{"place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","slug":"courtenay","name":"Courtenay","full_name":"City of Courtenay","type":"municipality","country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"},"region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"website":"https://www.courtenay.ca","population":"about 28,000 (City of Courtenay About Us page)","intro":"Courtenay is the urban centre of the Comox Valley on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, in the traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation. The City runs City Hall at 830 Cliffe Avenue, property taxes and quarterly metered water bills, curbside garbage, recycling and organics carts, the water distribution and sewer mains, roads, snow and ice control, parks and trails, Courtenay Recreation (the Lewis Centre, Florence Filberg Centre, outdoor pool and LINC Youth Centre), the Courtenay Fire Department, dog licences, bylaw enforcement, building permits, business licences and the Courtenay Civic Cemetery. The Comox Valley Regional District supplies the treated drinking water and sets watering restrictions, runs the Comox Valley Water Pollution Control Centre, the Comox Strathcona Waste Management landfill and depots, the Comox Valley Transit System with BC Transit, the Comox Valley Emergency Program and its Connect Rocket alerts, and the regional aquatic and sports centres. Policing is the Comox Valley RCMP, the library is the Vancouver Island Regional Library, health care is Island Health, schools are Comox Valley Schools (School District 71), and marriage licences, health cards and driver's licences are provincial.","city_hall":{"label":"City Hall","address":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7","phone":"250-334-4441","hours":"Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},"useful_contacts":[{"label":"Operational Services (water","sewer":null,"roads":null,"garbage carts":null,"streetlights; 1000 Piercy Avenue)":null,"value":"250-338-1525"},{"label":"Bylaw Enforcement (seven days a week","8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.)":null,"value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5"},{"label":"Building (Development Services)","value":"250-703-4862"},{"label":"Planning (Development Services)","value":"250-703-4839"},{"label":"Business licensing","value":"250-703-4835"},{"label":"Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering","value":"250-703-4838"},{"label":"Courtenay Fire Department (non-emergency","650 Cumberland Road)":null,"value":"250-334-2513"},{"label":"Comox Valley RCMP (non-emergency)","value":"250-338-1321"},{"label":"Lewis Centre (Courtenay Recreation)","value":"250-338-5371"},{"label":"Florence Filberg Centre (Courtenay Recreation)","value":"250-338-1000"},{"label":"Comox Valley Regional District (water","transit":null,"landfill":null,"emergency program)":null,"value":"250-334-6000"}],"bodies":{"municipal":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"regional":{"name":"Comox Valley Regional District","url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca"},"provincial":{"name":"Province of British Columbia","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca"},"federal":{"name":"Government of Canada","url":"https://www.canada.ca"}},"boundary":{"geojson":"/data/ca/bc/courtenay/boundary.geojson","area_km2":33.75,"source":"Municipalities - Legally Defined Administrative Areas of BC, BC Data Catalogue","source_url":"https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/municipalities-legally-defined-administrative-areas-of-bc","accessed":"2026-11-07"},"zoning":{"zones":70,"zone_pages":35,"has_page":true,"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (consolidated July 21, 2026)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"Replaces Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007. Zone sections are in Division 8, one \"Part\" per zone. The PDF text has no explicit \"convenience only\" statement, so check the City's page for the legal status of the consolidation."},"map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true}},"counts":{"answers":24,"facts_matched":148},"latest":"2026-11-05"},"generated":"2026-11-12T01:48:38.090Z","count":24,"answers":[{"title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","question":"Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?","slug":"building-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Courtenay requires a building permit before you build, demolish, repair or alter most structures, including garages, carports, decks, accessory buildings and secondary suites. Applications are online only, through the City's digital form.","aliases":["courtenay building permit","apply for building permit courtenay","do i need a permit to build courtenay","courtenay building inspections"],"cost":"Non-refundable application fee of $150 or 25% of the permit fee, whichever is highest; permit fee $150 plus 1% of the value of construction (Building Bylaw 3114, Appendix A). Staff calculate fees; they are due when the permit is issued.","how_long":"Not stated by the City. An application is cancelled if no permit is issued within 180 days (unless the delay is the City's).","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Building permit application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBuildingPermitApplication"},{"type":"email","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"building@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"250-703-4862"},{"type":"email","label":"Book an inspection","value":"inspections@courtenay.ca","note":"Include permit number, property address, inspection type and a contact name and phone."},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":["Signed online application with the application fee, owner's acknowledgement and title search","Survey plan by a BC Land Surveyor (may be waived), site plan, floor plans, cross-section and elevations","For new buildings, a site plan with final elevations at the four main corners","Registered-professional drawings and letters of assurance for complex buildings"],"forms":[{"title":"Building and plumbing permits","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services"},{"title":"Inspections","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections"},{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Courtenay building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Courtenay permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit/"},"facts":{"needed_for":{"label":"Needed for","value":"Most work to build, demolish, repair or alter a structure, including accessory buildings and structures, deck construction or alterations, garages and carports, and secondary suites. Changing a building's use or occupancy also needs a permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Building permits","quotes":["A building permit is required before you build, demolish, repair or alter most structures, including:","accessory buildings and structures","deck construction or alterations","garages and carports"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary suites, City of Courtenay","section":"Secondary suites","quotes":["A building permit application must be applied for and approved by a City of Courtenay Building Official for a secondary suite prior to installation."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 4.10","quotes":["without first applying for and obtaining a building permit under this bylaw."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"The Building Bylaw does not apply to: accessory buildings under 10 m² floor area; roofless decks or platforms less than 0.6 m above grade; retaining walls not supporting a building; and fences, trellises or arbours on a parcel zoned for single-family residential use.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 3.3(b), (c), (d), (f)","quotes":["an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;","platforms or decks without roofs less than 0.6 meters above grade;","retaining walls that do not support a building or structure;","a fence, a trellis, an arbour, stairs that are not part of an egress from a building or structure"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Online only: all building permit applications must be submitted digitally through the City's online building permit application form.","short":"Online only","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Applying for a permit","quotes":["All permit applications must be submitted digitally using the online application form."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 10.2","quotes":["An application for a building permit shall be submitted electronically"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Signed online application with the non-refundable application fee, owner's acknowledgement, title search, BC Land Surveyor survey plan (may be waived), site plan, floor plans, cross-section and elevations. New buildings also need a site plan with final elevations at the four main corners. Complex buildings need registered-professional drawings and letters of assurance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 10.2, 10.3","quotes":["include a copy of a title search for the relevant property","include a copy of a survey plan prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor","include floor plans showing the dimensions and uses of all areas","a site plan prepared by a registered professional showing the information set out in section 10.2(e);"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Geodetic elevations on site plans","quotes":["must include a site plans showing the final proposed elevations at the four main corners of the building."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The City's pages and bylaw do not state a processing time.","sources":[]},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Email inspections@courtenay.ca with permit number, property address, inspection type and contact name and phone. City page: at least 24 hours ahead; Building Bylaw s. 10.35 says 48 hours for simple buildings. Inspections run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections","title":"Inspections, City of Courtenay","section":"Scheduling an inspection","quotes":["To book an inspection, email:","Requests must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.","Inspections are conducted Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 10.35","quotes":["the owner must give at least 48 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building - Development Services, City of Courtenay: 250-703-4862, building@courtenay.ca. Inspection bookings use inspections@courtenay.ca.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/residential-deck-guide","title":"Guide to Residential Deck Construction, City of Courtenay","section":"Header","quotes":["CITY OF COURTENAY Building Division Guide to Residential Deck 830 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7 Tel: 250-703-4862 Email:","Building Division Guide to Residential Deck 830 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7 Tel: 250-703-4862 Email: Construction building@courtenay.ca GENERAL INFORMATION"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/secondary-suites","title":"Requirements for Secondary Suites (checklist), City of Courtenay","section":"Header","quotes":["Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7 Email: building@courtenay.ca \"Secondary Suite\" means a dwelling unit which is accessory to the principle use being made of the lot upon which the"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/contact-us","title":"Contact us, City of Courtenay","section":"Contact directory","quotes":["Building - Development Services 250-703-4862 building@courtenay.ca"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as “Building Bylaw No. 3114”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Building Bylaw No. 3114](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025) requires a permit before you build, demolish, repair or alter most structures, or change a building's use or occupancy. Stand-alone plumbing work needs a separate plumbing permit; if the project has a building permit, the plumbing is part of it. The bylaw does not apply to some small work (see Good to know).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zoning with the City before you design (see the zoning answer).\n2. Prepare your documents: title search, survey plan, site plan, floor plans, cross-section and elevations. Complex buildings need drawings and letters of assurance from a registered professional.\n3. Submit the online application with the application fee. Applications are digital only.\n4. Pay the permit fees and other costs when the permit is issued; staff calculate them.\n5. Book inspections by emailing inspections@courtenay.ca with your permit number, address, inspection type and contact details.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Not covered by the bylaw: accessory buildings under 10 m², roofless decks less than 0.6 m above grade, retaining walls that do not support a building, and fences on single-family residential parcels. Zoning rules still apply.\n- Inspection notice: Building Bylaw 3114 says at least 48 hours; the City's Inspections page says 24 hours. Confirm when booking. Inspections run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.\n- No processing time is stated on the City's pages or in the bylaw.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections","title":"Inspections, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary suites, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/contact-us","title":"Contact us, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/residential-deck-guide","title":"Guide to Residential Deck Construction, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/secondary-suites","title":"Requirements for Secondary Suites (checklist), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"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."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay fence rules: permits and height limits","question":"Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?","slug":"fence-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In Courtenay a fence on a single-family residential lot does not need a building permit. Under Zoning Bylaw 3203, fences in residential zones can be up to 1.25 m high in the front yard and 2.0 m in side or rear yards.","aliases":["fence height courtenay","fence bylaw courtenay","backyard fence permit courtenay","pool fence courtenay"],"cost":"No building permit fee for a fence on a single-family residential lot.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"building@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"CourtenayMap (zoning and lot lines)","value":"https://gis.courtenay.ca/map/"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"},{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025"},{"title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Courtenay permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fence-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules/"},"facts":{"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"No building permit is needed for a fence on a parcel zoned for single-family residential use (the Building Bylaw does not apply to it). A fence taller than the zoning limit is not allowed.","short":"No building permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 3.3(f)","quotes":["a fence, a trellis, an arbour, stairs that are not part of an egress from a building or structure","or other similar landscape structures on a parcel zoned for single-family residential occupancy uses under the City’s zoning bylaw;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_front":{"label":"Height, front yard","value":"Residential zones: 1.25 m maximum for a fence in or along the front yard.","short":"1.25 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 6.8.1","quotes":["In the residential zones the maximum height for a fence in or along the front yard shall be 1.25 m"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_side_rear":{"label":"Height, side and rear yards","value":"Residential zones: 2.0 m maximum in or along side or rear yards. Other zones: 2.0 m maximum unless the bylaw says otherwise.","short":"2.0 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.8.1, 6.8.2","quotes":["and in or along the side or rear yards shall be 2.0 m","In all zones other than residential zones the maximum height for a fence shall be 2.0 m except"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"corner_lots":{"label":"Corner lots and sightlines","value":"On a corner lot, nothing may be erected, placed or allowed to grow that blocks vision between 1.0 m and 3.0 m above the street centre line grade, inside the area bounded by the property lines and a line joining points 6.0 m from the street intersection. Corner-lot fences are subject to this.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.7.1, 6.8.3","quotes":["nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede vision between a height of 1.0 m and 3.0 m above the centre line grade of the","Fences erected on corner lots are subject to Section 6.7.1 of this Bylaw."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_rules":{"label":"Other rules","value":"Height is measured from average grade within 1.0 m of both sides. Electrical, barbed or razor wire is prohibited in Residential and Multi-residential zones. Pools need a sturdy, non-climbable fence at least 1.5 m high, openings 0.1 m or less. Retaining walls 1.2 m or more count as buildings.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.8.4, 6.8.5, 6.8.6","quotes":["The height of a fence or wall shall be determined by measurement from the ground level at the average grade level within 1.0 m of both sides of such fence, wall or hedge.","The installation of electrical, barbed or razor wire fencing is prohibited in all Residential and Multi-","fence not less than 1.5 m in height and no openings greater than 0.1 m in their least","Retaining walls all are identified as structures, and 1.2 m or more in height are identified as buildings."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A (Bylaw notices), Zoning Bylaw","quotes":["Over height fence 6.8.1 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026, Part 8 Fences (ss. 6.8.1 to 6.8.10) and s. 6.7.1 (sight triangle). Building permit exemption: Building Bylaw No. 3114 s. 3.3(f).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Part 8 (ss. 6.8.1 to 6.8.10); s. 6.7.1","quotes":["Part 8 Fences","This Bylaw shall be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026”.","In the residential zones the maximum height for a fence in or along the front yard shall be 1.25 m"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Building Bylaw No. 3114](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025) does not apply to a fence, trellis or arbour on a parcel zoned for single-family residential use, so no building permit is needed. A fence taller than the zoning limit is not allowed. Height and placement rules are in Part 8 of [Zoning Bylaw No. 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Front yard: 1.25 m maximum in residential zones, for a fence in or along the front yard.\n- Side and rear yards: 2.0 m maximum in residential zones. In other zones the maximum is 2.0 m unless the bylaw says otherwise.\n- Height is measured from the average grade within 1.0 m of both sides of the fence.\n- On a corner lot, nothing may block vision between 1.0 m and 3.0 m above the street centre line grade, inside the area bounded by the property lines and a line joining points 6.0 m from the street intersection.\n- Electrical, barbed or razor wire is prohibited in Residential and Multi-residential zones.\n- A swimming pool needs a sturdy, non-climbable fence at least 1.5 m high with openings of 0.1 m or less.\n- Retaining walls 1.2 m or higher count as buildings under the Zoning Bylaw.\n- Lots next to the Agricultural Land Reserve need a 10.0 m fence and landscape buffer inside the property line.\n- Fines under [Bylaw 3185](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf): an over-height fence is a $500 bylaw notice ($375 if paid within 14 days); no fence around a private pool is a $1,000 municipal ticket ($750 early).\n- The Building Bylaw gives no fence exemption for lots outside single-family residential zones; ask Building at building@courtenay.ca whether a permit is needed.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 8 Fences (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fence-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fence-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fence-rules.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","question":"Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?","slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In Courtenay, garages and carports need a building permit. So do accessory buildings of 10 m² or more and decks, except a roofless deck less than 0.6 m above grade. Zoning rules on height and setbacks still apply to exempt work.","aliases":["shed permit courtenay","deck permit courtenay","garage permit courtenay","carport permit courtenay","accessory building courtenay"],"cost":"Application fee $150 or 25% of the permit fee, whichever is highest; permit fee $150 plus 1% of the value of construction (Building Bylaw 3114, Appendix A).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Building permit application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBuildingPermitApplication"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"250-703-4862"},{"type":"email","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"building@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning (zoning and setbacks)","value":"planning@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Guide to residential deck construction (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/residential-deck-guide"},{"title":"Building and plumbing permits","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services"},{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Courtenay building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Courtenay fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Courtenay secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/deck-shed-garage-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},"facts":{"shed":{"label":"Sheds","value":"An accessory building with a floor area under 10 m² is outside the Building Bylaw (no building permit). Accessory buildings and structures of 10 m² or more need a building permit.","short":"No if under 10 m²","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 3.3(b)","quotes":["an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Building permits","quotes":["accessory buildings and structures"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"deck":{"label":"Decks","value":"No permit for a deck without a roof that is less than 0.6 m above grade. Otherwise a building permit is required for a new deck, or for changes to structural elements, guards or railings of an existing deck.","short":"Yes, unless roofless and under 0.6 m above grade","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 3.3(c)","quotes":["platforms or decks without roofs less than 0.6 meters above grade;"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/residential-deck-guide","title":"Guide to Residential Deck Construction (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"General information","quotes":["A building permit is required for a new deck or for changes to structural elements, guards and railings of an existing deck."