# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Colwood --- title: "Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply" question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.json" --- # Colwood 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 Colwood you need a City building permit to build a new building or structure, or to alter, repair, move or demolish an existing one. Ordinary fences and low landscaping do not, but pool fences and retaining walls over 1.2 m do. Apply online or email building@colwood.ca. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Based on the value of the work, with a $100 application fee for work up to $200,000. See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The City's pages and Bylaw 977 do not state a processing time. An application is cancelled if the permit fee is not paid within six months. Ask Building Services for current timing. **Where:** - Email: Building Services, building@colwood.ca - Phone: Building Services, 250-478-5999 - Online: Building Permit Application (DocuSign form), https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/52a79a69272bcc343d2b36da569f9417 - In person: City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road, Victoria, BC V9C 1R1 (Colwood) (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Needed for:** A building permit is needed to construct a new building or structure, or to alter, reconstruct, demolish, remove, repair or relocate an existing one. A new deck, or structural changes to one, needs a permit. The bylaw also covers fences around swimming pools and retaining walls over 1.2 m high. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 2.1.4](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "No person shall construct a new building or structure, or alter, reconstruct, demolish, remove, repair or relocate an existing building or structure unless a building permit authorizing the work has been" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 1.1.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "the construction or alteration of a fence that encloses a swimming pool or pool ladder or access point" … "retaining walls over 1.2 metres in height" - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Decks](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "A building permit is required for a new deck or for structural alterations to an existing one." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not needed for:** No permit is needed to replace roofing materials. Bylaw 977 defines 'structure' to exclude landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures under 1.2 m high. The City's page says no permit for an accessory building under 10 m² (108 ft²) that creates no hazard, or for concrete patios on grade. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 2.1.4](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "but no permit shall be required for the replacement of roofing materials" … "excludes landscaping, fences, paving, and retaining structures less than 1.2 metres in height" - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Accessory Buildings](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "you are constructing an accessory building of less than 10m2 (108 ft2) in area and it does not create a hazard, a building permit is not required" … "You must still ensure full compliance with Colwood's Land Use bylaw" - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Decks](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "Concrete patios installed on grade do not require a permit." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Complete the online Building Permit Application (agents acting for an owner use the Building Permit and Agent Authorization Form). Building staff can help: building@colwood.ca or 250-478-5999. - Source: [Building Permits, How do I apply for a permit?](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) - Official wording: "Open the Building Permit Application. Follow the instructions on each form section and complete all applicable fields." … "If you are an agent acting on behalf of an owner please use this Building Permit and Agent Authorization Form." … "Get in touch with the Building Department at building@colwood.ca or phone 250-478-5999" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What to submit:** Application form (fee slip is issued after you submit). Minimum: certificate of title dated within 14 days, copies of City charges, covenants and rights of way, and construction plans with site plan. Other items by project: letters of assurance, energy report, sewerage filing, tree permit. Decks and sheds: site plan and BC Land Survey. - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Application Requirements](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "Completed Building permit application" … "Building Permit Fee" - Source: [Building Permits, What Plans are needed for different projects?](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) - Official wording: "will help you ensure you have all documents ready that will accompany the application" - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Accessory Buildings](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "In most cases, the owner is required to obtain a building permit prior to the construction of an accessory building, such as a shed or garage. If, however, you are constructing an accessory building of less than 10m2 (108 ft2) in area and it does not create a hazard, a building permit is not required. You must still ensure full compliance with Colwood's Land Use bylaw, such as setbacks to property line and lot coverage regulations. - Site Plan* - Roof Drawing - BC Land Survey - If you cannot locate the legal survey pins bounding your property, you may have to obtain a legal survey to identify the property and location of all existing and proposed buildings." … "- Example of Deck and Stair Details and Plan Requirements [PDF/398KB] - Site Plan* - BC Land Survey #### Accessory Buildings In most cases, the owner is required to obtain a building permit prior to the construction of an accessory building, such as a shed or garage. If, however, you are constructing an accessory building of less than 10m2 (108 ft2) in area and it does not create a hazard, a building permit is not required. You must still ensure full compliance with Colwood's Land Use bylaw, such as setbacks to property line and lot coverage regulations." - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 3.2.3.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "include two sets of drawings for one or two family dwellings and four sets of drawings for all other projects" - Source: [Building Permit Application Checklist, Minimum submission requirements](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/building_permit_application_checklist%202.pdf) - Official wording: "Dated within 14 days of application submission" … "Sealed/engineered pages combined with architectural pages" … "Fee slip will be provided after application submitted" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The City's pages and bylaw do not state how long a permit takes. - **Inspections:** Email building@colwood.ca (or call 250-478-5999). The City's sheet says requests must be received by 4:00 p.m. the day before the inspection. Bylaw 977 s. 2.2.5 requires at least 24 hours' notice to the Chief Building Inspector for each required field inspection. Addresses must be posted. - Source: [Building Permits, How do I book an inspection?](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) - Official wording: "For more information on booking an inspection, please contact the Building Department at building@colwood.ca or call 250-478-5999." - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 2.2.5](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Every owner shall give at least 24 hours notice to the Chief Building Inspector and obtain a field inspection of the work" … "after the forms for footings and foundations are constructed, but prior to placing of any concrete" - Source: [Required Inspections, Building Inspection sheet](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/lets-talk-colwood/Required_Inspections.pdf) - Official wording: "Inspection requests must be received by 4:00 pm, the day before you require the inspection" … "PLEASE EMAIL building@colwood.ca for an inspection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Building Services (Building Department): building@colwood.ca, 250-478-5999. City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. - Source: [Contact Us, Building Services](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) - Official wording: "Contact Colwood Reception for General Enquiries and to be connected to City departments. ### Building Services Email: building@colwood.ca Phone: 250-478-5999 The Building Department works to protect people and property by ensuring that newly constructed and renovated buildings conform to codes and regulations. They provide permits, inspection services and advice on the City of Colwood Building Bylaw, BC Building Code and Land Use Bylaw issues. Read more about Building Permits and Inspections" … "### Visit us City of Colwood 3300 Wishart Road Victoria, BC V9C 1R1 (Get Directions) City Hall Hours of Operation:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008" … "A BYLAW FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE BUILDING CODE" … "(With amendments to January 22, 2024)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works [Building Bylaw 977](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) says a permit is needed to construct a new building or structure, or to alter, reconstruct, demolish, remove, repair or relocate an existing one. A new deck, or structural changes to one, needs a permit. The bylaw also covers fences around swimming pools and retaining walls over 1.2 m high. Plumbing work needs a separate plumbing permit. No permit is needed to replace roofing materials. The bylaw's definition of "structure" leaves out landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures under 1.2 m high. The City's Renovations page also says no permit is needed for an accessory building under 10 m² (108 ft²) that creates no hazard, or for concrete patios on grade. That 10 m² exemption is stated on the web page only, so confirm it with Building Services. ## Steps 1. Email building@colwood.ca or call 250-478-5999 if you are unsure which permits you need. Staff can help. 2. Complete the online Building Permit Application. An agent acting for an owner also uses the Building Permit and Agent Authorization Form. 3. Submit the minimum documents: a certificate of title dated within 14 days, copies of City charges, covenants and rights of way, and construction plans with a site plan. Some projects also need letters of assurance, an energy report, a sewerage filing or a tree permit. 4. The City issues a fee slip after you submit. Pay the fees; the permit is issued once required fees are paid. 5. Book inspections by emailing building@colwood.ca or calling 250-478-5999. ## Good to know - Inspection requests must reach the City by 4:00 p.m. the day before, according to its inspection sheet. The bylaw asks for at least 24 hours' notice to the Chief Building Inspector. Addresses must be posted. - Other items may be needed depending on the job, such as septic approval from Island Health, a hazardous material report for homes built before 1990, or a development or variance permit. - An incomplete application, or one whose permit fee is not paid within six months, is cancelled. - Colwood's pages and bylaw do not state how long a permit takes. Ask Building Services. ## What you'll need - Completed Building Permit Application (an agent also needs the Building Permit and Agent Authorization Form) - Certificate of title dated within 14 days - Copies of City charges, covenants and rights of way on the title - Construction plans with a site plan - For decks and sheds, a site plan and a BC Land Survey ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permits page](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) - [Building Permit Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/building_permit_application_checklist%202.pdf) - [Building Permit and Agent Authorization Form](https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/8d84b024585b2f2d052143a352ab8420) - [Property Information Request](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/application-forms/property-information-request) - [Building Bylaw 977 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees.md) - [Colwood permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Colwood secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/building-permit.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/building-permit.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/building-permit.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/building-permit.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permits, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) (read 2026-11-05) - [Renovations and Additions, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Permit Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/building_permit_application_checklist%202.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Required Inspections (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/lets-talk-colwood/Required_Inspections.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Contact Us, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit/_ --- --- title: "Colwood fence rules: permits and height limits" question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fence-rules.json" --- # Colwood 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 Colwood an ordinary fence does not need a building permit, but a fence around a swimming pool does, and so do retaining walls over 1.2 m. The bylaws we read set no general fence height limit; the only limits found are in the R4 zone. Confirm with the Building Department. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** No permit fee for an ordinary fence. A swimming pool and fence permit is $100. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@colwood.ca - Email: Planning (zoning), planning@colwood.ca - Phone: City Hall, 250-478-5999 ## Key facts - **Permit:** The Building Bylaw does not require a building permit for an ordinary fence: it defines 'structure' to exclude fences. A fence enclosing a swimming pool needs a building permit (pool and fence fee $100), as do retaining walls over 1.2 m high. Confirm with the Building Department. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 1.1.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "the construction or alteration of a fence that encloses a swimming pool or pool ladder or access point" … "retaining walls over 1.2 metres in height" … "excludes landscaping, fences, paving, and retaining structures less than 1.2 metres in height" … "Every application for a building permit for a fence enclosing a pool, ladder, or access point to a pool" - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.1(i)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "Swimming Pool, Pool and Fence $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Height, front yard:** The only stated limit is in the R4 zone: a fence within 5 m of the front lot lines of a through lot may be at most 1.3 m high. No general front-yard fence limit found. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 5.9.08(3) (R4 zone)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The maximum height of a fence within 5m of the front lines of a through lot shall be 1.3 m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Height, side and rear yards:** No general side or rear yard fence height limit found. R4 zone only: a fence on a rear lot line where a detached dwelling backs on to a park may be at most 5 m high, as the bylaw is written. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 5.9.08(4) (R4 zone)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The maximum height of a fence on a rear lot line where a detached dwelling use backs on to a park use shall be 5 m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** At an intersection of highways 6 m or more wide, no fence or other structure wider than 0.6 m may be placed within the sight triangle (6 m along each road boundary from the corner) if it blocks the view: an eye 0.9 m above one road must see an object 0.9 m above the other. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.12](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "shrub, plant, fence or other structure with horizontal dimension exceeding 0.6 m within the sight triangle" … "above an elevation such that an eye 0.9 m above the surface elevation of one highway cannot see an object" … "0.9 m above the surface elevation of the other highway" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "means the area formed by a triangle in the angle formed by the highway right of way boundaries or boundaries produced and two points on those boundaries 6m from the point of intersection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other rules:** Retaining walls: 1.2 m maximum; a series of walls must be spaced at a maximum 1:1 ratio of height to horizontal separation. Pool fences: close boarded lumber, chain link, solid masonry or 9 mm plywood; at least 1.5 m high; no more than 10 cm gap under it; openings 5 cm or less; self-latching gates. Nothing found on barbed wire or electric fences. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.20](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "No portion of a retaining wall may exceed a height of 1.2 meters." … "walls must be spaced at a maximum 1:1 ratio of height to horizontal separation" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 6.2.1 and 6.2.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Every fence and gate which encloses a pool shall be not less than 1.5 metres ( 4.9 feet) in height above the ground at any point" … "having no openings greater than 5cm (2 inches)" … "All gates to a pool shall be operated by self-latching spring hinge" … "Every pool shall be enclosed within a fence constructed of close boarded lumber, chain link wire, solid" … "clear the ground by not more than 10cm ( 4 inches) at any point" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (s. 2.1.12 sight triangle, s. 2.1.20 retaining walls, s. 5.9.08 R4 zone); Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008 (s. 1.1.3, Part 6 pools) - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.12, 2.1.20, 5.9.08](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works [Building Bylaw 977](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) does not require a building permit for an ordinary fence, because it defines "structure" to leave fences out. It does require a permit for a fence that encloses a swimming pool (the pool and fence fee is $100) and for retaining walls over 1.2 m high. Confirm with the Building Department for your project. [Land Use Bylaw 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) sets no general front, side or rear yard fence height limit that we found. The only fence heights stated are in the R4 zone: - A fence within 5 m of the front lot lines of a through lot may be at most 1.3 m high. - A fence on a rear lot line where a detached dwelling backs on to a park may be at most 5 m high, as the bylaw is written. That figure looks unusually high, so confirm it with Planning. Some other zones mention fences only as screening, such as a solid decorative fence at least 1.5 m high along lot lines. ## Steps 1. Check where your property line is before building (see the property lines answer). 2. Email building@colwood.ca or planning@colwood.ca, or call 250-478-5999, to confirm the rules for your zone and fence type. 3. For a pool fence or a retaining wall over 1.2 m, apply for a building permit. 4. Keep corners clear (see below). ## Good to know - At an intersection of roads 6 m or more wide, no fence or other structure wider than 0.6 m may block the view in the sight triangle (6 m along each road boundary from the corner). An eye 0.9 m above one road must see an object 0.9 m above the other. A bylaw notice for impairing visibility is $100, and a municipal ticket is $100. - Retaining walls: 1.2 m maximum. A series of walls must be spaced at a maximum 1:1 ratio of height to horizontal separation. - Pool fences must be close boarded lumber, chain link, solid masonry or 9 mm plywood, at least 1.5 m high, with no more than a 10 cm gap under it, openings of 5 cm or less, and self-latching gates. These rules apply to private pools, hot tubs and spas 0.6 m or deeper. A pool rim 1.5 m or more above grade needs only a fence around the ladder or access points. - The bylaws we read say nothing on how fence height is measured, or on barbed wire or electric fences. Ask the Building Department. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - [Building Bylaw 977 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) - [Colwood permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/fence-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/fence-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/fence-rules.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/fence-rules.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/fence-rules.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Permits, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Colwood permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Colwood permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage? **Short answer:** In Colwood a new deck, or structural changes to one, needs a City building permit, and so does a garage in most cases. The City says a shed under 10 m² (108 ft²) that creates no hazard needs no permit, but confirm that with the Building Department. Zoning setbacks still apply. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Based on the value of the work. See the building-permit-fees answer. **Where:** - Email: Building Department, building@colwood.ca - Phone: Building Services, 250-478-5999 - Online: Building Permit Application (DocuSign form), https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/52a79a69272bcc343d2b36da569f9417 ## Key facts - **Sheds:** The City says a permit is needed in most cases for a shed or other accessory building, but not for one under 10 m² (108 ft²) that creates no hazard. Building Bylaw 977 s. 2.1.4 itself requires a permit for any new structure, so check with the Building Department. Setbacks and lot coverage still apply. - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Accessory Buildings](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "In most cases, the owner is required to obtain a building permit prior to the construction of an accessory building, such as a shed or garage." … "you are constructing an accessory building of less than 10m2 (108 ft2) in area and it does not create a hazard, a building permit is not required" … "You must still ensure full compliance with Colwood's Land Use bylaw, such as setbacks to property line and lot coverage regulations." - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 2.1.4](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "No person shall construct a new building or structure, or alter, reconstruct, demolish, remove, repair" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Decks:** A building permit is required for a new deck or for structural alterations to an existing one. Wood decks are structures and must meet the BC Building Code and the Land Use Bylaw. Concrete patios on grade do not need a permit. - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Decks](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "A building permit is required for a new deck or for structural alterations to an existing one." … "Wood decks are considered structures and therefore must comply with the current BC Building Code and Colwood's Land Use Bylaw." … "Concrete patios installed on grade do not require a permit." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Garages and carports:** A garage is an accessory building, and in most cases a building permit is needed before building one. - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Accessory Buildings](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "In most cases, the owner is required to obtain a building permit prior to the construction of an accessory building, such as a shed or garage." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning limits:** Residential zones: accessory buildings total at most 60 m², at most 4 m high, at least 1 m from side and rear lot lines and from the house, and not within 15 m of the front lot line unless the front-yard setback is met. Corner lots have extra setbacks. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.06](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The total combined floor area of accessory buildings on any lot shall not exceed 60 m2" … "No accessory building shall be located less than 15 m from a front lot line unless it complies with the front yard requirements applicable to the principal building" … "No accessory building shall be located less than 1m from any principal building" … "An accessory building in a Residential or Multiple Family Residential Zone shall not exceed 4 m in height" … "No accessory building shall be located less than 1m from a side or rear lot line" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008; Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (s. 2.1.06) - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.06](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works **Deck.** A building permit is required for a new deck or for structural alterations to an existing one. Wood decks are structures and must meet the BC Building Code and the Land Use Bylaw. Concrete patios on grade do not need a permit. The pages we read state no deck height threshold. **Shed or other accessory building.** The City says a permit is needed in most cases, but not for one under 10 m² (108 ft²) that creates no hazard. That exemption is on a City web page only. [Building Bylaw 977](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (s. 2.1.4) itself requires a permit for any new structure, so check with the Building Department. **Garage.** A garage is an accessory building, and in most cases a building permit is needed before you build one. **Carport.