{"place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","slug":"fernie","name":"Fernie","full_name":"City of Fernie","type":"municipality","country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"},"region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"website":"https://www.fernie.ca","population":"not yet confirmed from an official page (check the 2021 Census figure)","intro":"Fernie is a coal-mining town turned four-season resort community in the Elk Valley of southeastern BC, on Highway 3 about an hour east of Cranbrook, inside the Regional District of East Kootenay and one of the Province's fourteen Resort Municipalities. The City runs City Hall at 501 3rd Avenue, property taxes and quarterly utility bills, drinking water from Fairy Creek with the James White Park wells as backup, the sewer system and treatment lagoons, three-cart garbage, recycling and organics collection with bear-resistant carts, roads and heavy snow clearing with a windrow program for seniors, winter alternating-side parking, Bylaw Services with dog and business licences, the composite Fernie Fire Rescue department, emergency management with the Elk Valley Voyent Alert! system, the Fernie Aquatic Centre and Fernie Memorial Arena, parks and trails, St. Margaret's Cemetery, building and development permits, short-term rental licences and Resort Municipality Initiative grants. The Regional District of East Kootenay runs the Fernie Transfer Station and the regional evacuation notification system; BC Transit runs the Elk Valley bus between Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford; the Fernie RCMP detachment polices the city; health care is Interior Health's Elk Valley Hospital; schools are School District 5 Southeast Kootenay; the Fernie Heritage Library has its own board; and marriage licences, health cards and driver's licences are provincial.","city_hall":{"label":"City Hall","address":"501 3rd Avenue (P.O. Box 190), Fernie, BC V0B 1M0","phone":"250-423-6817","hours":"Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)"},"useful_contacts":[{"label":"Bylaw Services (complaints","dog and business licences)":null,"value":"250-423-2244"},{"label":"Finance (taxes and utility bills)","value":"250-423-6817"},{"label":"Public Works and Engineering (1492 Railway Avenue)","value":"operations@fernie.ca"},{"label":"After-hours water","sewer or road emergency":null,"value":"250-423-6817 then follow the after-hours instructions"},{"label":"Fernie Fire Rescue (non-emergency","692 3rd Avenue)":null,"value":"250-423-4226"},{"label":"Fernie RCMP (non-emergency","1302 5th Avenue)":null,"value":"250-423-4404"},{"label":"Fernie Aquatic Centre and recreation (250 Pine Avenue)","value":"250-423-4466"},{"label":"Fernie Memorial Arena (991 6th Avenue)","value":"250-423-2245"},{"label":"Curbside collection contractor SRP (missed pickups","carts)":null,"value":"250-946-8370"},{"label":"Elk Valley Hospital (1501 5th Avenue)","value":"250-423-4453"}],"bodies":{"municipal":{"name":"City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"regional":{"name":"Regional District of East Kootenay","url":"https://www.rdek.bc.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/fernie/boundary.geojson","area_km2":15.6,"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":22,"zone_pages":17,"has_page":true,"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (consolidated to Bylaw 2551; consolidation last updated October 7, 2026)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505/","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"The City's consolidation has no legislative sanction and is for convenience of reference only; the original bylaws must be consulted. Bylaw 2556 (2026) is an amendment bylaw posted separately and is not in this consolidation."},"map":{"has_map":false,"has_addresses":false}},"counts":{"answers":24,"facts_matched":147},"latest":"2026-11-05"},"generated":"2026-11-12T01:48:38.090Z","count":24,"answers":[{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Usually yes. The City of Fernie requires a building permit to build, alter, repair, move or demolish a building or structure, change how a building is used, or install a wood-burning appliance or chimney. Applications are made online only, through the City's Cloudpermit portal.","aliases":["building permit fernie","apply for building permit fernie","cloudpermit fernie","do i need a permit fernie"],"cost":"Set by Appendix A of Building and Plumbing Bylaw 2526 and based on the value of the work. See the building permit fees answer.","how_long":"The bylaw and City pages state no standard processing time. The City posts a weekly Permit Timelines page showing how many applications are waiting and the date of the file next up for review; it is a live queue, not a fixed rule.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Cloudpermit (register, apply, book inspections)","value":"https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login"},{"type":"online","label":"Permit Timelines (current review queue)","value":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/permit-timelines.html"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Department","value":"building@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."}],"documents":["Application form with the plan check fee","Land title search dated within 30 days","Copies of covenants, rights of way and easements, and any development permits","One set of scaled design drawings and a site plan","For new homes, an energy compliance report, new home warranty registration and engineered truss and beam layouts"],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections page","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html"},{"title":"Apply with Cloudpermit","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Document Checklist (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Fernie building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Fernie permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/deck-shed-garage-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"A permit is needed before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure (including a pool), moving or demolishing one, changing its occupancy, or installing a wood-burning appliance, chimney or plumbing. Retaining walls 1.2 m or higher need one. The City also lists decks, finishing a basement and enclosing a carport.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 8.1","quotes":["constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, unless exempted by this bylaw or","including a pool or retaining wall exceeding 1.2 metres in height;","moving a building or structure into or within the boundaries of the City;","demolishing a building or structure;","changing the occupancy of a building;","is greater than or equal to 1.2 meters in height without first obtaining a building permit.","(e) constructing a masonry fireplace or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney,"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Requirements","quotes":["A Building Permit is required when you plan to:","construct a deck;","enclose your carport or change your garage to living space;","finish existing basement;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"Per the Building and Plumbing Bylaw: fences, landscaping and retaining walls (except as Part 12 requires); an accessory building under 10 m² with no plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities; an unenclosed deck or raised platform under 0.6 m above grade; and maintenance. The City web page adds that a shed must also be under 3.048 m (10 ft) tall, for storage, on residential land only.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4","quotes":["This bylaw does not apply to","fences and landscaping and retaining walls, excepting as set out in Part 12 of this bylaw;","an accessory building or structure with a building area of less than 10 square metres that does not contain plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities;","An unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6m above finished grade; and","maintenance."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Exemptions","quotes":["A building permit is not required for detached accessory buildings (sheds) less than 10 m2 (107 sq ft) in building area and 3.048 m2 (10 ft) tall, when used for the purpose of storage on a residential zoned property only."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The bylaw sets no height limit or residential-zone condition for the shed exemption; the web page adds both. Bylaw wins. The web page also says a shed must meet zoning setbacks and parcel coverage, and a development permit may be needed in a Development Permit Area. Retaining walls 1.2 m or higher need a permit (s. 12.1)."},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Online only, through the City's Cloudpermit portal (register at ca.cloudpermit.com). Paper and emailed applications are not accepted. If a development permit is required, apply for that first.","short":"Online only (Cloudpermit)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html","title":"Apply with Cloudpermit, City of Fernie","section":"How to Submit a Permit Application","quotes":["Both building & planning permit applications are no longer accepted in paper or by email and must be submitted through Cloudpermit.","If a development permit is required for your project, you must apply for this permit first.","To get started, register for a Cloudpermit account online: https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Application Process","quotes":["Starting June 4, 2025, building permit applications are accepted and issued online through Cloudpermit."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"The application form with the plan check fee, a land title search dated within 30 days, copies of covenants, rights of way and easements, any development permits, one set of scaled design drawings and a site plan. New homes also need an energy compliance report (Step 3), new home warranty registration and engineered truss and beam layouts. Requirements vary by project type.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/","title":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals","quotes":["Completed Building Permit Application Form (and payment of Plan Check Fee, if applicable)","Land Title Search (dated within 30 days of application submission)","Copies of all covenants, right of ways, and easements registered on title.","One set of design drawings, to scale, and suitable for construction *","9.39 Pre-Construction Energy Compliance Report from a Certified Energy Advisor – Step 3 required","New Home Warranty Registration Form – refer to BC Housing"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The City does not state a processing time.","sources":[]},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Book through Cloudpermit. Inspections are offered Tuesdays to Thursdays (not statutory holidays) and must be requested at least 2 days ahead; Building Officials confirm the time within 10 working days. For simple buildings the bylaw requires at least 2 business days' notice.