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"garage_carport":{"label":"Garages and carports","value":"Yes. Garages and carports need a building permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Building permits","quotes":["- accessory buildings and structures - deck construction or alterations - garages and carports - secondary suites ## Plumbing permits"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_limits":{"label":"Zoning limits","value":"Unless a zone says otherwise, accessory buildings: max 4.5 m high; at least 1.5 m from side and rear lot lines (4.5 m where the yard flanks a street); not in front of the principal building; max 50 m² or 10% of the rear yard, whichever is greater; no living quarters. Lot coverage is set by each zone.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 2 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.2.3 to 6.2.6","quotes":["Accessory buildings and accessory structures are permitted a maximum height of 4.5 m, other","not be located within 1.5 m from the side and rear lot line except where the side or rear","not permitted to be located at the front of a principal building; and","not have a total building area exceeding 50.0 m2 or 10% of the rear yard, whichever is","No part of an accessory building shall be used for human habitation."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 and Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as “Building Bylaw No. 3114”."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 2 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw shall be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Building Bylaw No. 3114](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025) does not apply to an accessory building with a floor area under 10 m², or to a deck without a roof that is less than 0.6 m above grade. Accessory buildings of 10 m² or more, garages, carports, and new decks or changes to the structure, guards or railings of an existing deck need a building permit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone and setbacks with Planning or on CourtenayMap before you design.\n2. If the work is not exempt, prepare drawings for the online building permit application.\n3. Submit the application and pay fees when the permit is issued.\n4. Book inspections by emailing inspections@courtenay.ca.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Unless your zone says otherwise, [Zoning Bylaw No. 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1) limits accessory buildings to 4.5 m high, at least 1.5 m from side and rear lot lines (4.5 m where the yard flanks a street), and not in front of the principal building.\n- Accessory buildings: maximum 50 m² or 10% of the rear yard, whichever is greater, with no living quarters. Lot coverage is set by each zone.\n- A deck under 0.6 m high may extend 2 m into the rear yard setback.\n- Industrial One and Two zones allow 6.0 m height.\n- The deck guide is an older City handout; the online application and email inspection booking are current.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, section 3.3 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/residential-deck-guide","title":"Guide to Residential Deck Construction (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 2 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay building permit fees","question":"How much does a building permit cost?","slug":"building-permit-fees","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"A City of Courtenay building permit costs $150 plus 1% of the value of construction. A non-refundable application fee of $150, or 25% of the permit fee if that is higher, is credited to the permit fee when the permit is issued. Other charges may apply.","aliases":["building permit fee courtenay","courtenay permit cost","how much is a deck permit courtenay","demolition permit fee courtenay"],"cost":"Building permit $150 + 1% of construction value. Demolition $150. Plumbing $75 + $10 per fixture (simple) or $125 + $15 (complex). Re-inspection $125 (the Inspections page says $100). Security deposit $3,000 for single or two-family dwellings.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"building@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"250-703-4862"},{"type":"online","label":"Building permit application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBuildingPermitApplication"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A Fees and Charges (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025"},{"title":"Inspections","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"},{"slug":"tree-removal","title":"Courtenay tree removal rules and permits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit-fees/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees/"},"facts":{"minimum_fee":{"label":"Lowest fee","value":"$150 plus 1% of the value of construction (building permit). A demolition permit is $150.","short":"$150 plus 1% of construction value","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A, Permit Fees","quotes":["All $150 + 1% of the value of construction","Demolition Permits All $150"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_formula":{"label":"How the fee is worked out","value":"Building permit: $150 plus 1% of the value of construction, for all buildings. Fire suppression system permits: $75 (simple) or $125 (complex) plus 1% of construction value.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A, Permit Fees","quotes":["All $150 + 1% of the value of construction","Complex Buildings and structures $125 + 1% of the value of construction","Simple buildings $75 + 1% of the value of construction"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"application_fee":{"label":"Application or plan review fee","value":"Non-refundable application fee: $150 or 25% of the building permit fee, whichever is highest. It is credited against the permit fee when the permit is issued, and forfeited if the application expires (not issued within 180 days).","short":"$150 or 25% of permit fee, whichever is highest","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A; ss. 10.9, 10.22","quotes":["$150 or 25% of the building permit fee","prescribed below whichever is the highest","be credited against the permit fee when the permit is issued;","the building permit has not been issued within 180 days from the date an application is received under this Part"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees","value":"Demolition permit $150. Plumbing permit: $75 + $10 per fixture (simple) or $125 + $15 (complex). Re-inspection $125 (Inspections page says $100). Security deposit $3,000 for single or two-family dwellings. Fee doubled (max $10,000) if work starts before the permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A; s. 10.21","quotes":["Simple buildings and structures $75 + $10 for each fixture","Complex buildings and structures $125 + $15 for each fixture","Re-inspection $125","Security Deposit for Single/two family $3000","The building permit or other permit fee is doubled for every permit application if construction commenced before the building official issued a permit, to a maximum of $10,000.00.","Demolition Permits All $150"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections","title":"Inspections, City of Courtenay","section":"Re-inspections","quotes":["A $100 re-inspection fee applies if more than two inspections are required due to incomplete or non-compliant work."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Re-inspection: bylaw Appendix A says $125 (s. 10.47: second and each later re-inspection); the Inspections page says $100 if more than two inspections are needed. Bylaw followed. Other Appendix A items: inspection fees, archive research, copies of plans $10 per sheet, design modification $85/hour. Multi-residential, commercial, industrial and institutional security deposit: $3,000 minimum or $300 per metre of frontage to a maximum of $15,000."},"how_to_pay":{"label":"How to pay","value":"The application fee is paid with the online application. Permit fees and other costs are calculated by City staff and are due when the permit is issued.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","section":"Geodetic elevations on site plans","quotes":["Permit fees and other associated costs will be calculated by staff and are due upon permit issuance."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 10.2(a), 10.10","quotes":["be made in the form prescribed by the building official and signed by the owner","Before receiving a building permit for a building or structure, the owner must first pay to the City:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (Fees and Charges)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["Appendix A – Fees and Charges","Non-Refundable Application Fees"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nFees are set in Appendix A of [Building Bylaw No. 3114](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025). The application fee is paid with the online application. City staff calculate the permit fee and other costs, and they are due when the permit is issued.\n\n## Fees\n\n- Application fee (non-refundable): $150 or 25% of the building permit fee, whichever is highest. It is credited against the permit fee when the permit is issued, and forfeited if the application expires (no permit issued within 180 days).\n- Building permit: $150 plus 1% of the value of construction, for all buildings.\n- Demolition permit: $150.\n- Plumbing permit: $75 + $10 per fixture (simple buildings) or $125 + $15 (complex).\n- Fire suppression system permit: $75 (simple) or $125 (complex), plus 1% of construction value.\n- Security deposit: $3,000 for single or two-family dwellings.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Re-inspection is $125 under the bylaw. The City's Inspections page says $100 if more than two inspections are needed; confirm with Building.\n- If work starts before the permit is issued, the permit fee is doubled, to a maximum of $10,000.\n- The bylaw also sets extension, transfer, plan-copy and other fees; see Appendix A.\n- The City's pages do not say how building permit fees can be paid.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114, Appendix A (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/building-services","title":"Building and plumbing permits, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/inspections","title":"Inspections, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay 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?","slug":"zoning-lookup","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Courtenay shows zoning on its interactive map, CourtenayMap, and on a downloadable zoning map. Then read your zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 for permitted uses, density, lot size, height, setbacks, lot coverage and parking. If unsure, email Planning.","aliases":["what is my zoning courtenay","courtenay zoning map","courtenaymap","zoning bylaw courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":"Not stated on the City's pages.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"CourtenayMap (interactive map)","value":"https://gis.courtenay.ca/map/"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@courtenay.ca","note":"Office hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning bylaw page","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/zoning"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"},{"title":"Civic zoning map (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/civic-zoning-map"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Courtenay secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning-lookup/"}],"topic":{"title":"Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup/"},"facts":{"how_to_find":{"label":"How to find your zone","value":"Use CourtenayMap, the City's interactive web map, to look up property information and zoning. A downloadable zoning map (PDF) is also posted.","short":"Online map (CourtenayMap); PDF map","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/maps","title":"Maps, City of Courtenay","section":"Interactive map","quotes":["Users can look up property information, view zoning and utilities, search for parks, and more."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/zoning","title":"Zoning bylaw, City of Courtenay","section":"Zoning map","quotes":["The zoning map shows the zoning for all properties within Courtenay.","downloadable map (PDF)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_bylaw":{"label":"Zoning bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026, consolidated July 21, 2026 (replaces Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw, City of Courtenay","section":"File(s)","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw 3203 - Consolidated July 21, 2026"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Preamble; list of amendments","quotes":["A bylaw to replace “Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007”","Rezone from R-1A to R-SSMUH - 2535 Cumberland Rd"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_zone_controls":{"label":"What the zone controls","value":"Permitted uses, density and lot size, building height, setbacks, lot coverage and parking requirements, zone by zone.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw, City of Courtenay","section":"Description","quotes":["This includes building heights, setbacks, lot coverage and permitted uses."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/planning-and-land-use/zoning-and-policy","title":"Zoning and policy, City of Courtenay","section":"Zoning bylaw","quotes":["Density and lot size","Parking requirements"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"City of Courtenay Planning: planning@courtenay.ca. Office hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/planning-and-land-use/zoning-and-policy","title":"Zoning and policy, City of Courtenay","section":"Need help?","quotes":["Email: planning@courtenay.ca","Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw shall be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"zoning":{"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (consolidated July 21, 2026)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"Replaces Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007. Zone sections are in Division 8, one \"Part\" per zone. The PDF text has no explicit \"convenience only\" statement, so check the City's page for the legal status of the consolidation."},"zones":70,"zone_pages":35,"index_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning/index.json","lookup_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning/lookup","map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true,"zones_geojson":"/data/ca/bc/courtenay/zones.geojson","addresses_json":"/data/ca/bc/courtenay/addresses.json","source_url":"https://services3.arcgis.com/PwS5hVLYsEN2U36s/arcgis/rest/services/Zoning/FeatureServer/0","viewer":{"title":"City of Courtenay Map","url":"https://gis.courtenay.ca/map/"},"caveat":null,"accessed":"2026-11-07"}},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay uses [Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1) (consolidated July 21, 2026), which replaces Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007. For each zone it sets permitted uses, density and lot size, building height, setbacks, lot coverage and parking.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Open CourtenayMap and search your address to see the property's zoning. A downloadable zoning map (PDF) is also posted.\n2. Read your zone's part of Zoning Bylaw 3203.\n3. Email planning@courtenay.ca if you are unsure how the rules apply to your property.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City's pages do not state a planning phone number or a response time. Planning's office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\n- The consolidated bylaw is for convenience only; the latest amendment included is Bylaw No. 3226.\n- The Maps page also has a Tree Bylaw map.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/zoning","title":"Zoning bylaw, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/maps","title":"Maps, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/planning-and-land-use/zoning-and-policy","title":"Zoning and policy, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in Courtenay zones that list them. A secondary suite (inside the home) needs a building permit. A detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU, such as a garden suite or carriage house) is allowed, one per property, and also needs a building permit. Check your zone first.","aliases":["basement suite courtenay","garden suite courtenay","accessory dwelling unit courtenay","illegal suite courtenay","carriage house courtenay"],"cost":"Building permit $150 + 1% of construction value, plus a $150 or 25% application fee (Building Bylaw 3114). Other fees depend on the project.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Planning (zoning and development permits)","value":"planning@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"building@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building - Development Services","value":"250-703-4862"},{"type":"online","label":"Building permit application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBuildingPermitApplication"},{"type":"online","label":"CourtenayMap (check your zone)","value":"https://gis.courtenay.ca/map/"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Secondary suite requirements checklist (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/secondary-suites"},{"title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) page","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Courtenay permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Courtenay short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/secondary-suite/"}],"topic":{"title":"Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite/"},"facts":{"suite_allowed":{"label":"Secondary suite allowed","value":"Yes, as accessory to a detached single dwelling or duplex, in zones that list it: R-SSMUH, R-1A, R-3, R-3A, R-3B, R-4, R-4A, R-4B, RM-1, MH-1, MU-1, C-1, A-1 and some CD zones. A suite is a separate dwelling unit inside the principal dwelling. No subdivision.","short":"Yes, in zones that list it","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.18.1(1), 8.1.11; definitions","quotes":["Secondary suite(s) and accessory dwelling unit(s)shall be permitted as accessory to a detached single residential dwelling or duplex dwelling on a lot, occupied or intended to be occupied as a single residence","“secondary suite” means a separate dwelling unit located within the principal dwelling.","Townhouse, secondary suite, ADU","Single residential, secondary suite,","no more than one (1) secondary suite or one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted as accessory to a single residential unit or duplex dwelling on a lot that is not connected to community water or sewer services.","Secondary Suite, ADU","Secondary suite(s) and accessory dwelling unit(s)shall be permitted as accessory to a detached"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"Yes: one accessory dwelling unit (ADU, such as a garden suite, carriage house or garage suite) per property, in zones that list it (for example R-SSMUH and R-1A). It must be detached, on a foundation and smaller than the main home; max height 6.5 m unless the zone says otherwise. It cannot be strata-titled or subdivided.","short":"Yes, one per property in zones that list it","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu","title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU), City of Courtenay","section":"Eligibility; units","quotes":["Be detached from the primary home and on a foundation","Be smaller than the primary home","You cannot build more than one ADU","ADUs cannot be strata-titled or subdivided."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 6.18.1(3)","quotes":["An accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 6.5 m in height, unless otherwise specified in the development regulations of a particular zone.","Townhouse, secondary suite, ADU"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Minimum floor area: 30 m² studio, 45 m² one-bedroom, 65 m² two-bedroom, 85 m² three-bedroom. The City's suite checklist defines a suite as under 40% of the building's habitable floor space. At least 15 m² of private amenity space per suite or ADU. No owner-occupancy rule found.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 6.18.1(2), (5)","quotes":["30.0 m2 for a studio unit;","45.0 m2 for a one-bedroom unit:","65.0 m2 for a two-bedroom unit; and","85.0 m² for a three-bedroom unit.","a minimum area of 15 m² of private amenity space shall be provided per dwelling unit unless otherwise specified in this Bylaw."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/secondary-suites","title":"Requirements for Secondary Suites (checklist, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Definition","quotes":["having a floor space less than 40% of the habitable floor space of the building;"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu","title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU), City of Courtenay","section":"Other requirements","quotes":["At least 20 m² of private outdoor space is required for ADU residents"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Conflict on outdoor space: the ADU page says at least 20 m² for ADU residents; Zoning Bylaw s. 6.18.1(5) says 15 m². Bylaw followed. Searched the Zoning Bylaw for 'owner' near suite rules and found no owner-occupancy requirement for secondary suites or ADUs (it applies only to short-term rental)."},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"Accessory dwelling unit: 1 space per dwelling unit. Single dwelling unit or duplex: 2 spaces per dwelling unit, or 1 per dwelling unit in R-SSMUH. The parking table has no separate line for secondary suites.","short":"1 space per accessory dwelling unit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Division 7, parking table","quotes":["Accessory Dwelling Unit 1 space per dwelling unit","Single dwelling unit or duplex (Not","2 per dwelling unit","R-SSMUH 1 space per dwelling unit"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu","title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU), City of Courtenay","section":"Other requirements","quotes":["Parking: At least one off-street parking space must be provided"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit is required for a secondary suite (approved before installation). An ADU also needs a building permit and, depending on location, a development permit (e.g. DPA-2 if it is the third or fourth unit, DPA-3 next to the ALR, DPA-4 environmentally sensitive areas, DPA-5 slopes of 20% or more), and a variance if zoning is not met.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary suites, City of Courtenay","section":"Building permit","quotes":["Yes. A building permit application must be applied for and approved by a City of Courtenay Building Official for a secondary suite prior to installation."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu","title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU), City of Courtenay","section":"What permits will I need?","quotes":["Required if the ADU will be the third or fourth housing unit on your property.","Required if your property is next to Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) or other agricultural lands.","Required if your property includes a slope equal to or greater than 20%.","you must apply for a variance."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 and Building Bylaw No. 3114","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Part 18, s. 6.18.1","quotes":["Part 18 Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as “Building Bylaw No. 3114”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nIn [Zoning Bylaw No. 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1), a secondary suite is a separate dwelling unit inside a detached single dwelling or duplex, allowed in zones that list it (including R-SSMUH, R-1A, R-3, R-4, RM-1, MH-1, MU-1, C-1 and A-1, and some CD zones). A suite cannot be subdivided. A detached ADU must be on a foundation and smaller than the main home, and cannot be strata-titled or subdivided. A property may have one ADU plus one secondary suite.