** The City's pages do not discuss carports separately and no statement says whether one needs a permit. Ask the Building Department. ## Steps 1. Confirm your plans with the Building Department (building@colwood.ca or 250-478-5999). 2. Prepare a site plan and a BC Land Survey. Decks and sheds both need them. 3. Submit the online Building Permit Application and pay the fees. 4. Book inspections during construction by emailing building@colwood.ca. ## Good to know Even without a permit, setbacks and lot coverage still apply. In residential zones, [Land Use Bylaw 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) says: - Accessory buildings total at most 60 m² and at most 4 m high. - They must be at least 1 m from side and rear lot lines and from the house. - They may not be within 15 m of the front lot line unless the front-yard setback is met. - Corner lots have extra setbacks. Each zone also sets lot coverage, and zone rules may differ. An accessory building that contains a dwelling unit has different setbacks and heights. ## What you'll need - Site plan showing all existing and proposed structures, sizes and distances to property lines - BC Land Survey ## Official forms and pages - [Renovations and Additions page](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - [Example of Deck and Stair Details and Plan Requirements (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Example%20of%20Deck%20Stairs%20Details%20and%20Plan%20Requirements.pdf) - [Land Use Bylaw 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) - [Colwood building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees.md) - [Colwood fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/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) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Renovations and Additions, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Permits, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Colwood building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Colwood building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost? **Short answer:** A City of Colwood building permit costs $50 for work worth $1,000 or less. Above that it is $50 for the first $1,000, plus $12 per $1,000 for the next $99,000, $10 per $1,000 for the next $400,000 and $8 per $1,000 after that. The fee doubles if work starts before the permit. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Based on construction value, under Appendix A (Scale of Fees) of Building Bylaw 977. A non-refundable application fee of $100 (value up to $200,000) is included in the permit fee. **How long:** The application fee is paid when you apply. If the permit fee is not paid within six months of the application, the application is cancelled. **Where:** - Email: Building Services, building@colwood.ca - Phone: Building Services, 250-478-5999 ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** $50, for a permit with a construction value of $1,000 or less. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A.1(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "For permits $1,000.00 or less in value $50.00" - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.1(a)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "For permits $1,000.00 or less in value $50.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How the fee is worked out:** Based on construction value. Over $1,000: $50 for the first $1,000, plus $12 per $1,000 or part for the next $99,000, plus $10 per $1,000 or part for the next $400,000, plus $8 per $1,000 or part for the rest. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A.1(b)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "For permits in excess of $1,000.00, the fees shall be $50.00 for the first thousand, plus $12.00 per thousand or part for the next $99,000.00, plus $10.00 per thousand or part for the next $400,000.00, plus $8.00 per thousand, or part thereof, for the remainder." - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.2](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "The value of construction means the total construction cost minus land, development cost charges, but includes all professional fees and taxes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Application or plan review fee:** Non-refundable, paid when you apply, and included in the building permit fee: $100 for construction value of $200,000 or less; $1,000 above $200,000. Part 3 buildings over $1,000,000: 50% of the permit fee. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A.1(e)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Application Fee, non-refundable, included in Building Permit Fee" … "Permits with a construction value of $200,000 or less: $100.00" … "Permits with a construction value of more than $200,000 $1,000.00" … "Permits with construction value more than $1,000,000. = 50% of Permit Fee" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Application and review fees shall be paid at the time of Building Permit Application." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees:** Demolition or removal permit $250 plus deposits. Plumbing $17 per fixture. Swimming pool and fence $100. Re-inspection $50. Damage deposit for a house $1,000 to $5,000 maximum, by curb, sidewalk, boulevard, streetlights and street trees. Fee doubles if work starts before a permit. - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.3](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "The fee for a permit to demolish or remove a building from a lot shall be $250.00 plus deposits and fees as required." - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, B.1(a)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "For each fixture $17.00" - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.1(i)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "Swimming Pool, Pool and Fence $100.00" - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, D.3](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "the fee for such subsequent inspection shall be $50.00" - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, A.5](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "Curb and boulevard or less $1,000.00" … "MAXIMUM DEPOSIT - $5,000." - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A, D.1](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "the fee payable as determined in the above scale of fees shall be doubled" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to pay:** The application fee is paid when you apply; the City issues a fee slip after you submit. The permit is issued once required fees are paid. If the permit fee is not paid within six months of the application, the application is cancelled and the application fee is forfeited. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Application and review fees shall be paid at the time of Building Permit Application." - Source: [Renovations and Additions, Application Requirements](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) - Official wording: "When the permit is ready and the required fees have been paid, the permit will be issued" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), s. 3.2.5](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "where the permit fee has not been paid within six months after the date of the application, the application shall be cancelled and any application fee paid shall be forfeited" - Source: [Building Permit Application Checklist, Application submission](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/building_permit_application_checklist%202.pdf) - Official wording: "Fee slip will be provided after application submitted" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008, Appendix A (Scale of Fees), consolidated to January 22, 2024; also posted as 'Building Fees - Schedule A of the Building Bylaw' - Source: [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw, Appendix A](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 977" … "A. SCALE OF FEES - BUILDING PERMITS" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Appendix A, A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "SCALE OF FEES – BUILDING PERMITS" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The permit fee is based on the value of construction, which is the greater of the contract price or the Chief Building Inspector's value. For houses, Appendix A of [Building Bylaw 977](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) sets values per square foot: for example $125 for finished floor area, $65 unfinished, $50 for an attached garage, $40 for a carport and $55 for a sundeck. ## Fees - Value $1,000 or less: $50. - Over $1,000: $50 for the first $1,000, plus $12 per $1,000 (or part) for the next $99,000, plus $10 per $1,000 (or part) for the next $400,000, plus $8 per $1,000 (or part) for the rest. - Application fee, non-refundable, paid when you apply and included in the permit fee: $100 for construction value of $200,000 or less; $1,000 above $200,000. For Part 3 buildings over $1,000,000 it is 50% of the permit fee. - Permit extension: $50 (value up to $50,000) or $100. Revisions: $50 or $100. - Demolition or removal permit: $250 plus deposits. - Plumbing: $17 per fixture. - Swimming pool and fence: $100. - Re-inspection: $50. - Damage deposit for a house: $1,000 to $5,000 maximum, based on curb, sidewalk, boulevard, streetlights and street trees. ## Good to know - The fee doubles if work starts before a permit is issued. - The City issues a fee slip after you submit your application. The permit is issued once required fees are paid. - The schedule also lists a 5% reduction when an engineer or architect certifies the application, and a 50% refund (not less than the application fee) if a permit is cancelled before work starts. - Development cost charges are separate. Ask Building Services at building@colwood.ca. - The documents we read do not say which payment methods the City accepts. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permit fee schedule (Schedule A of Building Bylaw 977, PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) - [Building Bylaw 977 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit-fees.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/building-permit-fees.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/building-permit-fees.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/building-permit-fees.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/building-permit-fees.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Building Fees, Schedule A of the Building Bylaw (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Building%20Fees%20-%20Schedule%20A%20of%20the%20Building%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (read 2026-11-05) - [Renovations and Additions, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/renovations-additions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Permit Application Checklist (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/building_permit_application_checklist%202.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- title: "Colwood 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: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup.json" --- # Colwood zoning: find your zone and what it allows **Question:** How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it? **Short answer:** In Colwood, look up your property's zone on the City's online GIS map (Zoning & Development Areas layer), then read that zone's rules in Land Use Bylaw No. 151. A Property Information Request also gives zoning information for a property. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Building information requests are free to the property owner (Fees and Charges Bylaw, Schedule A). **Where:** - Online: Colwood GIS interactive map (Zoning and Development Areas), https://colwood.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html - Phone: Planning & Development Services, 250-294-8153 - Email: Planning & Development Services, planning@colwood.ca - Phone: City Hall, 250-478-5999 ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** Use Colwood's online GIS Maps (the Zoning & Development Areas layer). A Property Information Request also gives zoning information for a property. The zones are shown on Schedule A (Zoning Map) of the Land Use Bylaw. - Source: [Maps, Colwood GIS Interactive Map Tool](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/maps) - Official wording: "Use Colwood's GIS Maps to view and zoom in on:" … "Zoning & Development Areas" - Source: [Building Permits, How do I access information about my property?](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) - Official wording: "Complete and submit this Property Information Request to obtain information about the age of your house, the date of occupancy, zoning information" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 1.3.10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The location of the zones established by this Bylaw are shown on the said Schedule "A"." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning bylaw:** Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989, consolidated to August 24, 2026 - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Cover page](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" … "(With amendments to August 24, 2026)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What the zone controls:** Each zone sets permitted uses, number of residential buildings, building height, front, side and rear yard setbacks, lot coverage and subdivision sizes. Division 2 general rules (accessory buildings, home occupations, suites, parking) also apply. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 5.2.01 to 5.2.07 (AR1 zone, example)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "5.2.01 Permitted Uses" … "5.2.03 Height of Buildings" … "5.2.04 Yard Requirements" … "5.2.05 Lot Coverage" … "The relevant provisions of Division 2 of this Bylaw shall apply." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Planning & Development Services: planning@colwood.ca, 250-294-8153 (also reachable via City Hall 250-478-5999). - Source: [Development, Contact Us](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "please contact the Planning department at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca" - Source: [Contact Us, Planning & Development Services](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) - Official wording: "Manager of Parks: Gordon Beauvilier ### Planning & Development Services Email: planning@colwood.ca Phone: 2504785999 The Development Services Department ensures that new development land uses reflect the goals of the community and the best interests of the public.. The department is guided by the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, and ensures that projects are consistent with all City bylaws and policies. Read about Business & Development in Colwood" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Cover page](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Every property in Colwood has a zone set out in [Land Use Bylaw No. 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999), the City's zoning bylaw. The zones are shown on Schedule A (Zoning Map) of the bylaw. Each zone sets permitted uses, the number of residential buildings, building height, front, side and rear yard setbacks, lot coverage and subdivision sizes. General rules in Division 2 (accessory buildings, home occupations, suites, parking) also apply. Other zones differ, and Comprehensive Development zones have their own rules. ## Steps 1. Open the City's online GIS Maps and turn on the Zoning & Development Areas layer. Find your address to see the zone. 2. Open Land Use Bylaw No. 151 and find that zone's section for permitted uses and the size and siting rules. 3. For zoning information on a specific property, file a Property Information Request. Building information requests are free to the owner. 4. Ask Planning & Development Services (250-294-8153, planning@colwood.ca) if you need help. ## Good to know - The City contact page lists planning@colwood.ca with the main number, 250-478-5999. - The bylaw may have been amended since its latest consolidation, so confirm with Planning before you rely on a rule. ## Zones 96 zones are listed from [Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (with amendments to August 24, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning/index.json Look up the zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St ## Official forms and pages - [Maps, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/maps) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - [Property Information Request](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/application-forms/property-information-request) ## Related questions - [Colwood secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/zoning-lookup.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/zoning-lookup.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/zoning-lookup.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/zoning-lookup.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Maps, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/maps) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Permits, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/building/building-permits) (read 2026-11-05) - [Development, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) (read 2026-11-05) - [Contact Us, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Colwood secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite.json" --- # Colwood secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house? **Short answer:** Yes, in Colwood. Land Use Bylaw 151 allows a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit (garden suite) in all zones unless a zone says otherwise. Unless a zone says otherwise, the limit is one of each per lot, each up to 90 m² or 40% of the floor area, whichever is less. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Where:** - Email: Planning (zoning questions), planning@colwood.ca - Phone: Planning, 250-294-8153 - Email: Building Department, building@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** Secondary suites are permitted in all zones as an ancillary use to residential use, unless the Land Use Bylaw says otherwise for a zone. A secondary suite is in a building that has only one other dwelling unit. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.2.01](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units are permitted in all zones ancillary to residential use unless otherwise specified in this bylaw." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "is within a building or a part of a building of residential occupancy containing only one other dwelling unit" - Source: [Development, Secondary Suites](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "Secondary suites are permitted in most Colwood single family homes." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Accessory dwelling units (garden suites) are permitted in all zones ancillary to residential use unless the bylaw says otherwise. They may be in or added to an accessory building on a lot with a one-family, two-family or attached housing dwelling. A garden suite goes through an approval process. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.2.01](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units are permitted in all zones ancillary to residential use unless otherwise specified in this bylaw." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "contained within an accessory building associated with a one-family use, a two-family dwelling use, or an attached housing dwelling use" - Source: [Development, Garden suite](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "Garden suites must go through an application process for approval." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** Unless a zone says otherwise: one secondary suite and one accessory dwelling unit per lot, each with a separate entrance. Maximum 90 m² or 40% of the building's habitable floor area (ADU: of the principal dwelling), whichever is less. A covenant against stratification is required. R5 zone: 70 m², rental only. No owner-occupancy rule found. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.2.02](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "up to one secondary suite and one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted per lot" … "A secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit must have a separate entrance and exit." … "The maximum size of a secondary suite shall be 90m2 or 40% of the gross floor area of the total habitable floor area, excluding garages, of the building it is located in, whichever is less." … "The maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit shall be 90 m2 or 40% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling unit, whichever is less." … "New secondary suites or accessory dwelling units are not a permitted use unless the owner has registered a restrictive covenant under section 219 of the Land Title Act for the purpose of prohibiting the stratification" … "Unless otherwise specified in this Bylaw, up to one secondary suite and one accessory dwelling unit" … "The maximum size of a secondary suite shall be 70 m2." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Parking:** One parking space per suite or accessory dwelling unit, on top of the 2 spaces for a one-family dwelling. The suite's space must have unobstructed access. - Source: [Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909 (consolidated to June 29, 2026), Table 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/198446/) - Official wording: "Secondary Suite and 1 per dwelling unit Accessory Dwelling Unit" … "Residential, One-family 2 per dwelling unit" - Source: [Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909 (consolidated to June 29, 2026), Parking space design](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/198446/) - Official wording: "Parking space provided for a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit have unobstructed access." - Source: [Development, Secondary Suites](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "An additional unobstructed parking space must be provided for each suite." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permits:** A building permit is needed (submit the application and plans). Ask Planning whether a development permit is required for a garden suite. Suites must also meet BC Building Code fire and life-safety rules, such as smoke detectors. - Source: [Development, Secondary Suite FAQs](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "Once you have confirmed what you intend to do is possible, please submit a completed building permit application and plans." - Source: [Development, Garden Suite FAQs](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "to confirm whether a development permit is required please reach out to planning@colwood.ca" - Source: [Development, Secondary Suites](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - Official wording: "Suites will also be subject to BC Building Code requirements for fire and life safety (e.g. smoke detectors)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (Section 2.2); Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909, 2022; Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008 - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Section 2.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "SECTION 2.2 SECONDARY SUITES AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" - Source: [Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909 (consolidated to June 29, 2026), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/198446/) - Official wording: "Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909, 2022" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 977, 2008" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works [Land Use Bylaw 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (Section 2.2) permits secondary suites in all zones as an ancillary use to residential use, unless the bylaw says otherwise for a zone. A secondary suite is in a building that has only one other dwelling unit. Accessory dwelling units (garden suites) are also permitted in all zones unless the bylaw says otherwise. They may be in or added to an accessory building on a lot with a one-family, two-family or attached housing dwelling. A garden suite goes through an approval process. Unless a zone says otherwise: - One secondary suite and one accessory dwelling unit per lot, each with a separate entrance. - Maximum 90 m² or 40% of the building's habitable floor area (for a garden suite, of the main dwelling), whichever is less. - A covenant against stratification is required. - The R5 zone limits a suite to 70 m² and rental only. - The bylaw states no owner-occupancy rule that we found. Suites occupied before July 1, 2009 are not subject to the maximum size or the covenant. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone's rules with Planning: planning@colwood.ca or 250-294-8153. 2. Plan one parking space per suite or accessory dwelling unit, on top of the 2 spaces for a one-family dwelling. The suite's space must have unobstructed access. 3. Ask Planning whether a development permit is required for a garden suite. 4. Apply for a building permit with plans. The suite must also meet BC Building Code fire and life-safety rules, such as smoke detectors. ## Good to know - A one-storey accessory building with a garden suite is limited to 4 m high. A suite above the main floor may reach 7 m or 80% of the main dwelling's height, whichever is less. The rear setback is 1.5 m (one storey) or 3 m (taller). - Suites do not count toward density. - The City no longer issues "class two" secondary suite permits. - The City page mentions a provincial program of forgivable loans up to $40k for suites. ## Official forms and pages - [Development, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) - [Land Use Bylaw 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - [Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 1909](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/198446/) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) - [Colwood zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup.md) - [Colwood permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/secondary-suite.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/secondary-suite.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/secondary-suite.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/secondary-suite.