" … "within 14 days of the date of the Animal Control Officer’s decision" … "has the same meaning as defined in section 49 of the Community Charter" … "(a) a dog that, being over the age of 4 months, has without provocation bitten or attacked a" … "person or domestic animal, resulting in at least a minor injury;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Rules for owners:** Keep an aggressive dog indoors or in an enclosure that stops children entering and the dog escaping. In public it must be muzzled and on a leash of no more than 2.4 m held by a competent person. Post warning signs, and tell the Animal Control Officer of a sale, death, loose dog or bite.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 13.7 to 13.12](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "keep the dog securely confined either indoors" … "muzzled by a properly" … "leash not exceeding 2.4 metres in length" … "must post a warning sign" … "advise the Animal Control Officer immediately if the dog is loose or has bitten or attacked"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Licence fee:** None set. Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw has no licensing, so there is no aggressive-dog fee.
- **How to report:** Bylaw complaints must be made in writing or with the online form, with your name and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated. Bylaw Enforcement Officer: (250) 674-2257, bylaw@docbc.ca.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), Report a bylaw infraction](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
  - Official wording: "Complaints must be made in writing or by using the online form." … "complaints cannot be made anonymously"
  - Source: [Bylaws, Bylaw Enforcement](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/)
  - Official wording: "anonymous complaints are not investigated" … "Email: bylaw@docbc.ca"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal tickets: allow an animal to attack or bite a person or domestic animal $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days); aggressive dog not confined $500 ($400); on property without consent $500 ($400); without leash or muzzle $500 ($400); no warning sign $200 ($150); sign defaced or removed $500 ($400); fail to notify of address change, death, loose dog or bite $200 ($150).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Aggressive dog – not adequately confined" … "Aggressive dog – no warning sign" … "Aggressive dog – without leash or muzzle" … "fail to notify of address change /" … "Allow animal to attack or bite person or domestic"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Under the District's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/>), the Animal Control Officer may designate a dog aggressive if it is over 4 months old and, without provocation, bit or attacked a person or domestic animal causing at least a minor injury; approached or pursued someone aggressively off its property; was used for dog fighting; or shows a propensity to attack. "Dangerous dog" has the meaning in section 49 of the Community Charter (a court order).

## Owner rules

- Keep the dog indoors or in an enclosure that stops children getting in and the dog getting out.
- In public, the dog must be muzzled and on a leash of no more than 2.4 m held by a competent person.
- Post a warning sign.
- Tell the Animal Control Officer if the dog is sold, dies, gets loose or bites.

## Good to know

- You can ask for reconsideration within 10 days of the notice, then ask Council to review within 14 days of the decision.
- Report a dog by writing or using the online form, with your name and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated. Call 250-674-2257 or email bylaw@docbc.ca.
- Municipal tickets ([MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>)): allowing an animal to attack or bite $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days); aggressive dog not confined, on property without consent, or without leash or muzzle $500 ($400); no warning sign $200 ($150); sign defaced or removed $500 ($400); failing to notify $200 ($150).

## Official forms and pages

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.md)
- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/dangerous-dogs.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Bylaws, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/) (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 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs/_


---

---
title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater
question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.json"
---

# How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater

**Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep?

**Short answer:** Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on the number of dogs or cats. It does limit poultry and rabbits combined, from 4 head on a lot under 1,012 m² to 50 head on a lot over 2 ha, and requires a lot of at least 4,000 m² for horses and farm animals.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No fee. Ticket for too many poultry or rabbits: $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: District of Clearwater, 250-674-2257

## Key facts

- **Dogs allowed:** None set. Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on the number of dogs.
- **Cats allowed:** None set. Clearwater's Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on the number of cats.
- **Other animal limits:** Poultry and rabbits combined, only where animals are explicitly permitted as accessory to residential use: under 1,012 m² 4 head; 1,012 m² to 4,047 m² 10 head; 4,047 m² to 2 ha 20 head; over 2 ha 50 head. Horses and farm animals need a lot of at least 4,000 m².
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 7.1 and s. 8.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "maximum number of poultry or rabbits, or combination thereof, that may be kept on a lot" … "Less than 1,012 m2 (1/4 acre)" … "4 head" … "unless said lot is" … "at least 4000 m2 (1 acre) in area"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Exceptions:** The limits do not apply to normal farm practices in the Agricultural Land Reserve or agriculture use permitted as a principal use under the Zoning Bylaw.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 3.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "The limits imposed in this Bylaw do not apply to normal farm practices as permitted activities"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: poultry or rabbits over the maximum number $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Poultry or rabbits – exceeding maximum number"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/>) sets no limit on how many dogs you may keep and does not mention cats. The [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/>) refers only to "a limited number of animals as set out in the Animal Control Bylaw".

## Other animals

Poultry and rabbits combined, where animals are explicitly permitted as an accessory use to a home:

- Lot under 1,012 m² (1/4 acre): 4 head
- 1,012 m² to 4,047 m²: 10 head
- 4,047 m² to 2 ha: 20 head
- Over 2 ha: 50 head

Horses and farm animals need a lot of at least 4,000 m² (1 acre).

## Good to know

- The limits do not apply to normal farm practices in the Agricultural Land Reserve, or to agriculture permitted as a principal use under the Zoning Bylaw.
- A municipal ticket for too many poultry or rabbits is $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).
- See the chickens answer for coops and other livestock rules.

## Official forms and pages

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/how-many-pets.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/how-many-pets.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/how-many-pets.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/how-many-pets.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/how-many-pets.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/how-many-pets.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (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 are recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets/_


---

---
title: Clearwater backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules
question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens.json"
---

# Clearwater backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules

**Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, chickens are allowed in some zones only: Small Holding (SH-1), Country Residential (CR-1) and Rural (RL-1). Poultry and rabbits combined are limited from 4 head on a lot under 1,012 m² to 50 over 2 ha. No roosters. Beekeeping is allowed in all zones.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** No permit or fee found. Tickets: $100 to $500.  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: District of Clearwater, 250-674-2257