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/187895/","title":"Booking Inspections (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Booking Inspections","quotes":["City of Fernie offers inspections on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding Stat Holidays), and must be requested at least 2 days prior to schedule.","Building Officials will contact the requestor within 10 working days to confirm the time."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Arranging an Inspection","quotes":["Inspections can be booked by logging into Cloudpermit and sending a request."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 11.34","quotes":["For all work in respect of simple buildings the owner must give at least 2 business days notice to the City when requesting an inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"City of Fernie Building Department (Building Officials): building@fernie.ca, phone 250-423-6817 (City Hall, 501 3rd Ave).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html","title":"Apply with Cloudpermit, City of Fernie","section":"How to Request an Inspection","quotes":["we’ll get you set up online - building@fernie.ca"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/","title":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Page 1","quotes":["Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-6817"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page and adoption","quotes":["Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526","ADOPTED this 15th day of April, 2025."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Application Process","quotes":["On April 15, 2025, Council adopted a new City of Fernie Building and Plumbing 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\nUnder the [Building and Plumbing Bylaw 2526](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577), you need a permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure (including a pool), moving or demolishing one, changing its occupancy, or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney. A retaining wall 1.2 m or higher also needs one. The City's page also lists decks, finishing a basement and enclosing a carport. Plumbing-only work needs a separate plumbing permit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find out whether your property is in a Development Permit Area. If it is, get the development permit first, and apply for it before the building permit.\n2. Register for a Cloudpermit account at ca.cloudpermit.com. Paper and emailed applications are not accepted.\n3. Gather the documents on the City's checklist. Requirements vary by project type.\n4. Submit the application in Cloudpermit with the plan check fee. The City emails an invoice within 2 business days.\n5. Book inspections through Cloudpermit. They are offered Tuesdays to Thursdays (not statutory holidays) and must be requested at least 2 days ahead. Building Officials confirm the time within 10 working days.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Each building needs its own permit application, such as a house and a detached garage.\n- The City does not state a processing time. Check its weekly Permit Timelines page for the current queue.\n- Permits issued before Cloudpermit launched: email building@fernie.ca to be set up online.\n- Registered-professional letters of assurance and other items apply to some projects; see the checklist.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html","title":"Apply with Cloudpermit, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/","title":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/187895/","title":"Booking Inspections (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/permit-timelines.html","title":"Permit Timelines, City of Fernie","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/fernie/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit.json"}},{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"No building permit is needed for a fence in the City of Fernie. Under the Zoning Bylaw a fence may be up to 1.0 m (3.3 ft) high in a front yard and 2.0 m (6.6 ft) in a required side or rear yard, and it must not block sightlines at corners.","aliases":["fence height fernie","fence bylaw fernie","backyard fence permit fernie","fence on property line fernie"],"cost":"No building permit fee for a fence. A retaining wall 1.2 m or higher needs a building permit (see the building permit fees answer).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall (Planning)","value":"250-423-6817","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@fernie.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"},{"title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198"}],"related":[{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Fernie permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fernie zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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. Retaining walls 1.2 m or higher do need a building permit. A fence on City land (road, reserve or City-owned parcel) needs an Encroachment Agreement.","short":"No building permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4(a); s. 12.1","quotes":["fences and landscaping and retaining walls, excepting as set out in Part 12 of this bylaw;","No person may construct or make repairs affecting the structure of a retaining wall any part of which","is greater than or equal to 1.2 meters in height without first obtaining a building permit."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Exemptions","quotes":["A building permit is not required for the construction of fencing."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198","title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Definition of Encroachment; Prohibitions","quotes":["Sheds including those attached to a dwelling and/or fence; Fences; Asphalt, concrete or brick sidewalks, curbs, parking pads, driveways","All Encroachments within the City of Fernie shall be deemed to be prohibited and unauthorized unless an Encroachment Agreement is in place"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_front":{"label":"Height, front yard","value":"1.0 m (3.3 ft) measured from ground level. In the CD-4 zone, no fencing is allowed in the front yard setback of residential uses.","short":"1.0 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.10(1)(a)","quotes":["No person shall locate screening or fencing higher than 1.0 m (3.3 ft) from ground level in a front yard."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"CD-4 zone, s. 6(b)","quotes":["Fencing shall not be permitted within the front yard setback of residential uses within the CD-4"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_side_rear":{"label":"Height, side and rear yards","value":"2.0 m (6.6 ft) from ground level in a required side yard or rear yard. In non-residential zones, screening other than open mesh or chain link may not exceed 2.0 m on or parallel to a parcel line.","short":"2.0 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.10(1)(b) and (e)","quotes":["No person shall locate screening or fencing higher than 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) from ground level in a required side yard or rear yard.","No person shall locate screening (other than an open mesh or chain link type fence) exceeding 2.0 m (6.6 feet) in height on, or parallel to, any parcel line in zones other than residential zones."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"corner_lots":{"label":"Corner lots and sightlines","value":"On corner parcels nothing may block visibility within a triangle formed by the two parcel lines and a straight line joining points 5.0 m (16.5 ft) from where they meet. All screening must comply with this rule.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.8; s. 3.10(2)","quotes":["No person shall obstruct the visibility at any intersection on corner parcels by any means","within a triangular area bounded by the two parcel lines adjacent to the highway right-of-way and a straight line joining each parcel line at a distance of 5.0 m (16.5 feet) from their point of intersection","All screening shall comply with the requirements of Section 3.9 \"Visibility at Intersections\""]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_rules":{"label":"Other rules","value":"Barbed wire may not be used in the rural residential zone; in other non-residential zones only for security. Outdoor pools need a perimeter fence at least 2.0 m (6.6 ft) high with locked gates. In the R-SS zone, fences and gates must not block emergency access from the front yard. Siting setbacks do not apply to fences.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.10(1)(c), (d), (g); s. 3.7(6); R-SS s. 4.2.1(5)(1)","quotes":["Barbed wire shall not be used as part of any screening in the rural residential zone.","Barbed wire may be used as part of any screening only for reasons of security in","All outdoor swimming pools shall have a perimeter fence not less than 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) in height with locked gates.","Regulations concerning siting of buildings or structures in Part 4 of this Bylaw shall not","Fences and gates shall not be constructed in a manner that may impede this"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, s. 3.10 (Screening and Fencing Requirements) and s. 3.8 (Visibility at Intersections)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"ss. 3.8, 3.10","quotes":["3.10 SCREENING AND FENCING REQUIREMENTS","3.8 VISIBILITY AT INTERSECTIONS","BYLAW NO. 1750"]}],"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\nFernie's [Building and Plumbing Bylaw](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577) exempts fences from a building permit. Fences are instead governed by section 3.10 of the [Zoning Bylaw](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505), and the zoning setback rules do not apply to them.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Height:** 1.0 m (3.3 ft) in a front yard, and 2.0 m (6.6 ft) in a required side yard or rear yard, measured from ground level. In the CD-4 zone, no fencing is allowed in the front yard setback of residential uses. In non-residential zones, screening other than open mesh or chain link may not exceed 2.0 m on or parallel to a parcel line.\n- **Corners:** on a corner parcel, nothing may block visibility within a triangle formed by the two parcel lines and a straight line joining points 5.0 m (16.5 ft) from where they meet.\n- **Barbed wire:** not allowed in the rural residential zone. In other non-residential zones it is allowed only for security.\n- **Pools:** an outdoor pool needs a perimeter fence at least 2.0 m (6.6 ft) high with locked gates.\n- **Retaining walls:** a retaining wall 1.2 m or higher needs a building permit.