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Development, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 1909 (consolidated to June 29, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/198446/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 977 (consolidated to January 22, 2024) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/164) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Colwood tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal.json" --- # Colwood tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property? **Short answer:** In Colwood you need a City Tree Management Permit to cut or remove a protected tree, such as an arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood or Pacific yew, or any tree 60 cm or more across. The application fee is $100 and replacement trees are required. Land in a development permit area may need a development permit too. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** $100 non-refundable application fee, credited against the permit fee. Replacement-tree security is $750 per tree, returned after the tree has survived a year. Cash in lieu is $750 per tree. **How long:** A permit lasts 1 year. Replacement trees must be planted within 1 year of the permit. The City does not state how long a decision takes. **Where:** - Online: Tree Management Permit Application (DocuSign form), https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/521f0b6e12ecc05f1515d81aab053c0e - Phone: Development Services, 250-294-8153 - Email: Development Services, planning@colwood.ca - Phone: Public Works (City trees), 250-474-4133 ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** A Tree Management Permit is needed to cut or remove a protected tree: arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew (2 m tall or 4 cm thick); Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple, western red cedar (30 cm DBH); any tree 60 cm DBH or more; wildlife trees. In an Environmental Development Permit Area you may also need a development permit before clearing land. - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 4(1)(a), (f)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "cut, damage, or remove any protected tree, or cause any protected tree to be cut, damaged or removed, except where permitted by and in accordance" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 1 'protected tree'](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "a tree of any of the following tree species that is 2.0 metres or more in height or 4.0 centimetres in diameter or more when measured 15 cm above natural grade" … "a tree of any of the following tree species that has a DBH of 30 centimetres or more" … "any tree having a DBH that is 60 centimetres or more" … "a wildlife tree" - Source: [Tree Permits](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) - Official wording: "If the tree you are planning to remove is a protected tree, you will need to obtain a Tree Management Permit." - Source: [Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1700 (consolidated to May 26, 2025), s. 18.2 General Regulations; s. 19.2 exemption (n)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/131567/) - Official wording: "Lands within an Environmental Development Permit shall not be cleared, blasted or built upon unless:" … "removal of trees authorized by a tree management permit and is not located:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exemptions:** No permit needed for: a tree that is not protected; a hedge (five or more trees or shrubs under 5 m high, less than 1.25 m apart) on your parcel; normal pruning; farm operations; trees covered by a development permit; and a tree in danger of falling from natural causes (report to the City by the next business day with photos; replacement required). - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 5(1)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "an owner is removing or pruning a hedge located on their parcel of land" … "the tree cutting or removal is necessary for the purposes of farm operations as defined in the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act" … "a development permit has been issued which addresses the removal of the tree(s)" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 1 'hedge'](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "means five or more trees or shrubs less than 5 metres high, and planted less than 1.25 metres apart" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 7(4)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "the owner may cut the tree or have it cut, but shall report the cutting of the tree to the City within the next business day along with photographs of the tree prior to such cutting" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** $100 non-refundable application fee, credited against the permit fee. The fee is doubled if you cut or damage a protected tree before getting a permit. Replacement-tree security of $750 per tree is also required. - Source: [Tree Permits](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) - Official wording: "The application fee for a Tree Management Permit is $100." - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), Schedule A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "Application Fee (non-refundable) $100" … "Security for Replacement Trees $750 per tree" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 8(2)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "The application processing fee is non-refundable and shall be credited against the permit fee when the permit is issued." - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 12(4)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "must pay an application fee equal to twice the amount prescribed in Schedule A upon applying for a tree management permit" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Replacement trees:** Replace 1:1 when removing 1 to 5 trees in a calendar year, 2:1 for more than 5, on the same lot. Replacement trees must be at least 1.5 m tall and native Coastal Douglas-fir species. Security is $750 per replacement tree, returned after the tree has survived a year. Cash in lieu is $750 per tree. - Source: [Tree Permits, Planting replacement trees](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) - Official wording: "When removing one to five trees, they must be replaced at a 1:1 ratio. When removing more than five trees, they must be replaced at a 2:1 ratio." … "A security deposit of $750 per replacement tree is required." … "Replacement trees must be at least 1.5m in height and a native species found in Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem." … "If replacement trees cannot be planted on the same lot, $750 cash in lieu per replacement tree is required" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 9(2) Table 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "1 to 5 per calendar year 1:1 Required" … "More than 5 per calendar year 2:1 Required" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **City trees:** Do not cut or damage trees in a City park or on a beach unless City staff or authorized. Do not fasten signs to trees on City land or highways. If you wish to cut or remove a tree on public property, contact the City first. Report concerns about a City tree through Action Request or Public Works, 250-474-4133. - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw amendment, s. 4(1)(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/143987/) - Official wording: "Except for an employee of the City of Colwood in the performance of his or her duties, or any person authorized by the City, no person shall do any of the following in any park or on any beach" … "cut, break, injure, remove or in any way destroy or damage any tree, sapling, shrub, plant," - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 4(1)(e)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "fasten any sign, notice or other object to, around, or through any tree or shrub" - Source: [Tree Permits](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) - Official wording: "If you are concerned about a City owned tree in a park or boulevard, use our online Action Request Form or call Colwood Public Works at 250-474-4133." … "If you wish to cut or remove a tree on public or private property, please contact the City first." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Urban Forest Bylaw, cut, damage or remove a protected tree. Bylaw notice: $500 per tree (no early-payment reduction; $500 per tree after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $1,000 per tree. A court can fine $1,000 to $10,000 per offence. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule B, Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Cut, damage, or remove a 4(1)a $500.00 per N/N $500.00 per" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Schedule 19](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Cut, damage or remove a protected tree 4(1)a $1000 per tree" - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), s. 13(3)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: "a person shall be liable to pay a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735, 2018 (consolidated to June 23, 2025) - Source: [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025), Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) - Official wording: ""Urban Forest Bylaw" No. 1735, 2018" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Colwood's [Urban Forest Bylaw 1735](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) requires a Tree Management Permit to cut or remove a protected tree, on private land and on City land (except City operations). Protected trees are: - Arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood and Pacific yew that are 2 m tall or 4 cm thick. - Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple and western red cedar with a trunk diameter (DBH) of 30 cm or more. - Any tree with a DBH of 60 cm or more. - Wildlife trees. DBH is the trunk diameter 1.4 m above the base. The Official Community Plan adds a second layer. In an Environmental Development Permit Area you may need a development permit before clearing land. A tree removal authorized by a Tree Management Permit is exempt from that, unless the tree is in the Sensitive Ecosystem area or within 3 m of a slope of 30% or more in the Hillside area. Ask Planning whether your lot is affected. ## Steps 1. Check whether your tree is protected. Call Development Services at 250-294-8153 or email planning@colwood.ca if unsure. 2. Prepare a Tree Site Plan (1 to 5 trees per calendar year) or a Tree Management Plan by a qualified professional (more than 5). 3. Submit the online application and pay the $100 fee. 4. Plant replacements on the same lot: 1 for 1 when removing 1 to 5 trees in a calendar year, 2 for 1 for more than 5. They must be native Coastal Douglas-fir species at least 1.5 m tall. 5. Pay $750 security per replacement tree. It is returned after the tree has survived a year. ## Good to know - No permit is needed for a tree that is not protected, a hedge (five or more trees or shrubs under 5 m high, less than 1.25 m apart) on your parcel, farm operations, or trees covered by a development permit. - Normal pruning is exempt if done to sound arboricultural practice: no crown raising below 50% live crown ratio, no removal of more than 25% of the crown in a season, no topping and no structural root pruning. - A tree in danger of falling from natural causes needs no permit. Report it to the City by the next business day with photos; a replacement is required. The owner may be liable if the tree was not in danger of falling. - The application fee doubles if you cut or damage a protected tree before getting a permit. - Fines: a bylaw notice is $500 per tree; a municipal ticket is $1,000 per tree. A court can fine $1,000 to $10,000 per offence. - Do not cut or damage trees in a City park or on a beach. To remove a tree on public property, contact the City first. Report concerns about a City tree through Action Request or Public Works at 250-474-4133. ## What you'll need - Tree Site Plan (1 to 5 trees per calendar year) or Tree Management Plan by a qualified professional (more than 5 trees) ## Official forms and pages - [Tree Permits page](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) - [Urban Forest Bylaw 1735 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) ## Related questions - [Colwood building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) - [Colwood zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/tree-removal.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/tree-removal.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/tree-removal.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/tree-removal.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [Tree Permits, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/sustainability-climate-action/tree-permits) (read 2026-11-05) - [Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735 (consolidated to June 23, 2025) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/132905) (read 2026-11-05) - [Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1700 (consolidated to May 26, 2025) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/131567/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Urban Forest Bylaw amendment (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/143987/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal/_ --- --- title: "Colwood garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits" question: "When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: other sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/garbage-collection.json" --- # Colwood garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits **Question:** When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags? **Short answer:** The City of Colwood does not collect household garbage. Residents hire a private hauler, so collection day, containers, limits and extra-bag rules come from that company. Blue-box recycling is collected through the Capital Regional District (CRD); find your day by address on the CRD page. **Who handles it:** Another public body **Cost:** The City charges no garbage fee because it does not provide the service. Private haulers set their own rates. **How long:** Garbage day is set by your hauler. Recycling day depends on your address. **Where:** - Online: CRD curbside recycling (find your collection day), https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling - Email: Feedback on City waste collection, info@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **How often:** The City does not provide garbage collection; residents hire a private operator, so frequency depends on the provider. Blue-box recycling is collected through the CRD program; find your day by address on the CRD page. The CRD says garbage, food waste and yard waste services for single-family homes come from municipal programs and private companies. - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, Garbage Collection](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "The City of Colwood does not currently provide garbage collection service" … "residents are free to select their preferred local provider" - Source: [Colwood continues to explore options for City Waste Collection, Passage containing “Currently, Colwood residents contract their own waste collection services from a private operator.”](https://www.colwood.ca/news/colwood-continues-explore-options-city-waste-collection) - Official wording: "Currently, Colwood residents contract their own waste collection services from a private operator. While this approach gives residents service and pricing options and creates healthy competition among contractors, it means residents are often paying different rates, and that several waste collection trucks may be travelling through neighbourhoods on a daily basis." - Source: [Collection Services in Your Area, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/collection-services-your-area) - Official wording: "Garbage, food waste and yard waste services are provided through both municipal programs and private companies for residents living in single family homes." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Finding your day:** Garbage: set by your private provider. Blue-box recycling: enter your address on the CRD curbside recycling page to find your day, download or subscribe to the schedule, or use the RecycleCRD app. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Collection schedule](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "Enter your address below and never miss your collection day again!" … "Download the RecycleCRD app for iPhone or Android." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Carts:** No City carts; garbage containers come from your private provider. Recycling: one CRD blue box (47 litres) and two blue bags per home, free from the program. Replacements from GFL Environmental (236-470-0186, blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com) or Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Get blue boxes & bags](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "The program provides residents with one CRD blue box and two blue bags per home." … "City of Colwood - 3300 Wishart Road" … "CRD blue boxes are 47 litres (12 gallons)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Setting carts out:** Recycling: have it at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection day, in at least one CRD blue box or bag. Garbage: follow your private provider's rules. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Collection schedule](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "have your recyclables at the curb by 7:30am on your collection day, and" … "use at least one CRD blue box or blue bag to let the driver know your materials are intended for recycling collection." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits and extra garbage:** Recycling: there is no limit to the amount of material you may place at the curb. Garbage limits and extra-bag charges depend on your private provider. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Missed collection](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "There is no limit to the amount of material you may place at the curb." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** The City charges no garbage collection fee because it does not provide the service; residents contract and pay a private operator at rates that differ by provider. - Source: [Colwood continues to explore options for City Waste Collection, Passage containing “it means residents are often paying different rates”](https://www.colwood.ca/news/colwood-continues-explore-options-city-waste-collection) - Official wording: "Currently, Colwood residents contract their own waste collection services from a private operator. While this approach gives residents service and pricing options and creates healthy competition among contractors, it means residents are often paying different rates, and that several waste collection trucks may be travelling through neighbourhoods on a daily basis." - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, Garbage Collection](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "The City of Colwood does not currently provide garbage collection service" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Not confirmed. No Colwood garbage collection bylaw is listed on the City's bylaws page. ## How it works The City of Colwood does not provide garbage collection. You hire a private operator, and its schedule and rules apply. The CRD says garbage, food waste and yard waste services for single-family homes come from municipal programs and private companies. The City does not name or recommend a hauler. In a 2025 City survey of 248 residents, of those using a contractor, 55.6% had garbage picked up every second week and 28.2% weekly. ## Steps 1. Ask a private hauler that serves Colwood for a quote and collection day. 2. Ask the hauler about containers, limits, extra bags and missed pickups. No official source states these. 3. For recycling, enter your address on the CRD curbside recycling page to find your day, download or subscribe to the schedule, or use the RecycleCRD app. 4. Put recycling out at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection day, in at least one CRD blue box or bag. ## Good to know - Recycling: each home gets one CRD blue box (47 litres) and two blue bags from the program, free. There is no limit to the amount of recycling you may put out. - Replacement boxes: GFL Environmental (236-470-0186, blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com) or Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. - The City reported in March 2026 that it is still exploring a City waste collection service. Check the City's page for any change. - No Colwood bylaw on garbage collection is listed on the City's bylaws page. ## Official forms and pages - [Garbage & Recycling, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - [Colwood continues to explore options for City Waste Collection (March 11, 2026)](https://www.colwood.ca/news/colwood-continues-explore-options-city-waste-collection) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/garbage-collection.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/garbage-collection.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/garbage-collection.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/garbage-collection.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/garbage-collection.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Garbage & Recycling, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Colwood continues to explore options for City Waste Collection, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/news/colwood-continues-explore-options-city-waste-collection) (read 2026-11-05) - [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Collection Services in Your Area, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/collection-services-your-area) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Colwood yard waste collection and drop-off question: "Where does yard waste and brush go?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/yard-waste/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/yard-waste.json" --- # Colwood yard waste collection and drop-off **Question:** Where does yard waste and brush go? **Short answer:** The City of Colwood runs a free Branch Drop-Off at the Public Works Yard, 3300 Wishart Road, for Colwood residents, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It takes branches up to 4 inches across, grass clippings and leaves. Larger or other material can go to Hartland Landfill for a fee. Dates are on the City's page. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Free for Colwood residents at the City Branch Drop-Off. Hartland Landfill: yard and garden material under 3 inches across $59 per tonne ($10 minimum); branches and stumps over 3 inches $110 per tonne ($10 minimum). **How long:** 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on drop-off Saturdays; see the dates on the City's page. **Where:** - In person: Colwood Public Works Yard, 3300 Wishart Road, Colwood (Colwood residents only; proof of residency may be asked.) - In person: Hartland Landfill, 1 Hartland Avenue (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and holidays.) ## Key facts - **Curbside collection:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **How to set it out:** Branches no more than 4 inches in diameter, grass clippings and leaves. It is appreciated if leaves are separated from branches and grass clippings. - Source: [Branch Drop-Off Program, Passage containing “Acceptable material includes branches (maximum diameter 4"), grass clippings and leaves.”](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - Official wording: "Acceptable material includes branches (maximum diameter 4"), grass clippings and leaves. When preparing your load to bring to the yard, it would be appreciated if you could separate leaves from branches and grass clippings." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Drop-off:** City Branch Drop-Off, Public Works Yard, 3300 Wishart Road, Colwood residents only (proof of residency may be asked), 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Saturday except holiday weekends March to November, first and third Saturdays December to February; see the City's 2026 date list. Hartland Landfill, 1 Hartland Avenue: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and holidays. (Sources differ: The City's Garbage & Recycling page says branch drop-off is on the first and third Saturday of every month, while the Branch Drop-Off page lists every Saturday March to November. Dates on the dedicated page are more detailed, so used first. Private contractors need a note from the resident.) - Source: [Branch Drop-Off Program, 2026 Drop Off Dates](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - Official wording: "The Public Works Yard is open for branch drop off every Saturday *excluding holiday weekends*, March through November, then First & Third Saturdays December through February from 8:30am to 4:00pm." … "This popular program is for Colwood residents only" - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, Colwood Branch & Yard Waste Drop Off](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "free of charge for Colwood residents on the first and third Saturday of every month." … "Visit Hartland Landfill at 1 Hartland Avenue in Saanich to drop off waste for recycling or disposal." - Source: [Hartland Landfill, Capital Regional District, Hours](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill) - Official wording: "Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm" … "Saturday: 7:00am to 5:00pm" … "Sunday & Holidays: Closed" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cost:** Free for Colwood residents at the City Branch Drop-Off. Hartland Landfill: yard and garden material under 3 inches diameter $59 per tonne ($10 minimum); branches and stumps over 3 inches $110 per tonne ($10 minimum). - Source: [Branch Drop-Off Program, Passage containing “free for Colwood residents”](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - Official wording: "The City of Colwood provides a unique and convenient Branch Drop Off Program free for Colwood residents." - Source: [Rates & Accepted Items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Yard and garden material (less than 3"dia) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" … "Branches and stumps (greater than 3" dia) - $110/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not accepted:** Branch Drop-Off takes only branches up to 4 inches across, grass clippings and leaves. Some invasive species must go to Hartland Landfill (bagged and tagged), though the City says it accepts Scotch broom, English ivy, English holly, Himalayan blackberry, English hawthorn and periwinkle. CRD says not to put invasives such as blackberry in yard trimmings; sources differ. Stumps, soil and rocks: not stated. (Sources differ: The page does not list stumps, soil or rocks as excluded. CRD says do not include invasives such as morning glory, blackberry, wild mustard, ox-eye daisy, wild carrot, couch grass and poison hemlock with yard trimmings (conflicts with the branch page listing Himalayan blackberry as accepted; not resolved).) - Source: [Branch Drop-Off Program, Passage containing “Some invasives must be taken to Hartland Landfill to ensure safe disposal.”](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - Official wording: "Does your material include invasive species? Some invasives must be taken to Hartland Landfill to ensure safe disposal. At the Branch Drop Off we CAN ACCEPT: Scotch Broom, English Ivy, English Holly, Himalayan Blackberry, English Hawthorn and Periwinkle. Learn more at Colwood.ca/InvasiveSpecies." … "Acceptable material includes branches (maximum diameter 4"), grass clippings and leaves. When preparing your load to bring to the yard, it would be appreciated if you could separate leaves from branches and grass clippings." - Source: [Rates & Accepted Items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Invasive species (bagged and tagged) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. ## How it works The City of Colwood does not provide curbside yard waste collection that we found; its Garbage & Recycling page points to the Branch Drop-Off Program instead. Burning organic yard waste is prohibited in Colwood. The City asks that leaves be separated from branches and grass clippings. ## Steps 1. Check the dates on the Branch Drop-Off page. It lists every Saturday from March to November except holiday weekends, and the first and third Saturdays from December to February. 