## Key facts

- **Hens allowed:** Yes in some zones. SH-1 (Small Holding) and CR-1 (Country Residential) list 'keeping of a limited number of animals as set out in the Animal Control Bylaw' as an accessory use. RL-1 (Rural) permits agricultural use, which includes keeping poultry. No other zone was found to permit it.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 7.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "In a where domestic animal are explicitly permitted as accessory to residential use" … "Hens (including Bantams)"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 7.2.2 and 7.3.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "keeping of a limited number of animals as set out in the Animal Control Bylaw." … "h) keeping of a limited number of animals as set out in the Animal Control Bylaw." … "e) the keeping of cattle, goats, llamas, poultry, sheep or other livestock and bees; and" … "a) agricultural use;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Most hens:** Poultry and rabbits combined: under 1,012 m² (1/4 acre) 4 head; 1,012 to 4,047 m² 10 head; 4,047 m² to 2 ha 20 head; over 2 ha 50 head.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 7.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "Less than 1,012 m2 (1/4 acre)" … "1,012 m2 (1/4 acre) to 4,047 m2 (1 acre)" … "10 head" … "Over 2 ha (5 acres)" … "50 head"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Roosters:** No roosters except where agriculture is permitted as a primary use. Ticket $200 ($150 if paid in 30 days).
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 7.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "A person must not keep roosters in any area except where agriculture is permitted as a" … "primary use."
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Keeping rooster (prohibited area)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Coop rules:** A coop is required. It must be at least 8 m from all property lines, secured from sunset to sunrise with the poultry kept inside, and meet the Zoning Bylaw accessory building rules. A vegetative barrier must be planted unless existing trees and vegetation hide the coop. Ticket $500 ($400 early) for inadequate shelter.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 7.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "sited and setback no less than 8 m from all property lines" … "secured from sunset to sunrise" … "a vegetative barrier must be planted for this purpose"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Keeping rooster (prohibited area) 7.2 200 150 Inadequate poultry shelter 7.3 (a) or (b) 500 400 Lot too small for equine or farm animal 8.1 500 400"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Permit or registration:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
- **Bees:** Beekeeping is allowed in all zones. Under the Animal Control Bylaw consolidation, a hive must be at least 5 metres from any property line and oriented so there is a clear flight path into the lot (except hives used with a greenhouse). Bylaw 238, 2020 amends this bylaw for bees and could not be read. Ticket $100 ($75 if paid in 30 days).
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 11.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "at least 5 metres from any property line" … "clear flight path into the subject lot" … "at least 5 metres from any property line and oriented so there is a clear flight path into the subject lot" … "(Remove Section 16.2 in its entirety)"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.28](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "Beekeeping is permitted in all zones subject to compliance with Animal Control Bylaw No. 148,"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 7](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Bee hive – non-compliant location"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Other livestock:** Horses and farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, alpacas and so on) need a lot of at least 4,000 m² (1 acre). Where domestic animals are permitted as an accessory use: over 1 acre, one farm animal per 4,000 m² up to six, plus two equines; over 2 acres, up to four equines. These are in addition to the poultry limits.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 8.1 and 8.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "unless said lot is" … "at least 4000 m2 (1 acre) in area" … "to a maximum of six farm animals" … "a maximum of four equines may be kept" … "A person must not keep or harbour any equine or farm animal on any lot unless said lot is" … "Where domestic animals are explicitly permitted as accessory to residential use:" … "in addition, given lot area is over 4000 m2 (1 acre) two equines may be kept; and, where"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016; Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016, s. 1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “District of Clearwater Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016”."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Keeping poultry depends on your zone in the [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/>). Small Holding (SH-1) and Country Residential (CR-1) list "keeping of a limited number of animals as set out in the Animal Control Bylaw" as an accessory use. Rural (RL-1) permits agricultural use, which includes poultry. No other zone was found to permit it. Ask the District to confirm your zone.

## Rules under [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/>)

- **Numbers:** poultry and rabbits combined: under 1,012 m² 4 head; 1,012 m² to 4,047 m² 10 head; 4,047 m² to 2 ha 20 head; over 2 ha 50 head. Ducks and geese count as poultry.
- **Roosters:** none, except where agriculture is permitted as a primary use. Ticket $200 ($150 if paid in 30 days).
- **Coop:** required, at least 8 m from all property lines, closed with the poultry inside from sunset to sunrise, and meeting the accessory building rules. Plant a vegetative barrier unless existing trees or vegetation hide the coop. Ticket for inadequate shelter $500 ($400).
- **Bees:** allowed in all zones. The consolidated bylaw says a hive must be at least 5 metres from any property line and face so there is a clear flight path into the lot (except hives used with a greenhouse). Ticket $100 ($75).
- **Horses and farm animals** (cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, alpacas): lot of at least 4,000 m² (1 acre). Where domestic animals are permitted as an accessory use, over 1 acre allows one farm animal per 4,000 m² up to six, plus two equines; over 2 acres, up to four equines.

## Good to know

- No permit or registration for poultry was found. The bylaw does not override covenants or private restrictions that prohibit poultry.
- Bylaw 238, 2020 amended the bylaw for bees but could not be read, so confirm the bee rules with the District.
- Tickets are under the [MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>).

## Official forms and pages

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.md)
- [Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.md)
- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/backyard-chickens.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/backyard-chickens.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28337/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (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 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens/_


---

---
title: Clearwater RV, boat and trailer parking rules
question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Parking, tickets and driving
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json"
---

# Clearwater RV, boat and trailer parking rules

**Question:** Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, no RV, boat or trailer rule or time limit for street parking was found. On your own lot in a residential zone you may keep one recreational vehicle, camper or trailer and one pleasure boat. You may not live in an RV on the street or, generally, on private land.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Tickets $50 to $100.  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: District of Clearwater, 250-674-2257

## Key facts

- **On the street:** No RV, boat or trailer rule or time limit was found. General parking bans apply to any vehicle: for example within 5 m of a hydrant, on a sidewalk or boulevard, in front of a driveway, on a bridge, and on seasonal parking ban routes once the Public Works Manager designates them.
  - Source: [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017, s. 6.1 and 6.5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
  - Official wording: "within 5 metres of any fire hydrant" … "When a seasonal parking ban route has been designated as in effect by the Public Works Manager"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **On your property:** In residential zones, in addition to licensed vehicles used by residents, one recreational vehicle, camper or trailer and one pleasure boat may be stored or parked on the same lot as the residential use. One commercial vehicle owned or driven by the occupant may be parked. No vehicle repairs or storage of derelict vehicles in rural or residential zones.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.6](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "the following ancillary storage of personal property or parking is permitted on the same lot as the residential" … "one recreational vehicle, camper or trailer; and" … "one pleasure boat." … "storage of derelict or"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Living in an RV:** Not on a highway or in any other public place. On private land, any use in a recreational vehicle is prohibited except in a campground, or temporarily for residential use while the lot is being developed under a valid building permit (maximum 1 year, plus 1 year if the CAO approves).
  - Source: [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017, s. 6.6](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
  - Official wording: "No person shall occupy a vehicle as living quarters while it is parked upon any highway" … "or in any other public place."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.1.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "any use located in a recreational vehicle except where expressly permitted for campground" … "use." … "or for residential use while the lot is being developed provided that:" … "a) a valid Building Permit has been issued by the District and is in effect for the development;" … "structure or recreational vehicle shall be used for a maximum of 1"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: use of a vehicle as living quarters $100 ($50 if paid within 30 days); parking on a sidewalk or boulevard, in front of a driveway or on a seasonal ban route $50 ($25); within 5 m of a fire hydrant $100 ($75).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 8 (Traffic Bylaw No. 160, 2017)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Use vehicle as living quarters" … "Park on sidewalk or boulevard" … "Park within 5 metres of fire hydrant" … "Park on any portion of designated highway during"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017; Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016
  - Source: [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017, s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

**On the street.** The [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/>) has no RV, boat or trailer rule or time limit. General parking bans apply to any vehicle: within 5 m of a hydrant, on a sidewalk or boulevard, in front of a driveway, on a bridge, and on seasonal parking ban routes once the Public Works Manager designates them.