\n- **Emergency access:** in the R-SS zone, fences and gates must not block emergency access from the front yard.\n- **City land:** a fence on City land (road, reserve or City-owned parcel) needs an [Encroachment Agreement](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198).\n- Overgrown or broken fencing can make a property \"unsightly\" under the Community Standards Bylaw.\n- For anything not covered here, ask Planning at 250-423-6817 or planning@fernie.ca.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198","title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/fence-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fence-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fence-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie a new garage, a deck, or enclosing a carport generally needs a building permit. The bylaw exempts an accessory building under 10 m² (no plumbing, sleeping or cooking facilities) and an unenclosed deck less than 0.6 m above grade.","aliases":["shed permit fernie","garage permit fernie","deck permit fernie","carport permit fernie","accessory building fernie"],"cost":"Permit fees are in Appendix A of Building and Plumbing Bylaw 2526 (see the building permit fees answer). A security deposit applies to a residential accessory building over 25 m².","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Cloudpermit","value":"https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Department","value":"building@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections page","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Document Checklist (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fernie building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Fernie building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Fernie fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fernie secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"No building permit for a shed or accessory building under 10 m² that has no plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities. The City's web page adds: under 3.048 m (10 ft) tall, used for storage, on residentially zoned land. Larger buildings need a permit.","short":"No if under 10 m², no plumbing or sleeping","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4(b)","quotes":["an accessory building or structure with a building area of less than 10 square metres that does not contain plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities;"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Exemptions","quotes":["A building permit is not required for detached accessory buildings (sheds) less than 10 m2 (107 sq ft) in building area and 3.048 m2 (10 ft) tall, when used for the purpose of storage on a residential zoned property only."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The bylaw has no height limit or residential-zone condition for this exemption; the web page adds them. Bylaw wins. The shed must still meet zoning setbacks and coverage, and needs a development permit if in a Development Permit Area. A residential accessory building over 25 m² also needs a security deposit."},"deck":{"label":"Decks","value":"A building permit is needed to build a deck, except an unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6 m above finished grade, which the Building Bylaw does not cover.","short":"Yes, unless unenclosed and under 0.6 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Requirements","quotes":["- add to an existing building; - construct a deck; - change the occupancy of an existing building, i.e. from office to retail;"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4(d)","quotes":["An unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6m above finished grade; and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City web page lists 'construct a deck' without a height threshold; the bylaw exempts low unenclosed decks. Bylaw wins. A development permit may also be needed in a Development Permit Area. Zoning allows balconies and sundecks to project up to 1.3 m (not over 50% of the distance to the parcel line) into a required setback (Zoning Bylaw s. 3.7(4)(d))."},"garage_carport":{"label":"Garages and carports","value":"Yes for a new garage, including a detached garage, which needs its own building permit application. Enclosing a carport or converting a garage to living space also needs a permit. Only accessory buildings under 10 m² (no plumbing, sleeping or cooking) are exempt.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Multiple Building Permit Requirements; Building Permit Requirements","quotes":["requires two separate building permit applications - one for the main dwelling and a separate application for the detached garage, suite, or carriage house.","enclose your carport or change your garage to living space;"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4(b)","quotes":["an accessory building or structure with a building area of less than 10 square metres that does not contain plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_limits":{"label":"Zoning limits","value":"In the R-SS zone: accessory buildings may be up to 5.0 m high, with 1.5 m side and rear setbacks; parcel coverage may exceed the limit by 5% for accessory buildings. An accessory building cannot be built before the main building. Other zones differ.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"R-SS zone, s. 4.2.1(4) and (5)(5); s. 3.6(1)","quotes":["8.0 m. 8.0 m. 5.0 m. 5.0 m. Accessory Building (non-Dwelling Unit)","Rear Yard 1.5 m. 1.5 m. Side Yard 1.5 m. 1.5 m.","The Maximum Parcel Coverage regulation may be exceeded by an additional 5% to","allow for the inclusion of accessory buildings and structures.","No person shall erect an accessory building or structure on any parcel unless the","principal building to which the accessory building is an incidental use has been erected"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (s. 4.4), and Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (s. 3.6 and the zone regulations)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.4","quotes":["Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.6","quotes":["3.6 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES","CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750"]}],"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 and Plumbing Bylaw 2526](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577) requires a permit to construct a building or structure unless it is exempt. Exempt under the bylaw: an accessory building under 10 m² with no plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities, and an unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6 m above finished grade. Larger buildings need a permit.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Garage:** a new garage, including a detached one, needs its own building permit application. Converting a garage to living space also needs a permit.\n- **Carport:** enclosing a carport needs a permit. Neither the bylaw nor the City's pages mention an open carport by itself; a carport of 10 m² or more is not covered by the small-building exemption, so ask the Building Department.\n- **Deck:** the City's page lists \"construct a deck\" as needing a permit without a height threshold. The bylaw exempts an unenclosed deck less than 0.6 m above grade. The bylaw is followed here, but confirm with the Building Department before building a low deck.\n- **Shed:** the City's page adds that an exempt shed must be under 3.048 m (10 ft) tall, used for storage, on residentially zoned land. The bylaw states none of these conditions, so confirm with the City.\n- **Zoning still applies:** even an exempt shed must meet zoning setbacks and parcel coverage, and needs a development permit if it is in a Development Permit Area. In the R-SS zone, accessory buildings may be up to 5.0 m high with 1.5 m side and rear setbacks, and cannot be built before the main building. Other zones differ.\n- Balconies and sundecks may project up to 1.3 m (not over 50% of the distance to the parcel line) into a required setback.\n- A residential accessory building over 25 m² also needs a security deposit.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/deck-shed-garage-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/deck-shed-garage-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"}},{"title":"Fernie building permit fees","question":"How much does a building permit cost?","slug":"building-permit-fees","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie a building permit has a non-refundable application fee ($250 for work valued under $49,999) plus a permit fee of $10 per $1,000 of value or $250, whichever is greater. Plumbing permits start at $100.","aliases":["building permit cost fernie","permit fees fernie","building permit deposit fernie","plumbing permit fee fernie"],"cost":"Application fee $250 (value under $49,999), $800 ($50,000 to $999,999), $1,600 plus $800 per further $1,000,000 above $1,000,000. Permit fee $10 per $1,000 of value or $250, whichever is greater.","how_long":"The City emails an invoice within 2 business days of submission. Permit fees are paid at issuance.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Cloudpermit","value":"https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (cheque, cash or debit)","value":"501 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."},{"type":"mail","label":"Mail a cheque payable to City of Fernie","value":"P.O. Box 190, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025, Appendix A - Fees (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577"},{"title":"Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 2530, 2025 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/192693"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fernie building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"$250 minimum permit fee (the building permit fee is $10 per $1,000 of value or $250, whichever is greater), plus a non-refundable $250 application fee when the value of the work is under $49,999.","short":"$250 minimum ($10 per $1,000 or $250)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A, items 1 and 2","quotes":["$10.00 per $1000 of submitted and approved Value of the Work or $250.00, whichever is greater.","Value of the Work < $49,999 $250.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_formula":{"label":"How the fee is worked out","value":"Building permit fee: $10 per $1,000 of the submitted and approved value of the work, or $250, whichever is greater. The fee is doubled if construction starts before the permit is issued, and is 200% of the normal fee after a stop-work order.