2. Prepare branches no more than 4 inches in diameter, grass clippings and leaves. 3. Bring proof of residency to the Public Works Yard, 3300 Wishart Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. ## Good to know - The City's Garbage & Recycling page says the drop-off is on the first and third Saturday of every month. The dedicated Branch Drop-Off page gives the fuller schedule above; confirm the date before you go. - The drop-off takes only branches up to 4 inches across, grass clippings and leaves. The page does not say whether stumps, soil or rocks are accepted. - Invasive plants: the City says it accepts Scotch broom, English ivy, English holly, Himalayan blackberry, English hawthorn and periwinkle, but some invasive species must go to Hartland Landfill, bagged and tagged. The CRD says not to include invasives such as blackberry with yard trimmings, so check first. - Private contractors need a note from the Colwood resident. - Hartland Landfill, 1 Hartland Avenue: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and holidays. ## What you'll need - Proof of residency, which may be asked for - Private contractors need a note from the Colwood resident ## Official forms and pages - [Branch Drop-Off Program, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - [Invasive Species, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/parks-maintenance/invasive-species) ## Related questions - [Colwood backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.md) - [Colwood unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/yard-waste.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/yard-waste.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/yard-waste.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/yard-waste.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/yard-waste.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste.md) ## Sources - [Branch Drop-Off Program, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) (read 2026-11-05) - [Garbage & Recycling, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Rates & Accepted Items, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) (read 2026-11-05) - [Hartland Landfill, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/yard-waste/_ --- --- title: Colwood watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: regional owner_body: Capital Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/water-restrictions.json" --- # Colwood watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions? **Short answer:** Yes. Colwood follows the Capital Regional District (CRD) Water Conservation Bylaw. Stage 1 applies every year from May 1 to September 30: even-numbered addresses water lawns Wednesdays and Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses Thursdays and Sundays, 4 to 10 a.m. or 7 to 10 p.m. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.bc.ca) **Cost:** CRD ticket: Stage 1 lawn watering on the wrong day or time $200; wasting water $200 (Stage 1), $300 (Stage 2), $400 (Stage 3); Stage 2 lawn watering $250; Stage 3 lawn or boulevard watering $400. Court fine for any offence $100 to $10,000. **How long:** Stage 1 applies May 1 to September 30 each year; a new stage takes effect 48 hours after public notice. **Where:** - Online: CRD Regional Watering Schedule, https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** Stage 1 restrictions apply automatically every year from May 1 to September 30. The regional water commission can change the Stage 1 period or bring in a stricter stage (2 or 3) at any time of year; a new stage takes effect 48 hours after public notice. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, s. 2, 4(1), 4(2), 4(3)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "The restrictions and regulations in this bylaw are applicable in each Municipality." … "The Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions prescribed in Schedule “A” are in effect each" … "year from May 1 to September 30 inclusive" … "take effect 48 hours after the" … "Notice for that Stage under section 5(1)" - Source: [Regional Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, Passage containing “Stage 1 Watering Schedule of the Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099 for the Regional Water Supply System is in ”](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "Stage 1 Watering Schedule of the Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099 for the Regional Water Supply System is in effect May 1 through September 30 every year." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Sprinkling schedule:** Stage 1 lawn watering: even-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays; odd-numbered addresses on Thursdays and Sundays. Hours: 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. by any method; automatic timer irrigation systems may also run from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, Schedule A, s. 1(1)(a)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "the property has an even-numbered address, the lawn watering is on" … "Wednesdays or Saturdays" … "Thursdays or Sundays" … "12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. by utilizing an irrigation system with a timer or" … "4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Allowed at any time:** Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered at any time by hand-held container, hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro/drip irrigation. Sprinklers on those plants only during the lawn watering hours (4-10 a.m., 7-10 p.m.). Filling pools, hot tubs and ponds is allowed in Stage 1. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, Schedule A, s. 1(1)(b)(i)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "water trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables on any day with a Sprinkler" … "hand-held container, hand" … "Micro-irrigation or Drip-irrigation systems." - Source: [Regional Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, Passage containing “Hand Watering & Micro/Drip Irrigation | Any day, any time”](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "4-10am or 7-10pm | Hand Watering & Micro/Drip Irrigation | Any day, any time Open all" … "You may use water to fill wading pools, swimming pools, hot tubs, or garden pond during Stage 1 Water Restrictions. An uncovered swimming pool can lose up to one inch of water a week. Consider covering your water features to prevent evaporation loss." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **New lawns:** No permit is needed for new sod or seed. Bylaw 4099 allows watering new sod outside the Stage 1 lawn watering hours on installation and for the first 21 days after, and new seeded lawns until growth is established or 49 days, whichever is less. The CRD page says to water in the 4-10 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. windows. Then return to your set days and hours. (Sources differ: The bylaw wording allows watering outside the usual lawn hours for new sod in the first 21 days; the CRD web page says to water between 4-10 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. Value follows the bylaw. Newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables: only during installation and the following 24 hours outside the schedule.) - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, Schedule A, s. 1(1)(b)(iii)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "outside the prescribed Stage 1 lawn Watering hours, water new sod or" … "newly seeded lawns, other than on new sod installation and during the first" … "21 days after installation, or for newly seeded lawns, water until growth is" … "established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less;" - Source: [Regional Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, New Sod and/or Newly Seeded Lawns](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "A permit is not required to install new sod and/or newly seeded lawns." … "Water wisely and efficiently between the hours of 4 - 10 am and 7 - 10 pm for new sod" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** CRD ticket (Bylaw 1857, Schedule 26): Stage 1 lawn watering on the wrong day or time $200; wasting water $200 (Stage 1), $300 (Stage 2), $400 (Stage 3); Stage 2 lawn watering $250; Stage 3 lawn or boulevard watering $400. Court fine for any offence: $100 to $10,000. - Source: [Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 1857 (consolidated March 2025), Capital Regional District, Schedule 26](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b) - Official wording: "Stage 1 – water lawn contrary to even-numbered Sch. A 1.(1)(a)(i) $200.00" … "Stage 2 – water lawn contrary to even-numbered Sch. A 2.(1)(a)(i) $250.00" … "Stage 3 – water lawn or boulevard Sch. A 3.(1)(a)(i) $400.00" … "Wasting water during Stage 1 7.(3) $200.00" … "Stage 2 – water lawn contrary to even-numbered" - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, s. 10(1), 10(4)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "is liable to a fine not" … "less than $100 and not exceeding $10,000." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Capital Regional District Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (CRD Bylaw No. 4099) - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024), Capital Regional District, s. 13](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as “Capital Regional District Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Colwood is a participating municipality of the CRD [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016); the City has no separate water restriction bylaw. Stage 1 applies automatically every year from May 1 to September 30. The regional water commission can change that period or bring in Stage 2 or 3 at any time of year; a new stage takes effect 48 hours after public notice. The CRD page shows the current stage. ## Good to know - Stage 1 lawn watering: even-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays; odd-numbered addresses on Thursdays and Sundays. Multi-unit complexes use the complex's address number. - Hours: 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. by any method. Automatic timer irrigation may also run from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. - Stage 2 allows lawn watering one day a week (Saturday for even, Sunday for odd), 4 to 10 a.m. or 7 to 10 p.m. See the bylaw's Schedule A for other stages. - Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered at any time by hand-held container, hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro or drip irrigation. Sprinklers on them only during the lawn watering hours. - Filling pools, hot tubs and ponds is allowed in Stage 1. Vehicles and boats may be washed with a container or a hose with a shut-off nozzle. - No permit is needed for new sod or seed. The bylaw allows watering new sod outside the usual lawn hours on installation and for the first 21 days, and new seeded lawns until growth is established or 49 days, whichever is less. The CRD page says to water in the 4 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. windows, so check with the CRD. - Fines are CRD tickets under Bylaw 1857, not Colwood tickets. Nurseries and farms are exempt from the stage restrictions. ## Official forms and pages - [Regional Watering Schedule, CRD](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - [Capital Regional District Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099) (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/water-restrictions.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/water-restrictions.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/water-restrictions.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/water-restrictions.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/water-restrictions.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Regional Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) (read 2026-11-05) - [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099, consolidated April 2024) (PDF), Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) (read 2026-11-05) - [Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 1857 (consolidated March 2025) (PDF), Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b) (read 2026-11-05) _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 Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.json" --- # Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** Every dog four months or older in Colwood needs a licence each calendar year. The Capital Regional District (CRD) issues them under contract. For a spayed or neutered dog the fee is $40 ($35 if bought early, $60 after March 1); the bylaw also says $0 in some cases, so ask the CRD. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** Spayed or neutered $35 early (before December 31), $40 regular, $60 after March 1. Not spayed or neutered $55 early, $60 regular, $80 after March 1. Dangerous dog $100 ($120 after March 1); aggressive dog $75 ($95 after March 1). Replacement tag $5. No fee for guide, service or police dogs. The bylaw (s. 7.4) sets the fee at $0 if the dog was spayed or neutered in the 12 months before applying; confirm with the CRD. **How long:** Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed each year. The regular fee applies up to March 1. **Where:** - Online: CRD dog licence application, https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs (CRD staff email an account number, then you pay online. Interac e-transfers are not accepted.) - In person: Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road, Victoria, BC V9C 1R1 - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624 - Email: CRD Animal Care Services, animalservices@crd.bc.ca ## Key facts - **Licence required:** Yes. No one may own or keep an unlicensed dog, except a guide dog, service dog or police dog. 'Dog' means a canine over four months old. Licences are not issued to anyone under 19. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 7.1, 7.6, 3.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "No person shall own or Keep an Unlicensed Dog except for a Guide Dog, Service Dog or Police Dog." … "No Dog License shall be issued to or in the name of any person under the age of nineteen" … "Dog means an animal of the species canine over the age of four months." - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Passage containing “Licences are mandatory for all dogs four months or older in the Capital Regional District (CRD).”](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Licences are mandatory for all dogs four months or older in the Capital Regional District (CRD). A licence gives your dog an identity that is connected to you." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Issued by:** Capital Regional District (CRD) Animal Care Services provides Colwood's dog licensing. Licences can also be bought or renewed in person at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Passage containing “CRD Animal Care Services provides dog licencing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke”](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "CRD Animal Care Services provides dog licencing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands, View Royal, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island and Songhees First Nation." … "- CRD SSI Electoral Area Office: 108-121 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring Island - City of Colwood: 3300 Wishart Rd, Colwood - Town of View Royal: 45 View Royal Ave, View Royal" - Source: [PETiquette, Dog Licensing](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - Official wording: "You may apply for a new dog license, or renew your dog license in-person at Colwood City Hall (3300 Wishart Road)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $40 a year for a spayed or neutered dog (veterinarian certificate required); $35 if bought before December 31 for the next year; $60 after March 1. Bylaw s. 7.4 sets the fee at $0 for the licence year if the dog was spayed or neutered in the 12 months before applying. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), Schedule A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Sterilized male or female dog (veterinarian" … "Sterilized male or female dog (veterinarian $40.00 $60.00" … "A $5.00 discount of the annual Licence Fee" … "If a Dog has been neutered or spayed in the previous twelve (12) months immediately" … "preceding the application for a License, the License Fee for that License Year is zero." - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "(altered) | $35 | $40 | $60" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $60 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. $55 if bought before December 31 for the next year; $80 after March 1. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), Schedule A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Unsterilized male or female dog" … "Unsterilized male or female dog $60.00 $80.00" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "(unaltered) | $55 | $60 | $80" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees and discounts:** $5 early-payment discount if bought before December 31 for the next licensing year. Replacement tag $5. No fee for guide, service or police dogs. A dog licensed by another local government is exempt from the Colwood fee for that year if the owner gives the City the details. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), Schedule A, s. 7.3, 7.10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Replacement Tags $5.00" … "No License Fee under section 7.2 is payable in relation to a Guide Dog, Service Dog or Police Dog." … "Any person taking up residence in the City and owning a Dog bearing a valid current License" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Replacement tags are $5 each." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Licences run for the calendar year, January 1 to December 31, and must be renewed every year. The regular fee applies up to March 1; late fees apply after March 1. - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, How Often Do I Need to Renew My Licence?](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Your dog's licence is valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. You must renew your licence once a year." - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0, Schedule A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Licensing Year means that time period between January 1st and December 31st inclusive" … "Annual Licence Fee After March 1st" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to get one:** Fill in the CRD dog licence application form online; CRD staff then email an account number to pay online. Also by phone (250-478-0624), email (animalservices@crd.bc.ca), at the CRD Animal Care office in Langford, or in person at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, How Do I Apply / Where to Get a Licence](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "please complete the CRD dog licence application form" … "By phone (250.478.0624 or 1.800.665.7899 extension 0) with a credit card" … "By email at animalservices@crd.bc.ca" … "City of Colwood: 3300 Wishart Rd, Colwood" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $100 ($80 if paid within 14 days; $120 if paid after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $100. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Animal Control Bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Keeping unlicensed dog" … "Keeping unlicensed dog 7.1 $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 11](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Keeping unlicensed Dog" … "Keeping unlicensed Dog 7.1 $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 1.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the City's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366), no one may own or keep an unlicensed dog in Colwood, except a guide dog, service dog or police dog. A "dog" is a canine over four months old. The bylaw says the City issues licences, but the City's PETiquette page and the CRD say the CRD's Animal Care Services handles licensing and enforcement under contract. Licences are not issued to anyone under 19. ## Steps 1. Apply with the CRD's online dog licence form, by phone or email, at the CRD Animal Care office in Langford, or in person at Colwood City Hall. 2. Apply as soon as you become the dog's owner, and renew by March 1 each year. 3. Bring a veterinarian's certificate if the dog is spayed or neutered. 4. Pay the fee. Permanent tags are renewed by paying the account; no new tag is mailed. ## Good to know - Buy before December 31 for the next year to save $5. The CRD says to renew even if no renewal notice arrives. - The bylaw (s. 7.4) says the fee is $0 for the licence year if the dog was spayed or neutered in the 12 months before you apply. The fee table shows $40. Ask the CRD which applies. - A dog already licensed by another local government is exempt from the Colwood fee for that year if you give the City the details. - No senior discount is stated in the bylaw or on the CRD page. - An unlicensed dog is a $100 fine: a bylaw notice is $100 ($80 if paid within 14 days, $120 after 28 days), and a municipal ticket is $100. ## What you'll need - A veterinarian's certificate if the dog is spayed or neutered ## Official forms and pages - [Licensing for Dogs, CRD](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - [PETiquette, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets.md) - [Colwood dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Colwood rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-licence.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-licence.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dog-licence.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/dog-licence.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/dog-licence.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) (read 2026-11-05) - [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) (read 2026-11-05) - [PETiquette, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Colwood dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Colwood dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules? **Short answer:** In Colwood, a dog off its owner's property must be on a leash of 1.82 metres (6 feet) or less, except in a sanctioned off-leash area. Off-leash space is the marked area of Colwood Creek Park and the leash-optional area at Lagoon Beach. Leashes are required at the Esquimalt Lagoon sanctuary and near playgrounds. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Where:** - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services (animal control for Colwood), 250-478-0624 (After hours 1-800-665-7899 ext. 0.) ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** A dog must not be 'at large': off its owner's property it must be on a leash (or securely tethered or contained), except in a sanctioned off-leash area. The bylaw requires a leash in the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Shore Parks and Recreation lands, the designated area of Colwood Creek Park, and within 10 m of playground equipment. The City also lists Latoria Creek Park, Havenwood Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0 (At Large), s. 8.1(a), s. 8.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "At Large means being elsewhere than on the lands or premises of the Owner of the Animal and:" … "not on a leash; or" … "except where the dog is participating in a sanctioned off-" … "10 metres of any playground equipment in any municipal or regional park." - Source: [PETiquette, Where Dogs MUST be On-Leash](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - Official wording: "Latoria Creek Park" … "- Havenwood Park -> http://www.colwood.ca/havenwoodpark" … "Playground or picnic areas (within 10 meters)" … "Galloping Goose Regional Trail" … "dogs must now be kept on leash when enjoying Latoria Creek Park and Havenwood Park" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Maximum leash length:** 1.82 metres (6 feet) at most. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0 (Leash)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "that does not exceed one point eight" … "two (1.82) metres [six (6) feet] in length" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Off-leash areas:** Designated off-leash areas of Colwood Creek Park (large green space next to the playground on the Cecil Blogg Drive side) and the leash-optional area southwest of the bathrooms at Lagoon Beach (end of Lagoon Road). The City posts maps of on- and off-leash areas for Colwood Creek Park and the Esquimalt Lagoon, and signs show current rules. - Source: [PETiquette, Where are some dog-friendly park spaces in Colwood?](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - Official wording: "Colwood Creek Park – Features a large open green space adjacent to the playground" … "Southwest of the public bathrooms, located at the end of Lagoon Road, is a leash-optional area for dogs." … "Be sure to check posted signage for current leash requirements and designated off-leash areas." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Places dogs are not allowed:** Dogs are banned (except working and service dogs) from City sports facilities including West Shore Parks and Recreation, Hatley Memorial Burial Park, and Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site. The bylaw's 'Dog Exclusion Zone' is all playing fields on the West Shore Parks and Recreation lands. - Source: [PETiquette, Dog Restrictions](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - Official wording: "Except for working and service dogs, dogs are prohibited at all times from:" … "City Sports Facilities including West Shore Parks and Recreation" … "Hatley Memorial Burial Park" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0, s. 8.1(d)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Dog Exclusion Zone means all the playing fields on the West Shore Parks and Recreation Facility" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cleaning up:** The owner must immediately remove and dispose of the dog's feces on public property, or on private property other than the owner's, in a waste container or by other sanitary means. Guide, service and police dogs are excepted. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 8.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "The Owner of a Dog must immediately remove and dispose, in a waste container or by other" … "sanitary means, any fecal matter deposited by such Dog on public property or private" … "Service Dog or Police Dog." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Dog at large: bylaw notice $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); municipal ticket $100. Dog off leash in sanctuary, on recreation lands, in a play area or within 10 m of one: bylaw notice $75 ($90 after 28 days, no early discount); municipal ticket $75. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Animal Control Bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Dog at large" … "Dog at large 8.1(a) $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" … "Dog off leash in sanctuary" … "Dog off leash in sanctuary 8.2(a) $75.00 N/A $90.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 11](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Dog at Large" … "Dog at Large 8.1(a) $100.00" … "Dog off Leash in Sanctuary" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 1.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) says a dog must not be "at large": off its owner's property it must be on a leash (or securely tethered or contained), unless it is in a sanctioned off-leash area. A leash may be 1.82 metres (6 feet) at most. ## Where dogs must be on leash - Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary - West Shore Parks and Recreation lands - The designated area of Colwood Creek Park - Within 10 metres of playground equipment - The City also lists Latoria Creek Park, Havenwood Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail ## Where dogs can run - The designated off-leash area of Colwood Creek Park, the large green space next to the playground on the Cecil Blogg Drive side - The leash-optional area southwest of the bathrooms at Lagoon Beach, at the end of Lagoon Road The City posts maps of on- and off-leash areas for Colwood Creek Park and the Esquimalt Lagoon, and park signs show current rules. ## Good to know - Dogs are banned, except working and service dogs, from City sports facilities including West Shore Parks and Recreation, Hatley Memorial Burial Park, and Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site. The bylaw's "Dog Exclusion Zone" is all playing fields on the West Shore lands. - You must immediately remove and dispose of your dog's feces on public property or anyone else's property. Guide, service and police dogs are excepted. - A dog at large: bylaw notice $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); municipal ticket $100. - A dog off leash in the sanctuary, on recreation lands, in a play area or within 10 metres of one: bylaw notice $75 (no early discount; $90 after 28 days); municipal ticket $75. - Report problems to CRD Animal Care Services, which enforces the bylaw for the City. ## Official forms and pages - [PETiquette, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - [Esquimalt Lagoon on-leash map (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/media/file/esquimalt-lagoon-leash-mandatory-map) - [Colwood Creek Park on-leash and off-leash map (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/media/file/colwood-creek-park-leash) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) ## Related questions - [Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md) - [Colwood rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [PETiquette, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Colwood rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Colwood rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs? **Short answer:** In Colwood, the animal control officer can designate a dog aggressive; a dangerous dog is defined by the provincial Community Charter. A dangerous dog must be muzzled and leashed in public and locked in a pen at home. An aggressive dog must be leashed and confined. Dangerous dog offences start at $500. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Dangerous dog licence $100 a year ($120 after March 1; the CRD also lists $95 if bought before December 31). Aggressive dog licence $75 a year ($95 after March 1). **Where:** - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624 (After hours 1-800-665-7899 ext. 0.) ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** Aggressive dog: designated by the Animal Control Officer after aggressive behaviour or a minor injury without provocation; the owner may appeal to the Animal Control Review Board within 14 days. Dangerous dog (Community Charter s. 49): has killed or seriously injured a person, or a domestic animal in a public place or on property not owned or occupied by its owner, or an animal control officer reasonably believes it is likely to kill or seriously injure a person. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Aggressive dog means a dog that has been designated as such by the Animal Control Officer" … "The owner may appeal the designation to the Animal Control Review Board within 14 days of the" … "Dangerous Dog is as defined in the Community Charter" - Source: [Community Charter, s. 49, Province of British Columbia, Community Charter s. 49(1)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_03) - Official wording: "has killed or seriously injured a person," … "an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or seriously injure a person." … "has killed or seriously injured a domestic animal, while in a public place or while on private property, other than property owned or occupied by the person responsible for the dog, or" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Rules for owners:** Dangerous dog: only out with a competent person on a non-extendable leash and muzzled; confined at all times at home in a locked, enclosed pen at least 1.82 x 1.22 x 1.82 m or indoors; never in off-leash areas; warning sign posted; report escapes and attacks immediately; handler must be 19 or older. Aggressive dog: leashed when out, confined indoors or in a secure yard, never in off-leash areas. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 9.2, 9.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Must not allow the dog in public or private spaces without consent unless:" … "it is on a non-extendable leash held by a competent person; and" … "it is muzzled to prevent biting;" … "Must post visible signage warning of a dangerous dog;" … "A person under 19 years must not own or control a dangerous dog in public." … "Must confine the dog indoors or in a secure yard or tethered on their property;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Licence fee:** Dangerous dog: $100 a year ($120 after March 1; the CRD lists $95 if bought before December 31 for the next year). Aggressive dog: $75 a year ($95 after March 1). - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), Schedule A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Dangerous Dog $100.00 $120.00" … "Aggressive Dog $75.00 $95.00" … "A $5.00 discount of the annual Licence Fee" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Dangerous dog license | $95 | $100 | $120" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to report:** Contact CRD Animal Care Services at 250-478-0624 (after hours 1-800-665-7899 ext. 0) or use the CRD online complaint form; give what happened, when and where, a description of the dog, owner and witness details, and photos of injuries if any. Name, address and phone number are required; anonymous reports are not investigated. - Source: [Animal Complaints, Capital Regional District, Dog Bites and Attacks](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) - Official wording: "Contact our office at 250.478.0624 or complete an online complaint form." … "We do not take anonymous reports, they will not be investigated." - Source: [PETiquette, Animal Regulation](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) - Official wording: "The CRD Animal Control Officer for Colwood can be reached by calling (250) 478-0624 or after hours at 1-800-665-7899 extension 0." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice amounts: dangerous dog improperly in a public place, on private land, not in building or enclosure, or attack: $500 each (no early discount; $500 late). Fail to erect dangerous dog sign $250 ($200 early, $300 late). Fail to advise of attack $750 (MTI). Municipal ticket amounts are the same. In court, the minimum fine for a dangerous-dog offence is $500, $750 or $1,000 (first, second, third), or $2,000 if a person or animal is injured. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Animal Control Bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Dangerous dog improperly in a" … "Dangerous dog improperly in a 9.2(a) $500.00 N/A $500.00" … "Fail to erect dangerous dog sign" … "Fail to secure animal 12.8 $250.00 $200.00 $300.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 11](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Fail to advise of Dangerous Dog Attack" … "Fail to advise of Dangerous Dog Attack 9.3(d) $750.00" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 15.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "the minimum fine for a "Dangerous Dog" related offence that results in injury to a" … "Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014; Community Charter, s. 49 - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 9.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "The provisions of this section are in addition to any other regulations, prohibitions or" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the City's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366), the Animal Control Officer designates a dog aggressive after aggressive behaviour or a minor injury without provocation. The owner may appeal to the Animal Control Review Board within 14 days. A dangerous dog, as defined in section 49 of the Community Charter, has killed or seriously injured a person, or a domestic animal in a public place or on property not owned or occupied by its owner, or an officer reasonably believes it is likely to. Designations apply across all CRD municipalities. ## Dangerous dog rules - Out only with a competent person, on a non-extendable leash, and muzzled. The handler must be 19 or older. - At home, confined at all times in a locked, enclosed pen at least 1.82 x 1.22 x 1.82 m, or indoors. - Never in off-leash areas; a warning sign must be posted. - Report escapes and attacks immediately. ## Aggressive dog rules - Leashed when out, confined indoors or in a secure yard, and never in off-leash areas. - The designation may be removed once, on written application after six months, with behavioural training, permanent identification and a written assessment. ## Good to know - Notify the Animal Control Officer within 48 hours of a change of ownership or death. - Bylaw notice and municipal ticket amounts are the same: $500 for a dangerous dog improperly in a public place, on private land, outside a building or enclosure, or an attack; $250 for failing to post the sign; $750 for failing to advise of an attack (municipal ticket). In court, the minimum fine is $500, $750 or $1,000 (first, second, third offence), or $2,000 if a person or animal is injured. - To report a dog, call CRD Animal Care Services or use the CRD online complaint form. Give your name, address and phone number; anonymous reports are not investigated. Seek medical help and exchange contact information first. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - [Animal Complaints, CRD](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) ## Related questions - [Colwood dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Complaints, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) (read 2026-11-05) - [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) (read 2026-11-05) - [Community Charter, s. 49, Province of British Columbia](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_03) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [PETiquette, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/petiquette) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Colwood question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Colwood **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep? **Short answer:** In Colwood, the Animal Control Bylaw limits dogs and cats to four in total per dwelling unit, but its wording is inconsistent: it bars "four or more" dogs or cats and also any combination "greater than four". Ask Bylaw Services how it is applied. The fine is $100. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); municipal ticket $100. Unlawful kennel $500. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** Bylaw s. 6.2 says no one may keep four or more dogs per dwelling unit on any parcel in the City (so three at most). It also bars any dog and cat combination greater than four, while the fine schedule says 'more than 4'. The wording is inconsistent; confirm with Bylaw Services. (Sources differ: Bylaw s. 6.2 prohibits 'four (4) or more Dogs' and also 'any combination ... greater than four (4)'; Schedule B and the BNE/MTI schedules say 'more than 4'. A dog or cat is an animal over four months old.) - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 6.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "No person may Keep four (4) or more Dogs, four (4) or more Cats or any combination of Dogs" … "or Cats greater than four (4) per dwelling unit at any one time on any parcel of land in the" … "Keeping more than 4 Dogs/Cats" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cats allowed:** Same rule as dogs: no one may keep four or more cats per dwelling unit (s. 6.2), though the fine schedule reads 'more than 4 Dogs/Cats'. (Sources differ: Cat means a cat over four months old (s. 3.0). See dog_limit note on the inconsistent wording.) - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 6.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "No person may Keep four (4) or more Dogs, four (4) or more Cats or any combination of Dogs" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other animal limits:** Dogs and cats combined: no more than four per dwelling unit (s. 6.2). Pigeons: no more than 25 pairs or 50 in total per parcel (s. 11.1). Chickens: up to four, only on lots of 550 m² to under 4,000 m² with a detached one-family dwelling (Land Use Bylaw 2.1.19). Farm animals only as part of a farm operation allowed by the Land Use Bylaw (s. 12.1). - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 6.2, 11.1, 12.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "or Cats greater than four (4) per dwelling unit at any one time" … "No person shall keep more than 25 pairs of Pigeons, or a total of 50 Pigeons on any parcel of land within the City;" … "Except if the Keeping of the Farm Animals is part of a Farm Operation" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19(1)(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "is limited to four (4);" … "but not less than 550 m2 (5,920 ft2) in any residential zone" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exceptions:** The limit does not apply to a kennel, dog or cat groomer or dog or cat daycare where the Land Use Bylaw permits it on the parcel. Anyone who already kept four or more dogs or cats when the bylaw was adopted (2014) may keep them for the lives of those animals. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 6.3, 6.4](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "The limitation in paragraph 6.2 does not apply to a Kennel, dog or cat groomer or dog or cat" … "may continue to do so for the duration of the lives of those Dogs or Cats." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Keeping more than 4 dogs/cats: bylaw notice $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); municipal ticket $100. Unlawful kennel: $500. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Animal Control Bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Keeping more than 4 dogs/cats" … "Keeping more than 4 dogs/cats 6.2 $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 11](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Keeping more than 4 Dogs/Cats" … "Keeping more than 4 Dogs/Cats 6.2 $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (kennels and zoning: Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989) - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 1.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Colwood's [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) limits dogs and cats per dwelling unit on a parcel, but the wording in section 6.2 is inconsistent. It bars "four or more" dogs per dwelling unit (so three at most), and "four or more" cats, and also any dog and cat combination "greater than four". The fine schedules say "more than 4". Ask Bylaw Services for the limit that applies to you before taking in another animal. ## Good to know - The limit does not apply to a kennel, dog or cat groomer, or dog or cat daycare, where the [Land Use Bylaw No. 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) permits it on the parcel. - Anyone who already kept four or more dogs or cats when the bylaw was adopted (2014) may keep them for the lives of those animals. - Fine for keeping too many: a bylaw notice is $100 ($80 if paid within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); a municipal ticket is $100. An unlawful kennel is $500. - Pigeons: no more than 25 pairs or 50 in total per parcel. - Chickens: up to four, only on lots of 550 m² to under 4,000 m² with a detached one-family dwelling. See the backyard chickens answer. - Farm animals are allowed only as part of a farm operation permitted by the Land Use Bylaw. - Every dog still needs a licence; see the dog licence answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) ## Related questions - [Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md) - [Colwood backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-chickens.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/how-many-pets.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/how-many-pets.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/how-many-pets.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/how-many-pets.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/how-many-pets.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Colwood backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Colwood backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock? **Short answer:** Yes, in Colwood you may keep up to four chickens on a lot of 550 m² to under 4,000 m² with a detached one-family home. Roosters are not allowed on lots under 4,000 m². Goats, sheep, horses and similar farm animals need a permitted farm operation. The bylaws read do not mention bees. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Too many chickens or a rooster on a small lot - bylaw notice $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); municipal ticket $100. No permit or fee is stated. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** Yes. Keeping chickens for domestic purposes is allowed as an accessory use to a detached one-family dwelling on a lot of at least 550 m² and under 4,000 m² (1 acre), in any residential zone. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19(1)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The keeping of chickens for domestic purposes is permitted as an accessory use to the" … "residential use of a detached, one-family dwelling on any lot with an area less than 4,000 m2" … "(1 acre), but not less than 550 m2 (5,920 ft2) in any residential zone" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Most hens:** Four chickens on any lot under 4,000 m². - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19(1)(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "the number of chickens that may be kept on any lot with an area less than 4,000 m2" … "is limited to four (4);" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Roosters:** No. Roosters are prohibited on lots under 4,000 m² (1 acre). - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19(1)(b)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "roosters are prohibited from any lots with an area less than 4,000 m2 (1 acre);" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Coop rules:** Chickens must be in a secure, fenced enclosure. Coop or feed storage: no taller than 2.4 m; at least 3 m from rear and side lot lines; no closer to the front lot line than the principal building's yard requirement or its front face, whichever is greater. Keep it clean and vermin-free; compost or dispose of manure to prevent odours. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19(1)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "chickens must be kept in a secure, fenced enclosure;" … "may exceed a height of 2.4m (7.9 ft);" … "within 3m (9.8 ft) of any rear or side lot line;" … "must be kept free of vermin;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit or registration:** Not confirmed. The Land Use Bylaw text names no permit, licence or fee for hens. - **Bees:** Not confirmed. The Land Use and Animal Control Bylaws do not mention beekeeping. - **Other livestock:** Farm animals (cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine and similar; poultry is excluded from that term) may be kept only as part of a farm operation permitted by the Land Use Bylaw. Fur-bearing animals likewise. Pigeons: up to 25 pairs or 50 in total per parcel. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 3.0, 12.1, 12.2, 11.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "Farm Animal means a domesticated Animal normally raised or kept for food, milk or as a beast of" … "Except if the Keeping of the Farm Animals is part of a Farm Operation, and permitted in" … "No person shall keep more than 25 pairs of Pigeons, or a total of 50 Pigeons on any parcel of land within the City;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (s. 2.1.19); Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.19](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "2.1.19 The Keeping of Chickens in Residential Areas" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025), s. 1.0](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Land Use Bylaw No. 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (section 2.1.19) allows keeping chickens for domestic purposes as an accessory use to a detached one-family dwelling, in any residential zone, on a lot of at least 550 m² and under 4,000 m² (1 acre). The bylaw text names no permit, licence or fee. It does not address lots of 4,000 m² or more, or attached housing such as townhouses and duplexes. ## Rules - Maximum four chickens on a lot under 4,000 m². - No roosters on lots under 4,000 m². - Chickens must be in a secure, fenced enclosure. - A coop or feed storage must be no taller than 2.4 m and at least 3 m from the rear and side lot lines. It may be no closer to the front lot line than the principal building's yard requirement or its front face, whichever is greater. Corner lots have a separate flanking-street rule. - Keep the coop clean and vermin-free, and compost or dispose of manure to prevent odours. - On lots under 4,000 m², slaughter, and the sale of manure, meat, eggs, feathers or other poultry products, are prohibited. ## Good to know - Farm animals (cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine and similar; poultry is not included) may be kept only as part of a farm operation permitted by the Land Use Bylaw. Fur-bearing animals follow the same rule. Pigeons: up to 25 pairs or 50 in total per parcel. - Bees: the Land Use and Animal Control Bylaws, and the City's community gardens page, do not mention beekeeping. Ask Bylaw Services. - Fines: a bylaw notice is $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); a municipal ticket is $100. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets.md) - [Colwood dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/backyard-chickens.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/backyard-chickens.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/backyard-chickens.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/backyard-chickens.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/backyard-chickens.