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone on CourtenayMap and in the bylaw's permitted uses.\n2. Ask Planning whether you also need a development permit or variance (for example, when an ADU does not meet zoning, or in some development permit areas).\n3. Prepare drawings and submit the online building permit application. A suite needs approval before installation.\n4. Book inspections once the permit is issued.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Minimum floor area per unit: 30 m² studio, 45 m² one-bedroom, 65 m² two-bedroom, 85 m² three-bedroom. The City's checklist defines a suite as under 40% of the building's habitable floor space.\n- Private outdoor space of at least 15 m² per suite or ADU under the bylaw. The ADU page says 20 m²; confirm with Planning.\n- ADU height is 6.5 m maximum unless the zone says otherwise.\n- Parking: 1 space per ADU; the parking table has no separate line for secondary suites.\n- Do not rent an unauthorized suite until its building permit is finalized.\n- The bylaw does not state an owner-occupancy rule for suites or ADUs.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary suites, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/adu","title":"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/secondary-suites","title":"Requirements for Secondary Suites (checklist, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, section 6.18 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/building-bylaw-no-3114-consolidated-october-2025","title":"Building Bylaw No. 3114 (consolidated October 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Often yes. In Courtenay a Tree Cutting Permit is needed for a protected tree or any tree over 20 cm across at breast height, on lots over 4,000 m². On smaller lots, a permit is needed when removal would leave the lot below its tree target.","aliases":["tree cutting permit courtenay","tree bylaw courtenay","cut down tree courtenay","hazardous tree courtenay","garry oak courtenay"],"cost":"Permit $100 (lots of 4,000 m² or less, or removing only two trees on a lot of any size); $500 for lots over 4,000 m² and multi-lot subdivisions; no fee for a hazardous tree. Replacement security $300 per tree.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Tree cutting permit application","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s.aspx?s=64334226-0DF8-4139-A768-008CF0D07604"},{"type":"online","label":"Tree Bylaw map (lot size and trees required)","value":"https://courtenay.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=36b80ad823ac4c90994dd2ac09a3df3f"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Tree management","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management"},{"title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw"},{"title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Courtenay secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Courtenay building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/tree-removal/"}],"topic":{"title":"Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal/"},"facts":{"permit_needed":{"label":"When a permit is needed","value":"A Tree Cutting Permit is required before removing a protected tree or any tree over 20 cm diameter at breast height, on any greenfield property (over 4,000 m²), or on an infill property (under 4,000 m²) when removal would leave it below the tree density target. Cutting limbs of 10 cm or more from a protected species also needs one.","short":"Yes, for trees over 20 cm diameter on larger lots","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 5.2, 5.3","quotes":["A Tree Cutting Permit is required to be obtained prior to any tree over 20cm Diameter at Breast Height or protected tree being removed in the following circumstances:","on any greenfield property;","on any infill property where the removal of said trees will result in the tree density","greater than 10 centimeter diameter being cut from any protected species;"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 3 definitions","quotes":["“Greenfield” means undeveloped real property that is greater than 4000 meters in size","“Infill” means real property that is less than 4000 square meters in size","“Tree density target” means 50 trees per net developable hectare;"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management","title":"Tree management, City of Courtenay","section":"Do I need a tree cutting permit?","quotes":["You are removing trees of any size in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., riparian areas)*."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"Not covered: pruning non-protected species per good arboricultural practice; orchard, nursery and tree-farm plantations; trees certified in writing as interfering with sewers, drains, water lines, septic fields or power lines; Forest Act tree-farm land. No permit on an infill property if removal keeps it at the density target and the tree is not protected.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 7.1, 7.2","quotes":["pruning of trees other than protected species in accordance with good arboricultural","trees that are part of plantations for the purposes of an orchard, nursery, or tree farm;","is impairing, interfering with, or presents a risk or hazard","land and the trees on it if forestry practices on the land are governed by a tree farm","A Tree Cutting Permit is not required on an infill property when tree removal will not"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management","title":"Tree management, City of Courtenay","section":"Tree cutting permit fees","quotes":["Hazardous tree cutting permit: Free"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$100 (lots of 4,000 m² or less, or removing only two trees on a lot of any size); $500 for lots over 4,000 m² and multi-lot subdivisions; no fee for a hazardous tree.","short":"$100 (lots of 4,000 m² or less); $500 for larger lots","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management","title":"Tree management, City of Courtenay","section":"Tree cutting permit fees","quotes":["Tree cutting permit (general): $100","Tree cutting permit (property over 4000m²): $500","Hazardous tree cutting permit: Free"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Tree Cutting & Removal Permit","quotes":["Single family lots equal to or under 4000m2 in size, or when only two trees are removed on any sized","Lots larger than 4000m2 and multi-lot","Hazardous tree removal"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Infill lot: count existing trees, plant a replacement tree, or pay $300 per tree into the Tree Planting and Replacement Reserve Fund. Security of $300 per replacement tree is held (returned one year after planting if healthy). Hazardous tree: 1 replacement per tree; protected species: 3 of the same species per tree.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 9.1(a), 10.1, 10.2, 10.7","quotes":["by paying $300 into the Tree Planting and Replacement Reserve Fund for each","if the tree removed is hazardous, one replacement tree shall be required for every","for the removal of a protected species three replacements of the same species shall be","security in the amount of $300 for each tree to be planted and maintained.","one year from the date of planting"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management","title":"Tree management, City of Courtenay","section":"Tree cutting permit fees","quotes":["Tree replacement bond (per tree): $300","Tree protection security bond (per tree): $1000"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Trees on City land, including parks, highways, boulevards, roads and lane allowances, are 'public trees' and count as protected trees, so cutting, removing or damaging one needs a Tree Cutting Permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 3, 6.1","quotes":["“Public tree” means a tree of any size on land owned by or in the possession of the City, including,","No person shall cut, remove or carry out any tree damaging activities on a protected tree or","a) a public tree;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $1,000, or $750 if received by the City within 30 days of service. Applies to cutting or removing a protected tree without a permit, damaging one, or breaking permit terms. Pay or dispute within 14 days. Court fine up to $10,000.","short":"Ticket $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix B (Municipal Tickets)","quotes":["TREE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT BYLAW No. 2850, 2027","Cutting or removal of tree on 6.1 $1000.00 $750.00","Failure to comply with terms of permit 6.1 $1000.00 $750.00","If received by the City on or before the 30th day from the date on which the municipal ticket is served, the discounted penalty"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 19.1","quotes":["up to $10,000 as determined by the court pursuant to an Offence Act proceeding."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850, 2016","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850, 2016”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw) requires a Tree Cutting Permit before you remove a protected tree or any tree over 20 cm in diameter at breast height. This applies on any greenfield property (over 4,000 m²), and on an infill property (under 4,000 m²) when removal would leave it below the tree density target. Cutting limbs of 10 cm or more from a protected species also needs one. The City's Tree Bylaw map shows the trees needed for each property.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Look up your lot on the Tree Bylaw map.\n2. Check whether the tree is protected or over 20 cm across.\n3. Apply online with an arborist report. Emergency removals must be applied for within 24 hours, with photos.\n4. Pay the fee, then replant or pay as required.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Protected species (over 0.5 m tall): Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, western white pine, Pacific yew, trembling aspen and arbutus. Protected trees also include trees in a Riparian Assessment Area or environmentally sensitive area, on slopes of 30% or more, and public trees. The City says permits for protected species are only approved in special cases.\n- Public trees (on parks, highways, boulevards, roads and lane allowances) are protected too; cutting or damaging one needs a permit.\n- Not covered: pruning non-protected species properly, orchards and nurseries, and trees certified in writing as interfering with sewers, drains, water lines, septic fields or power lines.\n- Replacement on an infill lot: plant a tree or pay $300 per tree into the Tree Planting and Replacement Reserve Fund. Security of $300 per replacement tree is held and returned one year after planting if healthy. Greenfield: 3 replacements per tree removed.\n- A hazard tree still needs a permit but has no fee; a protected-species hazard tree needs 3 same-species replacements.\n- Fine: a municipal ticket is $1,000, or $750 if received within 30 days of service (see [Bylaw 3185](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf)). Each tree is a separate offence; court fines go up to $10,000. The City's ticket page says to respond within 14 days.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/environment-and-sustainability/tree-management","title":"Tree management, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2850-tree-protection-bylaw","title":"Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits","question":"When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?","slug":"garbage-collection","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"garbage-and-recycling","name":"Garbage, recycling and waste"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Courtenay collects garbage and recycling every second week on alternating weeks, and organics every week, on a day set by one of four zones. Put carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and before 8 a.m. Waste outside the cart is not collected. The fee is $359.50 a year for a house or duplex.","aliases":["courtenay garbage day","courtenay garbage pickup schedule","courtenay collection zones","courtenay collects app","garbage cart rules courtenay"],"cost":"Annual solid waste fee on the property tax notice: $359.50 for single residential dwellings and duplexes; $326 for multi-residential detached, manufactured homes in mobile home parks, fourplexes and secondary suites inside single homes. An additional 120 L garbage cart is $140.20 a year.","how_long":"Garbage and recycling alternate every second week; after a weekday statutory holiday your day shifts by one day.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Collection zones, schedules and Courtenay Collects reminders","value":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-zones-and-schedule"},{"type":"phone","label":"Operational Services (extra carts)","value":"250-338-1525"},{"type":"email","label":"Solid waste","value":"solidwaste@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Emterra Environmental (the collection contractor)","value":"250-336-8066"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Garbage, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/garbage"},{"title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw 3113 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection/"}],"topic":{"title":"Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection/"},"facts":{"frequency":{"label":"How often","value":"Organics (green cart) every week. Garbage and recycling every second week, on alternating weeks. After a weekday statutory holiday your collection day shifts by one day.","short":"Organics weekly; garbage, recycling every other week","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 9","quotes":["weekly Curbside Collection of the Organics Cart; and","alternating Bi-Weekly Curbside Collection of the Garbage Cart and the Recycling Cart."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-zones-and-schedule","title":"Collection zones and schedule, City of Courtenay","section":"Collection zones and schedule","quotes":["Garbage and recycling are collected every second week, on alternating weeks.","Your collection day will shift by one day after each weekday statutory holiday (the add-a-day schedule)."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"collection_day":{"label":"Finding your day","value":"Your day depends on which of the City's four collection zones you live in. Use the Zone A-D schedules or the Courtenay Collects app (calendar and reminders) and the Waste Wizard.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-zones-and-schedule","title":"Collection zones and schedule, City of Courtenay","section":"Collection zones and schedule","quotes":["Your collection day depends on where you live. The City has four collection zones to improve efficiency and reliability.","Sign up for weekly reminders and service alerts using the Calendar tool with the Courtenay Collects app."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"carts":{"label":"Carts","value":"Single homes and duplexes: 360 L recycling, 360 L organics, 120 L garbage. Secondary suite or carriage house gets a second set of 240 L / 120 L / 120 L. Townhouses, fourplexes and mobile home park homes: 240 L / 120 L / 120 L. Exchange: the first exchange per property is free under the bylaw; later exchanges $65. Extra carts cost an annual fee.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-carts","title":"Collection carts, City of Courtenay","section":"Cart sizes","quotes":["Single-residential dwellings and duplex units receive one set of the following carts:","360 L recycling (blue lid)","360 L organics (green lid)","120 L garbage (black lid)","A $65 administrative fee applies only to households that have previously requested a cart exchange."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 26","quotes":["No fee is payable for an Owner’s first Cart Exchange Request for each Serviced Property."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"set_out":{"label":"Setting carts out","value":"Put carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and before 8 a.m. on collection day, lids closed with arrows facing the road, 1 m clear on all sides and 3 m above. Remove them by 10 p.m. that day.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 11","quotes":["place Collection Carts with the lids in the fully closed position, no earlier than 5 AM and prior to 8 AM on each Collection Day","remove all Collection Carts from the roadway, alley, shoulder, parking lane, or other collection location, no later than 10 PM on each Collection Day"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/garbage","title":"Garbage, City of Courtenay","section":"How to set out your cart","quotes":["Place your garbage cart (black lid) at the curb between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on your collection day."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits and extra garbage","value":"Carts are collected only up to a weight limit: 120 L cart 55 kg (122 lb), 240 L cart 102 kg (227 lb), 360 L cart 146 kg (322 lb). Extra waste outside the cart will not be collected. An additional 120 L garbage cart costs $140.20 a year.","short":"Extra waste not collected; extra 120 L cart $140.20 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 21, Table 2","quotes":["120 L Cart 240 L Cart 360 L Cart","55 KG (122 LB) 102 KG (227 LB) 146 KG (322 LB)"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/garbage","title":"Garbage, City of Courtenay","section":"Important reminders","quotes":["Extra waste outside the cart will not be collected."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","section":"Sched. III App. IV","quotes":["Garbage Cart (120 L): $140.20"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$359.50 a year for single residential dwellings and duplexes. $326 a year for multi-residential detached, manufactured homes in mobile home parks, fourplexes and secondary suites inside single homes. Charged on the annual property tax notice.","short":"$359.50 a year (single dwelling or duplex)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","section":"Sched. III App. IV, A and B","quotes":["Single Residential Dwelling (SRD) Unit / Duplex Basic Annual Fee:","120 L 360 L 360 L $359.50","120 L 120 L 240 L $326.00"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-zones-and-schedule","title":"Collection zones and schedule, City of Courtenay","section":"Waste collection fees","quotes":["Charges appear on your annual property tax notice."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (rules); Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (fees)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["City of Courtenay Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673, 1992"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay's curbside service is carried out by its contractor, Emterra Environmental. Organics (green cart) are collected every week; garbage and recycling every second week, alternating. Your day depends on which of the four collection zones (A to D) you live in. Use the zone schedules, the Courtenay Collects app (calendar and reminders) or the Waste Wizard. The service is charged on your property tax notice and cannot be opted out of. See [Solid Waste Management Bylaw 3113](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your zone and day on the City's collection zones and schedule page.\n2. Put carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and before 8 a.m. on collection day, lids closed with arrows facing the road, with 1 metre clear on all sides and 3 metres above.\n3. Remove them by 10 p.m. that day.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Cart sizes: single homes and duplexes get a 360 L recycling, 360 L organics and 120 L garbage cart. A secondary suite or carriage house gets a second set of 240 L, 120 L and 120 L. Townhouses, fourplexes and mobile home park homes get 240 L, 120 L and 120 L.\n- Weight limits: 55 kg (122 lb) for a 120 L cart, 102 kg (227 lb) for 240 L, 146 kg (322 lb) for 360 L. Extra waste outside the cart is not collected.\n- The first cart exchange per property is free under the bylaw; later exchanges are $65. Extra carts cost an annual fee; request them at solidwaste@courtenay.ca or 250-338-1525.\n- No bag tags or pay-per-bag system was found.\n- A bylaw notice of $100 applies for carts out before 5 a.m., left past 10 p.m., or blocking sidewalks and bike lanes.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/garbage","title":"Garbage, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-zones-and-schedule","title":"Collection zones and schedule, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/collection-carts","title":"Collection carts, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/garbage-collection/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/garbage-collection.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/garbage-collection.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay yard waste collection and drop-off","question":"Where does yard waste and brush go?","slug":"yard-waste","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"garbage-and-recycling","name":"Garbage, recycling and waste"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Courtenay, yard waste goes in the green organics cart, collected every week with food waste. Branches up to 3 inches (75 mm) across that fit with the lid closed are accepted. Extra can go to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre in Cumberland for a fee. The City also runs a seasonal drop-off.","aliases":["courtenay brush disposal","courtenay leaves pickup","courtenay yard waste drop off","where to take branches courtenay"],"cost":"Curbside is included in the annual solid waste fee ($359.50 for single homes and duplexes). At the Cumberland centre, yard waste is $65 per tonne, and each visit is subject to a minimum charge.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Comox Valley Waste Management Centre","value":"3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland, BC","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed statutory holidays."},{"type":"phone","label":"Operational Services","value":"250-338-1525"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics"},{"title":"Fees and Charges, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","url":"https://www.cswm.ca/fees"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Courtenay backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/yard-waste/"}],"topic":{"title":"Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste/"},"facts":{"curbside":{"label":"Curbside collection","value":"Yes. Yard waste goes in the green organics cart, which is collected every week along with food waste.","short":"Yes, weekly in organics cart","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","section":"Organics","quotes":["Organics (yard and food waste) is collected every week in Courtenay.","tree or hedge prunings","branches (maximum diameter 3 inches; must fit inside the cart with the lid closed)."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"preparation":{"label":"How to set it out","value":"Branches up to 3 inches (75 mm) in diameter that fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Material outside the cart is not collected. Cart weight limits: 120 L 55 kg, 240 L 102 kg, 360 L 146 kg.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","section":"Accepted in the organics cart","quotes":["branches (maximum diameter 3 inches; must fit inside the cart with the lid closed).","Extra material outside the cart will not be collected."