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A, item 2; s. 11.20","quotes":["$10.00 per $1000 of submitted and approved Value of the Work or $250.00, whichever is greater.","The building permit or other permit fee is doubled for every permit application if construction","200% of the Building Permit Fees noted"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"application_fee":{"label":"Application or plan review fee","value":"A non-refundable application fee is paid when applying: $250 for work valued under $49,999; $800 for $50,000 to $999,999; $1,600 plus $800 per further $1,000,000 above $1,000,000. It is separate from the permit fee paid at issuance; the bylaw does not say it is credited toward it.","short":"$250 for work under $49,999; higher above","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A, item 1","quotes":["a non-refundable application fee must be paid to the City of Fernie as follows:","Value of the Work < $49,999 $250.00","Value of the Work between $50,000 - $999,999 $800.00","Value of the Work > $1,000,000 $1600.00 + $800.00 per subsequent $1,000,000 in Value of the Work","Permit fees and charges must be paid to the City of Fernie at issuance of a permit and must be","Notwithstanding the building permit application fee, a building permit or other permit fee may be"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/","title":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Page 1","quotes":["Plan Check fees are payable upon application submission, either in-person at City Hall or online using Option Pay"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees","value":"Plumbing permit $100 (under 5 fixtures) or $100 plus $20 per fixture over 5; demolition $200; temporary building $250; wood stove or fireplace $150; re-inspection after two failed inspections $250; security deposit $100 per metre of property line on a public road (accessory building over 25 m², additions) or $200 per metre (new home).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A, items 2 to 4","quotes":["Plumbing Permit Fees <5 fixtures $100.00","Plumbing Permit Fees >6 fixtures $100.00 + $20.00/fixture over 5 fixtures","Demolition Permit $200.00","Re-Inspection Fee (for building and document $250.00","For a residential accessory building or structure $100.00/m x length of property line in","For a new single-family dwelling, simple $200.00/m x length of property line in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_pay":{"label":"How to pay","value":"After applying, the City emails an invoice within 2 business days. Pay in person at City Hall (cheque, cash or debit), by mailed or dropped-off cheque to 'City of Fernie', or by Visa or Mastercard through OptionPay (a third-party service with its own fees). Permit fees are paid at issuance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html","title":"Apply with Cloudpermit, City of Fernie","section":"How to Submit a Permit Application","quotes":["Within 2 business days, the City will email you an invoice with the amount payable for the permit application.","In-person at City Hall front desk by cheque, cash, or debit.","VISA or Mastercard through the online payment service OptionPay."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A, item 2","quotes":["Permit fees and charges must be paid to the City of Fernie at issuance of a permit and must be"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025, Appendix A (Fees)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["Appendix A – Fees","Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Building Permit Application Process","quotes":["Any fees payable from April 16, 2025, onwards will apply according to “Appendix A” of the new bylaw."]}],"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 by Appendix A of the [Building and Plumbing Bylaw 2526, 2025](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577) and are calculated on the total value of the work. You pay in two parts: a non-refundable application fee when you apply, and the permit fee at issuance. The bylaw does not say the application fee is credited toward the permit fee.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Application fee (non-refundable):** $250 for work under $49,999; $800 for $50,000 to $999,999; $1,600 plus $800 per further $1,000,000 above $1,000,000.\n- **Permit fee:** $10 per $1,000 of the submitted and approved value of the work, or $250, whichever is greater. The fee doubles if construction starts before the permit is issued, and is 200% of the normal fee after a stop-work order.\n- **Plumbing permit:** $100 (under 5 fixtures), or $100 plus $20 per fixture over 5.\n- **Other fees:** demolition $200; temporary building $250; wood stove or fireplace $150; re-inspection after two failed inspections $250.\n- **Security deposit:** $100 per metre of property line on a public road for a residential accessory building over 25 m² or an addition; $200 per metre for a new home.\n- **How to pay:** the City emails an invoice within 2 business days. Pay in person at City Hall (cheque, cash or debit), by cheque mailed or dropped off to \"City of Fernie\", or by Visa or Mastercard through OptionPay, a third-party service with its own fees.\n- A development permit or other land use application has separate fees in [Bylaw 2530](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/192693).","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/apply-with-cloudpermit.html","title":"Apply with Cloudpermit, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/178457/","title":"Required Documents for All Building Permit Applications and Renewals (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/192693","title":"Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 2530, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","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/fernie/building-permit-fees/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit-fees.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit-fees.json"}},{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Find your lot on the Zoning Map on the City of Fernie's Maps page (the official map is Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw 1750), then read that zone's rules in the bylaw. Planning staff can confirm a zone at planning@fernie.ca or 250-423-6817.","aliases":["fernie zoning map","what is my property zoned","fernie zoning bylaw 1750","fernie R-SS zone","how many units can I build fernie"],"cost":"Free to look up. The City's pages do not say whether staff charge for written zoning confirmation.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"City of Fernie Maps page (Zoning Map)","value":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/maps.html"},{"type":"online","label":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw 1750","value":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Property Information, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/property-information.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fernie secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"The City's Maps page (Residents, Maps) lists a Zoning Map, and the Property Information page lists zoning designations among its maps. The official zoning map is Schedule A to the Zoning Bylaw. Planning staff can confirm a property's zone.","short":"Zoning Map on Maps page; ask Planning staff","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/maps.html","title":"Maps of Fernie, City of Fernie","section":"Maps of Fernie","quotes":["Legal Base Map - Zoning Map"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/property-information.html","title":"Property Information, City of Fernie","section":"Maps","quotes":["within city limits, including: - Zoning designations"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.3","quotes":["The locations of the zones established by this Bylaw are shown on the Official Zoning Map"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_bylaw":{"label":"Zoning bylaw","value":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750; the consolidation is last updated October 7, 2026 (includes amendments up to Bylaw 2551).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750","Consolidation Version Last Updated October 7, 2026","2551 City of Fernie Amendment response to"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","section":"Zoning","quotes":["Consolidated Zoning Bylaw #1750"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_zone_controls":{"label":"What the zone controls","value":"Each zone sets permitted and accessory uses and rules for parcel size, frontage, density, parcel coverage, building height and setbacks; a use not listed is prohibited. General rules cover accessory buildings, home occupations, fences, visibility at corners and parking.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"ss. 3.4, 4.2.1","quotes":["If a use is not specifically listed in this bylaw, it is considered to be prohibited.","The following uses, and no other, are permitted in the R-SS zone.","Minimum Setbacks","Maximum Building Height"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","section":"Zoning","quotes":["The City of Fernie's Zoning Bylaw regulates how land, buildings and other structures may be used within the community."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"City Planning: planning@fernie.ca; City Hall phone (250) 423-6817.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","section":"Application Process","quotes":["Have questions or need assistance? Contact City Planning staff at planning@fernie.ca."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","section":"Footer contact block","quotes":["Contact Info Phone: (250) 423-6817"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750"]}],"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. 1750 (consolidated to Bylaw 2551; consolidation last updated October 7, 2026)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505/","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"The City's consolidation has no legislative sanction and is for convenience of reference only; the original bylaws must be consulted. Bylaw 2556 (2026) is an amendment bylaw posted separately and is not in this consolidation."},"zones":22,"zone_pages":17,"index_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning/index.json","lookup_url":null,"map":{"has_map":false,"has_addresses":false,"zones_geojson":null,"addresses_json":null,"source_url":null,"viewer":{"title":"Zoning Map (Schedule A to Zoning Bylaw No. 1750)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/19424"},"caveat":null,"accessed":null}},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Fernie's [Zoning Bylaw 1750](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505) (consolidation last updated October 7, 2026, including amendments up to Bylaw 2551) divides the city into zones. Each zone sets permitted and accessory uses and rules for parcel size, frontage, density, parcel coverage, building height and setbacks. A use not listed for a zone is prohibited. General rules cover accessory buildings, home occupations, fences, visibility at corners and parking. Since June 2024 the old residential zones R1, R1SL, R1B, R-WF, R-WF1, R2 and R2-RS have been merged into R-SS.