# Gov Handbook: Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada

> 19 answers about local government in Clearwater. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/llms-full.txt

## Building, renovating and your property

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

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Clearwater dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md): 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.
- [Clearwater rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs.md): 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.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.md): 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.
- [Clearwater backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens.md): 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.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Clearwater RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): 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.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

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

## Starting and running a business

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

## Housing and renting

- [Clearwater short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental.md): 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.

## Zoning

- [All 17 zones in Clearwater, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St