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 1 \"Yard Waste\", s. 21","quotes":["five (75) millimetres in diameter.","55 KG (122 LB) 102 KG (227 LB) 146 KG (322 LB)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"drop_off":{"label":"Drop-off","value":"Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland: open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays. Also a free City drop-off for extra yard waste, Nov 2 to 28, 2026: end of McKenzie Avenue, Mon to Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.","short":"Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, Bevan Road","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/Hours","title":"Facilities and Hours, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","section":"Waste Management Centres","quotes":["Comox Valley Waste Management Centre (CVWMC) 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0","Open seven days a week, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm","Closed on all statutory holidays"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","section":"Seasonal yard waste drop-off","quotes":["The end of McKenzie Avenue, next to the City Operations Centre.","Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cost":{"label":"Cost","value":"Curbside: included in the annual solid waste fee ($359.50 for single homes and duplexes). Cumberland centre: yard waste $65 per tonne, cut grass and leaves $65 per tonne; each visit is subject to a minimum charge (the page states $10 only for garbage). The City's Nov 2026 seasonal drop-off is free.","short":"Curbside in $359.50 fee; centre $65 a tonne","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/fees","title":"Fees and Charges, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","section":"Fees / Garbage minimum charge and weight","quotes":["Yard Waste | per tonne | $65","Cut Grass and Leaves | per tonne | $65","Each visit is subject to a minimum charge, unless otherwise specified.","| Non-Stewardship Tires and tires on rims | per tonne | $170 | Rubble | per tonne | $60 ### Garbage (municipal solid waste) - $10 minimum charge for up to 100 kilograms (kg) still applies. Disposal rates are per metric tonne and will be pro-rated for any portion thereof. Each visit is subject to a minimum charge, unless otherwise specified. Groups engaged in community clean-up events may be eligible for a tipping fee discount. Contact us for more information on how to apply."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","section":"Sched. III App. IV","quotes":["Garbage Organic Waste Recyclables Fee 120 L 360 L 360 L $359.50 B. Multi-residential detached, Manufactured Homes in a Mobile Home Park,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_accepted":{"label":"Not accepted","value":"Not in the organics cart: large amounts of sod or soil, rocks or stumps, painted or treated wood, invasive plants (take to CSWM), compostable or biodegradable plastic bags, animal feces or litter.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","section":"Not accepted in the organics cart","quotes":["large amounts of sod or soil","rocks or stumps","painted or treated wood","invasive plants (refer to CSWM for proper disposal)","compostable or biodegradable plastic bags"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nIn the City of Courtenay, yard waste goes in the green organics cart, which is collected every week along with food waste. The cart takes branches up to 3 inches (75 mm) in diameter that fit inside with the lid closed. Material outside the cart is not collected. Weight limits are 55 kg for a 120 L cart, 102 kg for 240 L and 146 kg for 360 L. See [Solid Waste Management Bylaw 3113](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Put what fits in the green cart. Paper bags, newspaper or no liner are fine; compostable and biodegradable plastic bags are not allowed.\n2. For extra, check the City's Organics page for a seasonal yard waste drop-off for residents with curbside collection. It runs only at certain times of year.\n3. For larger loads, take them to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland. Yard waste is $65 per tonne, and cut grass and leaves are $65 per tonne.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Not accepted in the organics cart: large amounts of sod or soil, rocks or stumps, painted or treated wood, invasive plants (take to CSWM), compostable or biodegradable plastic bags, and animal feces or litter.\n- The fees page states a minimum charge only for garbage and does not say whether one applies to yard waste.\n- Open burning is not an easy alternative; see the backyard fire answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/fees","title":"Fees and Charges, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/Hours","title":"Facilities and Hours, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no-3113-2023","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 3113, 2023 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fees-and-charges-bylaw-no-1673-consolidated-version-july-2026","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/yard-waste/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/yard-waste.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/yard-waste.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"water-roads-and-snow","name":"Water, sewer, roads and snow"},"owner":"regional","owner_label":"Regional district","owner_body":{"name":"Comox Valley Regional District","url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. In the City of Courtenay, watering is governed by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Water Conservation Bylaw 129. Stage 1 starts May 1 and Stage 2 July 1 each year; higher stages start when river flow drops. The stage changes, so check the City's alert page or the CVRD page before you water.","aliases":["courtenay watering schedule","courtenay stage 3 water restrictions","can i water my lawn courtenay","lawn sprinkling permit courtenay"],"cost":"New lawn permit: $30 under the bylaw (the City's permit page does not state a fee). Bylaw notices run from $75 to $500 depending on the stage.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"CVRD current water restrictions","value":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/current-water-restrictions"},{"type":"online","label":"Watering restrictions, City of Courtenay","value":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/watering-restrictions"},{"type":"email","label":"Lawn sprinkling permit","value":"finance@courtenay.ca","note":"Or City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Watering restrictions, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/watering-restrictions"},{"title":"Lawn sprinkling permit, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/lawn-sprinkling-permit"},{"title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 129 (PDF)","url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/water-restrictions/"}],"topic":{"title":"Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions/"},"facts":{"in_effect":{"label":"When restrictions apply","value":"Stage 1 starts May 1 and Stage 2 July 1 each year. Stage 3 applies when Puntledge River flow drops below 11.3 m³/s, Stage 4 below 5.7 m³/s. Stage 5 (emergency) can be brought in at any time. The Comox Valley Regional District's operational officers can change stages or dates.","short":"Stage 1 from May 1; Stage 2 from July 1","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"s. 5","quotes":["Stage 1 and the water use restrictions for Stage 1 prescribed in Schedule A are in effect May 1 of the year","Stage 2 and the water use restrictions for Stage 2 prescribed in Schedule A are in effect July 1st of the year","are in effect when the flow within the Puntledge River is reduced below 11.3 cubic meters per second as measured at Gauge 8","may be brought into effect at any time by written determination of the operational officers"]},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/comox-lake-water-system","title":"Comox Valley Water System, Comox Valley Regional District","section":"Water Restrictions","quotes":["Stage 4: if flow is reduced below 5.7 cubic metres per second"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":"Stage 1: even addresses Tue, Thu, Sat; odd addresses Wed, Fri, Sun; 5-8 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. Stage 2: even addresses Tue and Sat; odd addresses Wed and Sun; 6-7:30 a.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. Stages 3 and up: no lawn watering.","short":"Stage 1: 3 days a week by address; no lawns Stage 3+","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"Sched. A, Stage 1 and 2","quotes":["and 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.","Odd numbered-addresses may only water between the hours of 5:00 am and 8:00 am and 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.","and 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays.","Odd numbered-addresses may only water between the hours of 6:00 am and 7:30 am and 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays."]},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/current-water-restrictions/stage-3-water-restrictions","title":"Stage 3 Water Restrictions, Comox Valley Regional District","section":"Stage 3","quotes":["STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS - NO LAWN WATERING IS PERMITTED"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":"Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered any day, any time with drip or micro-irrigation, a hand-held container, or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle (Stages 1 to 3). Stage 4: same methods but only as much as needed to keep plants alive.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"Sched. A, Stages 1-4","quotes":["Any day at any time if using micro-irrigation or drip-irrigation system, hand held container or a hand held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.","Provided residents work to minimize water use and use water only to the extent","reasonably necessary to keep their plants alive."]},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/current-water-restrictions/stage-3-water-restrictions","title":"Stage 3 Water Restrictions, Comox Valley Regional District","section":"During Stage 3","quotes":["Water trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on any day at any time if watering is done using micro-irrigation or drip-irrigation, a hand-held container, or a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":"A new lawn permit is available in Stages 1 and 2 only ($30 under the bylaw). New sod: 21 days. New seed: until growth is established or 49 days, whichever is less (the Stage 1 table says 45 days). Permit allows sprinkling outside permitted days but within permitted hours. None in Stage 3 or 4. Apply at City Hall or finance@courtenay.ca.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"Sched. B, s. 2-4","quotes":["or the municipality of a fee in the amount of $30.00.","New sod may be watered for 21 days after installation and newly seeded lawn may be watered until growth is established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less","Permits will not be issued or be valid during Stage 3 or 4 restrictions.","21 days, seed within 45","21 days, seed within 49","fee in the amount of $30.00."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/lawn-sprinkling-permit","title":"Lawn sprinkling permit, City of Courtenay","section":"Lawn sprinkling permit","quotes":["you can apply for a lawn sprinkling permit to water outside the standard watering schedule during Stage 1 and Stage 2 water restrictions.","Permits are not issued or valid during Stage 3 or Stage 4 water restrictions."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City permit page does not state the fee. The hours on the City page (Stage 1 5-8 a.m. and 7-10 p.m.; Stage 2 6-7:30 a.m. and 8-9:30 p.m.) match the sprinkling schedule."},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for using water contrary to the restrictions: Stage 1 $75, Stage 2 $150, Stage 3 $225, Stage 4 $500 (about 25% less if paid within 14 days: $56.25, $112.50, $168.75, $375). Wasting water: $50 to $200 by stage.","short":"Notice $75 Stage 1 (25% less if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/sites/default/files/2026-05/679%20Bylaw%20Adjudication%20Ticketing%20System%20CONSOLIDATED%2020260526.pdf","title":"CVRD Bylaw Adjudication Ticketing Bylaw No. 679 (consolidated May 26, 2026) (PDF)","section":"Schedule 19, Bylaw No. 129","quotes":["3 (5), Sch A St. 1 $56.25 $75.00","3 (5), Sch A St. 2 $112.50 $150.00","3 (5), Sch A St. 3 $168.75 $225.00","3 (5), Sch A St. 4 $375.00 $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (Comox Valley Regional District Bylaw No. 129), amended to Bylaw No. 933 (Aug 11, 2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"s. 17","quotes":["Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010"]},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","section":"s. 2","quotes":["The restrictions and regulations in this bylaw are applicable in each municipality"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/watering-restrictions","title":"Watering restrictions, City of Courtenay","section":"Watering restrictions","quotes":["Watering restrictions in the Comox Valley Water System — including watering schedules and permitted and prohibited watering activities — are managed by the Comox Valley Regional District."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe CVRD manages watering restrictions for the Comox Valley Water System, which includes Courtenay, under its [Water Conservation Bylaw 129](https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121). The City's Watering restrictions page points to the CVRD. Stage 1 starts May 1 and Stage 2 July 1 each year. Stage 3 applies when Puntledge River flow drops below 11.3 cubic metres per second, and Stage 4 below 5.7. Stage 5 (emergency) can be brought in at any time. CVRD officers can change stages or dates, so check the City alert page or the CVRD current restrictions page for today's stage.\n\n## Lawn sprinkling schedule\n\n- Stage 1: even addresses Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; odd addresses Wednesday, Friday, Sunday; 5 to 8 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.\n- Stage 2: even addresses Tuesday and Saturday; odd addresses Wednesday and Sunday; 6 to 7:30 a.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m.\n- Stage 3 and up: no lawn watering.\n- Strata properties with a single civic address use unit numbers.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered any day, any time with drip or micro-irrigation, a hand-held container, or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle (Stages 1 to 3). In Stage 4, the same methods only as much as needed to keep plants alive. Stage 5 prohibits all watering except for human and animal consumption, hygiene, safety and firefighting.\n- New lawn permit: available in Stages 1 and 2 only, $30 under the bylaw (the City page does not state the fee). New sod: 21 days. New seed: until growth is established or 49 days, whichever is less, but the Stage 1 table says 45 days, so confirm with the City. The permit allows sprinkling outside permitted days but within permitted hours. Apply at City Hall or finance@courtenay.ca.\n- Bylaw notices for using water contrary to the restrictions (CVRD Bylaw 679): Stage 1 $75, Stage 2 $150, Stage 3 $225, Stage 4 $500. Wasting water is $50 to $200 by stage.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/watering-restrictions","title":"Watering restrictions, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/media/17121","title":"Comox Valley Water Conservation Bylaw 2010 (CVRD Bylaw No. 129) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/current-water-restrictions/stage-3-water-restrictions","title":"Stage 3 Water Restrictions, Comox Valley Regional District","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/services/water/comox-lake-water-system","title":"Comox Valley Water System, Comox Valley Regional District","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/lawn-sprinkling-permit","title":"Lawn sprinkling permit, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/sites/default/files/2026-05/679%20Bylaw%20Adjudication%20Ticketing%20System%20CONSOLIDATED%2020260526.pdf","title":"CVRD Bylaw Adjudication Ticketing Bylaw No. 679 (consolidated May 26, 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/water-restrictions.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Every dog over six months old in the City of Courtenay needs a City licence each year. Buy it in person at City Hall or by mailing a cheque. The fee is $5 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $25 for one that is not. Licences expire on December 31.","aliases":["dog license courtenay","dog tag courtenay","renew dog licence courtenay","how much is a dog licence"],"cost":"$25 a year for an unneutered male or unspayed female; $5 a year for a neutered or spayed dog; $2 replacement licence or tag; $1 for the rest of the year for a new resident with a valid current-year licence from another municipality.","how_long":"Licences expire on December 31 and must be renewed every year.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Courtenay City Hall","value":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"mail","label":"Mail a cheque to City Hall","value":"City of Courtenay, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-334-4441"}],"documents":["Your name, address and phone number","Your dog's name, breed, colour and gender","Veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered, for the lower fee"],"forms":[{"title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 1897 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Courtenay dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Courtenay rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence/"},"facts":{"required":{"label":"Licence required","value":"Yes. Every dog over six months old kept in Courtenay must be licensed, and must wear its licence tag on a collar or harness at all times.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 4, s. 7","quotes":["No person shall keep any dog over the age of six months within the City unless a valid licence has been obtained and is held for the dog under this bylaw."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Dog licensing page","quotes":["All dogs over six months old living in Courtenay must have a license.","Dogs must wear their licence tag on a collar or harness at all times."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The City of Courtenay, at City Hall (830 Cliffe Avenue).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"How to get a dog licence","quotes":["Visit Courtenay City Hall","830 Cliffe Avenue"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"Dog licensing","quotes":["Licences are available at City Hall."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$5 a year for a neutered male or spayed female dog. A vet certificate is required (proof for a first licence).","short":"$5 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Fees","quotes":["Neutered male or spayed female | $5 annually","If this is your first licence and your dog has been spayed or neutered, please include proof from your veterinarian."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"Sched. A s. 3(b), 3(d)","quotes":["For every neutered male dog, proven to be such by the production of a","For every spayed female dog, proven to be such by the production of a"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$25 a year for an unneutered male or unspayed female dog.","short":"$25 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Fees","quotes":["Unneutered male or unspayed female | $25 annually"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"Sched. A s. 3(a), 3(c)","quotes":["For every unneutered male dog:","For every unspayed female dog:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Replacement licence or tag: $2. New resident with a valid current-year licence from another municipality: $1 for the rest of the year. A dog brought into the City on or after August 1 with proof of a licence bought elsewhere pays half the annual fee. A dog unlicensed when impounded pays an extra $50 plus the licence fee.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Fees","quotes":["Replacement licence or dog tag | $2","New Courtenay residents with a valid dog licence for the current year from another municipality | $1 for the rest of the year"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"Sched. A s. 2(c), 3(e)-(g)","quotes":["The owner of any dog unlicenced at the time of impoundment shall pay an","one-half of the annual licence fee.","For a replacement licence or dog tag:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed annually.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Dog licensing page","quotes":["Licences expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed annually."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 10","quotes":["shall expire on the thirty-first day of December"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"In person at City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mailing a cheque to City of Courtenay, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7. Include your name, address, phone and the dog's name, breed, colour and gender.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"How to get a dog licence","quotes":["Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.","Mail a cheque:","your dog’s name, breed, colour and gender"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice: $100 for no dog licence ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Failing to affix the tag is also $100.","short":"Notice $100 ($75 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Animal Control Bylaw","quotes":["No dog licence III.4 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes","Fail to affix dog licence tag III.7 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 44","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":9,"stated":9,"matched":9,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay requires every dog over six months old kept in the City to be licensed under its [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021). The dog must wear its licence tag on a collar or harness at all times. The licence comes from the City at City Hall.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Gather your name, address and phone number, and your dog's name, breed, colour and gender.\n2. For the $5 fee, get a veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered (it is needed as proof for a first licence).\n3. Go to City Hall, or mail a cheque with those details to City of Courtenay, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7.\n4. Put the tag on your dog's collar or harness.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Licences expire on December 31. The licensing page says 2027 licences are now available.\n- A dog brought into the City on or after August 1 with proof of a licence bought elsewhere pays half the annual fee.\n- A dog that is unlicensed when impounded pays an extra $50 plus the licence fee.\n- A bylaw notice for no dog licence is $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Not putting the tag on the dog is also $100. The bylaw also allows a court fine of $50 to $2,000 on conviction.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Courtenay has no off-leash parks. Under the City of Courtenay's Animal Control Bylaw, a dog must be on a leash on any highway, in a City park or other public place, and the person holding it must be able to control it. The leash or chain cannot be longer than 1.83 metres (6 feet).","aliases":["off leash dog park courtenay","dogs in parks courtenay","leash law courtenay","dog poop bylaw courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control"},{"title":"Parks and open spaces, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parks-bylaw"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 1897 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Courtenay dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Courtenay rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-leash-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules/"},"facts":{"leash_rule":{"label":"Leash rule","value":"Dogs must be on a leash on any highway, in City parks and in other public places, led by a person able to control them.