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Open the Zoning Map from the City's [Maps page](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/maps.html) and find your lot. The Property Information page also lists zoning designations among its maps.\n2. Open the Zoning Bylaw and go to your zone's rules in Part 4 (for R-SS, section 4.2.1).\n3. Read the general rules in Part 3 and the parking rules in Part 5.\n4. If the map is unclear, or you want a written answer, ask Planning at planning@fernie.ca or 250-423-6817.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The official zoning map is Schedule A to the Zoning Bylaw. The consolidated bylaw is for convenience only; the original bylaws govern.\n- Your lot may also sit inside a Development Permit Area; see the development permit answer.\n- For lot size or property lines, the City says to get a BC land survey.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/maps.html","title":"Maps of Fernie, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/property-information.html","title":"Property Information, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/zoning-lookup/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning-lookup.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning-lookup.json"}},{"title":"Fernie secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Often yes. The City of Fernie's R-SS zone allows secondary suites and detached accessory dwelling units, up to 3 units on a parcel under 280 m² and 4 on a parcel of 280 m² or more. The RR zone also allows a secondary dwelling unit. A detached suite needs its own building permit.","aliases":["basement suite fernie","carriage house fernie","garden suite fernie","laneway house fernie","legal suite fernie","fourplex fernie"],"cost":"Building permit fees are in Appendix A of Bylaw 2526 (see the building permit fees answer). Other charges for a suite are not stated in the sources read.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Planning","value":"planning@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."},{"type":"online","label":"Cloudpermit","value":"https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning page, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html"},{"title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"}],"related":[{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fernie zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fernie building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Fernie short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 in the R-SS zone (single detached dwellings may include secondary suites) and, as a 'secondary dwelling unit' accessory use, in the Rural Residential (RR) zone. The City says the older residential zones were merged into R-SS in 2024. Not every zone was checked; Highway Commercial bars suites on certain parcels.","short":"Yes, in R-SS and RR zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 definitions; s. 4.2.1(2)","quotes":["SECONDARY SUITE means:","an accessory dwelling unit that is located in and forms part of a principal dwelling unit.","Single detached dwellings may also include secondary suite(s).","2. Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, except Manufactured Home","Examples of small-scale multi-unit housing include, but are not limited to combinations of:","• secondary suites","1. home occupation; 2. uses, buildings and structures accessory to a permitted use; 3. secondary dwelling unit.","c) is secondary to a primary dwelling unit located on the same property."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","section":"Zoning","quotes":["are now consolidated and replaced with one"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"Yes in R-SS: small-scale multi-unit housing includes detached accessory dwelling units, within 3 units per parcel (250 to under 280 m²) or 4 (280 m² or more). A 'secondary dwelling unit' is also an accessory use in the RR zone (up to 4 dwelling units per parcel). No separate coach house or garden suite rules found.","short":"Yes in R-SS, within 3 or 4 units per parcel","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 definition of SSMUH; s. 4.2.1","quotes":["detached accessory dwelling units","Maximum Density 3 Dwelling Units per Parcel","4 Dwelling Units per","Four (4) dwelling units per parcel","1. home occupation; 2. uses, buildings and structures accessory to a permitted use; 3. secondary dwelling unit."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","section":"Zoning","quotes":["allow up to four (4) dwelling units on properties over 280 square metres in size, and three (3) dwelling units on lots with a minimum size of 250 square metres and a maximum size of 280 square metres."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"R-SS zone: at most 3 dwelling units per parcel (parcels under 280 m²) or 4 (280 m² or more), including suites. Parcel coverage runs from 35% for one unit up to 50%. Dwellings may be 10.0 m high, or 8.0 m within 6.0 m of the rear lot line.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.2.1(4)","quotes":["Maximum Parcel Coverage 1 Dwelling Unit 35% 35% 2 Dwelling Units 40% 40% 3 Dwelling Units 50% 45% 4 Dwelling Units N/A 50%","Dwelling Unit(s) (for a building or portion thereof that is within 6.0 m. of the rear property line) 8.0 m. 8.0 m.","Maximum Density 3 Dwelling Units per Parcel"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"Parking table: 2 spaces for 2 small-scale multi-unit housing units, 3 for 3, 4 for 4 (totals); a single detached dwelling needs 2. It also lists 'secondary dwelling unit: 1 space per unit'. The bylaw does not say clearly whether a house with a suite needs 2 or 3, so confirm with Planning. A driveway counted as parking must be at least 5.8 m long.","short":"1 space per secondary unit (unclear; confirm)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Part 5 parking table; R-SS s. 5(2)","quotes":["Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, 2 Dwelling Units 2 Spaces","Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, 3 3 Spaces","Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, 4 4 Spaces","secondary dwelling unit 1 space per unit","Where a driveway is utilized for off-street parking, the length of that driveway shall","be a minimum of 5.8 metres measured from the property line perpendicular to the","- single detached dwelling, modular or 2 spaces","-Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, 3 3 Spaces"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit (a detached suite needs its own application, separate from the main house). A development permit first if the property is in a Development Permit Area, such as watercourse, slope, avalanche or flood areas.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","section":"Multiple Building Permit Requirements","quotes":["Construction projects that include multiple buildings require a separate building permit application for each building."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","section":"When a Development Permit is required","quotes":["you must complete the appropriate Development Permit Application form before applying for a Building Permit."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 11.1(b)","quotes":["the owner must apply for and obtain a Development Permit if the building or structure is in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (R-SS zone, definitions, Part 5 parking) and Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526"]}],"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 R-SS zone of the [Zoning Bylaw](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505), single detached dwellings may include secondary suites, and small-scale multi-unit housing includes detached accessory dwelling units. A \"secondary dwelling unit\" is also an accessory use in the Rural Residential (RR) zone, which allows up to 4 dwelling units per parcel. The City says the older residential zones were merged into R-SS in 2024. Other zones have their own rules; look up your zoning first.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your property's zone (see the zoning lookup answer) and ask Planning if you are unsure.\n2. Check whether the parcel is in a Development Permit Area (for example watercourse, slope, avalanche or flood areas). If so, get the development permit first.\n3. Apply for a building permit in Cloudpermit. A detached suite needs its own application, separate from the main house.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Unit limit in R-SS:** at most 3 dwelling units per parcel (parcels under 280 m², with a minimum of 250 m²) or 4 (280 m² or more), including suites.\n- **Size and height:** parcel coverage runs from 35% for one unit up to 50%. Dwellings may be 10.0 m high, or 8.0 m within 6.0 m of the rear lot line. The sources read set no maximum suite size and no owner-occupancy rule for R-SS.\n- **Parking:** the parking table lists 2 spaces for a single detached dwelling and \"1 space per unit\" for a secondary dwelling unit, with totals of 2, 3 and 4 for 2, 3 and 4 units. The bylaw does not say clearly whether a house with a suite needs 2 or 3, so confirm with Planning. A driveway counted as parking must be at least 5.8 m long.\n- **Short-term rental:** not permitted in a secondary suite, garage suite or garden suite.\n- **Business licence:** renting a suite monthly or longer does not need one, as long as the house and suite stay on one legal title.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/zoning.html","title":"Zoning, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/building-permits-inspections.html","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/577","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/secondary-suite.json"}},{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Fernie has no readable City-wide tree permit rule. Under its Official Community Plan, cutting trees counts as development, so a development permit is needed in watercourse areas (15 m, or 30 m on named creeks) and in hazard lands, including avalanche and flood areas. Park trees are protected.","aliases":["cut down tree fernie","tree bylaw fernie","dangerous tree fernie","tree permit fernie","boulevard tree fernie"],"cost":"No tree-removal permit fee is set. If a development permit is needed: Watercourse Protection $600 (parcel 1,400 m² or less) or $1,000 (larger); Hazard Lands steep slope or avalanche $600 (minor) or $1,000 (major). Work done before applying costs double.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"email","label":"Planning (for development permit areas)","value":"planning@fernie.