**On your lot.** In residential zones under the [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/>), in addition to licensed vehicles used by residents, one recreational vehicle, camper or trailer and one pleasure boat may be stored or parked on the same lot as the residential use. One commercial vehicle owned or driven by the occupant may be parked. No vehicle repairs or storage of derelict vehicles in rural or residential zones. No size limit was found.

## Good to know

- You may not use a vehicle as living quarters on a highway or in any other public place. On private land, any use in a recreational vehicle is prohibited except in a campground, or temporarily for residential use while the lot is being developed under a valid building permit (maximum 1 year, plus 1 year if the CAO approves).
- Municipal tickets ([MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>)): living quarters $100 ($50 if paid within 30 days); parking on a sidewalk or boulevard, in front of a driveway or on a seasonal ban route $50 ($25); within 5 m of a fire hydrant $100 ($75).
- Questions: 250-674-2257.

## Official forms and pages

- [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Clearwater unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property.md)
- [Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/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)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md)

## Sources

- [Traffic and Use of Highways Bylaw No. 160, 2017 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28336/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_


---

---
title: "Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines"
question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Clearwater?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.json"
---

# Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines

**Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Clearwater?

**Short answer:** Clearwater's Noise Control Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours or decibel limits. It bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood's peace, including loud or persistent animal noise. Construction work is exempt from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A ticket is $100.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Ticket: $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).  
**How long:** Not applicable.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-674-2257 (Complaints must be in writing or on the online form, with your name and phone number. Email bylaw@docbc.ca.)

## Key facts

- **General rule:** No one may make or allow noise or sound in a public place, or on private property, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or people nearby. This includes animals that cause frequent or loud noise and persistent barking.
  - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008, s. 2 to 5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/)
  - Official wording: "No person shall make or cause to be made any noise or sound in or on a highway or" … "disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest," … "No person shall harbour or keep any animal or bird which by causing frequent or loud noise"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Quiet hours:** None set. The Noise Control Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours.
- **Construction hours:** The bylaw does not apply to building, demolition, construction, alteration or repair work between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (no days of the week are named). Lawn mowing and power gardening equipment are exempt from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on any day.
  - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008, s. 6(b) and 6(e)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/)
  - Official wording: "between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.;" … "The use of lawn maintenance, lawn mowing or power gardening equipment between the" … "hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any day."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Other limits:** No decibel limits. Exempt: public bodies' and RCMP work, essential or emergency work, farming on farmland (6 a.m. to 9 p.m., or any time if essential), commercial or industrial businesses in their zones 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., blasting and gravel crushing 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays and statutory holidays.
  - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008, s. 6](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw does not apply to:" … "Commercial or Industrial business operations undertaking their usual operations in" … "Commercial or Industrial Zones during the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m." … "8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on each day except Sunday or a statutory holiday."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Who to call, business hours:** Bylaw Enforcement Officer, (250) 674-2257 (direct (778) 208-0857), bylaw@docbc.ca. Complaints must be in writing or by the online form, with your name and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated.
  - Source: [Bylaws, Contact](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/)
  - Official wording: "Phone: (250) 674-2257" … "Direct: (778) 208-0857" … "Email: bylaw@docbc.ca" … "anonymous complaints are not investigated"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Who to call, after hours:** Not confirmed. No after-hours noise contact is stated in the published sources.
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days) for noise disturbance in public, from private property, from a kept animal, a barking dog, or using a megaphone in a public place.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 2 (Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Noise disturbance from private property" … "Barking dog" … "Fine if paid"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008
  - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008, s. 10](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as “District of Clearwater Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008""
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Under the District's [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/>), no one may make or allow noise or sound in a public place, or on private property, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or people nearby. This includes animals that cause frequent or loud noise and persistent barking. The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours and no decibel limits.

## Steps

1. Complain in writing or with the online form on the District's Bylaws page. Include your name and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated.
2. Or contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-674-2257 (direct 778-208-0857), bylaw@docbc.ca.

## Good to know

- The bylaw does not apply to building, demolition, construction, alteration or repair work between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (no days named). Lawn mowing and power gardening equipment are exempt from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on any day. Outside those times, the general ban applies.
- Other exemptions: public bodies' and RCMP work, essential or emergency work, farming on farmland (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or any time if essential), businesses in commercial or industrial zones 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and blasting and gravel crushing 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Sundays and statutory holidays.
- No after-hours noise complaint number is stated on the District's pages.
- Municipal ticket ([MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>)): $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).

## Official forms and pages

- [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Clearwater unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property.md)
- [Clearwater backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire.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)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/noise-rules.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/noise-rules.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/noise-rules.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/noise-rules.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/noise-rules.md)
- [Revelstoke](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/revelstoke/noise-rules.md)

## Sources

- [Noise Control Bylaw No. 14, 2008 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28313/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Bylaws, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/) (read 2026-11-08)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules/_


---

---
title: Clearwater unsightly property rules and how to report
question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Clearwater?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property.json"
---

# Clearwater unsightly property rules and how to report

**Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Clearwater?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, report an unsightly property to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-674-2257 or bylaw@docbc.ca, in writing or with the online form, giving your name, phone number and the address. Anonymous complaints are not investigated. The ticket is $250.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Ticket: $250 ($200 if paid within 30 days).  
**How long:** The officer sets a time to comply; the bylaw does not give a number of days.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-674-2257 (Complaints must be in writing or on the online form, with your name and phone number. Email bylaw@docbc.ca.)

