# Gov Handbook: Comox, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Comox building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit.md): In Comox you need a building permit from the Town before you construct, repair or alter a building or structure. Apply online through the Citywide portal, or in person at Town Hall. The Town aims to process complete applications in 2 to 4 weeks.
- [Comox fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fence-rules.md): In Comox the Building Bylaw excludes fences from "structure", and the Zoning Bylaw's fence rules mention no permit. Limits are 1.2 m in front and exterior side yards in low-density and multi-unit residential zones, and 2.4 m elsewhere. Some Comprehensive Development (CD) zones ban front fences.
- [Comox permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Comox a shed or other accessory building needs a building permit, even one under 10 m² ($50 permit fee plus $50 application fee). Decks, garages and carports fall under the general rule that a permit is needed to build a structure. The bylaw sets no deck height threshold.
- [Comox building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit-fees.md): In Comox, the permit fee is a minimum of $100 plus $10 for each $1,000 of construction value, and you also pay a $150 application fee, which is credited against the permit fee. A shed under 10 m² costs $50 plus a $50 application fee. Confirm your total with the Building Department.
- [Comox zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning-lookup.md): In Comox, check the Zoning Map (PDF, current to July 8, 2026) on the Town's Maps page, then read your zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 2056. Planning staff can also confirm a zone: 250-339-1118.
- [Comox secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/secondary-suite.md): Yes. The Town of Comox's Zoning Bylaw permits a secondary suite and a coach house (a detached unit) as secondary uses in all four low-density residential zones, with limits. You need a building permit, and a development permit may also be needed. Each needs 1 extra parking space.
- [Comox tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/tree-removal.md): In Comox you need a Tree Permit to cut, remove or damage a Regulated Tree: a priority species of at least 20 cm trunk diameter, any other tree of at least 30 cm, or any Protected Tree. The application fee is $50. Pruning to best practices needs no permit.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Comox garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/garbage-collection.md): In Comox, organics are collected every week, and garbage and recycling on alternating weeks (each every other week). Find your day by typing your address into the Calendar tool on the Town's Solid Waste page, or use the Comox Curbside App. Carts go out by 8 a.m. on collection day.
- [Comox yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/yard-waste.md): In Comox, yard waste goes in the green organics cart with food waste, collected every week. Branches must be up to 3 inches across and fit inside with the lid closed. Extra yard waste can go to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Comox watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/water-restrictions.md): In Comox, watering rules come from the Comox Valley Regional District's water conservation bylaw. Stage 1 starts May 1 and Stage 2 July 1 each year, with lawn watering on set days by even or odd street number. Stage 3 and up ban lawn watering. Check the current stage on the Town's water page.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Comox dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-licence.md): In Comox, the Town licenses dogs under its Dog Licence and Pound Bylaw No. 1322. The licence is $10 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $30 for one that is not. It runs January 1 to December 31 and is bought at Town Hall or The Unleashed Dog Boutique.
- [Comox dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-leash-rules.md): In Comox, a dog must never be at large. On any street or public place it must be on a leash under a competent person's control, and in Town parks, fields and forests it must be on leash at all times. The one fenced off-leash park is at the former Comox Elementary School site.
- [Comox rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dangerous-dogs.md): In Comox, aggressive and dangerous dogs are regulated by the Dog Licence and Pound Bylaw No. 1322. In public they must be muzzled and on a leash of 2 m or less. A dangerous dog also needs an approved enclosure, warning signs and $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a $100 licence.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/how-many-pets.md): The Town of Comox's Dog Licence and Pound Bylaw No. 1322 sets no maximum number of dogs, and no cat limit was found. An owner of five or more adult dogs is deemed to own a kennel and may need a business licence. Backyard hens are limited to six per lot.
- [Comox backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-chickens.md): In Comox, you may keep up to six hens, and no roosters, on a lot of at least 1,500 m², in the rear yard only. Hens fall under urban agriculture in the Zoning Bylaw. No hen permit or fee is stated. Bee limits are not stated here because the Beekeeping Bylaw could not be read.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Comox RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): On Comox streets, no vehicle, trailer or boat may stay in one spot more than 72 hours in a row, and no commercial vehicle, boat or trailer may be parked on a street from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The sources read set no rule on keeping one on your own lot.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Comox noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/noise-rules.md): In Comox, no one may make or allow noise that disturbs the quiet, peace or comfort of the neighbourhood. The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. Disturbing construction noise is banned before 7 a.m. and after 8 p.m., any day of the week.
- [Comox unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/unsightly-property.md): In Comox, owners and occupiers must not allow garbage, standing water, unsanitary conditions, unsafe growth, graffiti or unsightly conditions on their property. To report one, use the Town's online Bylaw Complaint Form or call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-339-2202.
- [Comox backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-fire.md): In Comox, wood-burning backyard fires and fire pits are "open fires" and are banned unless an exception applies. Portable propane or natural gas fire pits are allowed if ULC approved. Open burning needs an Open Fire Permit, issued only for farm-classified land of at least 4.05 hectares.
- [Comox fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fireworks.md): No, not for residents. Under Comox's Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 1721, nobody under 18 may possess or use fireworks, and anyone 18 or older needs a Fireworks Permit. The Fire Chief issues permits only for public community events and film or television events.
- [Comox bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/bylaw-fines.md): Most Comox bylaw offences are enforced by bylaw notice under Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2004. Pay within 14 days for the lower amount. For example, noise or unsightly property is $150 within 14 days and $200 after. Some older bylaws also list municipal ticket amounts.

## Starting and running a business

- [Comox business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence.md): Yes. Every business in the Town of Comox, including home-based businesses, needs a valid business licence. Most cost $100 a year. Apply online or with the PDF form. Renewals are accepted only from December 1 to January 31, under the bylaw.
- [Comox home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Comox, Minor and Major home occupations are permitted as secondary uses in the low-density residential zones and other listed zones. You need a Town business licence, $100 a year, and must follow limits on size, employees, clients and vehicles.

## Housing and renting

- [Comox short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/short-term-rental.md): In Comox you can run a vacation rental only as a home occupation, if you are the owner and live on the same lot, in a low-density residential zone or other listed zone. You need a Town business licence ($300 a year) and a provincial registration number.

## Zoning

- [All 23 zones in Comox, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St