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 16","quotes":["No owner shall permit any dog to be on a highway, City park or other public place within the City","led by that person on a leash or chain that does not exceed 1.83 metres (6 feet) in length."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Dogs must be on a leash in all public spaces."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":"1.83 m (6 feet) maximum, leash or chain.","short":"1.83 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 16","quotes":["led by that person on a leash or chain that does not exceed 1.83 metres (6 feet) in length."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":"None. The City says there are no off-leash parks in Courtenay.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["There are no off-leash parks in Courtenay."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"Not allowed on school grounds, playgrounds, designated parks or sports fields. The bylaw also bars dogs from any restricted area of a park, except dogs in City-approved events and certified service or working dogs.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, playgrounds, designated parks or sports fields."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 15","quotes":["No person shall permit, suffer or allow their dog to be in a restricted area of any park, except:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"Owners must immediately remove and sanitarily dispose of their dog's excrement on any public place or on private property other than their own.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 17","quotes":["deposit excrement on any public place or on private property other than the property of the owner","unless the owner immediately takes steps to remove such excrement and to dispose of it in a sanitary manner."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parks-bylaw","title":"Parks and open spaces, City of Courtenay","section":"Parks and open spaces","quotes":["Dogs must be on a leash in all City parks. Clean up after your pet."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"Bylaw notice: dog at large $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Leash longer than 6 feet: $100 ($75 early; $125 late).","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Animal Control Bylaw","quotes":["Dog at large IV.16 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes","Fail to have dog on leash no longer IV.16 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 44","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nCourtenay's [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021) requires every dog on a highway, in a City park or in any other public place to be led by a person able to control it, on a leash or chain no longer than 1.83 metres (6 feet). The City says there are no off-leash parks in Courtenay.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, playgrounds, designated parks or sports fields. The bylaw also bars dogs from any restricted area of a park. Dogs in City-approved events and certified service or working dogs are excepted. The bylaw does not define \"restricted area\" and the City does not list the parks, so ask Bylaw Enforcement.\n- Clean up after your dog right away, in any public place and on private property other than your own, and dispose of it sanitarily.\n- A bylaw notice for a dog at large is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). A leash longer than 6 feet is $100 ($75 early; $125 late).\n- To report a loose dog, see the dog complaint answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parks-bylaw","title":"Parks and open spaces, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","question":"What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?","slug":"dangerous-dogs","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Courtenay's Animal Control Bylaw has no \"dangerous dog\" declaration process. It bans keeping a dog that has killed or injured a person or domestic animal, or has attacked, chased or menaced someone unprovoked. An owner of a dog known to be prone to attack must keep it confined, and muzzled or controlled by an adult outside.","aliases":["dog bite courtenay","vicious dog courtenay","menacing dog bylaw courtenay","muzzle dog courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"Bylaw complaint form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/l/CourtenayBylawComplaint"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 1897 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021"},{"title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Courtenay dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Courtenay dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dangerous-dogs/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs/"},"facts":{"how_declared":{"label":"How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive","value":"The bylaw has no \"dangerous dog\" declaration process. It bans keeping a dog that has killed or injured a person or domestic animal, or that unprovoked has attacked, chased or menacingly approached a person in a public place, or is used for dog fighting.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 18","quotes":["which has killed or injured a person or domestic animal;","when unprovoked, has attacked, chased or approached a person or","any dog owned or harboured primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"owner_rules":{"label":"Rules for owners","value":"An owner of a dog known to have a propensity to attack or viciously pursue a person or domestic animal must confine it in a building or secure enclosure, and keep it effectively muzzled, caged or under the effective control of an adult whenever it is outside.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 19","quotes":["The owner of a dog which is known by the owner to have a propensity to attack or viciously pursue a person or domestic animal","shall confine the dog in a building or secure enclosure and shall keep the dog effectively muzzled, caged, or otherwise under the effective control of an adult person"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Licence fee","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Courtenay's Animal Control Bylaw sets no separate licence fee for a dangerous or aggressive dog.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)"}]},"report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Contact Bylaw Enforcement: bylaw complaint form, email bylaw@courtenay.ca, or call 250-334-4441 (ext. 5). The City does not respond to anonymous complaints.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","section":"Contact Bylaw Enforcement","quotes":["submit a bylaw complaint form - email bylaw@courtenay.ca - call 250-334-4441 (ext. 5)","We do not respond to anonymous complaints."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: failing to confine or muzzle a vicious dog $500 each ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late). No compliance agreement is available.","short":"Notice $500 ($375 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Animal Control Bylaw","quotes":["Fail to confine vicious dog IV.19 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 No","Fail to muzzle vicious dog IV.19 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 No"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 44","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021) of the City of Courtenay does not set up a process for declaring a dog \"dangerous\". Instead it sets plain rules for owners, and Animal Control Officers enforce them. The bylaw sets no separate licence fee for a dangerous or aggressive dog.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No one may keep a dog that has killed or injured a person or domestic animal, or that unprovoked has attacked, chased or menacingly approached a person in a public place, or that is used for dog fighting.\n- If you own a dog known to have a propensity to attack or viciously pursue a person or domestic animal, you must confine it in a building or secure enclosure. Whenever it is outside, keep it effectively muzzled, caged or under the effective control of an adult.\n- A bylaw notice for failing to confine or muzzle a vicious dog is $500 each ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late). No compliance agreement is available. Keeping a prohibited dog has no bylaw-notice amount; the bylaw sets a court fine of $50 to $2,000.\n- To report a dog, contact Bylaw Enforcement by the complaint form, email or phone. The City does not respond to anonymous complaints.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs.json"}},{"title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Courtenay","question":"How many dogs or cats can I keep?","slug":"how-many-pets","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Courtenay, no more than three dogs over six months old may be kept on any parcel of land at one time. The Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on cats. Livestock, horses and poultry are allowed only on agriculturally zoned property, and wild or exotic animals are banned.","aliases":["dog limit courtenay","cat limit courtenay","how many dogs can i have courtenay","exotic pets courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 1897 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Courtenay dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"backyard-chickens","title":"Courtenay backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Courtenay rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/how-many-pets/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets/"},"facts":{"dog_limit":{"label":"Dogs allowed","value":"No more than three dogs over six months old on any parcel of land at one time.","short":"Max three dogs","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 14","quotes":["No more than three dogs over the age of six months shall be kept on any parcel of land in the City at one time."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","section":"Dog licensing page","quotes":["Each household may have up to three dogs."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cat_limit":{"label":"Cats allowed","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Courtenay's Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on cats.","sources":[]},"other_limits":{"label":"Other animal limits","value":"Outdoors, only dogs, cats, honeybees and hens may be kept unless the property is zoned agricultural. No livestock, horse, donkey or poultry except on agriculturally zoned property. Wild or exotic animals are banned.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 11, s. 12, s. 13","quotes":["No person shall keep any animal except a dog or cat or honeybees or hens outdoors on any property within the City","No person shall keep any livestock, horse, donkey or poultry on any property within the City, other than on property zoned for agricultural use","No person shall sell, display, house or keep any wild or exotic animal"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Livestock is only permitted on agriculturally zoned properties."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exceptions":{"label":"Exceptions","value":"The three-dog limit counts only dogs over six months old, so younger puppies are not counted. Livestock, horses, donkeys and poultry are allowed on agriculturally zoned property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 14, s. 12","quotes":["No more than three dogs over the age of six months shall be kept on any parcel of land in the City at one time.","No person shall keep any livestock, horse, donkey or poultry on any property within the City"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: keeping more than three dogs $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Unlawful keeping of an animal $200 ($150 early; $250 late).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Animal Control Bylaw","quotes":["Keeping more than three dogs IV.14 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes","Unlawful keeping of animal IV.12 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 44","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nSection 14 of Courtenay's [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021) says no more than three dogs over six months old may be kept on any parcel of land at one time. Younger puppies do not count toward the limit. The bylaw sets no limit on cats.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Outdoors, only dogs, cats, honeybees and hens may be kept unless the property is zoned agricultural. Hens are limited to six per lot and honeybees to two hives under the Zoning Bylaw. See the backyard chickens answer.\n- Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, swine), horses, donkeys and poultry are allowed only on agriculturally zoned property.\n- Wild or exotic animals are banned; the bylaw lists them in Schedule B.\n- A bylaw notice for keeping more than three dogs is $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Unlawful keeping of an animal is $200 ($150 early; $250 late).","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/permits-and-licensing/dog-licensing","title":"Dog licensing, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Courtenay you may keep up to six hens (no roosters) as an accessory use on a lot with a single residential dwelling. Up to two beehives are allowed on lots at least 15 metres wide and 550 square metres. Other livestock is allowed only on agriculturally zoned property.","aliases":["backyard hens courtenay","chicken coop bylaw courtenay","beekeeping courtenay","urban agriculture courtenay","can i have goats courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Urban agriculture, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/urban-agriculture"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 3203 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens/"},"facts":{"hens_allowed":{"label":"Hens allowed","value":"Yes. Hens may be kept as an accessory use on lots with a single residential dwelling.","short":"Yes, lots with a single residential dwelling","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.17.1, 6.17.1(4)","quotes":["Urban Agriculture is allowed as an accessory use to any single residential dwelling, subject to the","The keeping of hens is permitted on all lots allowing urban agriculture subject to the following:"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/urban-agriculture","title":"Urban agriculture, City of Courtenay","section":"Chickens","quotes":["Courtenay residents may raise up to six (6) hens in single residential lots"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":"Six hens per lot.","short":"Six hens","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.17.1(4)(ii)","quotes":["the maximum number of hens shall be six (6) per lot;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":"Not allowed.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.17.1(4)(iii)","quotes":["roosters are not permitted;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":"Coop only in the rear yard, as an accessory structure under the zone's rules. Keep coops and runs clean and free of odours and vermin. Stored manure in an enclosed structure, at most 3.0 m³. No selling eggs or manure; no home slaughter.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.17.1(4)","quotes":["a coop shall only be permitted in the rear yard","coops and runs shall be maintained in a clean condition and the coop shall be kept","stored manure shall be kept in an enclosed structure such as a compost bin and no more than 3.0 m3 shall be stored at any one time;","the sale of eggs, manure and other products associated with the keeping of hens is prohibited,","home slaughter of hens is prohibited"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The City mentions no permit or registration for hens.","sources":[]},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Allowed on lots at least 15.0 m wide and 550.0 m². Hives at least 6.0 m from all property lines, registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Maximum two hives per lot. Honey for personal consumption only.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.17.1(3)","quotes":["lots have a minimum width of 15.0 m;","lots have a minimum lot area of 550.0 m2;","hives shall be located at least 6.0 m from all property lines;","only two hives with colonies shall be permitted on each lot"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/urban-agriculture","title":"Urban agriculture, City of Courtenay","section":"Honeybees","quotes":["Hives located at least 5 metres from all property lines"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City Urban agriculture page says hives must be at least 5 metres from property lines; Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 says 6.0 m. The bylaw is followed. The page also cites the old Zoning Bylaw No. 2500."},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, swine), horses, donkeys and poultry are allowed only on property zoned for agricultural use. Hens (up to six) are the residential exception.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 12, s. 1","quotes":["No person shall keep any livestock, horse, donkey or poultry on any property within the City","includes cattle, sheep, goats and swine."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Livestock is only permitted on agriculturally zoned properties."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (Part 17, s. 6.17.1) and Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996 (ss. 11-12)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 1 (citation)","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","section":"s. 44","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897, 1996"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nCourtenay's [Zoning Bylaw 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1) (s. 6.17.1) allows hens as an accessory use on lots with a single residential dwelling. The Animal Control Bylaw separately allows only dogs, cats, honeybees and hens to be kept outdoors off agricultural land. The City mentions no permit or registration for hens.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Hens: up to six per lot. No roosters. The coop goes in the rear yard only, as an accessory structure under the zone's rules; the bylaw gives no coop size or setback numbers. Keep coops and runs clean and free of odours and vermin. Stored manure in an enclosed structure may be at most 3.0 cubic metres.\n- Selling eggs or manure and home slaughter are not allowed.\n- Bees: up to two hives per lot, on a lot at least 15.0 metres wide and 550.0 square metres. Hives must be at least 6.0 metres from all property lines and registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Honey is for personal consumption only. The City's Urban agriculture page says 5 metres, so confirm the distance with Planning.\n- Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, swine), horses, donkeys and poultry are allowed only on property zoned for agricultural use. Hens (up to six) are the residential exception.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/urban-agriculture","title":"Urban agriculture, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw-no1897-consolidated-version-jul-2021","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1897 (consolidated July 2021) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/animal-control","title":"Animal control, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"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."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay RV, boat and trailer parking rules","question":"Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Courtenay?","slug":"rv-boat-trailer-parking","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"parking-and-driving","name":"Parking, tickets and driving"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Courtenay, no commercial vehicle, boat, trailer, camper or motor home may be parked on a street between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and no motor vehicle, trailer or boat may stay in one spot on a street over 24 continuous hours. On residential lots, recreational boats, trailers and RVs for personal use may be parked or stored.","aliases":["park motorhome on street courtenay","overnight rv parking courtenay","boat trailer on street courtenay","camper parking bylaw","sleeping in rv courtenay"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Parking and traffic, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parking"},{"title":"Traffic Regulation Bylaw 1926 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/traffic-regulations-bylaw-no-1926-consolidated-version"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 3203 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"}],"related":[{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"}],"topic":{"title":"RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},"facts":{"on_street":{"label":"On the street","value":"No commercial vehicle, boat, trailer, camper or motor home may be parked on any street between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. No motor vehicle, trailer or boat may stay at one spot on a street for more than 24 continuous hours.","short":"24 hours; no RVs or trailers 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/traffic-regulations-bylaw-no-1926-consolidated-version","title":"Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 1926 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 53, s. 54","quotes":["No person shall leave or park any motor vehicle, trailer or boat at any one location on any highway within the City for any continuous period exceeding 24 hours.","No commercial vehicle, boat, trailer, camper or motor home shall be parked or left standing on any highway within the City after 7:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. of any day."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parking","title":"Parking and traffic, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Do not park commercial vehicles, boats, trailers, campers or motor homes on City highways between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"on_property":{"label":"On your property","value":"On residential and mobile home zoned lots, recreational boats, trailers and recreational vehicles for the occupants' personal use may be parked or stored, plus one commercial vehicle up to 907 kg rated capacity. Vehicles unlicensed for over a year and not in a garage or carport count as derelict.","short":"Allowed for personal use, plus 1 small commercial vehicle","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.10.2, 6.10.3","quotes":["Only the following shall be parked or stored, on any Residential or Mobile home zoned property:","one commercial vehicle not exceeding 907.0 kg rate capacity;","recreational boats, trailers, recreational vehicle, and vehicles for the personal use of the occupants of the property.","which has not been licenced for over a period of one (1) year and which is not housed"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"living_in":{"label":"Living in an RV","value":"An RV is not a dwelling unit. Temporary accommodation in an RV on a lot is permitted only while a home is being built under a building permit in good standing (no renting). Overnight parking is not allowed in City parks.","short":"Only while building under permit; no overnight in parks","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 1 definition, s. 6.21.2","quotes":["Dwelling unit does not include hostels, hotels, motels, or","Temporary accommodation within a recreational vehicle is permitted during the construction of"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parking","title":"Parking and traffic, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["No overnight parking in City parks."