## Key facts

- **What counts:** No owner or occupier may allow water, rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect; rubbish to overflow containers; the property to become or stay unsightly or a risk to public health and safety; dead landscaping, vegetation or noxious weeds to accumulate; or construction or demolition waste to pile up on a property with a building permit. Farm operations and orderly outdoor storage permitted by zoning are excluded.
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010, s. 3.1 and 3.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/)
  - Official wording: "allow the real property to become or remain unsightly, or a risk to public health and" … "the accumulation of dead landscaping, vegetation, noxious weeds or other growths" … "does not apply to farm operations conducted in accordance with" … "orderly outdoor storage of goods and"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How to report:** Complaints must be made in writing or with the online form, with your name and phone number and the property address; anonymous complaints are not investigated. Bylaw Enforcement Officer: (250) 674-2257, bylaw@docbc.ca.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), Report a bylaw infraction](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
  - Official wording: "If it relates to private property (noise, garbage, unsightly property, etc.) please provide the address."
  - Source: [Bylaws, Bylaw Enforcement](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/)
  - Official wording: "Bylaw Infraction Complaint Form" … "Email: bylaw@docbc.ca"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **What happens next:** A Bylaw Compliance Officer may issue an order to comply within a time the officer considers appropriate. If the owner does not comply, the District may do the work and charge the owner's costs, including administration; unpaid costs after 30 days can be sued for or added to the property tax roll.
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010, s. 3.3, 3.7, 3.8](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/)
  - Official wording: "may issue an order requiring that the owner or other responsible" … "at the cost of the defaulting owner or other responsible person" … "direct that the amount of the cost be added to the real property tax roll"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $250 ($200 if paid within 30 days) for accumulations of water, rubbish or noxious matter, overflowing containers, failing to remedy an unsightly condition, dead vegetation or weeds, or construction waste.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 3 (Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Failure to remedy unsightly or unsafe condition, as" … "Accumulation of vegetation, noxious weeds" … "250" … "200"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010, Citation](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/)
  - Official wording: "“District of Clearwater Good Neighbour Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District's [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/>) says no owner or occupier may allow:

- water, rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect;
- rubbish to overflow containers;
- the property to become or stay unsightly or a risk to public health and safety;
- dead landscaping, vegetation or noxious weeds to accumulate;
- construction or demolition waste to pile up on a property with a building permit.

Farm operations and orderly outdoor storage permitted by zoning are excluded.

## Steps

1. Complain in writing or with the online form, with your name and phone number and the property address.
2. Or contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-674-2257, bylaw@docbc.ca.
3. A Bylaw Compliance Officer may order the owner to comply within a time the officer considers appropriate.

## Good to know

- If the owner does not comply, the District may do the work and charge the owner's costs, including administration. Unpaid costs after 30 days can be sued for or added to the property tax roll.
- Municipal ticket ([MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>)): $250 ($200 if paid within 30 days).

## Official forms and pages

- [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.md)
- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Clearwater backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/unsightly-property.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/unsightly-property.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/unsightly-property.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/unsightly-property.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/unsightly-property.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/unsightly-property.md)

## Sources

- [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 56, 2010 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28401/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Bylaws, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property/_


---

---
title: Clearwater backyard fire and burning rules
question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Clearwater?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire.json"
---

# Clearwater backyard fire and burning rules

**Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Clearwater?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater, campfires are allowed in a pit that meets size and distance rules, subject to fire bans. Open burning of yard debris needs a free permit from the Fire Chief (250-674-1278) from October 1 to May 15, according to the District's page. Check current bans first.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Burning permits are free. Tickets $200 to $1,000.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Fire Chief (permits and bans), 250-674-1278 (Email firechief@docbc.ca. Report open burning violations inside the District by dialling 911.)

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** A campfire is an open fire that burns wood in one pile no bigger than 0.5 m high and 0.5 m wide. The fire pit must be at least 5 m from property lines, buildings, trees, shrubs and other combustibles; fuel must be untreated dry firewood (no leaves, grass or garden waste); it must be attended at all times by a person with extinguishing equipment.
  - Source: [Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021, s. 2.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/42056/)
  - Official wording: "Campfire means an open fire that burns wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5"
  - Source: [Open Burning, Fire Safety](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/)
  - Official wording: "at least five (5) metres from adjacent property lines, buildings, trees, shrubs, debris or other combustible material;" … "Only untreated lumber, dry and seasoned firewood may be used for fuel." … "continuously supervising the fire"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Burning yard waste:** Category 2 open fire (residential and garden refuse): pile not over 2 m high and 3 m wide, supervised until completely extinguished. Backyard burning of garbage and other prohibited materials is not allowed. Category 3 (industrial, commercial, lot clearing) needs a provincial burn registration number.
  - Source: [Open Burning, Burning Permits / Residential and Open Burning Regulations](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/)
  - Official wording: "pile does not exceed 2m in height and 3m in width" … "any fire must be supervised until completely extinguished" … "backyard burning of garbage and other “prohibited materials” is not allowed under provincial law" … "Burn registration number required, obtained from the Province of BC by calling 1 888 797-1717."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Permit:** The page says a permit is required for all Category 2 and 3 open fires from October 1 to May 15. Permits are free: call 250-674-1278 (the Fire Chief inspects the site) or email the completed form to firechief@docbc.ca. The ticket schedule lists failing to get a burning permit before lighting an open fire of any category. (Sources differ: The page limits the permit requirement to October 1 to May 15, while the ticket schedule (Bylaw 221 Schedule 5, citing Bylaw 233 s. 9.1) lists no seasonal limit. Bylaw 233 itself could not be read, so the two could not be reconciled.)
  - Source: [Open Burning, Burning Permits](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/)
  - Official wording: "Requirement for all Category 2 and Category 3 Open Fires between October 1st until of May 15th of any year." … "Burning Permits are free of charge. To obtain one, call 250.674.1278"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 5](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Fail to obtain Burning Permit prior to lighting an" … "Open Fire – any Category"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fire bans:** Before lighting any fire, check the current fire bans for the Kamloops Fire Centre (BC Wildfire Service), the ventilation index and the danger rating. Municipalities may follow BC Wildfire Service prohibitions or impose their own. Questions on a District prohibition: Fire Department, 250-674-1278, firechief@docbc.ca. Report open burning violations inside the District by dialling 911.
  - Source: [Open Burning, Burning Permits / notice](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/)
  - Official wording: "Before lighting a fire, please check the red links below for information" … "Current fire bans in the Kamloops Fire Centre" … "Municipalities often follow BC Wildfire Service prohibitions or may impose different prohibitions" … "dial 911"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Instead of burning:** Residential yard waste is free to drop off at the TNRD Clearwater Eco-Depot, 290 Road 2A FSR, Tuesday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year round.
  - Source: [Clearwater Eco-Depot, Thompson-Nicola Regional District](https://www.tnrd.ca/services/garbage-recycling/depot-services-waste-drop-off/clearwater-eco-depot/)
  - Official wording: "Yard Waste | Residential: Free to Recycle" … "Address: 290 Road 2A FSR" … "Tuesday"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: outdoor burning during a restriction or ban, or when prohibited, $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days); campfire contrary to Schedule C $500 ($400); Category 2 or 3 burning contrary to Schedule D $250 ($200) or $1,000 ($750); no burning permit $250 ($200).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedule 5 (Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Outdoor burning during restrictions or ban" … "Outdoor burning when prohibited" … "Campfire contrary to Schedule c" … "Burning contrary to Schedule D Category 2" … "Fail to obtain Burning Permit prior to lighting an"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Amendment 297, 2024](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District's [Open Burning page](<https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/>) and [Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/42056/>) set the rules.

