# Gov Handbook: Duncan, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Duncan building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/building-permit.md): In the City of Duncan you need a building permit before you build a new home, renovate or add on, build an accessory building over 8 m², finish a basement or build a deck. Painting, flooring and cabinets do not. Call Development Services at 250-746-6126 if unsure.
- [Duncan fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/fence-rules.md): In the City of Duncan a residential fence may be 1.2 m high in the front or exterior side yard and 2 m in the rear or interior side yard. A building permit is not needed within those heights in single family areas, but pool fences always need one.
- [Duncan permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In the City of Duncan, porches and exterior decks need a building permit, and so does an accessory building or structure larger than 8 m² (sheds, garages, carports). One of 8 m² or less within the required setbacks does not. Zoning limits apply either way.
- [Duncan building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/building-permit-fees.md): In the City of Duncan a building permit costs $8 per $1,000 of construction value up to $100,000 (minimum $50), and $800 plus $5 per $1,000 over $100,000. A plan review fee of $50 or more is charged per submission. Building without a permit costs double.
- [Duncan zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/zoning-lookup.md): Every property in the City of Duncan has a zone under Zoning Bylaw No. 3166, 2017. Find yours on the City's Zoning and Address Map (PDF) on the Zoning page, then read that zone's section of the bylaw. Planning staff can confirm at 250-746-6126.
- [Duncan secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/secondary-suite.md): Yes. The City of Duncan's zoning allows one attached suite or one detached suite (in an accessory building) per primary dwelling in the Low Density Residential zone, up to 90 m². A building permit is required, and the City offers pre-approved plans with waived plan review and permit fees.
- [Duncan tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/tree-removal.md): In the City of Duncan you need a permit to cut, remove or move a protected tree, which includes any tree 30 cm across or more, and trees in a Development Permit area. The 2024 OCP makes the whole City a natural hazards area, so confirm with the City before cutting any tree.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Duncan garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/garbage-collection.md): In the City of Duncan, garbage and recycling are collected on alternating weeks and organics every week, on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday depending on your route. Put carts out by 7:30 a.m. on collection day. Extra garbage needs a $5 sticker from City Hall on one can of up to 22 kg.
- [Duncan yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/yard-waste.md): In the City of Duncan, grass clippings, leaves, non-toxic weeds and branches under 1.5 cm thick and 60 cm long go in the green organics cart, collected every week. Larger branches and other yard waste can be taken to the Bings Creek Recycling Centre, free for residential loads.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Duncan watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/water-restrictions.md): Yes. In the City of Duncan, Stage 1 watering restrictions apply every year from May 1 to October 31, and Stages 2, 3 and 4 are imposed when water is in short supply. In Stage 1, sprinklers are allowed two days a week by address, for up to 2 hours a day.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Duncan dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/dog-licence.md): In the City of Duncan, every dog over 4 months old needs a licence each calendar year. A spayed or neutered dog costs $35 if paid by January 31 ($45 after), and an unaltered dog $60 ($75 after). Buy it at City Hall, at Coastal Animal Control Services, or online.
- [Duncan dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/dog-leash-rules.md): In the City of Duncan, a dog in a public place must be held on a leash of no more than 1.83 metres, or otherwise securely contained. Dogs may be off leash only in the Rotary Park off-leash area, east from the Silver Bridge to Marchmont Road, which excludes the playing field.
- [Duncan rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/dangerous-dogs.md): In the City of Duncan, an animal control officer decides whether a dog is aggressive or dangerous and serves the owner a written notice. The owner must then licence the dog within 14 days and follow strict rules, including a microchip or tattoo, spaying or neutering, and $1,000,000 liability insurance.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Duncan](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/how-many-pets.md): In the City of Duncan you may keep no more than 3 dogs over 8 weeks old and no more than 5 cats over 12 weeks old on a property, and no more than 6 companion animals in total. Guide animals do not count toward the limits.
- [Duncan backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/backyard-chickens.md): In the City of Duncan you may keep up to 6 hens (no roosters), but only in the Low Density Residential zone on a lot over 450 square metres. You may also keep up to 2 beehives if you live on the property. Mammals with hooves are not allowed.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Duncan RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In the City of Duncan, an RV, camper, trailer, boat or boat trailer may not be left on a street unless attached to a vehicle, and nothing may park on a street more than 24 hours in a row. On a residential lot, RVs over 11 m and boats over 10 m are not allowed.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Duncan noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/noise-rules.md): In the City of Duncan, the Good Neighbour Bylaw bans any noise that disturbs the peace. There are no general quiet hours, but construction is allowed only 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
- [Duncan unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/unsightly-property.md): Report an unsightly or overgrown property in the City of Duncan through the City's online Issue Reporting Form. The Good Neighbour Bylaw requires owners and occupiers to keep property free of rubbish and derelict vehicles, with grass at 20 cm or less; the City can order the work done and bill the owner.
- [Duncan backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/backyard-fire.md): No. The City of Duncan bans all outdoor burning, including open and contained fires, so you cannot burn yard waste or wood. Only a fire pit up to 0.5 metres across that burns natural gas, propane or electricity is allowed, along with cooking on a manufactured barbecue.
- [Duncan fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/fireworks.md): No. The City of Duncan bans setting off and selling fireworks. The only exception is a public display with the Chief Administrative Officer's written permission, applied for on the City's Fireworks Permit Application ($25; no charge for non-profit societies).
- [Duncan bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/bylaw-fines.md): In the City of Duncan, most bylaw notices are around $100, such as for an unlicensed dog, a dog off leash, noise or an unsightly property. Pay within 14 days for the lower early amount. Some offences also have a municipal ticket with larger amounts.

## Starting and running a business

- [Duncan business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/business-licence.md): Yes. Every business in the City of Duncan needs a City business licence, including non-profit societies, home-based and out-of-town businesses. Apply in person, by email or by mail. Renew and pay by March 31 each year or the licence is deemed revoked.
- [Duncan home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/home-based-business.md): Yes. The City of Duncan allows up to two home-based businesses per dwelling unit, within limits set by the Zoning Bylaw, and each needs a City business licence. Limits include one non-resident employee, 40% of the home up to 50 m², and no outdoor storage.

## Housing and renting

- [Duncan short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/short-term-rental.md): In the City of Duncan, short-term rentals are allowed only in the Low Density Residential zone, in the host's personal residence. You need a City business licence, the City's signed commitment (24/7 contact, licence number in ads) and Provincial registration.

## Zoning

- [All 10 zones in Duncan, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/duncan/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St