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/"},{"title":"Development Permits page","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html"},{"title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198"}],"related":[{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Fernie unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"No City-wide tree permit was found, but the OCP counts tree cutting and vegetation removal as 'development'. A development permit is needed in watercourse protection areas (15 m, or 30 m on the Elk River, Coal Creek, Lizard Creek and Fairy Creek) and in Hazard Lands areas: steep slopes, avalanche (Schedule K) and flood (Schedule L).","short":"No city-wide permit; development permit in hazard areas","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Definitions; 9-C.1; 9-C.1.1; 9-C.2.2","quotes":["Development: includes, but is not limited to:","d) tree cutting;","a) site clearing or removal of vegetation;","All development, including any disturbance to or clearing of existing soils and","vegetation, within the watercourse protection area (see Table 3) requires a Watercourse Protection Development Permit.","A Hazard Lands Development Permit is required for any development within 15 metres","from either the toe or crest of a steep slope greater than 15%","9-C.2.19 No development is permitted on lands designated in Schedule ‘K’ without a Hazards Lands","9-C.2.21 No development of lands designated in Schedule ‘L’ permitted unless in accordance with","2) for parcels located on or adjacent to the Elk River, Coal Creek, Lizard Creek or Fairy Creek,"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","section":"When a Development Permit is required","quotes":["The Official Community Plan (OCP) includes a series of maps (Schedules I to P) highlighting seven Development Areas that require a permit for construction or land alteration."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"No tree-removal permit fee is set. If a development permit is needed: Watercourse Protection permit $600 (parcel 1,400 m² or less) or $1,000 (larger); Hazard Lands steep slope or avalanche permit $600 (minor) or $1,000 (major).","short":"No tree fee; $600 to $1,000 if development permit needed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/192693","title":"Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 2530, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix A","quotes":["Watercourse Protection Development Permit (Minor) $600.00","Watercourse Protection Development Permit (Major) $1000.00","Hazard Lands Development Permit – Steep Slopes or Avalanche (Minor) $600.00","Hazard Lands Development Permit – Steep Slopes or Avalanche (Major) $1000.00","The fee for a Development Permit (Retroactive) shall be double the applicable fee as"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"No set replacement-tree rule. In a watercourse protection permit, the City may require trees or vegetation to be planted or retained, or riparian replanting, as conditions. It may also require security to ensure landscaping conditions are met.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"9-C.1.7; 9-C.1.9(4); 9-C.v","quotes":["jurisdiction may require vegetation or trees to be planted or retained in order to control","that the development permit applicant provide security to ensure that conditions respecting"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Parks and municipal facilities: no person may deface, cut, remove, destroy or damage a tree or shrub in any park or municipal facility (Bylaw 2484, s. 9.1(b)). No boulevard tree rule was found; trees or shrubs placed on City land are encroachments needing an Encroachment Agreement.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198","title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Definitions; Prohibitions","quotes":["Shrubs, trees, or other organic materials","means collectively or individually, a road, reserve Parcel, or City owned parcel","All Encroachments within the City of Fernie shall be deemed to be prohibited and unauthorized unless an Encroachment Agreement is in place"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","title":"Municipal Facilities and Parks User Regulation and Fees Bylaw No. 2484, 2023 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Part 9, s. 9.1(b)","quotes":["b) Deface, cut, remove, destroy, or damage a tree, shrub, structure, building, or other things,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"No ticket amount for cutting a private tree without a development permit is listed.","sources":[]},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (development permit areas, where tree cutting counts as development). The City also lists Dangerous Tree Removal Bylaw No. 1397, 1985, whose text could not be read.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["BYLAW NO. 2231, 2014"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=564","title":"Bylaws, City of Fernie document library","section":"Bylaws list","quotes":["Dangerous Tree Removal Bylaw No. 1397, 1985"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":2},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Fernie lists no tree protection bylaw that could be read. The one tree bylaw on its list, Dangerous Tree Removal Bylaw No. 1397 (1985), is a scanned document whose text could not be read, so this answer does not describe it. The [Official Community Plan](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/) (a policy bylaw) counts tree cutting and vegetation removal as \"development\". A development permit is therefore needed in:\n\n- **Watercourse protection areas:** 15 m from a watercourse, or 30 m on the Elk River, Coal Creek, Lizard Creek and Fairy Creek.\n- **Hazard Lands areas:** steep slopes, avalanche areas (OCP Schedule K) and flood areas (Schedule L).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check OCP Schedules I (watercourses), J (slope), K (avalanche) and L (flood) to see whether your lot is in a Development Permit Area.\n2. If it is, contact Planning (planning@fernie.ca) before cutting and apply for the development permit.\n3. If it is not, no City-wide tree permit was found. Ask Bylaw Services (250-423-2244) before you cut, including for any hazard tree.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Fees:** the sources set no fee for cutting a tree. A permit applied for after work has begun is a retroactive permit at double the fee. Floodplain permits are $400 (minor) or $600 (major).\n- **Replacement:** there is no set replacement-tree rule. In a watercourse permit the City may require trees or vegetation to be planted or kept, or riparian replanting, and may require security to ensure landscaping conditions are met.\n- **Park trees:** under [Bylaw 2484](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/) s. 9.1(b), no one may deface, cut, remove, destroy or damage a tree or shrub in a park or municipal facility. The municipal ticket under [Bylaw 2041](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199) is $1,000.\n- **City boulevards:** no boulevard tree rule was found. Trees or shrubs placed on City land are encroachments needing an [Encroachment Agreement](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198). Contact Bylaw Services before cutting or planting there.\n- No ticket amount for cutting a private tree without a development permit is listed.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197509/","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2231, 2014 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/city/departments-services/planning-development-services/development-permits.html","title":"Development Permits, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/192693","title":"Land Use Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw No. 2530, 2025 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","title":"Municipal Facilities and Parks User Regulation and Fees Bylaw No. 2484, 2023 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143198","title":"Encroachment Bylaw No. 2460, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=564","title":"Bylaws, City of Fernie document library","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 7 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/tree-removal.json"}},{"title":"Fernie 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/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Fernie collects organics weekly, and garbage and recycling carts on alternating weeks. Find your day on the City's Area Map and 2026 Collection Calendar. Set carts out by 7 a.m. but not before 5 a.m. on collection day. The fee is $17.99 a month for a single-family home in 2026.","aliases":["fernie garbage day","fernie garbage pickup schedule","extra garbage bags fernie","fernie collection calendar"],"cost":"$17.99 a month for each single-family home in 2026 (also $17.99 per unit for multi-family up to 4 units), billed quarterly; 5% is added to unpaid balances after the due date. Cart repair $120; garbage or recycling cart replacement $220; organics cart replacement $330.","how_long":"Organics weekly; garbage and recycling on alternating weeks. Carts out by 7 a.m., not before 5 a.m.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"SRP (collection contractor), missing or damaged carts, call or text","value":"250-946-8370"},{"type":"email","label":"SRP","value":"ferniebins@srpprojects.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"2026 Curbside Collection Schedule (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/filepro/document/194499/2026%20Curbside%20Collection%20Schedule.pdf"},{"title":"Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 are collected weekly. Garbage and recycling carts are collected on alternating weeks.","short":"Organics weekly; garbage, recycling every other week","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Curbside Collection Program","quotes":["Organics carts are collected weekly, while recycling and garbage carts are picked up on alternating weeks."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"collection_day":{"label":"Finding your day","value":"Use the City's Area Map and the 2026 Collection Calendar on the City waste page (Area 1 and Area 2 colour-coded). Contact SRP at 250-946-8370 with questions.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Curbside Collection Program","quotes":["The City of Fernie provides collection of waste, recycling and organics to eligible households as part of our automated curbside collection program. Organics carts are collected weekly, while recycling and garbage carts are picked up on alternating weeks. Important Resources Area Map 2026 Collection Calendar ## Curbside Organic Collection","Important Resources Area Map 2026 Collection Calendar ## Curbside Organic Collection The City's curbside organics program launched on in September, 2024 adding weekly collection of organics to our curbside program. This new service is the first step towards the City's goal of redirecting all organics from the landfill, which will extend the lifespan of our landfill, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the compost produced will reduce the need to import topsoil into the valley for City projects."