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1533, 2014 (consolidated to September 4, 2025) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/86366) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- title: Colwood RV, boat and trailer parking rules question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # Colwood 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 the City of Colwood an RV may stay on a street no more than 12 hours, and a trailer may not be parked there unless its towing vehicle is attached. Any vehicle is limited to 72 hours in one spot. On your own lot, the rules found cover unlicensed vehicles only; ask about RVs and boats. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice: RV on street over 12 hours $150 ($125 within 14 days, $175 after 28 days); parking over 72 hours $35 ($25 / $40); detached trailer $75 ($60 / $90). Municipal ticket: $150, $35 and $75. **How long:** An RV may stay on a street 12 hours; any vehicle 72 hours in one spot (same 500 m, one week rule). **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **On the street:** A recreational vehicle (motor home, travel trailer, tent trailer, camper) may not stay on any street for more than 12 hours; after that it may not be parked on the same street or within 500 m of the first spot for one week. Any vehicle: 72 hours at most in one spot (same 500 m, one week rule). A trailer may not be parked on a street unless the towing vehicle is attached. A household may not park more than two vehicles on the street. - Source: [Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134, 2010 (consolidated to January 12, 2026), s. 31.21, 32.1, 30.4, 32.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/6576) - Official wording: "That is a Recreational Vehicle on any highway for a period greater than 12 hours." … "the initial permitted spot within one week of the expiry initial permitted time." … "no person shall park a vehicle on any highway for" … "more than seventy-two (72) hours continuously." … "No person shall park a trailer or commercial vehicle on any street without the motive power unit being" … "A household is not permitted to have more than two vehicles associated with that household parked" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **On your property:** Land Use Bylaw: on any lot, no more than one vehicle outside a garage or carport may lack both current licence plates and a valid inspection certificate, except that implements of husbandry and up to two recreation vehicles (motor vehicle or trailer for accommodation during travel or recreation) may be kept. A permitted unlicensed vehicle must be in the rear yard or side yard behind the front building line. No separate rule on storing a licensed RV, boat or trailer was found. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.09(2)(a),(c), s. 3 (Recreation Vehicle)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The following uses shall be prohibited in all Zones:" … "except that implements of husbandry and not more than two (2) recreation vehicles may be kept." … "other than in the rear yard or the side yard behind the front building line." … "means a motor vehicle or trailer designed or used primarily for accommodation during travel or recreation." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Living in an RV:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Fine:** Bylaw notice ($ full / within 14 days / after 28 days): RV on street over 12 hours $150 ($125 / $175); parking over 72 hours $35 ($25 / $40); detached trailer $75 ($60 / $90); more than two household vehicles on the street $100 ($80 / $120); more than one restricted vehicle on a lot $100 ($80 / $120). Municipal ticket: $150, $35, $75, and $100 for the lot rule; the household-vehicle limit is not in the municipal ticket schedule. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Traffic and Highways Bylaw 1134; Land Use Bylaw 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Park recreational vehicle on city" … "street or boulevard" … "Park recreational vehicle on city 31.21 $150.00 $125.00 $175.00" … "Park over 72 hours" … "Park detached trailer" … "Park more than two vehicles" … "More than one restricted vehicle" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 12, Schedule 6](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "31.21 Park a recreational vehicle on a City Street or Boulevard $150.00" … "Park over 72 hours" … "Park detached trailer" … "More than one restricted vehicle" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134, 2010; Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 - Source: [Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134, 2010 (consolidated to January 12, 2026), PDF page 27](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/6576) - Official wording: "49.16. Conduct construction on land adjacent to a highway where access from the highway to the land is required for that purpose; "Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134, 2010" - Consolidation Page 22" … "rated by the manufacturer. "HOUSEHOLD" means a dwelling unit, as defined in Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, and may include a unit within a single-family dwelling, duplex, townhouse, or multi-family dwelling." - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), PDF page 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (With amendments to August 24, 2026) Consolidated for convenience only:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Two bylaws apply in the City of Colwood: [Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/6576) for streets and [Land Use Bylaw No. 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) for private lots. Boats are not named in the street rules; a boat on a trailer falls under the trailer and general vehicle rules. ## On the street - A recreational vehicle (motor home, travel trailer, tent trailer, camper) may not stay on any street more than 12 hours. After that it may not be parked on the same street or within 500 m of the first spot for one week. - Any vehicle: 72 hours at most in one spot, with the same 500 m, one week rule. - A trailer may not be parked on a street unless the towing vehicle is attached. - A household may not park more than two vehicles on the street. ## On your lot - No more than one vehicle outside a garage or carport may lack both current licence plates and a valid inspection certificate. Implements of husbandry and up to two recreation vehicles (a motor vehicle or trailer for accommodation during travel or recreation) may be kept. - A permitted unlicensed vehicle must be in the rear yard or side yard behind the front building line. - No separate rule on storing a licensed RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot was found. Ask Bylaw Services. - The Unsightly Premises Bylaw counts unlicensed, unused or stripped trailers and boats as refuse. ## Good to know - No rule on living or sleeping in an RV was found in the street or land use bylaws. - Fines: bylaw notice for more than two household vehicles on the street is $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); more than one restricted vehicle on a lot is $100 ($80 / $120). Municipal ticket for the lot rule is $100; the household-vehicle limit is not in the municipal ticket schedule. ## Official forms and pages - [Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/6576) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) ## 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) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 1134, 2010 (consolidated to January 12, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/6576) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: "Colwood noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines" question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules.json" --- # Colwood noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines **Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Colwood? **Short answer:** Colwood's Noise Control Bylaw has no general quiet hours, but bans noise that disturbs neighbours at any time. Loud sound audible in a residential area is objectionable from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., lawn equipment is limited to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and construction to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice: noise that disturbs $200, objectionable noise $450, construction or commercial noise $500. Municipal tickets for these offences range from $200 to $700 (construction or commercial noise is $700). **Where:** - Online: Action Request (choose BYLAW), https://www.colwood.ca/action-request - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca - Phone: West Shore RCMP non-emergency line (after hours), 250-474-2264 - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services (barking dogs), 250-478-0624 (After hours 1-800-665-7899 ext. 0.) ## Key facts - **General rule:** No one may make, cause or permit any noise in a public place, or on or from any premises they own, occupy or are on, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the public or people nearby. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 4.1, 4.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - Official wording: "No person shall make, cause or permit to be made any noise or sound in or on a highway, park or" … "No person who is the owner or occupier of, or who is present upon, any premises shall make, cause" … "disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Quiet hours:** No general quiet hours. Specific time limits: amplified sound clearly audible in a residential area between 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. is objectionable; lawnmowers, leaf blowers, gas weed eaters and rototillers may not be used before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on any day. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 5.1(a), 5.1(e)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - Official wording: "between the hours of 11:00 p.m. one day and 9:00 a.m. the following day." … "Using a lawnmower, leaf blower, gas powered weed eater or rototiller before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m on any day." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Construction hours:** Construction is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and at all times on Sundays and statutory holidays. Exception: owner or occupier home repairs or accessory buildings on a Sunday or statutory holiday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Blasting-prep drilling: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday only. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 6.1, 6.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - Official wording: "Construction on any premises or on a highway, park or other public place before 7:00 a.m." … "or after 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and at all times on Sundays and Statutory Holidays." … "on a Sunday or Statutory Holiday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m." … "before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other limits:** No decibel limits. Also objectionable: diesel engine, truck or bus idling over 15 minutes in one place; vehicle noise audible beyond 150 m (buses and trucks excepted). Exempt: emergency vehicles, utility and government work, church bells, authorized parades and festivities; Royal Colwood Golf Club April to September 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for maintenance equipment. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 5.1(c), 5.1(d), 7.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - Official wording: "which is audible beyond 150 metres in any direction from the vehicle." … "for more than 15 minutes" … "Noise or sound created from parades or public festivities authorized by the City." … "the Royal Colwood Golf Club is permitted to" … "use agronomy maintenance equipment between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, business hours:** City of Colwood Bylaw Services: 250-478-5999 local 146, bylaw@colwood.ca, or the online Action Request form (choose BYLAW for noise). Barking dogs: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624. - Source: [Contact Us](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) - Official wording: "Bylaw Services: 250-478-5999 Local 146" - Source: [Action Request](https://www.colwood.ca/action-request) - Official wording: "Choose BYLAW for: Parking, Noise, Burning, Blasting, Unsightly premises" - Source: [Bylaw Services](https://www.colwood.ca/contact-us/bylaw-services) - Official wording: "Email: bylaw@colwood.ca Phone: 2504785999" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, after hours:** The City lists no after-hours bylaw number. Police (RCMP members are Peace Officers under the Noise Control Bylaw) can be reached through the West Shore RCMP non-emergency line, 250-474-2264; call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Barking dogs: CRD after hours, 1-800-665-7899 ext. 0. - Source: [Police, Contact West Shore RCMP](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/police) - Official wording: "Non-emergency number: 250-474-2264" … "In emergencies, call 9-1-1" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: noise in a public place or from private premises $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); objectionable noise $450 ($350 / $500); construction or commercial noise $500 ($400 / $500). Municipal ticket: $200, $200, $450 and $700. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Noise in public place which" … "Feed the deer 15.1 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Objectionable noise 5.2 $450.00 $350.00 $500.00" … "Construction/Commercial noise 6.2 $500.00 $400.00 $500.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 8](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Construction / Commercial Noise" … "Construction / Commercial Noise 6.2 $700.00" … "Objectionable noise 5.2 $450.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Noise Control Bylaw" No. 1594, 2016." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919), no one may make or allow noise in a public place, or on or from premises they own, occupy or are on, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the public or people nearby. There are no general quiet hours and no decibel limits. The bylaw sets specific hours for some activities. ## Steps 1. Check the limits below before starting noisy work. 2. To report noise, use the Action Request form (choose BYLAW), email Bylaw Services, or call 250-478-5999 local 146. City Hall hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 3. For barking dogs, call CRD Animal Care Services. ## Good to know - Amplified sound clearly audible in a residential area from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. is objectionable. - Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, gas weed eaters and rototillers: not before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., any day. - Construction: not before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and not on Sundays or statutory holidays. Owners or occupiers doing home repairs or building an accessory building may work on a Sunday or statutory holiday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Loading, unloading and delivery in a residential area: not before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., any day. - Also objectionable: an animal that persistently barks, cries or howls and is easily heard off the premises; diesel engine, truck or bus idling over 15 minutes in one place; vehicle noise audible beyond 150 m (buses and trucks excepted). - Exempt: emergency vehicles, utility and government work, church bells, and authorized parades and festivities. - The City lists no after-hours bylaw number. Its police page gives the West Shore RCMP non-emergency line, 250-474-2264; RCMP members are Peace Officers under the bylaw, but no City page says they take noise calls. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. - Fines: bylaw notice $200 for noise in a public place or from private premises ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); $450 for objectionable noise ($350 / $500); $500 for construction or commercial noise ($400 / $500). Municipal tickets for these offences are $200, $200, $450 and $700; construction or commercial noise is $700, not $500. ## Official forms and pages - [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) ## Related questions - [Colwood bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines.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) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/noise-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/noise-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/noise-rules.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/noise-rules.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/noise-rules.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md) ## Sources - [Noise Control Bylaw No. 1594, 2016 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/118919) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Action Request, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/action-request) (read 2026-11-05) - [Police, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/police) (read 2026-11-05) - [Contact Us, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/contact-us/bylaw-services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules/_ --- --- title: Colwood unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property.json" --- # Colwood unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Colwood? **Short answer:** Report an unsightly or overgrown property to the City of Colwood through the Action Request form (choose BYLAW), by email to bylaw@colwood.ca, or by calling Bylaw Services at 250-478-5999 local 146. Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715 covers rubbish, graffiti and untended growth. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for most offences, $500 for graffiti ($80 and $400 if paid within 14 days). Municipal ticket $100 and $500. The City can also bill the owner for clean-up. **Where:** - Online: Action Request (choose BYLAW), https://www.colwood.ca/action-request - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **What counts:** Owners and occupiers must not let rubbish, filth or discarded materials collect on their land, overflow or pile up around containers, or leave graffiti; property must not become unsightly; and they must clear untended brush, trees, noxious weeds and other growth so it is kept to the neighbourhood standard. Unsightly includes building-material piles (unless permitted or enclosed) and vehicle bodies and parts. - Source: [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003 (consolidated to July 21, 2022), s. 3, 4, 5, 6](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) - Official wording: "cause or permit water, rubbish, noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect or accumulate on" … "cause or permit rubbish to overflow from or accumulate around any container." … "No owner or occupier of real property or their agents shall allow such property to become or to remain" … "Every owner or occupier of real property or their agents shall clear the property of untended brush, trees," … "including but not limited to vehicle bodies and parts" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to report:** Use the City's online Action Request form and choose BYLAW (it covers unsightly premises), or email bylaw@colwood.ca or call Bylaw Services at 250-478-5999 local 146. - Source: [Action Request](https://www.colwood.ca/action-request) - Official wording: "Choose BYLAW for: Parking, Noise, Burning, Blasting, Unsightly premises" - Source: [Bylaw Services](https://www.colwood.ca/contact-us/bylaw-services) - Official wording: "Email: bylaw@colwood.ca Phone: 2504785999" - Source: [Contact Us](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) - Official wording: "Bylaw Services: 250-478-5999 Local 146" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What happens next:** The bylaw lets the City enter the property and remove the unsightly material at the owner's or occupier's expense if they do not comply. Unpaid costs on December 31 of that year are added to the property taxes as taxes in arrears. A bylaw officer may also issue a ticket. - Source: [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003 (consolidated to July 21, 2022), s. 7(b), 7(c), 8](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) - Official wording: "Where a person fails to comply with a requirement under (a), the City may by its employees or other" … "effect the removal" … "the cost shall be added to and form part of the" … "taxes payable on the property as taxes in arrears." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: rubbish offences (s. 4), allowing unsightly property and failing to clear unsightly growth $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days); graffiti $500 ($400 / $500). Municipal ticket: $100 and $500. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Allow Unsightly Property" … "Allow Unsightly Property 5(b) $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" … "Place graffiti 5(a) $500.00 $400.00 $500.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 13](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Allow unsightly property" … "$1000 per tree" … "Place graffiti 5(a) $500" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003 - Source: [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003 (consolidated to July 21, 2022), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003.”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City's [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) says owners and occupiers must not let rubbish, filth or discarded materials collect on their land, overflow or pile up around containers, or leave graffiti. They must clear untended brush, trees, noxious weeds and other growth so the property is kept to the neighbourhood standard. Piles of building materials (unless permitted or enclosed) and vehicle bodies and parts count as unsightly, and "refuse" includes unlicensed, unused or stripped vehicles, trailers and boats. ## Steps 1. Note the address and what you see (photos help). 2. Submit an Action Request and choose BYLAW, or email bylaw@colwood.ca, or call Bylaw Services at 250-478-5999 local 146. ## Good to know - The bylaw sets no notice period or time to comply. - If an owner or occupier does not comply, the City may enter the property, remove the material and charge them. Costs unpaid on December 31 of that year are added to the property taxes. A bylaw officer may also issue a ticket. - The [Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2002](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/257040) separately treats an ongoing unsightly premises as a nuisance. The City can abate it after a direction from Council and invoice the costs (Bylaw Enforcement is $250 per attendance). - Fines: a bylaw notice is $100 ($80 within 14 days, $120 after 28 days) for rubbish offences, allowing unsightly property or failing to clear growth, and $500 for graffiti ($400 / $500). A municipal ticket is $100 or $500. On conviction the maximum fine is $2,000, and each day is a separate offence. ## Official forms and pages - [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) - [Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2002 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/257040) ## Related questions - [Colwood bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/unsightly-property.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/unsightly-property.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/unsightly-property.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/unsightly-property.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/unsightly-property.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 715, 2003 (consolidated to July 21, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/175) (read 2026-11-05) - [Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2002 (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/257040) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Action Request, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/action-request) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/contact-us/bylaw-services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Contact Us, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/contact-us) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Colwood backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.json" --- # Colwood backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Colwood? **Short answer:** No. Open campfires, beach fires and open yard fires are prohibited in the City of Colwood, and organic yard waste may not be burned. Charcoal, gas and propane appliances and smokers are allowed, and approved wood-burning appliances are allowed except when the fire rating is High or Extreme. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. The Fire Department may also bill for its response: fire engine and crew $500 per hour in the bylaw, $600 per hour in the municipal ticket schedule. **Where:** - Phone: Colwood Fire Rescue, 250-478-8321 - Email: Colwood Fire Rescue, firedept@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** Open campfires, beach fires and open yard fires are prohibited. Allowed: charcoal, natural gas or propane appliances and smokers. Manufactured outdoor wood-burning appliances (fire box up to 24 by 24 inches, metal or mesh enclosure, firm non-combustible base, extinguisher at hand) dawn to 10 p.m., not when the fire rating is high or extreme. City adds: private property, at grade, 20 feet from buildings, fences, property lines and trees. No homemade devices. - Source: [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007, s. 4.1, 4.2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) - Official wording: "no person shall carry on, or permit to be carried on, open air" … "In an outdoor appliance that uses charcoal briquettes or that is fuelled and" … "All appliances must be situated on a firm noncombustible base." … "Fire Box size shall" … "not exceed 24 inches by 24 inches." … "Hours of operation shall be between dawn and 10 pm only." … "There shall be no use of the appliance when the forest fire rating is high" … "no homemade devices are permitted." - Source: [Fire, Burning Regulations](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/fire) - Official wording: "Open burning is not permitted in Colwood at any time." … "Outdoor burning appliances must be situated at least 20 feet from any building, fence, property line, trees, bushes or other combustible materials." … "No outdoor burning appliance shall be mounted or used above or below grade level." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Burning yard waste:** Not allowed. Open air burning, including open yard fires and fires for land clearing, demolition waste or construction materials, is prohibited within Colwood, and organic yard waste may not be burned in any way. - Source: [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007, s. 4.1, 4.3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) - Official wording: "Incinerators, open yard fires, beach fires, campfires" … "fires for the purposes of land clearing, demolition waste or construction materials." … "or any organic" … "yard waste, treated lumber, or construction debris, or toxic waste in" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** No permit is required for approved outdoor burning appliances. Open air burning otherwise is prohibited unless Council allows it by special resolution. - Source: [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007, s. 4.1, 4.2(e)7](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) - Official wording: "No permit shall be required." … "or by special resolution of Council" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fire bans:** Colwood posts a fire rating (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme) on its Fire page. Wood-burning appliances may not be used when the rating is High or Extreme; gas and propane fire pits, barbecues and smokers remain allowed. Check colwood.ca fire page for the current rating. - Source: [Fire, What does the Fire Rating mean?](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/fire) - Official wording: "| HIGH | NO: Open burning of wood fuel" … "NO: Approved outdoor wood burning appliances" … "YES: Propane/natural gas fire pits" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Instead of burning:** Colwood's free Branch Drop-Off Program for Colwood residents (branches up to 4 inches diameter, grass clippings, leaves) at the Public Works Yard, 3300 Wishart Road, Saturdays. Hartland Landfill accepts yard and garden material for a fee. - Source: [Branch Drop-Off Program, Passage containing “It also replaces backyard burning”](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) - Official wording: "This program helps keep the yards in our city looking tidy and healthy while diverting materials from the landfill. It also replaces backyard burning, which improves our air quality, protects our natural environment, and creates a healthier community." … "Acceptable material includes branches (maximum diameter 4"), grass clippings and leaves. When preparing your load to bring to the yard, it would be appreciated if you could separate leaves from branches and grass clippings." - Source: [Rates & Accepted Items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Yard and Garden waste is banned from general refuse and is accepted at Hartland to be composted" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28 days) for prohibited burning, burning in contravention, or burning prohibited materials. Municipal ticket: $200. The owner or occupier may also be billed for Fire Department response: fire engine and crew $500 per hour in the bylaw's Appendix A, but $600 per hour in the 2022 ticket bylaw schedule. (Sources differ: The municipal ticket schedule (consolidated to April 8, 2022) prices a fire engine and crew at $600 per hour and lists other differing response fees; the bylaw's own Appendix A says $500. Bylaw s. 5 also sets a court fine of $200 to $10,000.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 931](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Prohibited Burning 4.1 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 15](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Prohibited Burning 4.1 $200" - Source: [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007, Appendix A](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) - Official wording: "Fire Engine and Crew" … "$500.00 per hour" … "Fire Engine and Crew $500.00 per hour" … "Prohibited Burning 4.1 $200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007 - Source: [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007, s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as Outdoor Burning Restriction and" … "Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) prohibits open air burning in Colwood, including open yard fires and fires for land clearing, demolition waste or construction materials. Campfires and beach fires are also prohibited, including at Esquimalt Lagoon. The only exception to the open-burning ban is a special resolution of Council. No permit is needed for approved outdoor burning appliances. ## Steps 1. For yard waste, bring branches (up to 4 inches across), grass clippings and leaves to the City's free Branch Drop-Off; see the yard waste answer. 2. Before using a wood-burning appliance, check the fire rating on the City's Fire page. The rating (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme) changes, so look at the page for the current one. 3. Follow the appliance rules below. ## Good to know - Allowed: charcoal, natural gas or propane appliances and smokers. - Manufactured outdoor wood-burning appliances are allowed with a fire box up to 24 by 24 inches, a metal or mesh enclosure, a firm non-combustible base and an extinguisher or other means of putting the fire out at hand. Use is limited to dawn to 10 p.m. No homemade devices. - Wood-burning appliances may not be used when the fire rating is High or Extreme. Gas and propane fire pits, barbecues and smokers remain allowed. - The City's Fire page adds that the appliance must be on private property, at grade, and at least 20 feet from buildings, fences, property lines and trees. - The Fire Department offers a free safety inspection of a newly installed appliance. - Fines: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. You may also be billed for the Fire Department response. The bylaw says $500 per hour for a fire engine and crew; the municipal ticket schedule says $600. Ask the City which applies. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/fire) - [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) ## Related questions - [Colwood yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/yard-waste.md) - [Colwood fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/backyard-fire.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/backyard-fire.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/backyard-fire.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/backyard-fire.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/backyard-fire.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/safety/fire) (read 2026-11-05) - [Outdoor Burning Restriction and Regulation Bylaw No. 931, 2007 (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/2349) (read 2026-11-05) - [Branch Drop-Off Program, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/branch-drop-program) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Rates & Accepted Items, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Colwood fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks.json" --- # Colwood fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Colwood? **Short answer:** Only with a permit. In the City of Colwood, fireworks may be set off only on October 31 between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., or in exceptional circumstances set by City policy. Permit holders must be 18 or older. Selling fireworks, and firecrackers, are banned. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Consumer fireworks permit $10 according to the ticket bylaw schedule (the fireworks bylaw's own fee schedule is unreadable). Bylaw notice fines $100 to $500. **Where:** - In person: City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road, Victoria, BC V9C 1R1 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Colwood Fire Rescue, 250-478-8321 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** Only with a permit, and only on October 31 between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or in exceptional circumstances set by City policy). Permit holders must be 18 or older; no one under 18 may hold or discharge fireworks. Firecrackers and prohibited fireworks are banned outright. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022), s. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - Official wording: "No person may discharge consumer fireworks except on October 31st of each year between 5:00 p.m. and" … "10:00 p.m. or through exceptional circumstances as stated in the municipality’s policy." … "No person may hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use consumer fireworks or display fireworks" … "without a permit." … "No person under the age of eighteen (18) years may hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use any" - Source: [Planning Fireworks for Halloween? Take the Fireworks Safety Course to get your permit, Passage containing “Consumer fireworks events may only take place on October 31 between 5 pm and 10 pm”](https://www.colwood.ca/news-events/news/2023-10-10-000000/planning-fireworks-halloween-take-fireworks-safety-course-get) - Official wording: "- Consumer fireworks events may only take place on October 31 between 5 pm and 10 pm" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Selling fireworks:** No. No person may sell fireworks in Colwood. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022), s. 3.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - Official wording: "No person may sell fireworks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What counts as fireworks:** 'Fireworks' covers consumer, display and pyrotechnic special effects fireworks. Consumer fireworks include fountains, Roman candles, pin wheels, volcanoes and similar low-hazard types; the definition excludes Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns. Firecrackers and listed prohibited fireworks (cherry bombs, M-80s, smoke bombs and others) are banned. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022), s. 2](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - Official wording: "includes fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn" … "lights, pin wheels, Roman candles, and volcanoes but does not include Christmas crackers, sparklers, and caps" … "Firecracker” means a pyrotechnic device that explodes when ignited" … "No person may buy, sell, hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use firecrackers." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** Anyone 18 or older may apply at City Hall after completing the free online Fireworks Safety Course (valid three years). Needs a completed application, the property owner's written agreement if not the applicant's, and proof of the course. Apply by noon on October 31 (or the last business day before). Consumer fireworks permit fee: $10 according to the ticket bylaw schedule; the fireworks bylaw's own fee schedule is unreadable. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022), s. 4.1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - Official wording: "Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older desiring to discharge consumer fireworks or display fireworks" … "must apply for a permit." … "12:00 p.m. on October 31st" … "Evidence that the applicant has completed an approved Fireworks Safety Awareness Course within the" … "preceding three (3) calendar years from the date of application." - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 14](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "4.1 e) Consumer $10.00 fireworks permit" - Source: [Planning Fireworks for Halloween? Take the Fireworks Safety Course to get your permit, Passage containing “Once you have successfully completed the online course and exam, your fire department will be notified of the ”](https://www.colwood.ca/news-events/news/2023-10-10-000000/planning-fireworks-halloween-take-fireworks-safety-course-get) - Official wording: "Once you have successfully completed the online course and exam, your fire department will be notified of the results and you can apply for a permit. Please allow one business day for processing before visiting City hall to pay and collect your permit." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice ($ early / late): selling fireworks $500 ($400 / $500); possessing without a permit, discharging outside the permitted period, possessing firecrackers or prohibited fireworks $100 ($80 / $120); unsafe discharge $200 ($160 / $240). Municipal ticket: same base amounts. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Sale of fireworks" … "Place graffiti 5(a) $500.00 $400.00 $500.00" … "Possess fireworks without permit" … "Stunting 37 $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" … "Unsafe discharge 3.7 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 14](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Sale of fireworks" … "Unlawful kennel 6.1 $500.00" … "Possess fireworks without" … "37 Stunting $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Fireworks Regulation Bylaw” No.891, 2006." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) applies 24 hours a day, all year. Fireworks may be set off only with a permit, and only on October 31 between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or in exceptional circumstances set by City policy). "Fireworks" covers consumer, display and pyrotechnic special effects fireworks. Consumer fireworks include fountains, Roman candles, pin wheels and volcanoes. Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns are not counted. No one under 18 may hold or discharge fireworks, and no one may sell fireworks in Colwood. ## Steps 1. Take the free online Fireworks Safety Course (valid three years). You must be 18 or older. 2. Complete the permit application. If the property is not yours, add the property owner's written agreement. 3. Apply at City Hall by noon on October 31 (or the last business day before), with proof of the course. 4. Pay the permit fee. Set off fireworks only during the permitted period. ## Good to know - Firecrackers and listed prohibited fireworks (cherry bombs, M-80s, smoke bombs and others) are banned outright. - The City says permits depend on current fire conditions. - Consumer permit fee: $10 according to the ticket bylaw schedule; the fireworks bylaw's own fee schedule could not be read. Confirm at City Hall. - Fines: a bylaw notice is $500 ($400 early, $500 late) for selling fireworks; $100 ($80 / $120) for possessing without a permit, discharging outside the permitted period, or possessing firecrackers or prohibited fireworks; $200 ($160 / $240) for unsafe discharge. Municipal tickets have the same base amounts. A court fine on conviction is $100 to $10,000. ## What you'll need - Proof of the free online Fireworks Safety Course (valid three years) - Completed permit application - The property owner's written agreement, if the property is not yours ## Official forms and pages - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) - [Consumer Permit Application (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Consumer%20Permit%20Application.pdf) - [Agreement of Property Owner (PDF)](https://www.colwood.ca/sites/default/files/2024-06/Agreement%20of%20Property%20Owner.pdf) ## Related questions - [Colwood backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.md) - [Colwood bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/fireworks.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/fireworks.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/fireworks.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/fireworks.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/fireworks.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 891, 2006 (consolidated to July 19, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/167) (read 2026-11-05) - [Planning Fireworks for Halloween? Take the Fireworks Safety Course to get your permit, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/news-events/news/2023-10-10-000000/planning-fireworks-halloween-take-fireworks-safety-course-get) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Colwood bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Colwood bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Colwood? **Short answer:** Colwood has two ticket systems: bylaw notices under Bylaw No. 1911, with set early and late amounts, and municipal tickets under Bylaw No. 1314. Pay or dispute a bylaw notice within 14 days. The two schedules can list the same offence at different amounts. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice examples: unlicensed dog $100; dog at large $100; noise from private premises $200; unsightly property $100; prohibited open burning $200; RV on a street over 12 hours $150; parking over 72 hours $35; parking near a fire hydrant $125; sale of fireworks $500. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** Colwood has two ticket systems. Bylaw notices under the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911 (set amounts with early and late amounts; disputes go to bylaw notice adjudication, after a screening officer). Municipal tickets under the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314 (minimum fines under the Community Charter). Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP members and Animal Control Officers can issue bylaw notices. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), s. 1, 4, 7, 10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "The bylaws and bylaw contraventions designated in Schedule “B” as attached to this bylaw may" … "be dealt with by Bylaw Notice." … "Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)" … "Animal Control Officer" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 3](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "may be enforced" … "by means of a ticket in the form prescribed in the "Community Charter: Bylaw Enforcement Ticket" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Common fines:** Bylaw notice amounts: unlicensed dog $100; dog at large $100; noise from private premises $200; unsightly property $100; prohibited open burning $200; RV on a city street over 12 hours $150; parking over 72 hours $35; park near fire hydrant $125; sale of fireworks $500. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Keeping unlicensed dog 7.1 $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" … "Noise from private premises which" … "Allow Unsightly Property" … "Park near fire hydrant" … "Park near fire hydrant 31.4 $125.00 $100.00 $150.00" … "Prohibited Burning 4.1 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Sale of fireworks" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying early:** A bylaw notice paid within 14 days of being received (or presumed received) is reduced to the early payment amount in Schedule B; for example, $100 becomes $80, $200 becomes $160, $35 becomes $25. Some offences have no early discount (N/A). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), s. 5(b)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "if received by the City within fourteen (14) days of the person receiving or presumed to have" … "Reduced for Early" … "Payment” column of Schedule “B”" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Unlawful entry into a pound 5.6(b) $100.00 $80.00 $120.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying late:** A late payment surcharge is added if the bylaw notice is paid more than 28 days after it was received or presumed received, as listed in Schedule B (for example, $100 becomes $120, $200 becomes $240, $35 becomes $40). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), s. 5(c)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "if more than twenty eight (28) days after the person received or is presumed to have" … "received the Bylaw Notice, is subject to the late payment surcharge added to the initial" … "penalty amount set out in the "Late Payment" column of Schedule "B" attached to this" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Disputing a ticket:** Within 14 days of receiving a bylaw notice, pay it or request dispute adjudication using the form on the notice. The notice cannot be disputed after 14 days. A person who loses the adjudication pays an additional $25 fee. A screening officer can talk through the notice and agree a compliance agreement (up to one year, possibly with a reduced penalty). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), s. 6, 7(b), 9, 8](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "request dispute adjudication;" … "no person may dispute the" … "notice after fourteen (14) days of receiving or presumed to have received the Bylaw Notice." … "must pay the City an" … "additional fee of twenty-five (25) dollars" … "The maximum duration of a compliance agreement is one year." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021; Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021”." - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw" No. 1314, 2010." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Colwood has two ticket systems side by side. Bylaw notices are issued under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475), which sets an amount with early and late amounts for each offence. Disputes go to bylaw notice adjudication, after a screening officer. Municipal tickets are issued under the [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091), which sets minimum fines under the Community Charter. Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP members and Animal Control Officers can issue bylaw notices. ## Steps 1. Read the notice. It shows the offence, the fine and how to pay or dispute. 2. Within 14 days of receiving it, either pay or request dispute adjudication using the form on the notice. 3. A screening officer can talk through the notice and agree a compliance agreement (up to one year, possibly with a reduced penalty). 4. Paying after 28 days adds the late amount. ## Good to know - A bylaw notice paid within 14 days is reduced to the early amount in Schedule B: $100 becomes $80, $200 becomes $160, $35 becomes $25. Some offences have no early discount. - Paid more than 28 days after receipt, the late amount applies: $100 becomes $120, $200 becomes $240, $35 becomes $40. - A notice cannot be disputed after 14 days. A person who loses the adjudication pays an additional $25 fee. - Municipal tickets show one amount in their schedule and no early-payment discount. The bylaw text does not say how to dispute one. - The same offence can differ between the two: construction noise is $500 as a bylaw notice and $700 as a municipal ticket. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 250-478-5999 local 146. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) ## Related questions - [Colwood noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules.md) - [Colwood unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property.md) - [Colwood fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks.md) - [Colwood backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.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) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/bylaw-fines.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/bylaw-fines.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/bylaw-fines.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/bylaw-fines.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022) (PDF), City of Colwood](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/contact-us/bylaw-services) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- title: "Colwood business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply" question: "Do I need a business licence in Colwood, and how do I get one?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence.json" --- # Colwood business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a business licence in Colwood, and how do I get one? **Short answer:** Yes. Anyone carrying on business in Colwood needs a valid City business licence, with a separate licence for each premises, and advertising a business also needs one. Apply with the online Business Licence Application. Fees run from $25 to $200, depending on business type. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** Home Crafts/Home Occupation $100; Commercial small (464.5 m² or less) $125; Commercial large (over 464.5 m²) $200; Non-Resident $100; Registered Societies $25; Short-Term Rental $200. Fees are paid in advance and are non-refundable. **How long:** The City's page and bylaw give no processing time. Development services, engineering, bylaw, building and fire review each application before a licence is issued. **Where:** - Online: Online Business Licence Application, https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/06eaafe0b0b583af859ba3ab891c1940 - Phone: City Hall, 250-478-5999 - Email: City Hall, info@colwood.ca - In person: City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road, Victoria, BC V9C 1R1 ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** Anyone carrying on a business in Colwood needs a valid licence (a Colwood, Intermunicipal or Inter-Community licence), with a separate licence for each premises. Advertising a business also requires a licence. Exempt: government activities, businesses solely on federal Crown land, and school or community education programs. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025), s. 6(b), (c), (g)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on within the City, any business unless they are the holder of a valid and subsisting Licence" … "No person or their representative shall advertise the carrying on of a Business within the City without first obtaining a Business Licence." … "A separate business Licence shall be obtained in respect of each premises used for business purposes." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025), s. 8(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "For any activity carried on by the government, its agencies or government owned corporations" … "For any business operating solely on Federal Crown Land" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Home Crafts/Home Occupation $100; Commercial small (464.5 m² or less) $125; Commercial large (over 464.5 m²) $200; Non-Resident $100; Registered Societies $25; Short-Term Rental $200. Changes: location transfer $75, ownership transfer $20, update $65. