# Gov Handbook: Creston, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Creston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/building-permit.md): In Creston you need a Town building permit for any change, alteration or addition to a structure, and to construct or move a building. The Building Bylaw lists no size exemption. Apply with the application form and drawings at Town Hall.
- [Creston fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/fence-rules.md): In Creston, a fence between the front lot line and the face of the building can be 1.2 m high, and 1.8 m between the rear lot line and the building, in residential zones. No fence permit is mentioned in the bylaws. Near street corners the limit is 1.1 m.
- [Creston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Creston a building permit is required for any change, alteration or addition to a structure, and the Town lists detached sheds, garages and workshops as a permit type. No size below which a shed or deck is exempt is stated. Zoning limits also apply.
- [Creston building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/building-permit-fees.md): A Creston building permit costs $100 when the work is worth $5,000 or less, plus $10 for each additional $1,000 (or part) up to $2,000,000, then $5 per $1,000. Taxes are extra. The rates are in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
- [Creston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/zoning-lookup.md): Find your lot on the Zoning Map (Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw No. 1958), which is part of the bylaw on the Town website. Each zone sets permitted uses, lot size, density, coverage, setbacks and heights. Ask Development Services if unsure.
- [Creston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/secondary-suite.md): Yes. In Creston a secondary suite is allowed in the AG, R1 and R5 zones, and a detached unit (garden or carriage suite) in R1, R5 and AG. An attached suite is limited to the lesser of 75.0 sq. m. or 40% of the home. You need a building permit.
- [Creston tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/tree-removal.md): Creston has no tree-cutting bylaw. But clearing land in the mapped wildfire and environmentally sensitive areas can need a development permit under the Official Community Plan. Ask Town staff before cutting even one tree.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Creston garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/garbage-collection.md): In Creston, garbage is collected bi-weekly, alternating with recycling. Food waste is collected weekly. The Town does not supply a garbage cart; use your own container (120 L maximum) or bags. The 2026 solid waste fee is $157 for a house. Check the Creston Recycles app for your day.
- [Creston yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/yard-waste.md): In Creston, yard waste is collected at the curb three times a year by Public Works: one week in spring and two non-consecutive weeks in fall. You can also drop it off at Sullivan Stone for $2 a load, or at the RDCK Creston Landfill. Burning yard waste is banned at all times.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Creston watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/water-restrictions.md): Yes. In Creston, Stage 1 watering restrictions apply every year from June 1 to September 30. In Stage 1, lawns may be watered only between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. The Works Superintendent can impose stricter Stages 2, 3 and 4. Breaking the rules is a $275 bylaw notice.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Creston dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/dog-licence.md): In Creston, the Town issues dog licences. Every dog over six months old needs one for the calendar year. A spayed or neutered dog costs $25 if bought by March 31 and $29 after that. A dog that is not costs $121 by March 31 and $127 after (taxes apply).
- [Creston dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/dog-leash-rules.md): In Creston, a dog in a public place must be on a leash, chain or tether (or in a carrier) and must not run at large. The only off-leash area is the Creston Dog Park at 1414 Cedar Street. Two Town bylaws set the leash length differently, at 183 cm and 2 m.
- [Creston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/dangerous-dogs.md): In Creston, a dangerous dog must be licensed as dangerous by an owner over 19 and kept indoors, in an escape-proof enclosure, or muzzled on a leash of 1 m or less. The licence is $243 if bought by March 31 and $248 after (taxes apply). Failing to licence one is a $475 bylaw notice.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Creston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/how-many-pets.md): In Creston, no property may have more than four companion animals. Dogs, cats and potbellied pigs count together toward that limit. A bylaw notice for exceeding it is $150.
- [Creston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/backyard-chickens.md): In Creston, you can keep up to six hens with a Town hen licence on a property in the R1 or R5 zone. The licence is $23 a year. Roosters are not allowed. The bylaws do not mention bees, and cows, goats, sheep, pigs and most birds are prohibited.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Creston RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Creston, a vehicle or trailer longer than 6.096 m (20 ft) may not park on a street, and no vehicle may park on a highway more than 24 hours continuously. In residential zones, RVs over 5,500 kg are not permitted. Living in an RV is not allowed outside a permitted campground.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Creston noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/noise-rules.md): Creston's Noise Control Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood but sets no fixed quiet hours or decibel limit. Its only time limits are for construction: not before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays not before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. A bylaw notice is $75.
- [Creston unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/unsightly-property.md): In Creston, report an unsightly or overgrown property with the Town's Bylaw Complaint Form, online or at Town Hall. You must give your name, address and phone number; anonymous complaints are not accepted. Allowing an unsightly property is a $250 bylaw notice, and a lawn over 20 cm is $100.
- [Creston backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/backyard-fire.md): In Creston, a small cooking fire in a barbecue or fire pit needs no permit if it meets the bylaw's conditions. Burning yard waste (leaves, grass, hedge clippings, small prunings) is banned at all times. Other open burning needs a permit from the Fire Chief, and no one may burn during a fire ban.
- [Creston fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/fireworks.md): In Creston, consumer fireworks may be set off only on October 31 between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and only with a $20 permit from the Town. People under 18 may not possess or use any fireworks. Selling fireworks in the Town is banned.
- [Creston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/bylaw-fines.md): Creston issues bylaw notices under Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1760, whose Schedule A lists each penalty. Examples: no dog licence $125, noise $75, unsightly property $250, watering against restrictions $275. Pay within 14 days for the lower early amount.

## Starting and running a business

- [Creston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/business-licence.md): Yes. In Creston anyone starting, expanding or relocating a business needs a Town business licence. Annual fees start at $50 (non-profit) and $70 (home occupation). Apply at Town Hall or email the form; zoning must permit the business.
- [Creston home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Creston a home occupation is allowed as an accessory use in most residential and commercial zones, with limits by zone. You need a business licence; a home occupation costs $70 a year. Some businesses are not allowed at home.

## Housing and renting

- [Creston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/short-term-rental.md): Yes, in Creston only in your principal residence, or one attached accessory dwelling unit in the same building. You need a Town Short Term Rental business licence ($520 a year) and a provincial registration. The licence number must appear in every ad.

## Zoning

- [All 14 zones in Creston, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St