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/filepro/document/194499/2026%20Curbside%20Collection%20Schedule.pdf","title":"2026 Curbside Collection Schedule (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"2026 Curbside Collection Schedule","quotes":["For all inquiries, please contact SRP at 250-946-8370"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"carts":{"label":"Carts","value":"Three carts per home: organics 120-L (bear-resistant), garbage 120-L (animal-resistant), recycling 240-L. For a missing or damaged cart call or text SRP at 250-946-8370 or email ferniebins@srpprojects.ca. Cart repair $120; garbage or recycling cart replacement $220; organics cart replacement $330.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Cart and Bin Information","quotes":["The organics carts are 120-L and bear-resistant","The garbage carts are also 120-L","The recycling cart is 240-L","call or text SRP at 250-946-8370, or email ferniebins@srpprojects.ca"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Cart Repair $120.00","Garbage or Recycling Cart Replacement $220.00","Organics Cart Replacement $330.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"set_out":{"label":"Setting carts out","value":"Put carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, and not before 5 a.m. Store them in an inaccessible place (such as a locked garage or shed) between collections. Keep lids closed.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Automated Waste, Recycling & Organics Collection","quotes":["must be stored in an inaccessible place between collection days and until 5 AM on the day of collection","Please ensure carts are placed at the curb by 7 AM on the day of collection to ensure pick-up."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"s. 4.5","quotes":["No person shall place any wildlife attractant on any highway in a residential area","before 5:00 a.m. on the day designated by the City of Fernie as the collection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits and extra garbage","value":"Bylaw s. 9.4 still says garbage collection is limited to 75 litres per dwelling unit per week, but the City supplies 120-L garbage carts collected every other week and states no volume limit. Cart lids must close fully. Hazardous waste, tires, tree pruning, logs, scrap lumber, metal, stone, brick, concrete and car batteries may not be set out.","short":"Lid must close; bylaw says 75 litres per unit; carts 120-L","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"s. 9.4, 4.8, 5.2","quotes":["Garbage collection shall be limited to a maximum of 75 litres of garbage per","residential dwelling unit per week.","cover cannot be securely fastened and completely closed.","No hazardous waste, tires, tree pruning, scrap lumber, logs, metal, stone, brick,","Each dwelling unit will be provided","with 3 standardized carts"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The 75-litre limit was added in 2017 and is smaller than the 120-L garbage cart now supplied, so treat it as unclear. No extra bag or tag price found in the bylaw (old \"tag a bag\" labels no longer appear in Schedule A). Bear-resistant dumpsters for public use are at the Max Turyk Centre, Aquatic Centre and City Hall."},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$17.99 a month for each single-family home in 2026 (also $17.99 per unit for multi-family up to 4 units). Billed quarterly; 5% is added to unpaid balances after the due date.","short":"$17.99 a month","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"Schedule A; s. 9.2","quotes":["Curbside Single Family Residential $13.58 $17.40 $17.99","Curbside Multi-Family residential, per unit","The monthly rates will be billed quarterly. A five (5%) percent shall be applied"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"Title","quotes":["THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF FERNIE CONSOLIDATED WASTE REGULATION BYLAW BYLAW No. 1845 Consolidated to Bylaw: 1864, Amendment No. 1 1909, Amendment No. 2","CONSOLIDATED WASTE REGULATION BYLAW BYLAW No. 1845 Consolidated to Bylaw: 1864, Amendment No. 1 1909, Amendment No. 2 1953, Amendment No. 3"]}],"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 Fernie runs automated curbside collection with a contractor, SRP. Each home has three carts: a 120 L bear-resistant organics cart, a 120 L garbage cart and a 240 L recycling cart. Organics are collected weekly; garbage and recycling carts alternate weeks. Collection is for eligible households only.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your area and collection days on the City's Area Map and 2026 Collection Calendar (Area 1 and Area 2 are colour-coded).\n2. Set the cart out by 7 a.m. on collection day, and not before 5 a.m. Keep lids closed.\n3. Store carts in a place animals cannot reach, such as a locked garage or shed, between collections.\n4. For a missing or damaged cart, call or text SRP at 250-946-8370.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Limits:** the [Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918) (s. 9.4) still says garbage collection is limited to 75 litres per dwelling unit per week. The City supplies 120 L garbage carts collected every other week and states no volume limit, so the two do not match. Ask the City what applies. Lids must close fully.\n- Hazardous waste, tires, tree pruning, logs, scrap lumber, metal, stone, brick, concrete and car batteries may not be set out. No extra bag or tag price was found in the bylaw.\n- Occupants pay for damage to carts beyond normal wear and tear.\n- Bear-resistant dumpsters for public use are at the Max Turyk Centre, the Aquatic Centre and City Hall.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/filepro/document/194499/2026%20Curbside%20Collection%20Schedule.pdf","title":"2026 Curbside Collection Schedule (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/garbage-collection/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/garbage-collection.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/garbage-collection.json"}},{"title":"Fernie yard waste collection and drop-off","question":"Where does yard waste and brush go?","slug":"yard-waste","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"garbage-and-recycling","name":"Garbage, recycling and waste"},"owner":"regional","owner_label":"Regional district","owner_body":{"name":"Regional District of East Kootenay","url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fernie, grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks go in the weekly curbside organics cart. Other yard and garden waste can go to the Regional District of East Kootenay's (RDEK) Fernie Transfer Station at 6000 Highway 3, where the RDEK says yard waste is free to residents.","aliases":["fernie brush disposal","fernie leaves collection","fernie tree branches"],"cost":"Organics collection is covered by the monthly waste charge ($17.99 in 2026). The RDEK says yard and garden waste at the Fernie Transfer Station is free to residents. Land clearing waste is $40 per tonne on its August 2022 schedule.","how_long":"Organics cart weekly. Transfer Station open Monday to Sunday (hours below).","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Fernie Transfer Station (Regional District of East Kootenay)","value":"6000 Highway 3, Fernie (across from Home Hardware)","note":"Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Family Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Elk Valley Subregion Tipping Fee Schedule (PDF)","url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/web/pdf/recycling/ElkValleySubregion-TippingFeeScheduleAug2022.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"garbage-collection","title":"Fernie garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/garbage-collection/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/invermere","name":"Invermere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/invermere/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kaslo","name":"Kaslo","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kaslo/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, in the weekly curbside organics cart (120-L). It accepts grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks along with food scraps. Branches count as organics only if chipped to under 25 mm across and 0.6 m long.","short":"Yes, weekly in organics cart","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Curbside Organic Collection","quotes":["It also includes yard trimmings such as grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks.","All the eligible items are picked up weekly by the same truck."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"s. 2 \"organics\"","quotes":["shrub or tree branches which have been","chipped to less than 25mm in diameter and 0.6m long"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"preparation":{"label":"How to set it out","value":"Only organics may go in the organics cart, and the lid must close completely. Tree pruning, logs and scrap lumber may not be set out for collection. Branches must be chipped under 25 mm across and 0.6 m long to count as organics.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"s. 5.2, 8.2, 4.8","quotes":["No hazardous waste, tires, tree pruning, scrap lumber, logs, metal, stone, brick,","Only materials defined as organics under this bylaw shall be accepted into the","cover cannot be securely fastened and completely closed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"drop_off":{"label":"Drop-off","value":"Fernie Transfer Station, 6000 Highway 3 (across from Home Hardware). Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Family Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.","short":"Fernie Transfer Station, 6000 Highway 3","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/fernietransferstation/","title":"Fernie Transfer Station, Regional District of East Kootenay","section":"Fernie Transfer Station","quotes":["The Fernie Transfer Station is located at 6000 Highway 3","Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm","Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm","Yard and Garden Waste"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cost":{"label":"Cost","value":"Curbside organics collection is covered by the monthly waste charge ($17.99 in 2026). The RDEK says yard and garden waste at the Fernie Transfer Station is free to residents; its August 2022 schedule charges nothing for under 6 inches in diameter, and larger items are land clearing waste at $40 per tonne.","short":"Curbside in $17.99 a month; drop-off free","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/web/pdf/recycling/ElkValleySubregion-TippingFeeScheduleAug2022.pdf","title":"Elk Valley Subregion Tipping Fee Schedule (PDF, last updated August 2022), Regional District of East Kootenay","section":"Recyclable Materials","quotes":["Yard or Garden Waste - under 6” diameter","NO CHARGE","If over 6” in diameter, item will be charged as Land Clearing Waste","Land Clearing Waste","$40.00 per tonne"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Curbside Single Family Residential $13.58 $17.40 $17.99"]},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/","title":"Garbage and Recycling, Regional District of East Kootenay","section":"Yard and Garden Waste","quotes":["This service is free and available to all residents within the RDEK."