- **Campfire:** an open fire burning wood in one pile no bigger than 0.5 m high and 0.5 m wide. The fire pit must be at least 5 m from property lines, buildings, trees, shrubs and other combustibles. Use untreated dry firewood only (no leaves, grass or garden waste). Someone must attend it at all times with extinguishing equipment.
- **Category 2 open fire** (residential and garden refuse): pile not over 2 m high and 3 m wide, supervised until completely extinguished. Backyard burning of garbage and other prohibited materials is not allowed.
- **Category 3** (industrial, commercial, lot clearing): needs a provincial burn registration number.

## Steps

1. Check the current fire bans for the Kamloops Fire Centre (BC Wildfire Service), the ventilation index and the danger rating. Municipalities may follow BC Wildfire Service prohibitions or impose their own.
2. For Category 2 or 3, get a free burning permit: call the Fire Chief at 250-674-1278 (the Fire Chief inspects the site) or email the completed form to firechief@docbc.ca.

## Good to know

- The page says a permit is required for all Category 2 and 3 fires from October 1 to May 15. The ticket schedule lists no season for the permit, so confirm with the Fire Chief.
- Bylaw 233 itself could not be read; the pit rules above come from the District's page.
- Yard waste can go to the free drop-off at the TNRD Clearwater Eco-Depot instead (see the yard waste answer).
- Municipal tickets ([MTI Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>)): burning during a restriction or ban, or when prohibited, $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days); campfire contrary to Schedule C $500 ($400); Category 2 or 3 contrary to Schedule D $250 ($200) or $1,000 ($750); no burning permit $250 ($200).
- Breaking a provincial open burning prohibition can bring a $1,150 ticket from BC Wildfire Service.

## Official forms and pages

- [Open Burning, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/)
- [Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/42056/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/backyard-fire.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/backyard-fire.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/backyard-fire.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/backyard-fire.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/backyard-fire.md)
- [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Open Burning, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/open-burning/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/42056/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Clearwater Eco-Depot, Thompson-Nicola Regional District](https://www.tnrd.ca/services/garbage-recycling/depot-services-waste-drop-off/clearwater-eco-depot/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire/_


---

---
title: Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work
question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Clearwater?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.json"
---

# Clearwater bylaw fines and how tickets work

**Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Clearwater?

**Short answer:** Clearwater issues bylaw tickets as Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) under Bylaw No. 221. Examples: noise $100, dog at large $100, unsightly property $250, outdoor burning during a ban $1,000. Pay within 30 days for the reduced fine. Dispute within 14 days.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** See Good to know for common fines.  
**How long:** Reduced fine if paid within 30 calendar days of receipt. Dispute within 14 days.  
**Where:**
- In person: District of Clearwater front counter, Dispute in person or mail a Notice of Dispute (Phone 250-674-2257.)
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-674-2257 (Complaints must be in writing or on the online form, with your name and phone number. Email bylaw@docbc.ca.)

## Key facts

- **How tickets work:** The District uses Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) under Bylaw No. 221. A designated bylaw enforcement officer (for example Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Control Officer, Fire Chief, RCMP officer, depending on the bylaw) may issue a ticket. Fines are in the bylaw's schedules.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
  - Official wording: "Designated Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue ticket for bylaw infraction." … "Fines are outlined in Bylaw schedule."
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, s. 2.1 and 2.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "The bylaws listed in Column 1 of Schedule 1 to this Bylaw may be enforced by means" … "are designated as bylaw enforcement officers"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Common fines:** MTI Bylaw 221: noise $100; dog at large or off leash $100; unsightly property $250; use of vehicle as living quarters $100; parking on a sidewalk $50; outdoor burning during a ban $1,000; business without a licence $100. Amounts are the full fine.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, Schedules 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Noise disturbance from private property" … "Animal at large" … "Accumulation of vegetation, noxious weeds" … "Use vehicle as living quarters" … "Business carried on without Licence" … "Outdoor burning during restrictions or ban"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Paying early:** The reduced fine in Column 4 of each schedule applies if the ticket is paid within 30 calendar days of receipt (often 75% of the full fine; for example $75 instead of $100, $200 instead of $250).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, s. 3.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "are the discounted fines pursuant to section 265(2) of the Community Charter" … "provided that the Municipal Ticket Information is paid within 30 calendar days upon receipt"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), Fines & Payments](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
  - Official wording: "Reduced fine if paid within 30 days of issuance of ticket."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Paying late:** Not confirmed. No late-payment increase is stated in what was read.
- **Disputing a ticket:** Dispute within 14 days of the ticket, in person at the District front counter or by mailing a Notice of Dispute. Only the person who received the ticket can dispute it. Disputed tickets go to Provincial Court, and you are notified by mail of the hearing. No adjudication fee is mentioned.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), Dispute a ticket](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
  - Official wording: "Dispute within 14 days or the option will no longer be available." … "Only the individual who received the ticket is eligible to submit a dispute." … "Disputed tickets are referred to Provincial Court for Hearing."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019, s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as “District of Clearwater Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District uses Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) under [Bylaw No. 221](<https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/>). A designated bylaw enforcement officer (for example the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Control Officer, Fire Chief or an RCMP officer, depending on the bylaw) may issue a ticket. Fines are in the bylaw's schedules.

## Good to know

- **Common fines (full amount):** noise $100; dog at large or off leash $100; unsightly property $250; use of a vehicle as living quarters $100; parking on a sidewalk $50; outdoor burning during a ban $1,000; business without a licence $100.
- **Early payment:** the reduced fine in Column 4 of each schedule applies if the ticket is paid within 30 calendar days of receipt, often 75% of the full fine (for example $75 instead of $100, $200 instead of $250).
- **Late payment:** no increase is stated. The District's [MTI page](<https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/>) says outstanding tickets are referred to Provincial Court for consideration by a justice.
- **Dispute:** within 14 days of the ticket, in person at the District front counter or by mailing a Notice of Dispute. Only the person who received the ticket can dispute it. Bring the ticket or its number, your full name and mailing address, the date of the offence, and the bylaw name and section. Disputed tickets go to Provincial Court; you are notified by mail of the hearing.

