# Gov Handbook: Coldstream, British Columbia, Canada

> 24 answers about local government in Coldstream. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/llms-full.txt

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Coldstream building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit.md): In Coldstream you need a District building permit before you build, alter, demolish, move or change the use of a building, unless the work is exempt (for example a hazard-free shed under 10 m² or a fence). Fill in the Building Permit Application Package from the District website.
- [Coldstream fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/fence-rules.md): In Coldstream a fence needs no building permit, but it must meet the Zoning Bylaw. On residential lots the limit is 1.2 m along the front and exterior lot lines and 2 m along the rear and interior lot lines. A retaining wall over 1.2 m high needs a building permit.
- [Coldstream permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Coldstream a shed or other accessory building under 10 m² needs no building permit if it creates no hazard and meets zoning. At 10 m² or more you need one. A deck needs a permit only if its surface is 0.6 m or more above the ground at any point. Garages and carports need a permit.
- [Coldstream building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit-fees.md): In Coldstream the building permit fee is $12 for each $1,000 of the value of the work, plus a non-refundable application fee of $50, $100 or $150 depending on the value, and a $1,200 security deposit. The District's two sources disagree on when the deposit is paid.
- [Coldstream zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/zoning-lookup.md): To find your zone in Coldstream, use the RDNO Interactive Map linked from the District's Zoning & Mapping page, or Schedule B, the Zoning Bylaw Map. Then read your zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 1838, 2024. Ask Planning for the most recent mapping.
- [Coldstream secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/secondary-suite.md): In Coldstream a secondary suite (20.5 m² to 90 m², inside the main building) is a permitted use in the A1, A2, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R99 zones, and some others. Carriage houses and garden suites are allowed in R1, and in some other zones only on larger lots. You need a building permit.
- [Coldstream tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/tree-removal.md): In Coldstream you need a District permit to cut a protected tree over 5 m tall on a parcel of 0.5 ha or more outside the Agricultural Land Reserve. A development permit is also needed to clear vegetation in a riparian area or within 30 m of a watercourse or wetland.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Coldstream garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/garbage-collection.md): The District of Coldstream does not offer a curbside garbage collection program. Residents hire a private contractor. Curbside recycling is provided through Recycle BC, not the District. The RDNO runs landfill and transfer-station drop-off.
- [Coldstream yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/yard-waste.md): Coldstream has no regular curbside yard waste collection. Residential yard and garden waste can be dropped off free at the Greater Vernon Landfill, 120 Birnie Road (RDNO). The District also runs a free seasonal curbside Wood Chipping Initiative for woody debris, by registration.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Coldstream watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/water-restrictions.md): Yes. Coldstream water is run by Greater Vernon Water (RDNO). Year-round restrictions at the Normal stage apply at all times: sprinkling lawns up to 3 days a week by odd or even address. The RDNO can tighten to Stages 1 to 4. Check rdno.ca/restrictions for the current stage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Coldstream dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/dog-licence.md): In Coldstream, dog licences come from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), not the District. Every dog three months or older needs one. The fee is $25 a year, with no separate rate for spayed or neutered dogs.
- [Coldstream dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/dog-leash-rules.md): In Coldstream, a dog away from its owner's property must be on a leash of 2 metres or less, unless it is in a signed dog park. Off-leash parks are Coldstream Valley Estates, Creekside, Lavington, Stenquist, Vi-Morphet and the designated area at Pumphouse Beach. A dog at large costs $150.
- [Coldstream rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/dangerous-dogs.md): In Coldstream, the RDNO Dog Control Bylaw covers aggressive and dangerous dogs. An Animal Control Officer decides whether a dog is aggressive or dangerous. Outside the home these dogs must be secured, and in public they must be on a leash of 1 metre or less and muzzled. Report to RDNO Dog Control at 250-541-3647.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Coldstream](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/how-many-pets.md): In Coldstream, you can keep no more than 3 dogs per owner on a lot. The RDNO Dog Control Bylaw sets that limit. We found no limit on cats. Backyard hens have their own limits in the District's Zoning Bylaw.
- [Coldstream backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/backyard-chickens.md): In Coldstream, you can keep hens in the urban R1 and R2 zones (up to 4) and the rural R3 and R4 zones (up to 6). No roosters in R1 and R2. No permit or registration for hens is stated. Rules are in the Zoning Bylaw.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Coldstream RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Coldstream, no vehicle may stay parked on a public road for more than 48 hours, and camping on any road is banned. On your lot, RV storage depends on lot size under the Zoning Bylaw. Parking over 48 hours is a $25 bylaw notice or $100 municipal ticket.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Coldstream noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/noise-rules.md): Coldstream's Noise Regulation Bylaw bans noise that disturbs neighbours at any hour and sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. Construction noise over the limits is restricted before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The ticket is $250. Call Bylaw Compliance at 250-550-1503.
- [Coldstream unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/unsightly-property.md): In Coldstream, report an unsightly property to the Bylaw Compliance Officer at 250-550-1503 or bylaw@coldstream.ca. The Unsightly Premises Bylaw bans rubbish, wrecked vehicles, brush and noxious weeds. A bylaw notice is $100; a municipal ticket is $50.
- [Coldstream backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/backyard-fire.md): In Coldstream, small contained fires, CSA-certified outdoor fireplaces and burning appliances are allowed without a permit, if there is no ban. Open burning of land clearing debris or agricultural material needs a permit and is not allowed on ordinary lots. Burning without a permit is a $200 ticket.
- [Coldstream fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/fireworks.md): No. In Coldstream no one may light fireworks unless authorized by a fireworks permit from the Protective Services Manager, and selling fireworks in the District is banned. Discharging without a permit is a $200 ticket.
- [Coldstream bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/bylaw-fines.md): Coldstream uses two ticket systems: bylaw notices (smaller amounts, with early and late amounts) and municipal tickets. For example, disturbing noise is $250 either way, and burning without a permit is $200 either way. The RDNO tickets dog and water offences.

## Starting and running a business

- [Coldstream business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in Coldstream, including a home-based or agricultural business, needs a District business licence for each business premises. Fees are set by business class, for example $60 for Home Crafts and $120 for a General Contractor. Apply with the District's online form.
- [Coldstream home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Coldstream an urban home-based business is permitted in all Residential zones (a home office only in apartments), and a rural one in all Rural zones. It must run from your principal residence, and you need a District business licence.

## Housing and renting

- [Coldstream short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/short-term-rental.md): In Coldstream, short-term rentals are allowed only as a Bed & Breakfast in your own primary residence, with a maximum of 2 bedrooms, in zones that list it. You need a District business licence, and the provincial rule applies: you must register with the Province.

## Zoning

- [All 24 zones in Coldstream, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St