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I (consolidated to April 13, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Home Crafts/Home Occupation $100" … "Commercial - Small $125" … "Commercial - Large $200" … "Non-Resident $100" … "Registered Societies $25" … "Short-Term Rental $200" … "License Transfer (Location) $75" - Source: [Business Licensing](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "you will be charged a non-refundable fee of between $100 and $200 when you apply" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Complete the Online Business Licence Application. Development services, engineering, bylaw, building and fire review it before a licence is issued. A fire inspection may be needed for commercial space, food trucks, home-based and intermunicipal licences; call 250-478-8321 (Prevention Division). - Source: [Business Licensing, Apply for a New Business License](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "To apply for a new business license, complete the Online Business Licence Application." - Source: [Business Licensing, How your business license application is processed](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "A business license application is reviewed by a number of departments (development services, engineering, bylaw, building, fire) before a business license can be issued." … "If you operate out of a commercial space, food truck, or if you are applying for a home based and/or an intermunicipal business license, you may need a fire inspection." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025), s. 9(d)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "Licence Inspectors may grant a business Licence if they are satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements of this and all other City Bylaws" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Licences must be renewed each year, before the licensing period starts, by completing the City's renewal form. If the renewal is not completed by the deadline, the licence is invalid and you must reapply and pay the fee again. (Sources differ: The City web page says 'Business Licenses are automatically renewed each year' and that a copy is emailed in the first month of the year, which differs from the bylaw's renewal-form requirement. Temporary Use Permit licences expire with the permit (s. 14(e)).) - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025), s. 14(a), (c), (d)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "must have their business Licence renewed each year" … "renewed annually by completion of a renewal from prescribed by the City" … "Failure to complete the licence renewal form by the deadline indicated will result in an invalid business Licence and will require the business to reapply and pay the business Licence fee" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Inter-community licence:** Yes, for businesses that move from client to client (trades, plumbers, electricians, cleaners, pest control). Covers Central Saanich, Colwood, Duncan, Esquimalt, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Nanaimo, North Cowichan, North Saanich, Parksville, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria and View Royal. Fee: $70 plus the base licence fee. - Source: [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1813, s. 2 definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/161236) - Official wording: "means a Business that performs a service or activity within more than one Participating Municipality by moving from client to client rather than having clients come to them" - Source: [Business Licensing, Intercommunity Business License](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "An Intercommunity Business License is a business license Issued by the City of Colwood or another participating municipality which allows the business to operate within the boundaries of the following participating municipalities" … "1. District of Central Saanich 2. City of Colwood 3. City of Duncan 4. Township of Esquimalt 5. Town of Ladysmith 6. Town of Lake Cowichan 7. City of Nanaimo 8. Municipality of North Cowichan" … "9. District of North Saanich 10. City of Parksville 11. District of Saanich 12. Town of Sidney 13. District of Sooke" … "14. City if Victoria" … "15. Town of View Royal" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I (consolidated to April 13, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Inter Community Designation $70 + Base License Fee" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Doing business without a licence. Bylaw notice: $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days, $240 after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $200. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule B, Business Licence Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Fail to obtain business license 6(b)(c)(g) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Schedule 2, Business License Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Fail to obtain a business license 6 (b)(c)(g) $200" … "Conduct business without a valid business license 7(e) $200" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Colwood Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025) - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025), s. 1](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "City of Colwood Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020" … "(With amendments to May 12, 2025)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under [Business Licence Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165), anyone carrying on a business in Colwood needs a valid licence (a Colwood, Intermunicipal or Inter-Community licence), with a separate licence for each premises. Advertising a business also requires one. Exempt: government activities, businesses solely on federal Crown land, school or community education programs, and licensed mobile ride-hail or transportation network services (not their offices in the City). Fees are in Schedule I of the Fees and Charges Bylaw. ## Steps 1. Not sure you need one? Call 250-478-5999 or email info@colwood.ca. 2. Complete the Online Business Licence Application and pay the fee. 3. City staff in development services, engineering, bylaw, building and fire review it before a licence is issued. 4. A fire inspection may be needed for commercial space, food trucks, and home-based and intermunicipal licences. Call 250-478-8321 (Prevention Division). 5. Some businesses need proof of provincial approval first, such as Island Health for day cares, tattoo parlours and estheticians, or the Motor Dealers Act for car dealers. A new or remodelled premises needs a completed building permit before occupancy. ## Good to know - Renewal: the bylaw says licences must be renewed each year, before the licensing period starts, by completing the City's renewal form, and that a licence not renewed by the deadline is invalid and you must reapply and pay again. The City's web page says licences are automatically renewed each year and a copy is emailed in the first month of the year. Confirm with City Hall which applies to you. - Mobile businesses that move from client to client (trades, plumbers, electricians, cleaners, pest control) can get an Inter-Community licence: $70 plus the base licence fee. It covers 15 communities including Colwood, Saanich, Sooke, Victoria and View Royal. You first need a Colwood licence, and the premises need their own licence. - The City also offers an Intermunicipal licence ($50 plus the base fee). - Changes: location transfer $75, ownership transfer $20, update $65. A licence changes if the use of the premises changes. - Doing business without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200; a municipal ticket is $200. On conviction the fine is not less than $100 and up to $10,000. ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licensing (City of Colwood)](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - [Online Business Licence Change Form](https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/177b8fd805ff58ad276f97913b288168) - [Business Licence Bylaw 1812 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 1813 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/161236) ## Related questions - [Colwood home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/home-based-business.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/business-licence.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/business-licence.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/business-licence.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/business-licence.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/business-licence.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licensing, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (consolidated to May 12, 2025) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I (consolidated to April 13, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) (read 2026-11-05) - [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1813 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/161236) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Colwood home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Colwood sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/home-based-business.json" --- # Colwood home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home? **Short answer:** Yes, in Colwood you can run a home occupation if your zone allows it and you hold a City business licence ($100). It must be carried on inside the home, leave its outside appearance unchanged, and have at most one employee who does not live there. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Colwood, https://www.colwood.ca) **Cost:** $100 for a Home Crafts/Home Occupation business licence, non-refundable (Fees and Charges Bylaw 1603). **Where:** - Online: Online Business Licence Application, https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/06eaafe0b0b583af859ba3ab891c1940 - Phone: Planning, 250-294-8153 - Email: Planning, planning@colwood.ca - Phone: City Hall, 250-478-5999 ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes, in zones that list home occupation as a permitted use (for example R1, R2, R4, AR1, AG1). An office-only home occupation, secondary to a residential use, is permitted in any zone unless the zone excludes it. Section 2.1.07 conditions apply. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 2.1.07](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "A home occupation when permitted in any zone shall be subject to the following regulations" … "Except where specifically excluded the following uses shall be permitted in any Zone:" … "5. Home occupations – office use only, secondary to a residential use;" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 2.1.10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "5. Home occupations – office use only, secondary to a residential use;" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 5.6.01 (R1 zone)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "the following uses and no others shall be permitted in the Residential 1 (R1) Zone" … "3. Home occupation;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes, a business licence is needed. Home Crafts/Home Occupation licence: $100 (non-refundable). - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, s. 6(b)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on within the City, any business unless they are the holder of a valid and subsisting Licence" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Home Crafts/Home Occupation $100" - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, s. 3 definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "Home Crafts/Home Occupation” means an occupation or profession which is clearly incidental to the use of a dwelling unit for residential purposes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** Carried on wholly inside the dwelling unit (lots of 5,000 m² or more may use an accessory building up to 40 m²). No change to outside appearance. Residents plus one non-resident employee. One unlit sign up to 0.3 m². No outside storage. No extra noise, odour, dust or traffic. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 2.1.07](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "A home occupation shall not cause or result in any variation or alteration in the external residential appearance of the land and premises" … "Persons employed in a home occupation are limited to residents of the dwelling unit plus one non- resident employee." … "It shall be carried on wholly within a dwelling unit" … "An accessory building so used shall be no larger than 40 m2 in area" … "Except for one un-illuminated sign not exceeding 0.3 m2 in area" … "There shall be no storage external to the dwelling unit or accessory building" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Businesses not allowed:** The dwelling unit or accessory building cannot be used for manufacturing, welding or other light industrial use, and the business cannot produce noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter or heat beyond what a home normally does, or cause a fire hazard, electrical interference or traffic congestion. - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 2.1.07(6)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "The dwelling unit or accessory building shall not be used for manufacturing, welding or any other light industrial use" … "shall not produce noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter or heat, other than that normally associated with a dwelling" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (s. 2.1.07 Home Occupations, s. 2.1.10); Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020; Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, 2016 (Schedule I) - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07, s. 2.1.07](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, Whole bylaw](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "City of Colwood Business License Bylaw No.1812, 2020" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Fees and Charges Bylaw, No. 1603, 2016" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works [Land Use Bylaw 151](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (s. 2.1.07) allows a home occupation in zones that list it as a permitted use, for example R1, R2, R4, AR1 and AG1. An office-only home occupation, secondary to a residential use, is permitted in any zone unless the zone excludes it. "Office use only" means no clients, customers or non-resident employees come to the home. You also need a City business licence ($100), and the City may require a fire inspection. ## Steps 1. Check that your zone allows a home occupation: call Planning at 250-294-8153 or email planning@colwood.ca. 2. Complete the Online Business Licence Application and pay the $100 fee. 3. If the City asks for a fire inspection, call 250-478-8321 and ask for the Prevention Division. ## Good to know - The business must be carried on wholly inside the dwelling. On a lot of 5,000 m² or more, an accessory building up to 40 m² may be used, set back 20 m from the front lot line and 10 m from other lot lines. - No change to the home's outside appearance. One unlit sign up to 0.3 m² is allowed. - Staff: residents of the home plus one non-resident employee. - No outside storage. - No manufacturing, welding or other light industrial use, and nothing that produces noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter or heat beyond what a home normally does, or that causes a fire hazard, electrical interference or traffic congestion. - Food or drink businesses need Medical Health Officer approval. Day care home occupations: no more than 10 children. - Where a suite exists, a home occupation is allowed only if it creates no extra traffic or parking need (with exceptions for older licensed ones). - Licence fees are non-refundable. ## Official forms and pages - [Land Use Bylaw 151, section 2.1.07 Home Occupations (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - [Business Licensing (City of Colwood)](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - [Business Licence Bylaw 1812 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) ## Related questions - [Colwood business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/home-based-business.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/home-based-business.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/home-based-business.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/home-based-business.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/home-based-business.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), section 2.1.07 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, Schedule I](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licensing, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Development, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/development) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Colwood. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Colwood short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Colwood?" place: Colwood, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/colwood category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/short-term-rental.json" --- # Colwood short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Colwood? **Short answer:** Yes, but only at your own principal residence. In Colwood a short-term rental (under 90 consecutive days) needs a City business licence ($200) and a short Building Services inspection, then registration with the Province. The licence number must appear in every ad. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** $200 City business licence fee, non-refundable. The provincial registration fee is not covered here. **How long:** The City contacts you to take payment and book the inspection. No timeline is stated. **Where:** - Online: Online Business Licence Application (City of Colwood), https://ca.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/06eaafe0b0b583af859ba3ab891c1940 - Online: Short-term rental registration (Province of BC), https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry - Phone: ServiceBC short-term rental line, 1-833-828-2240 - Email: Building Services (inspection), building@colwood.ca ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes, only at the owner's principal residence. A short-term rental is renting a dwelling unit or any part of it for under 90 consecutive days. The Land Use Bylaw permits the use in any zone unless a zone specifically excludes it. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals), Part 7(c)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "No person shall operate a short-term rental accommodation business unless the property is the principal residence of the owner." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals), s. 3 definitions](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "means the renting of a dwelling unit or any part of it for a period of less than 90 consecutive days" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Except where specifically excluded the following uses shall be permitted in any Zone:" … "7. Short Term Rental" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes. A City business licence is required before operating. The fee is $200. The City contacts you to take payment and book a short inspection by Building Services. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals), Part 7(a)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on business as a short-term rental accommodation operator without having first obtained a license to do from the Chief License Inspector." - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603 (consolidated to April 13, 2026), Schedule I](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Inter Community Designation $70 + Base License Fee Short-Term Rental $200 Fees and Charges Bylaw, No. 1603, 2016 - Consolidated Page 16" - Source: [Business Licensing, Short-Term Rental Business License](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "The City will contact you to pay the Business Licensing Fee and schedule a short inspection appointment with a member of the Building Services Department" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Provincial registration:** Yes. After getting the City licence, register the rental with the Province's short-term rental registry. Each rental unit needs its own registration number. - Source: [Business Licensing, Short-Term Rental Business License](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "Following receipt of your business license from the City, register your Short-Term Rental with the Province of British Columbia" - Source: [B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia, Principal residence requirement and registration fees](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." - Source: [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia, Provincial overview](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) - Official wording: "Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Operating rules:** The licence number must appear in all ads and listings. The rental must be the owner's principal residence. The City inspection may check working smoke detectors, a 5 lb 1A-B fire extinguisher, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and no immediate safety risks. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals), Part 7(b)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "only offer to conduct a Short-Term Rental for which a business license is required under this bylaw if a valid business license number for the Short-Term Rental business is included in any advertising, listings or other promotional material" - Source: [Business Licensing, Short-Term Rental Inspections](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - Official wording: "Smoke detectors in working condition and not expired" … "5 lb. 1A-B Fire Extinguisher (1A:10B:C or 2A:10B:C rating)" … "Bathrooms exhaust fans are in working condition" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** No fine listed for the Part 7 rules specifically. Doing business without a licence: bylaw notice $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026), Schedule B, Business Licence Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) - Official wording: "Fail to obtain business license 6(b)(c)(g) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022), Schedule 2, Business License Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) - Official wording: "Fail to obtain a business license 6 (b)(c)(g) $200" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812, 2020 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals); Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (s. 2.1.10); Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603, 2016 (Schedule I) - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - Official wording: "City of Colwood Business License Bylaw No.1812, 2020" … "Part 7: Short Term Rentals" - Source: [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), s. 2.1.10](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) - Official wording: "Colwood Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603 (consolidated to April 13, 2026), Schedule I](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) - Official wording: "Fees and Charges Bylaw, No. 1603, 2016" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works A short-term rental is renting a dwelling unit or any part of it for under 90 consecutive days. [Business Licence Bylaw 1812](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) (Part 7) allows it only at the owner's principal residence, and the Land Use Bylaw permits the use in any zone unless a zone specifically excludes it. The Province's principal residence requirement also applies in Colwood: the host's usual home plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property. ## Steps 1. Apply for a Colwood business licence through the online application. The fee is $200. 2. The City contacts you to take payment and book a short inspection by Building Services. 3. After you get the City licence, register the rental with the Province's short-term rental registry. Each rental unit needs its own registration number. For help, call ServiceBC at 1-833-828-2240. 4. Put the City licence number in every ad and listing. ## Good to know - The inspection may check working smoke detectors, a 5 lb 1A-B fire extinguisher, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and no immediate safety risks. - Licence fees are non-refundable. - Doing business without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $200. On conviction the fine is not less than $100 and up to $10,000. The ticket schedules do not say whether they apply to an unlicensed short-term rental. - We found no limit on guests or bedrooms, no parking requirement and no local contact rule. Ask the City if you need to be sure. ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licensing, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) - [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) ## Related questions - [Colwood business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/short-term-rental.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/short-term-rental.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/short-term-rental.md) - [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/short-term-rental.md) - [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/short-term-rental.md) - [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Business Licensing, City of Colwood](https://www.colwood.ca/business-building-development/business/business-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1812 (Part 7, Short Term Rentals) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/165) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1603 (consolidated to April 13, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/177) (read 2026-11-05) - [Land Use Bylaw No. 151, 1989 (consolidated to August 24, 2026) (PDF)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1999) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) (read 2026-11-05) - [B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1911, 2021 (consolidated to March 9, 2026)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/187475) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1314, 2010 (consolidated to April 8, 2022)](https://colwood.civicweb.net/document/1091) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/short-term-rental/_