## Official forms and pages

- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.md)
- [Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Clearwater unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property.md)
- [Clearwater backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire.md)
- [Clearwater RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking.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)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/bylaw-fines.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Enderby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Revelstoke](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/revelstoke/bylaw-fines.md)

## Sources

- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information (MTI), District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/residents/municipal-ticketing-information-mti/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Bylaws, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/municipal-hall/bylaws/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines/_


---

---
title: "Clearwater business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a business licence in Clearwater, and how do I get one?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence.json"
---

# Clearwater business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a business licence in Clearwater, and how do I get one?

**Short answer:** Yes, anyone carrying on a business in the District of Clearwater needs a licence. Most businesses pay $100 a year. Apply in person at 209 Dutch Lake Road or by email to admin@docbc.ca. A licence runs January 1 to December 31.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Most businesses (service category), home based, professional office, non-resident and bed and breakfast: $100 a year. Financial institution $200, liquor outlet $250, second hand dealer $200, cannabis retail or production $1,000. Halved after July 31.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- In person: District of Clearwater office, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Email: District of Clearwater office, admin@docbc.ca
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Anyone carrying on a business in the District. Not covered: registered societies and charities without regular commercial business, occasional non-profit fund-raising, residential rentals under the Residential Tenancy Act, farm businesses, government activity, and garage sales under four days a year.
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), ss. 3.1, 2.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "A person must not engage in or carry on a business within the District unless that" … "(c) rental of a single-family dwelling or duplex where the rental agreement is" … "(f) Garage or Yard Sales held less than four (4) days per year"
  - Source: [Business Licenses, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/)
  - Official wording: "Any person owning or operating a business within the District of Clearwater must obtain an annual Business Licence"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fee:** Most businesses (service category) $100 a year; home based business $100; professional office $100; non-resident business $100; bed and breakfast $100; financial institution $200; liquor outlet $250; second hand dealer $200; cannabis retail or production $1,000. Halved after July 31.
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), Schedule A](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "1. SERVICE All businesses except those identified in $100.00" … "4. FINANCIAL Banks, Credit Unions, Trust Companies, $200.00" … "6. LIQUOR OUTLETS Pubs, Lounges, Cabarets, Liquor Stores, $250.00" … "12. CANNABIS RETAIL As defined in Section 2 (Bylaw No. 213, 2019) $1,000.00" … "by 50% for a person who obtains a Licence after July 31st in any year;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How to apply:** Complete the Business Licence Application and return it, with fees, in person to 209 Dutch Lake Road or by email to admin@docbc.ca. The Licence Inspector may issue a licence when satisfied the business can operate safely and follow District bylaws.
  - Source: [Business Licenses, District page](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/)
  - Official wording: "To apply to a business licence, complete the Business Licence Application- return in person to 209 Dutch Lake Road or by email to Admin@docbc.ca."
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), s. 4.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "Licence on being satisfied that the Applicant can operate the business in a safe"
  - Source: [Business Licence Application, Application form, office-use section](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Business-Licence-Application-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building Inspector Approval" … "Is Proposed Business Use Permitted" … "Fire Inspection Required"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Renewal:** A licence runs January 1 to December 31. Renewal invoices are sent before the end of December; renew with the fee by January 31. After January 31 a late fee of $25 is added.
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), ss. 3.9, 5.1 to 5.3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "Business Licences shall be deemed effective from January 1st to December 31st" … "submit to the District a renewal form/invoice together with the annual licence fee" … "a late payment fee of $25.00."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Inter-community licence:** Yes. The Inter-Community Business Licence (ICBL) for mobile businesses working in two or more partner communities costs $75 (Bylaw 267, from January 1, 2023). Partners may include Barriere, Chase, Kamloops, Lillooet, Logan Lake, Merritt and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. A primary licence in a partner community is required first.
  - Source: [Business Licenses, District page, Inter-Community Business Licence](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/)
  - Official wording: "Partnering communities may include Barriere, Chase, Kamloops, Lillooet, Logan Lake, Merritt, and" … "including cost ($75.00) and how to apply." … "An ICBL is a secondary business licence which means to apply for an ICBL you must first have a primary business licence in one of our partner communities."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days) for carrying on a business without a licence. The same amounts apply to failing to renew a licence.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024), Schedule 4; s. 3.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Business carried on without Licence 3.1 100 75" … "Failure to renew Licence 3.2 100 75" … "the discounted fines pursuant to section 265(2) of the Community Charter for the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

Under the [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/), anyone carrying on a business in the District must hold a licence. Not covered: registered societies and charities without regular commercial business, occasional non-profit fund-raising, residential rentals under the Residential Tenancy Act, farm businesses, government activity, and garage sales under four days a year.

Fees (Schedule A) are $100 a year for most businesses, home based businesses, professional offices, non-resident businesses and bed and breakfasts. A financial institution is $200, a liquor outlet $250, a second hand dealer $200, and cannabis retail or production $1,000. Fees are halved for a licence obtained after July 31. Lodging, special events and some other categories have other fees; ask the District.

A licence runs January 1 to December 31. It is tied to the business premises and is not transferable.

## Steps

1. Complete the Business Licence Application.
2. Return it with the fee in person to 209 Dutch Lake Road, or by email to admin@docbc.ca.
3. The Licence Inspector may issue the licence once satisfied the business can operate safely and follow District bylaws. The form's office-use box checks zoning, whether a building permit is needed and whether a fire inspection is needed.
4. To renew, pay by January 31. Renewal invoices are sent before the end of December. After January 31 a $25 late fee is added.

## Good to know

- **Inter-Community Business Licence (ICBL):** for mobile businesses working in two or more partner communities, $75 (Bylaw 267, from January 1, 2023). Partners may include Barriere, Chase, Kamloops, Lillooet, Logan Lake, Merritt and Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc. You need a primary licence in a partner community first.
- **Fine:** operating without a licence, or failing to renew, is a municipal ticket of $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days). Bylaw 124 also allows penalties under the Offence Act, with each day a separate offence.
- Bylaw 124 is consolidated only to 2019, so fees may have changed.