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Streets (ss. 53, 54): fine on conviction $90 minimum, $2,000 maximum; the bylaw's voluntary settlement is $25 within 14 days, $50 after, $90 after a summons. Bylaw 3185 lists no notice for these. Lots: \"storage of unauthorized vehicles\" $500 ($375 early) cites former Zoning Bylaw 2500 s. 6.11.3.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/traffic-regulations-bylaw-no-1926-consolidated-version","title":"Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 1926 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 80, s. 81","quotes":["is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.00","47, 48, 49, 53, 54","may avoid further enforcement action by","If Paid in the First"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Zoning Bylaw No. 2500","quotes":["Storage of unauthorized vehicles 6.11.3 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 1926 (ss. 53-54) and Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (s. 6.10.3)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["TRAFFIC REGULATION BYLAW No. 1926, 1996"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","section":"s. 1 (citation)","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nTwo sets of rules apply. On streets, [Traffic Regulation Bylaw 1926](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/traffic-regulations-bylaw-no-1926-consolidated-version) limits when and how long vehicles can stay. On your own lot, [Zoning Bylaw 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1) decides what you may park or store.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Streets: no commercial vehicle, boat, trailer, camper or motor home may be parked on any street between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.\n- Streets: no motor vehicle, trailer or boat may stay at one spot for more than 24 continuous hours.\n- Your lot: on residential and mobile home zoned lots, recreational boats, trailers and recreational vehicles for the occupants' personal use may be parked or stored, plus one commercial vehicle up to 907 kg rated capacity. A vehicle unlicensed for over a year and not in a garage or carport counts as derelict. I found no limit on number, size or location of RVs in the general rules, but zone rules vary.\n- Living in an RV: an RV is not a dwelling unit. Temporary accommodation in an RV on a lot is permitted only while a home is being built under a building permit in good standing, with no renting. No rule on sleeping in an RV on a street was found beyond the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. ban. No overnight parking in City parks.\n- Fines: for the street rules, the traffic bylaw sets a fine on conviction of $90 minimum and $2,000 maximum, with a voluntary settlement of $25 within 14 days, $50 after, or $90 after a summons. For lots, the City's ticket schedule lists \"storage of unauthorized vehicles\" at $500 ($375 if paid early), though it still cites the old zoning bylaw.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/parking","title":"Parking and traffic, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/traffic-regulations-bylaw-no-1926-consolidated-version","title":"Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 1926 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/rv-boat-trailer-parking/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","question":"What are the noise rules and quiet hours?","slug":"noise-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Courtenay's Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise; noise that disturbs the neighbourhood is banned at any time. Fixed hours apply to construction and power tools. The City's Homeowners page calls 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. \"quiet hours\" for power tools and machinery.","aliases":["courtenay quiet hours","courtenay construction noise hours","loud neighbour courtenay","lawn mower hours courtenay"],"cost":"A bylaw notice for noise which disturbs is $500 ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"Bylaw complaint form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/l/CourtenayBylawComplaint"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners"},{"title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw 2804 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Courtenay bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/bylaw-fines/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Courtenay unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/noise-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules/"},"facts":{"general_rule":{"label":"General rule","value":"No one may make or allow noise anywhere in the City that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or of one or more people nearby.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 5(a)","quotes":["any noise or sounds in or on a highway or elsewhere in the City which disturb or tend to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"quiet_hours":{"label":"Quiet hours","value":"The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise; disturbing noise is banned at any time (s. 5(a)). It bars power tools and machines before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. (s. 5(c)). The City Homeowners page calls 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. \"quiet hours\" for power tools and machinery.","short":"None set; power tools banned 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners","title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Do not use power tools or machinery during these hours."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 5(c)","quotes":["No person shall, before 7:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. on any day, use or operate","sounds in or on a highway or elsewhere in the City which disturb or tend to disturb"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"construction_hours":{"label":"Construction hours","value":"Construction noise that disturbs the neighbourhood is not allowed before 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday (not statutory holidays), before 8 a.m. on Sundays and statutory holidays, or after 10 p.m. on any day.","short":"Mon-Sat 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 5(b)","quotes":["before 7:00 a.m. on any day from Monday to Saturday when such day is not a Statutory Holiday, or before 8:00 a.m. on any Sunday or Statutory Holiday, and after 10:00 p.m. on any day"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners","title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday (excluding statutory holidays)","8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and statutory holidays"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_limits":{"label":"Other limits","value":"Power tools and gardening machines: not before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. Disturbing amplified sound, and animals or birds that repeatedly make noise, are banned. Exempt: City, utility and ministry repair work, emergency repairs, snow clearing, permitted events, garbage collection 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Sunday.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 5(c), (d), (f), (i)","quotes":["use or operate any power gardening tool or other power tool or machine.","No person shall keep or harbour any animal or bird which disturbs or tends to disturb the peace, quiet, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood by its repeated making of noise.","any garbage collection service between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on each day except Sunday;","snow clearing; and"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners","title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","section":"What you need to know","quotes":["These noise rules do not apply to City staff, City contractors, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, public utilities or emergency repairs."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_day":{"label":"Who to call, business hours","value":"City Hall / Bylaw Enforcement: 250-334-4441, bylaw@courtenay.ca, or the bylaw complaint form. Bylaw officers work seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/problem-properties-and-enforcement","title":"Problem properties and enforcement, City of Courtenay","section":"Problem properties and enforcement","quotes":["If you have a question or concern about excessive noise, contact City Hall at 250-334-4441, email bylaw@courtenay.ca or use our bylaw complaint form."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","section":"Contact Bylaw Enforcement","quotes":["Monday to Sunday (seven days a week): 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_after_hours":{"label":"Who to call, after hours","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: noise which disturbs $500 ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late). Construction outside permitted hours, power tools outside permitted hours and noisy animals or birds are also $500.","short":"Notice $500 ($375 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw","quotes":["Noise which disturbs 5(a) $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 No","Construction outside of permitted 5(b) $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 No","Keeping of animal or bird which 5(d) $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["PREVENTION OF PUBLIC NUISANCES BYLAW NO. 2804, 2014"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners","title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","section":"Related bylaws","quotes":["Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nNoise in Courtenay is governed by the [Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014). Section 5(a) bans making or allowing noise that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or of anyone nearby, at any time. The bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise and no decibel limit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Know the fixed hours. Construction noise that disturbs is not allowed before 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday (not statutory holidays), before 8 a.m. on Sundays and statutory holidays, or after 10 p.m. on any day. Power tools and gardening machines are not allowed before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m.\n2. To report ongoing noise, use the bylaw complaint form, email bylaw@courtenay.ca or call 250-334-4441 ext. 5.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City's Homeowners page calls 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. \"quiet hours\" for power tools and machinery.\n- Disturbing amplified sound and animals or birds that repeatedly make noise are also banned.\n- Exempt: City, utility and ministry repair work, emergency repairs, snow clearing, permitted events, and garbage collection from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Sunday. Council may approve necessary work in other hours in writing.\n- Construction outside permitted hours, power tools outside permitted hours and noisy animals or birds are also $500 bylaw notices. The bylaw sets a general fine of up to $10,000.\n- No after-hours noise contact is given on the City pages.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/homeowners","title":"Homeowners, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/problem-properties-and-enforcement","title":"Problem properties and enforcement, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"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."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay unsightly property rules and how to report","question":"How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property?","slug":"unsightly-property","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"To report an unsightly property or graffiti in the City of Courtenay, call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-334-4441, email bylaw@courtenay.ca or use the service request form. The rules are in the Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804. The City does not respond to anonymous complaints.","aliases":["overgrown yard courtenay","messy property courtenay","graffiti courtenay","report junk yard courtenay"],"cost":"A bylaw notice for an unsightly property is $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-334-4441 ext. 5","note":"Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"Bylaw complaint form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/l/CourtenayBylawComplaint"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Unsightly premises and graffiti, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/unsightly-premises-and-graffiti"},{"title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw 2804 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014"}],"related":[{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Courtenay noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/unsightly-property/"}],"topic":{"title":"Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property/"},"facts":{"what_counts":{"label":"What counts","value":"Owners and occupiers must not let property become unsightly through filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti, or let stagnant water or rubbish collect. \"Unsightly\" includes dirt, gravel, refuse, broken or useless items and vehicles no longer roadworthy. They must also keep property clear of noxious weeds, wild grass and untended growth.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 3(a), s. 2(a), s. 4","quotes":["No owner or occupier of real property shall allow such property to become or to remain unsightly by the accumulation thereon of any filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti of any kind.","“Unsightly” includes dirt, gravel, bark mulch or refuse and all discarded, broken","keep such property clear of noxious weeds, wild grass and other untended growth;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-334-4441, email bylaw@courtenay.ca or use the Service Request Form. The City does not respond to anonymous complaints.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/unsightly-premises-and-graffiti","title":"Unsightly premises and graffiti, City of Courtenay","section":"Unsightly premises and graffiti","quotes":["To report unsightly premises or graffiti, call Bylaw Enforcement at 250-334-4441, email bylaw@courtenay.ca or use the Service Request Form"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","section":"Contact Bylaw Enforcement","quotes":["We do not respond to anonymous complaints."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"process":{"label":"What happens next","value":"Officers serve a notice and the owner must remove the material \"forthwith\". If not done, the City may enter and clean up at the owner's expense; unpaid costs after December 31 are added to the property taxes as taxes in arrears. Repeat problems can fall under the Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2987, 2019.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","section":"s. 3(b), 3(c), s. 21","quotes":["shall forthwith, upon receipt of notice given","Where an owner or occupier of real property fails to comply with a requirement for","the cost shall be added to and form part of the taxes payable on the property as taxes in arrears."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/problem-properties-and-enforcement","title":"Problem properties and enforcement, City of Courtenay","section":"Chronic nuisance properties","quotes":["Under the Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2987, 2019, the City can:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: unsightly property $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Failing to remove graffiti $200 ($150 early; $250 late). Failing to clear vegetation $100.","short":"Notice $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw","quotes":["Unsightly property 3(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes","Fail to remove graffiti 3(b) $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes","Fail to clear vegetation 4(i) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A, Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw","quotes":["PREVENTION OF PUBLIC NUISANCES BYLAW NO. 2804, 2014"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/unsightly-premises-and-graffiti","title":"Unsightly premises and graffiti, City of Courtenay","section":"Unsightly premises and graffiti","quotes":["Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay's [Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014) says owners and occupiers must not let property become unsightly through filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti, or let stagnant water or rubbish collect. \"Unsightly\" includes dirt, gravel, refuse, broken or useless items and vehicles no longer roadworthy. Owners must also keep property clear of noxious weeds, wild grass and untended growth.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Note the address and what you see.\n2. Report it through the bylaw complaint form, by email to bylaw@courtenay.ca or by calling 250-334-4441.\n3. Give your name. The City does not respond to anonymous complaints.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City focuses on education and voluntary compliance first.\n- An officer serves a notice and the owner must remove the material \"forthwith\". If not done, the City may clean up at the owner's expense, and unpaid costs after December 31 are added to the property taxes as taxes in arrears. The bylaw gives no fixed number of days.\n- Bylaw notices: unsightly property $100; failing to remove graffiti $200 ($150 early; $250 late); failing to clear vegetation $100.\n- Repeat problems can fall under the Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 2987, 2019.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/unsightly-premises-and-graffiti","title":"Unsightly premises and graffiti, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/problem-properties-and-enforcement","title":"Problem properties and enforcement, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/prevention-public-nuisances-bylaw-no-2804-2014","title":"Prevention of Public Nuisances Bylaw No. 2804, 2014 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/unsightly-property/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/unsightly-property.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/unsightly-property.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Probably not. The City of Courtenay's Open burning page says open burning is banned year-round in the City, including wood-burning outdoor fires. Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556 allows burning only under a Burning Permit from the Fire Chief, so a permit may not be available. Confirm with the Fire Department first.","aliases":["burning permit courtenay","fire pit courtenay","campfire courtenay","burn yard waste courtenay"],"cost":"No permit fee was found in the Fire bylaw or the City's fees bylaw.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Courtenay Fire Department","value":"250-334-2513","note":"For emergencies call 9-1-1"},{"type":"email","label":"Courtenay Fire Department","value":"fire@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning"},{"title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008"}],"related":[{"slug":"yard-waste","title":"Courtenay yard waste collection and drop-off","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/yard-waste/"},{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Courtenay fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fireworks/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire/"},"facts":{"campfires":{"label":"Backyard campfires","value":"The City says wood-burning outdoor fires are not allowed at any time. The bylaw says no open fire without a Burning Permit approved by the Fire Chief; the Fire Chief may issue campfire permits only for areas designated and approved by the Fire Chief. Gas, propane and briquette cooking or heating appliances are allowed.","short":"No, wood-burning fires not allowed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Regulations within the City of Courtenay","quotes":["Wood-burning outdoor fires are not allowed at any time.","However, outdoor cooking or heating appliances that use natural gas, propane or briquettes are permitted."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 50(1), s. 53, s. 55","quotes":["no person shall ignite any Open Fire or cause or permit any Open Fire to be ignited, or to burn in the open air:","may issue a Burning Permit for burning wood for campfires in the open air, provided that such burning shall only be carried out in areas designated and approved by the Fire Chief.","gas fired (propane or natural gas) appliances or charcoal briquettes heating or cooking appliances are allowed all year round without a Burning"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The Open burning page says open burning is banned year-round in the City; the bylaw allows burning only under a permit. The bylaw is followed. No fire pit size is set. The page's Category 1/2/3 fire rules apply to the separate Courtenay Fire Protection District, not the City."},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"Not allowed without a Burning Permit, and the City says burning is banned year-round. Burning land-clearing slash is prohibited, and open fires are prohibited in commercial, industrial and comprehensive development zones. The bylaw permits orchard, berry and vineyard pruning from A1 land (daylight, up to 15 days) and, at the Fire Chief's discretion, campfires.","short":"Only with a permit; City says banned year-round","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Regulations within the City of Courtenay","quotes":["Open burning is banned year-round within the City of Courtenay.","scrap wood fires"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 50(2), 50(3), s. 54","quotes":["Burning of land clearing slash within the City is prohibited.","Open Fires are prohibited in any area of the City zoned as Commercial, Industrial,","to burn orchard, berry, and vineyard pruning generated on site on properties zoned A1","No permit under this section shall be issued for a period of time exceeding fifteen (15) days.","Agricultural is permitted, provided that a Burning Permit is obtained. No permit under","Burning Permit for burning wood for campfires in the open air, provided that such"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Web page and bylaw differ on whether any permit is possible (see campfires). Burning trade waste, tires, plastics etc. is barred even under a permit (s. 51(2))."},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Under Bylaw 2556 an open fire needs a Burning Permit approved by the Fire Chief; contact the Courtenay Fire Department to apply. The City Open burning page, however, says open burning is banned year-round, so a permit may not be available. No fee found.","short":"Yes, but may not be available; no fee found","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 50(1)(b)","quotes":["except if the owner of the property where the Open Fire is intended to occur first obtains a Burning Permit in the form as set out in Schedule “E”","occur first obtains a Burning Permit in the form as set out in Schedule","which shall not become valid until approved by the"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Applying for a permit","quotes":["To apply for a fire permit or ask questions, contact the Courtenay Fire Department."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"No permit fee for a Burning Permit found in the Fire Protective Services Bylaw or the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (searched \"burn\", \"fire permit\"). Permits may carry conditions on location, dates and times, size and materials (s. 51)."},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"The Fire Chief or a designated Officer may order a total ban on burning in the City and may suspend or cancel permits in hazardous conditions. The City page links to the BC Wildfire Service prohibitions list.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 56, s. 51(4)","quotes":["may order a total ban on burning within the geographical boundaries the City","cancel or suspend until such time as is specified in the order, all or any permits"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Related links","quotes":["Wildfire Management Branch Fire Prohibitions and Area Restrictions"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":"Put yard waste in the green organics cart (collected every week), or take it to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland ($65 per tonne).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","section":"Organics","quotes":["Organics (yard and food waste) is collected every week in Courtenay."]},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/Hours","title":"Facilities and Hours, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","section":"Waste Management Centres","quotes":["Comox Valley Waste Management Centre (CVWMC) 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0"]},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/fees","title":"Fees and Charges, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","section":"Fees","quotes":["Yard Waste | per tonne | $65"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $100 for an open air burn without a Burning Permit. If the Fire Department puts out a fire, the owner can be charged fire crew and truck costs (cost recovery).","short":"Ticket $100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"Schedule C, s. 50","quotes":["MTI FINES AND COST RECOVERY","Open Air Burn without Burning $100.00","Fire crew and fire truck costs"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Regulations within the City of Courtenay","quotes":["This ban is enforced under Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay's [Open burning page](https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning) says open burning is banned year-round in the City, and that wood-burning outdoor fires are not allowed at any time. The [Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008) says something different: no open fire without a Burning Permit approved by the Fire Chief. So a permit may not be available. Call the Fire Department before lighting anything. Gas, propane and briquette cooking or heating appliances are allowed.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Do not light a fire until the Fire Department confirms what is allowed at your address.\n2. If a permit is possible, contact the Courtenay Fire Department at 250-334-2513 to apply.\n3. For yard waste, use the green organics cart (collected every week) or take it to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland ($65 per tonne).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The bylaw permits burning of orchard, berry and vineyard pruning from A1 land (daylight, up to 15 days) and, at the Fire Chief's discretion, campfires in areas the Chief approves. It prohibits burning land-clearing slash, and open fires in commercial, industrial and comprehensive development zones.\n- Burning trade waste, tires, plastics and similar material is barred even under a permit.\n- The Fire Chief or an officer may order a total burning ban and may suspend or cancel permits in hazardous conditions. The City page links to the BC Wildfire Service prohibitions list.\n- A municipal ticket for an open air burn without a Burning Permit is $100. If the Fire Department puts out a fire, the owner can be charged $400 per truck and crew per hour (minimum one hour).","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/solid-waste/organics","title":"Organics, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/Hours","title":"Facilities and Hours, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.cswm.ca/fees","title":"Fees and Charges, Comox Strathcona Waste Management","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/contact-us","title":"Contact us, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay fireworks rules","question":"Are fireworks allowed?","slug":"fireworks","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Not for private use in the City of Courtenay. Under Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556, low hazard fireworks are allowed only at a public event authorized in writing by Council, with a Fire Chief permit. Firecrackers cannot be used at all, and no one under 18 may light, hold or possess fireworks.","aliases":["halloween fireworks courtenay","can I set off fireworks courtenay","firecrackers courtenay","fireworks permit courtenay"],"cost":"Permit fees: $25 for low hazard fireworks; $50 for high hazard, plus a $150 Fire Safety Plan review charge. A municipal ticket is $100.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Courtenay Fire Department","value":"250-334-2513"},{"type":"email","label":"Courtenay Fire Department","value":"fire@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Courtenay backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fireworks/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks/"},"facts":{"use":{"label":"Setting off fireworks","value":"No, not for private use. Possessing or exploding low hazard fireworks is allowed only at a public event authorized in writing by Council and with a Fire Chief permit; sparklers, Christmas crackers and toy-gun caps are excluded. Firecrackers cannot be used at all. Under 18s may not light, hold or possess fireworks.","short":"No, public events only","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 67, 70, 75, 76, 78","quotes":["No person shall, at any time, sell, give, possess or explode Low Hazard Fireworks, excluding sparklers, Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns, except under the following conditions:","sponsoring organization or person conducting a public event if such event is authorized by written permission of Council and the Fire Chief has issued a permit","No person shall offer for sale, sell, use, detonate or explode Firecrackers.","No person under the age of 18 may light, hold or explode any Fireworks at any time.","No person under the age of 18 may possess any fireworks in the City."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"sale":{"label":"Selling fireworks","value":"No. No one may offer to sell or cause fireworks to be sold, and firecrackers may not be sold at all. Fireworks may not be sold or given to anyone under 18.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 69, 77, 78","quotes":["No person shall offer to sell, or cause Fireworks to be sold.","No person may sell, give or dispose of any fireworks of any class or description to a person who is under the age of 18 years.","No person shall offer for sale, sell, use, detonate or explode Firecrackers."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_counts":{"label":"What counts as fireworks","value":"Fireworks include cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, roman candles, sky rockets, squibs and torpedoes. Caps for toy products, Christmas crackers, sparklers and model rocket engines are not included. Low hazard includes showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles and volcanoes.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 1 (definitions)","quotes":["but does not include caps for toy products, Christmas crackers,","includes firework showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman","means small fireworks with entwined fuses used solely as noisemakers"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Only a sponsoring organization or person running a public event authorized in writing by Council can get a Fire Chief permit for low hazard fireworks (application fee $25). High hazard: religious or ceremonial events only, applicant over 18 with Explosives Regulatory Division certification; fee $50 plus a $150 Fire Safety Plan review charge. $2 million liability insurance is required.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"s. 67(1), 68(1), 73, 80, 82; Sched. C","quotes":["sponsoring organization or person conducting a public event if such event is authorized by written permission of Council and the Fire Chief has issued a permit","High Hazard Fireworks may be used for religious or ceremonial purposes by a","in an amount not less than two million dollars.","to a person who is over the age of eighteen (18) years","Review and administration of $150.00","Non-Refundable Application Fee of $25.00","Non-Refundable Application Fee is $50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $100 each for possessing low hazard fireworks (s. 67), possessing high hazard fireworks (s. 68), selling fireworks (s. 69), and selling or detonating firecrackers (s. 78).","short":"Ticket $100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Possession of Low Hazard $100.00","Possession of High Hazard $100.00","Sale of Fireworks $100.00","Sale or Detonation of $100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","section":"Regulations within the City of Courtenay","quotes":["This ban is enforced under Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the City of Courtenay's [Fire Protective Services Bylaw 2556](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008), private use of fireworks is not allowed. Possessing or exploding low hazard fireworks is allowed only at a public event authorized in writing by Council and with a Fire Chief permit. Low hazard fireworks may also be exploded on private property only with the owner's written consent. Sparklers, Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns are excluded. The bylaw sets no dates or hours such as Halloween.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Permit: only a sponsoring organization or person running an authorized public event can get a low hazard permit (application fee $25).\n- High hazard fireworks: religious or ceremonial events only, applicant over 18 with Explosives Regulatory Division certification. The fee is $50 plus a $150 Fire Safety Plan review charge.\n- Organizers need $2 million in liability insurance.\n- No one may offer to sell or cause fireworks to be sold, and firecrackers cannot be sold at all. Fireworks may not be sold or given to anyone under 18.\n- A municipal ticket is $100 for possessing low or high hazard fireworks, selling fireworks, or selling or detonating firecrackers. The bylaw also allows prosecution up to the Offence Act maximum.\n- To ask about a permit, contact the Courtenay Fire Department at 250-334-2513.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/fire-protective-services-bylaw-no-2556-2008","title":"Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556, 2008 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/safety-and-emergencies/fire-department/open-burning","title":"Open burning, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/contact-us","title":"Contact us, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fireworks/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fireworks.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fireworks.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay bylaw fines and how tickets work","question":"What are the common bylaw fines?","slug":"bylaw-fines","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Courtenay's fines are set in Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185. Less serious offences get a bylaw notice, for example $100 for no dog licence or $500 for noise which disturbs. Serious offences get a municipal ticket. Paying early costs less, and you have 14 days to dispute.","aliases":["courtenay ticket amounts","bylaw offence notice fine courtenay","noise fine courtenay","dog licence fine courtenay"],"cost":"See the list below. The full schedule is in Appendices A and B of Bylaw 3185.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (pay or dispute)","value":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"bylaw@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw 3185 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf"},{"title":"Municipal tickets, City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/municipal-tickets"}],"related":[{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Courtenay noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Courtenay dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines/"}],"topic":{"title":"Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines/"},"facts":{"how_tickets_work":{"label":"How tickets work","value":"Two systems under Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185. Less serious offences get a Bylaw Offence Notice (BON), disputed through the City's bylaw adjudication system. More serious offences get a Municipal Ticket Information (MTI), disputed in Provincial Court. Bylaw officers issue them; enforcement is complaint-based.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/municipal-tickets","title":"Municipal tickets, City of Courtenay","section":"Municipal tickets","quotes":["a bylaw officer may issue a Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) under the Community Charter","a Bylaw Offence Notice (BON) under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Part 2","quotes":["the City Bylaw Notice Dispute Adjudication System is established as a dispute adjudication system to resolve disputes in relation to bylaw"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","section":"Bylaws","quotes":["Bylaw enforcement is complaint-based."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"example_fines":{"label":"Common fines","value":"Bylaw notice full amounts: no dog licence $100; dog at large $200; noise which disturbs $500; unsightly property $100; park truck off truck route $500; storage of unauthorized vehicles $500. Street time-limit parking is not in the schedule.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["No dog licence III.4 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes","Dog at large IV.16 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes","Noise which disturbs 5(a) $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 No","Unsightly property 3(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes","Park truck off truck route","Failure to remain on truck route"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"early_payment":{"label":"Paying early","value":"Bylaw notice: pay within 14 days of receiving it for the discounted early amount (for example $100 becomes $75). Municipal ticket: the early amount applies if the City receives payment on or before the 30th day after service (for example $1,000 becomes $750).","short":"Notice: lower if paid in 14 days; ticket: in 30 days","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"s. 11(b), s. 27(b)","quotes":["if received by the City within 14 days of the person receiving or being presumed to have received the bylaw notice, the discounted penalty for early payment","If received by the City on or before the 30th day from the date on which the municipal ticket is served, the discounted penalty"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"late_payment":{"label":"Paying late","value":"Bylaw notice: if paid more than 30 days after receipt, the higher late amount applies (for example $100 becomes $125). The City also says that if you do not pay or dispute within 14 days you are deemed to have pleaded guilty and the full fine is payable.","short":"Notice: higher amount after 30 days (e.g. $125 for $100)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"s. 11(c)","quotes":["if more than 30 days after the person received or is presumed to have received the bylaw notice, the penalty for late payment"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/municipal-tickets","title":"Municipal tickets, City of Courtenay","section":"What happens if you do nothing?","quotes":["If you don’t pay the fine or dispute the ticket within 14 calendar days:","The full fine becomes immediately payable."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dispute":{"label":"Disputing a ticket","value":"Within 14 days of receiving the notice or ticket. Bylaw notice: complete the dispute section on the back of the notice and deliver it in person, by mail or by email; it cannot be disputed after 14 days. If the dispute fails you pay a $25 adjudication fee on top of the penalty. Municipal ticket: submit the dispute form; it goes to Provincial Court.","short":"Within 14 days; $25 fee if dispute fails","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"s. 12, 13, 17","quotes":["no person may dispute the notice after 14 days of receiving or being presumed to have received the bylaw notice","must pay the City a fee of $25.00 in addition to the penalty set out in section 11"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/municipal-tickets","title":"Municipal tickets, City of Courtenay","section":"If you receive a ticket","quotes":["You must respond within 14 calendar days from the Date of Service shown on the front of the ticket.","If you choose to dispute the ticket, you (or your representative) must attend a hearing at the Provincial Court of British Columbia."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Courtenay uses two ticket systems under [Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf). Less serious offences get a Bylaw Offence Notice (BON), disputed through the City's bylaw adjudication system. More serious offences get a Municipal Ticket Information (MTI), disputed in Provincial Court. Bylaw officers issue them, and enforcement is complaint-based. The City says most violations are first resolved through education and voluntary compliance.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Bylaw notice amounts (full): no dog licence $100; dog at large $200; noise which disturbs $500; unsightly property $100; park truck off truck route $500; storage of unauthorized vehicles $500. Street time-limit parking is not in the schedule.\n- Each bylaw notice line also has an early and a late amount. Pay within 14 days of receiving it for the early amount (for example $100 becomes $75). If paid more than 30 days after receipt, the late amount applies (for example $100 becomes $125).\n- Municipal tickets cover signs, pool fences, fill and soil, and tree protection at $1,000. The early amount applies if the City receives payment on or before the 30th day after service (for example $1,000 becomes $750).\n- Dispute within 14 days of receiving the notice or ticket. For a bylaw notice, complete the dispute section on the back and deliver it in person, by mail or by email; it cannot be disputed after 14 days. If you lose, you pay a $25 adjudication fee on top of the penalty. For a municipal ticket, submit the dispute form; it goes to Provincial Court.\n- The City says that if you do not pay or dispute within 14 days, you are deemed to have pleaded guilty and the full fine is payable.\n- Screening officers can offer a compliance agreement (50% off the penalty) for some bylaw notice offences.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/municipal-tickets","title":"Municipal tickets, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws","title":"Bylaws, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/bylaw-fines/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/bylaw-fines.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/bylaw-fines.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Courtenay, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Every business in the City of Courtenay needs a City business licence unless exempt. Apply on the City's online form only; allow at least two to three weeks. You pay by invoice once approved and the licence is mailed. Licences run January 1 to December 31.","aliases":["courtenay business licence","business license courtenay","start a business in courtenay","renew business licence courtenay","close a business licence courtenay"],"cost":"Until December 31, 2026 (Bylaw 2523): by business type, for example $100 professional, business service and unclassified, $100 retail under 4,000 sq. ft., $150 restaurant, $75 home occupation. From January 1, 2027 (Bylaw 3212): $50 application fee, then $350 new or $250 renewal for a resident business; $150 non-resident.","how_long":"At least two to three weeks.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Business licence application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBusinessLicenceApplication"},{"type":"phone","label":"Business licensing","value":"250-703-4835"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licensing (questions and closures)","value":"businesslicence@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J7","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Business licences page","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (from January 1, 2027, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026"},{"title":"Inter-community business licence","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Courtenay home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence/"},"facts":{"who_needs":{"label":"Who needs one","value":"Every business in Courtenay, whether permanent, mobile, home-based or non-resident, unless exempt. From Jan 1, 2027 exemptions include fundraising, societies, rentals over 90 days, garage sales and holders of a valid inter-community licence.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw, City of Courtenay","section":"Intro","quotes":["All businesses — whether permanent, mobile, home-based or non-resident — must have a valid business licence before starting operations."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 2.1","quotes":["No person shall carry on a business within the City without first:"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 4.1","quotes":["Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Bylaw, a Licence is not required for:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Until Dec 31, 2026 (Bylaw 2523): by business type, e.g. $100 for professional, business service and unclassified, $100 for retail under 4,000 sq. ft., $150 restaurant, $75 home occupation. From Jan 1, 2027 (Bylaw 3212): $50 application fee, then resident business $350 new or $250 renewal; non-resident $150.","short":"By type: $100 for most (new fees from Jan 1, 2027)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Business categories and annual licence fees payable:","Restaurant .................................................................................................................$150.00","Professional ...............................................................................................................$100.00"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A, Tables 1","quotes":["Resident Business $350 $250","Non-Resident Business $150 $150","Non-Refundable Initial Licence Application Fee All Licence Types $50"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply on the City's online application form only (no email or other formats). Allow at least two to three weeks. After approval you get an invoice; the licence is mailed once paid. The City checks that zoning permits the business and that building, plumbing and fire permits and other bylaws are met.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences","title":"Business licences, City of Courtenay","section":"Applying for a business licence","quotes":["Submit your application using our online application form. We do not accept applications by email or in other formats.","Allow a minimum of two to three weeks for processing, depending on the licence type and approvals needed.","Once your application is approved, you will receive an invoice."