## Official forms and pages

- [Business Licence Application (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Business-Licence-Application-2025.pdf)
- [Business Licenses, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.md)
- [Clearwater short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/business-licence.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/business-licence.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/business-licence.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/business-licence.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/business-licence.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licenses, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Business Licence Application (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Business-Licence-Application-2025.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence/_


---

---
title: Clearwater home-based business rules
question: "Can I run a business from my home?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Clearwater
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.json"
---

# Clearwater home-based business rules

**Question:** Can I run a business from my home?

**Short answer:** Yes, in Clearwater a home based business is allowed in the RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP-1 and MX-1 zones if it meets the Zoning Bylaw rules. You also need a District business licence, $100 a year.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Clearwater, https://www.districtofclearwater.com)  
**Cost:** Business licence for a home based business: $100 a year, halved for a licence obtained after July 31.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- In person: District of Clearwater office, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257
- Email: District of Clearwater office, admin@docbc.ca

## Key facts

- **Allowed:** Yes, as an accessory use in the RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP-1 and MX-1 zones, if it meets s. 5.18. In the R-3 zone there may be no non-resident employees and no customers at the premises.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.18; zones](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "Home based business where expressly permitted in this Bylaw as an accessory use must:" … "e) home based business; and f) secondary suite." … "home based business subject to there being no non-resident employees and no customers" … "b) accessory building; c) home based business; d) amenity areas for the use of the manufactured home park" … "v) accessory building; w) secondary suite; and x) home based business."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Business licence:** Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the District must hold a licence. Home based business (services, contractors, professional services): $100 a year, halved for a licence obtained after July 31.
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), s. 3.1; Schedule A, category 5 and s. 2(a)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "A person must not engage in or carry on a business within the District unless that" … "5. HOME BASED BUSINESS Services, Contractors, Professional Services $100.00" … "by 50% for a person who obtains a Licence after July 31st in any year;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Limits:** Carried out primarily by residents, inside the dwelling; no more than one non-resident full-time employee or two part-time; no exterior change to the building except a sign; no outside storage or operations (except greenhouse, agriculture, nursery); no noise, dust, smell or nuisance; 1 customer parking space (Table 3).
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.18(a)-(e); Table 3](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "a) be carried out primarily by residents of the property and except as specifically permitted" … "b) have no more than one non-resident full time employee or two part-time" … "d) have no exterior storage of materials or commodities on the subject lot and no exterior" … "Home Based Business 1 customer parking space"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Businesses not allowed:** Vehicle, engine, heavy equipment, trailer or boat sale, repair or servicing; trucking or commercial storage; sawmills; industrial or hazardous use; welding; stables, commercial kennels, animal breeding; retail or wholesale of goods not produced on the lot; pawnbrokers and resale outlets; dry cleaning or laundry; restaurants, pubs, assembly or entertainment; cannabis retail.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.18(f)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "f) not involve any of the following uses or associated activities:" … "v. welding;" … "vii. retail or wholesale of goods not produced on the lot;" … "xi. cannabis retail."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** District of Clearwater Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.18; Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The [Zoning Bylaw No. 133](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) allows a home based business as an accessory use in the RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP-1 and MX-1 zones. In the R-3 zone there may be no non-resident employees and no customers at the premises.

A home based business is an occupation, craft or profession carried out primarily by residents as an accessory use. Under section 5.18 it must:
- be carried on inside the dwelling
- have no more than one non-resident full-time employee or two part-time
- make no exterior change to the building except a sign
- have no outside storage or operations (except greenhouse, agriculture and nursery)
- cause no noise, dust, smell or nuisance
- provide 1 customer parking space

Not allowed as a home based business: vehicle, engine, heavy equipment, trailer or boat sale, repair or servicing; trucking or commercial storage; sawmills; industrial or hazardous use; welding; stables, commercial kennels and animal breeding; retail or wholesale of goods not produced on the lot; pawnbrokers and resale outlets; dry cleaning or laundry; restaurants, pubs, assembly or entertainment; and cannabis retail.

## Steps

1. Confirm your zone allows it (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Complete the Business Licence Application and return it with the fee to 209 Dutch Lake Road, or email admin@docbc.ca.
3. Anyone carrying on a business in the District must hold a licence under the [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/).

## Good to know

- Child care or preschool as a home based business is allowed up to 10 children and needs onsite parking (s. 5.19).
- We found no limit on floor area.
- Bylaw 124 is consolidated only to 2019, so the fee may have changed. Confirm with the District.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016, s. 5.18 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
- [Business Licence Application (PDF)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Business-Licence-Application-2025.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence.md)
- [Clearwater short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental.md)
- [Clearwater zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/home-based-business.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/home-based-business.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/home-based-business.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/home-based-business.md)
- [Sicamous](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sicamous/home-based-business.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/home-based-business.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 224, 2019)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Business Licenses, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/business-services/business-licenses/) (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 District of Clearwater. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business/_


---

---
title: Clearwater short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)
question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Clearwater?"
place: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/clearwater
category: Housing and renting
owner: shared
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental.json"
---

# Clearwater short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)

**Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Clearwater?

**Short answer:** In Clearwater the District had adopted no short-term rental bylaw as of April 8, 2026. You need a District business licence, and may need a Temporary Use Permit. The Province also requires hosts to register; the provincial principal-residence rule does not apply here.

**Who handles it:** More than one level of government  
**Cost:** Provincial registration: $100 a year for your principal residence, $450 a year for a secondary unit. The District's short-term rental licence fee was not found; a bed and breakfast licence is $100 a year.  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- In person: District of Clearwater office, 209 Dutch Lake Road, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fees are paid in person.)
- Phone: District of Clearwater office, 250-674-2257
- Phone: TNRD Planning (contracted by the District), 250-377-8673 (Email planning@tnrd.ca, for a Temporary Use Permit.)