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 5.7, 11.2(a)","quotes":["including but not limited to building, plumbing and fire suppression prior to the","the zoning of the Business Premises permits the proposed Business activity;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences run January 1 to December 31. Renewal notices are mailed from November (mid-November 2026 for 2027). Bylaw 3212 (from Jan 1, 2027): renew and pay by January 31 or the licence is cancelled. Bylaw 2523 (to Dec 31, 2026): late fee of 25% of the annual fee after March 1 and 50% after June 1.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences","title":"Business licences, City of Courtenay","section":"Renewing your business licence","quotes":["Business licences are valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.","Renewal notices are mailed to businesses with an active licence starting in November.","Business licence renewal notices will be mailed in mid-November 2026."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 9.3, 9.5","quotes":["no later than the 31st January of the renewal year.","by January 31st of the renewal year, the licence will be cancelled by the Licence Inspector."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 3.3, 3.4","quotes":["does not renew and pay for its licence prior to March 1st of each licence period","does not renew and pay for their licence prior to June 1st of each licence period"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. The fee is $150, in addition to the municipal business licence, for businesses that go from client to client (such as contractors, trades, cleaning, pest control). It covers the participating municipalities: Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, North Cowichan, Lantzville, Comox, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, Qualicum Beach and Cumberland.","short":"Yes, $150 (mobile businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/inter-community-business-licence-bylaw-no-2769-2013","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2769 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 4(a); definitions","quotes":["The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $150 and shall be paid in full at the","will be in addition to a Municipal Business Licence.","City of Campbell River City of Courtenay City of Duncan City of Nanaimo","District of Lantzville"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences","title":"Business licences, City of Courtenay","section":"Inter-community business licence","quotes":["The annual fee for an inter-community business licence is $150 in addition to the Standard Business licence annual fee."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence","title":"Inter-community business licence, City of Courtenay","section":"Inter-community page","quotes":["This licence includes the following participating municipalities and the yearly fee is $250.00:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Conflict: the City's separate Inter-community business licence page says the yearly fee is $250; Bylaw No. 2769 s. 4(a) and the main Business licences page say $150. Bylaw followed. Its list of municipalities also omits Lantzville, which the bylaw names. Businesses with no physical location in a participating community must first get a standard licence from one of them."},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice (Bylaw 3185, written for Bylaw 2523 s. 2.1): no business licence $500 ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 30 days). Not displaying the licence $100 ($75 early, $125 late). Not yet updated for Bylaw 3212 (from Jan 1, 2027).","short":"Notice $500 ($375 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A, Business Licence Bylaw","quotes":["No business licence 2.1 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Yes","Fail to display licence 2.3 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008 (to December 31, 2026); Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (from January 1, 2027)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as \"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008\"."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 1.1, 17.1, 18.1","quotes":["This Bylaw shall be cited as “Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026”.","This Bylaw comes into effect on January 1, 2027."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nCourtenay has two business licence bylaws. [Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025) applies until December 31, 2026; [Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026) applies from January 1, 2027. Before applying, the City checks that zoning permits the business and that building, plumbing and fire permits and other bylaws are met.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your use is allowed on the property and get any building, plumbing or fire permits you need.\n2. Fill in the online application. The City does not take email or other formats.\n3. After approval you get an invoice; pay it. The licence is mailed once paid.\n4. Renew: licences run January 1 to December 31, and renewal notices are mailed from November (mid-November 2026 for 2027). Under Bylaw 3212, renew and pay by January 31 or the licence is cancelled. Under Bylaw 2523, a late fee of 25% of the annual fee applies after March 1 and 50% after June 1.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Fees depend on the principal use. Bylaw 3212 also sets separate fees for some types, such as financial institutions $1,500, nightclubs and pubs $1,000, short-term rental $300 and mobile food vending $250 (private) or $450 (City park).\n- Exemptions from January 1, 2027 include fundraising, societies, rentals over 90 days, garage sales and holders of a valid inter-community licence. Bylaw 2523 has no exemption list; each business needs its own licence.\n- Contractors and other businesses that go from client to client may need an inter-community licence, $150 on top of the municipal licence (Bylaw 2769). The City's inter-community page says $250; confirm with the City.\n- Closing a business: email businesslicence@courtenay.ca with the business name and closure date.\n- Fines (Bylaw 3185, written for Bylaw 2523): no licence is a $500 bylaw notice ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 30 days); not displaying the licence is $100 ($75 early). Not yet updated for Bylaw 3212.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences","title":"Business licences, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/inter-community-business-licence-bylaw-no-2769-2013","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2769 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence","title":"Inter-community business licence, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay home-based business rules","question":"Can I run a business from my home in Courtenay?","slug":"home-based-business","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Courtenay","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Courtenay's Zoning Bylaw allows a home occupation in zones that list it, if only residents carry it on and it stays small. You need a City business licence: $75 a year under Bylaw 2523 until December 31, 2026, and $150 a year under Bylaw 3212 from January 1, 2027.","aliases":["home occupation courtenay","home business licence courtenay","work from home business courtenay","home based business rules courtenay"],"cost":"Home occupation licence $75 a year (Bylaw 2523, until December 31, 2026); $150 a year (Bylaw 3212, from January 1, 2027). Initial applications under Bylaw 3212 also pay a $50 application fee.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Business licence application form","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBusinessLicenceApplication"},{"type":"phone","label":"Business licensing","value":"250-703-4835"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licensing","value":"businesslicence@courtenay.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 3 Home Occupation (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1"},{"title":"Business licences page","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Courtenay business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Courtenay short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental/"},{"slug":"backyard-chickens","title":"Courtenay backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/home-based-business/"}],"topic":{"title":"Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"Yes, as a home occupation in zones that list it: R-SSMUH, R-1A, R-3, R-3A, R-3B, R-4, R-4A, R-4B, RM-1, MU-1 to MU-6, C-5, A-1 and some CD zones. Run only by a person living there, inside the dwelling unit or an accessory building.","short":"Yes, in zones that list it","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"definitions; ss. 6.3.1, 6.3.2","quotes":["“home occupation” means a business operated in a dwelling unit or in an accessory building on the same","property where the business operator resides.","The home occupation must be carried on only by a person residing in the dwelling unit in question,","ADU, home occupation"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes, a business licence is required. Home occupation fee: $75 a year under Bylaw 2523; $150 a year under Bylaw 3212 from Jan 1, 2027.","short":"Yes: $75 a year ($150 a year from Jan 1, 2027)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 6.3.11","quotes":["Any person intending to carry on a home occupation shall apply for a business licence pursuant to"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A, item 14","quotes":["Bylaw No. 2464, 2006)5 14. Home Occupation............................................................................... $75.00 (As defined in Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2007)"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A, Table 3","quotes":["Home Occupation $150 $150"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"No employees; only a resident may carry it on. Max 50 m² or 50% of the dwelling unit, whichever is less (accessory building up to 50 m²). No outdoor storage; no warehouse or retail outlet except a produce sales stand. One non-illuminated sign up to 0.5 m². Off-street parking, front yard not counted.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.3.1, 6.3.4, 6.3.6 to 6.3.10","quotes":["with no employee.","Have any outdoor storage;","No home occupation shall occupy more than 50.0 m2 or 50% of the dwelling unit whichever is the","No part of the premises shall be used as a warehouse or retail outlet except in the case of a","one non-illuminated fascia sign not","The home occupation may operate within an accessory building that is no larger than 50.0 m2.","Provides for the off-street parking of all vehicles associated with the residence and business","No part of the premises shall be used as a warehouse or retail outlet except in the case of a produce sales stand."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_allowed":{"label":"Businesses not allowed","value":"Manufacturing, welding, vehicle repair or autobody service or any other industrial use; cannabis production facility.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.3.3, 6.3.12","quotes":["The premises must not be used for manufacturing, welding, vehicle repair or autobody service or","Cannabis production facility is prohibited as a home occupation."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (Part 3, s. 6.3) and Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008, replaced from January 1, 2027 by Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Part 3","quotes":["Part 3 Home Occupation"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 17.1","quotes":["“Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008”, as amended, is repealed effective end of day December"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder [Zoning Bylaw No. 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1), a home occupation is allowed in zones that list it (including R-SSMUH, R-1A, R-3, R-4, RM-1, MU-1 to MU-6, C-5, A-1 and some CD zones). It must be run only by a person living there, inside the dwelling unit or an accessory building. A business licence is required.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone lists home occupation and that your business fits the limits below.\n2. Apply for a business licence on the City's online form.\n3. Pay the licence fee: $75 a year under [Bylaw 2523](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025) until December 31, 2026, or $150 a year under [Bylaw 3212](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026) from January 1, 2027.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No employees. Maximum 50 m² or 50% of the dwelling unit, whichever is less; an accessory building up to 50 m².\n- No outdoor storage; no warehouse or retail outlet except a produce sales stand. Goods sold must relate to the business or be produced on the parcel.\n- One non-illuminated sign, up to 0.5 m².\n- Off-street parking is required; the front yard does not count.\n- No odours, vibration or glare across the parcel line, and no mechanical equipment beyond ordinary household or hobby use.\n- Not allowed: manufacturing, welding, vehicle repair or autobody service or any other industrial use, or a cannabis production facility.\n- A new licence before January 1, 2027 falls under Bylaw 2523; renewals for 2027 use Bylaw 3212.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203 (consolidated July 21, 2026, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/Development-services/business-resources/business-licences","title":"Business licences, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business.json"}},{"title":"Courtenay short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Courtenay?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"housing-and-renting","name":"Housing and renting"},"owner":"shared","owner_label":"More than one level of government","owner_body":null,"short_answer":"Yes, in Courtenay, if you own the property and your principal residence is on it. One short-term rental per parcel, up to 3 bedrooms and 6 guests. You need a City short-term rental business licence ($300 a year) and a provincial registration.","aliases":["airbnb courtenay","vrbo courtenay","short term rental bylaw courtenay","rent a room nightly courtenay"],"cost":"City business licence $300 a year (Bylaw 2523 shows it as $150 plus a $150 Affordable Housing Amenity Reserve Fund offset fee; Bylaw 3212 sets $300 from January 1, 2027). Provincial registration fee is set by the Province.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Business licence application","value":"https://digitalsmartforms.ca/f/s/CourtenayBusinessLicenceApplication"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licensing","value":"businesslicence@courtenay.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Business licensing","value":"250-703-4835"},{"type":"phone","label":"ServiceBC short-term rental registry","value":"1-833-828-2240"},{"type":"email","label":"Provincial registry","value":"STRregistry@sbc.gov.bc.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Short-term rental accommodation","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/housing/short-term-rental-accommodation"},{"title":"B.C. short-term rental registry","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (from January 1, 2027, PDF)","url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Courtenay business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Courtenay secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Courtenay home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Courtenay zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental/"}],"topic":{"title":"Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"Yes, in a single residential dwelling, a detached accessory dwelling unit, or a secondary suite that is part of a single residential dwelling. Only the parcel owner may operate it, and the owner's principal residence must be on the same parcel. One per parcel; not combined with a bed and breakfast or day care.","short":"Yes, owner's principal residence on same parcel","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 19 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 6.19.1","quotes":["The short-term rental accommodation may only be permitted within the following","dwelling unit types: single residential dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, or secondary suite","No more than one short-term rental accommodation is permitted per parcel;","Short-term rental accommodation is not permitted in combination with bed and breakfast","The short-term rental accommodation shall only be operated by the owner of the parcel;","Short-term rental accommodation is not permitted unless the principal residence of the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes: a short-term rental business licence is required, $300 a year. Bylaw 2523 Schedule A shows it as $150 plus a $150 Affordable Housing Amenity Reserve Fund offset fee; Bylaw 3212 (from Jan 1, 2027) sets $300.","short":"Yes, $300 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/short-term-rentals","title":"Short-term rentals, City of Courtenay","section":"Business licence and provincial registration","quotes":["A valid business licence is required to operate a short-term rental in Courtenay. The annual fee is $300."]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A, item 1","quotes":["Short-term rental accommodation.…………………………………………….….. $150.00","Short-term rental accommodation Affordable Housing Amenity Reserve Fund"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Schedule A, Table 3","quotes":["Short Term Rental $300 $300"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. Hosts must also register with the Province's short-term rental registry and renew the registration each year.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/short-term-rentals","title":"Short-term rentals, City of Courtenay","section":"Business licence and provincial registration","quotes":["You must also register with the B.C. short-term rental registration."]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registry, Province of B.C.","section":"Registration overview","quotes":["Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees.","If you have a short-term rental registration, you must renew it each year to continue operating."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"Max 3 bedrooms and 6 guests, one booking at a time. Licence, operator contact and a 24-hour phone number posted inside the unit; fire and safety plan posted at exits and in each bedroom. One extra dedicated parking space. No noise, smoke, dust or glare detectable beyond the property boundary.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 19 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"ss. 6.19.1(4), (8); parking table","quotes":["The maximum number of bedrooms for short-term rental accommodation use is three (3)","shall not allow more than six (6) guests to occupy the dwelling","1 dedicated space per short-term rental operation in addition","No noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, glare, electrical or radio disturbance"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 12.1(c), (d), (e)","quotes":["Only one booking is permitted at a time, with a maximum occupancy of three (3)","A valid short-term rental accommodation Business Licence must be displayed in a prominent place within the short-term rental accommodation unit","A Fire and Safety plan is required to be posted at entrances and exits from the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Operating without a business licence: bylaw notice $500 ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 30 days), listed under Business Licence Bylaw 2523 s. 2.1. No ticket is listed for short-term rental zoning or operating rules.","short":"Notice $500 ($375 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Appendix A, Business Licence Bylaw","quotes":["No business licence 2.1 $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Yes","if received by the City within 14 days of the person receiving or being presumed to have received the bylaw notice, the discounted penalty for early payment","if more than 30 days after the person received or is presumed to have received the bylaw notice, the penalty for late payment"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, 2026 (s. 6.19); Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008 (s. 12), replaced from January 1, 2027 by Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (Schedule B, s. 7)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 19 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"Part 19","quotes":["Part 19 Short-term Rental Accommodation"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 12","quotes":["SECTION 12 – SHORT-TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATIONS"]},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","section":"s. 17.1","quotes":["“Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523, 2008”, as amended, is repealed effective end of day December"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Zoning Bylaw No. 3203](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1) (s. 6.19) allows a short-term rental (a rental of less than 90 consecutive days) in a single residential dwelling, a detached accessory dwelling unit, or a secondary suite that is part of a single residential dwelling. Only the parcel owner may operate it, and the owner's principal residence must be on the same parcel. It cannot be combined with a bed and breakfast or day care.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check you qualify: owner, principal residence on the parcel, one rental per parcel.\n2. Plan for the extra dedicated parking space.\n3. Get a short-term rental business licence from the City: $300 a year.\n4. Register with the Province's short-term rental registry, and renew each year.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Limits: maximum 3 bedrooms and 6 guests, one booking at a time. No noise, smoke, dust or glare detectable beyond the property boundary.\n- Post inside the unit: the licence, operator contact and a 24-hour phone number; post a fire and safety plan at exits and in each bedroom.\n- Licence bylaws: [Bylaw 2523](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025) applies until December 31, 2026, [Bylaw 3212](https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026) from January 1, 2027. New licences before 2027 fall under 2523; 2027 renewals use 3212. The operating rules are the same.\n- Operating without a business licence: a bylaw notice is $500 ($375 if paid within 14 days). No ticket is listed for the zoning or operating rules; zoning offences can carry up to $50,000 on conviction.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/community-and-culture/housing/short-term-rental-accommodation","title":"Short-term rental accommodation, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw-3203-consolidated-july-21-2026-1","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 3203, Part 19 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/2523-business-licence-bylaw-no-2523-consolidated-october-24-2025","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 (consolidated October 24, 2025, PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3212-business-licence-bylaw-3212-2026-revised-june-24-2026","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/media/file/3185-municipal-enforcement-bylaw-no-3185pdf","title":"Municipal Enforcement Bylaw No. 3185 (PDF), City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registry, Province of B.C.","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.courtenay.ca/services/bylaws/find-bylaw/short-term-rentals","title":"Short-term rentals, City of Courtenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental.json"}}]}