## Key facts

- **Allowed:** No short-term rental bylaw had been adopted as of April 8, 2026. A bed and breakfast (operator lives in the same dwelling unit) is an accessory use in RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1 and R-2. The OCP policy allows short-term rentals only in the host's principal residence or an accessory suite, with a District business licence; a Temporary Use Permit may also be needed.
  - Source: [District of Clearwater Statement on Short-Term Rentals (April 8, 2026), District statement, April 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/district-of-clearwater-statement-on-short-term-rentals/)
  - Official wording: "no new short-term rental bylaw package has yet been adopted by Council." … "If the accommodation is a separate whole home, separate self-contained suite, or detached dwelling unit, it is generally not a bed and breakfast under the current bylaw framework."
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Information Page and Application Package Now Available (May 8, 2026), District notice, May 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/short-term-rental-information-page-and-application-package-now-available/)
  - Official wording: "A Temporary Use Permit is a land use approval." … "A Business Licence is an operating approval."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.16; s. 8.1.2](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "Bed and breakfast use, where permitted in this Bylaw, must comply with the following"
  - Source: [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), Tourism policy k](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/)
  - Official wording: "Short-term rentals are permitted only within the host’s principal residence or an accessory" … "residential suite located on the same property (such as a basement suite), provided the operator" … "obtains and maintains a valid business licence from the District."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Business licence:** Yes. The District says a business licence is an operating approval for a short-term rental and does not replace a Temporary Use Permit if one is needed. The short-term rental fee was not found; Bylaw 124 lists bed and breakfast at $100 a year.
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Information Page and Application Package Now Available (May 8, 2026), District notice, May 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/short-term-rental-information-page-and-application-package-now-available/)
  - Official wording: "A business licence does not replace a required Temporary Use Permit."
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated), Schedule A, category 15](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "15. BED AND BREAKFAST As defined in Section 2.1 $100.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Provincial registration:** Yes. The Province requires hosts to register; each unit needs its own registration number. Fee: $100 a year for the host's principal residence, $450 a year for a secondary unit. Clearwater is on the Province's list of exempt communities, so the provincial principal residence requirement does not apply here.
  - Source: [Short-term rentals, principal residence requirement, Province of BC, Province page, registration and exempt list](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)
  - Official wording: "Each short-term rental unit requires its own registration number." … "Fee: $100 annually" … "Fee: $450 annually" … "Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement"
  - Source: [District of Clearwater Statement on Short-Term Rentals (April 8, 2026), District statement, April 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/district-of-clearwater-statement-on-short-term-rentals/)
  - Official wording: "The Province now requires hosts to register, requires compliance with local bylaws and business licensing"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Operating rules:** Bed and breakfast (zoning s. 5.16): within the operator's own dwelling unit, up to 8 guests and 4 sleeping units, no cooking facilities in guest rooms, 1 parking space for each bedroom used, no guest stay over 60 days in a calendar year. For other short-term rentals the District says the licence covers local contact, listing information and licence number display.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), s. 5.16](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "a) accommodation may be provided for not more than eight (8) persons as part of the bed" … "c) a maximum of four (4) sleeping units can be used for the bed and breakfast;" … "e) one (1) onsite parking space must be provided for each bedroom used; and" … "f) no bed and breakfast guest shall stay within the same dwelling unit for more than 60 days"
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Information Page and Application Package Now Available (May 8, 2026), District notice, May 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/short-term-rental-information-page-and-application-package-now-available/)
  - Official wording: "It reviews the operator and business operation, including local contact information, listing information, licence number display, and ongoing operating requirements."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** No short-term rental ticket exists. Operating without a business licence: municipal ticket $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days).
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024), Schedule 4](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/)
  - Official wording: "Business carried on without Licence 3.1 100 75" … "the discounted fines pursuant to section 265(2) of the Community Charter for the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** No short-term rental bylaw adopted as of April 8, 2026 (a Temporary Use Permit and business licence application process was announced May 8, 2026). Applicable: Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014; Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (s. 5.16); Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118, 2014.
  - Source: [District of Clearwater Statement on Short-Term Rentals (April 8, 2026), District statement, April 8, 2026](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/district-of-clearwater-statement-on-short-term-rentals/)
  - Official wording: "no new short-term rental bylaw package has yet been adopted by Council." … "At this time, no new short-term rental bylaw package has yet been adopted by Council."
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated), s. 1.1](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
  - Official wording: "District of Clearwater Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025), cover](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW NO. 133, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

As of April 8, 2026 the District had adopted no short-term rental bylaw. On May 8, 2026 it announced a short-term rental information page and an application package for a Temporary Use Permit and business licence. We could not read that page, which returned an error on 2026-11-08, so ask the District for current rules.

What we can confirm:
- **Business licence:** the District says a business licence is an operating approval for a short-term rental. It does not replace a Temporary Use Permit if one is needed. For other short-term rentals, the licence covers local contact, listing information and licence number display. See the business-licence answer.
- **Bed and breakfast:** an accessory use in the RL-1, SH-1, CR-1, R-1 and R-2 zones, if the operator lives in the same dwelling unit. Limits (Zoning Bylaw s. 5.16): up to 8 guests and 4 sleeping units, no cooking facilities in guest rooms, 1 parking space for each bedroom used, and no guest stay over 60 days in a calendar year.
- **OCP policy:** the Official Community Plan says short-term rentals should be allowed only in the host's principal residence or an accessory suite on the same property, with a valid business licence.
- **Province:** hosts must register with the Province, and each unit needs its own registration number. It costs $100 a year for the host's principal residence and $450 a year for a secondary unit. Clearwater is on the Province's list of exempt communities, so the provincial principal residence requirement does not apply here. Local bylaws and licences still apply.

## Steps

1. Call the District office (250-674-2257) to ask about the current short-term rental process and fees.
2. Get a District business licence. Fees are paid in person at the District office.
3. Ask TNRD Planning (250-377-8673) whether you also need a Temporary Use Permit.
4. Register with the Province and show your registration number in your listing.

## Good to know

- A Bylaw 124 bed and breakfast licence is $100 a year. That bylaw has no short-term rental category, so the short-term rental fee is not confirmed.
- The Temporary Use Permit fee in Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118 is $1,500, but the documents we read do not say it applies to short-term rentals.
- Operating without a business licence is a municipal ticket of $100 ($75 if paid within 30 days). There is no ticket specific to short-term rentals. Provincial penalties are separate.

## Official forms and pages

- [District statement on short-term rentals (April 8, 2026)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/district-of-clearwater-statement-on-short-term-rentals/)
- [Short-term rental information page and application package notice (May 8, 2026)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/short-term-rental-information-page-and-application-package-now-available/)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/)
- [Short-term rentals, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)

## Related questions

- [Clearwater business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence.md)
- [Clearwater home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.md)
- [Clearwater secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md)
- [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/short-term-rental.md)
- [Sun Peaks](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/short-term-rental.md)
- [Chase](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/short-term-rental.md)
- [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/short-term-rental.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/short-term-rental.md)
- [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/short-term-rental.md)

## Sources

- [District of Clearwater Statement on Short-Term Rentals (April 8, 2026)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/district-of-clearwater-statement-on-short-term-rentals/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Short-Term Rental Information Page and Application Package Now Available (May 8, 2026)](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/short-term-rental-information-page-and-application-package-now-available/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 133, 2016 (PDF, consolidated to April 1, 2025)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/105297/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 124, 2014 (PDF, consolidated)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/56496/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Official Community Plan (PDF, 2026), District of Clearwater](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/107122/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 221, 2019 (PDF, consolidated to September 2024)](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/28332/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Short-term rentals, 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)
- [Planning Department, District of Clearwater](https://www.districtofclearwater.com/developers/planning-department/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Development Procedures Bylaw No. 118 (PDF), Schedule A fees](https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/24118/) (read 2026-11-08)

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