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_accepted":{"label":"Not accepted","value":"Not allowed in the organics cart: ashes, pet waste (other than kitty litter), fruit and vegetable stickers, plastic bin liners, rubber bands, twist ties. Not set out for curbside collection: tree pruning, logs, scrap lumber, metal, stone, brick, concrete. Stumps are land clearing waste, not organics; the RDEK charges clean soil and land clearing waste $40 per tonne.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://letstalk.fernie.ca/organics","title":"Curbside Organics, Let's Talk Fernie","section":"Items Accepted in the Organic Bins","quotes":["Please do not compost ashes, pet waste (other than kitty litter), fruit and vegetable stickers, plastics bin liners, rubber bands, and twist ties."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"s. 5.2","quotes":["No hazardous waste, tires, tree pruning, scrap lumber, logs, metal, stone, brick,","stumps, roofing materials, masonry and wire arising from"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","section":"Title","quotes":["THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF FERNIE CONSOLIDATED WASTE REGULATION BYLAW BYLAW No. 1845 Consolidated to Bylaw: 1864, Amendment No. 1 1909, Amendment No. 2"]}],"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 Fernie takes grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks in the weekly 120 L curbside organics cart. Under the [Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918), branches count as organics only if chipped to under 25 mm across and 0.6 m long. Other yard waste goes to the RDEK's Fernie Transfer Station, which the RDEK runs.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Put organics in the cart, lid fully closed, and set it out on collection day.\n2. For other yard and garden waste, take it to the Transfer Station at 6000 Highway 3 during open hours.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Tree pruning, logs and scrap lumber may not be set out for curbside collection. Collectors may refuse a cart with non-organics.\n- Not allowed in the organics cart: ashes, pet waste (other than kitty litter), fruit and vegetable stickers, plastic bin liners, rubber bands and twist ties.\n- Stumps are land clearing waste, not organics. The RDEK's August 2022 schedule charges clean soil and land clearing waste $40 per tonne; larger wood over 6 inches falls under the land clearing charge. Ask the RDEK before bringing stumps or soil.\n- No separate yard-waste bundle or bag program was found. During the City's designated Spring Clean-up dates, yard waste left in public view is exempt from the Community Standards Bylaw.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/fernietransferstation/","title":"Fernie Transfer Station, Regional District of East Kootenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/","title":"Garbage and Recycling, Regional District of East Kootenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/web/pdf/recycling/ElkValleySubregion-TippingFeeScheduleAug2022.pdf","title":"Elk Valley Subregion Tipping Fee Schedule (PDF, last updated August 2022), Regional District of East Kootenay","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/49918","title":"Consolidated Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 (PDF), City of Fernie (consolidated to Bylaw 2512, amended 2024-08-19)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://letstalk.fernie.ca/organics","title":"Curbside Organics, Let's Talk Fernie","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/fernie/yard-waste/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/yard-waste.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/yard-waste.json"}},{"title":"Fernie watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"water-roads-and-snow","name":"Water, sewer, roads and snow"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Under the City of Fernie's Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw 2518, Stage 1 rules apply automatically every year from March 1 to October 15. The City can declare Stage 2, 3 or 4 when needed. At Stage 1, even-numbered properties water lawns Monday, Thursday and Saturday; odd-numbered, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.","aliases":["fernie sprinkling restrictions","lawn watering days fernie","fernie stage 2 water restrictions","water conservation bylaw 2518","new lawn watering permit fernie"],"cost":"New lawn or tree watering permit: $25 (low or medium density residential), $50 (high density), $100 (commercial, industrial or institutional). Tickets: $100, $200 and $500 for breaking Stage 1, 2 or 3 rules.","how_long":"A new lawn or tree permit lasts 21 days; one extension is allowed but must end within 21 days of first issue.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Water Conservation page (check the current stage)","value":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/water-sewer/water-conservation.html"},{"type":"email","label":"Public Works","value":"operations@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/invermere","name":"Invermere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/invermere/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 applies automatically from March 1 to October 15 each year. The Director of Engineering and Public Works can declare Stage 2, 3 or 4 when reservoir levels or demand require it (Stage 2 takes effect 48 hours after public announcement, Stages 3 and 4 after 24 hours).","short":"Stage 1: March 1 to October 15; stricter if declared","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5.1, 5.2","quotes":["Stage 1 Regulation is in force from March 1st to October 15th of","any year without prior declaration","the Outdoor Water Use Regulation Stage described in the declaration comes into","force in the City 48 hours for Stage 2, and 24 hours for"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/water-sewer/water-conservation.html","title":"Water Conservation, City of Fernie","section":"Water Restriction Stages","quotes":["Stage 1 water restrictions are in effect from March 1- October 15 annually unless otherwise posted."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Inside the bylaw, s. 5.2 says Stage 1 runs March 1 to October 15 but s. 8.1 says March 1 to October 31; the City page says October 15. Current notice: the City page says \"Current Water Restrictions in Effect: Stage 2\", and a July 20, 2026 notice put Stage 2 into effect July 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. Check fernie.ca/waterconservation for the current stage."},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":"Stage 1 (lawns): even-numbered properties Mon, Thu, Sat; odd-numbered Tue, Fri, Sun; up to 2 hours a day, 5 to 10 a.m. or 8 to 11 p.m. Stage 2: even Mon and Thu; odd Tue and Fri; same hours. Stage 3: gardens, trees, shrubs only, with a shut-off nozzle, even Thu, odd Tue, 1 hour, 6 to 8 a.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. Stage 4: no lawn watering.","short":"Stage 1: 3 days a week by address; up to 2 hours a day","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 8.1, 9.3, 10.3, 11.3","quotes":["on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for even","on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday for odd numbered","for a maximum of 2 hours per day between the hours of","on Monday and Thursday only for even numbered","on Thursdays only for even numbered properties and","for a maximum of 1 hour per day from 6:00am to","Lawns whether New Lawns, or otherwise;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":"Exempt in Stages 1 to 3: vegetable gardens and edible plants, concrete curing, City playing fields. City parks and greenspaces are exempt in Stages 1 and 2 only. Rain barrel water is exempt. Stage 4 has no exemptions except essential City maintenance and pre-purchased landscaping stock.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.1, 8.2, 11.7","quotes":["do not apply to a person using water obtained from alternative","to a person watering a vegetable garden or edible plants;","to a person watering concrete for curing purposes;","Except for sections 11.5 and 11.6, there are no exemptions from Stage","(g) City parks, Playing Fields, and greenspaces.","(j) City Playing Fields.","(e) Commercial Car Washes and general car washing;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":"A Water Use Permit lets you water a new lawn or tree during Stage 1 or 2. Fees: $25 low or medium density residential, $50 high density, $100 commercial, industrial or institutional. It lasts 21 days; one extension is allowed but must end within 21 days of first issue. Not valid in Stage 3 or 4.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 6.1, 6.4, Schedule A","quotes":["may apply to the Director of Engineering and Public Works, or designate, for a Permit","Any Permits issued","when Stage 3 Regulations or Stage 4 Regulations are in force","will not be valid.","Low and Medium Density Residential $25.00","High Density Residential $50.00","Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional $100.00","Such an extension shall end on or before 21 days from the date of issue of the initial"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket for breaking Stage 1, 2 or 3 rules: $100 first offence, $200 second, $500 third. Stage 4: $500 first, $1,000 second. Wasting water: $250, $350, $500.","short":"Ticket $100 first offence; $200 second; $500 third","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 20 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Violate Water Use Regulation Stage 1 (1st Offence) 8.2 $100.00","Violate Water Use Regulation Stage 1 (2nd Offence) 8.2 $200.00","Violate Water Use Regulation Stage 1 (3rd Offence) 8.2 $500.00","Violate Water Use Regulation Stage 4 (1st Offence) 11.2 $500.00","Violate Water Use Regulation Stage 4 (2nd Offence) 11.2 $1000.00","Waste of Water (1st Offence) 7.2 $250.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA WATER CONSERVATION AND REGULATION BYLAW NO. 2518, 2024 1|Page"]}],"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 [Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133) puts Stage 1 in place automatically from March 1 to October 15 each year. The Director of Engineering and Public Works can declare Stage 2, 3 or 4 when reservoir levels or demand require it. Stage 2 takes effect 48 hours after public announcement; Stages 3 and 4 after 24 hours. To see which stage is in force now, check the City's Water Conservation page.\n\n## Watering days and hours\n\n- **Stage 1 (lawns):** even-numbered properties Monday, Thursday and Saturday; odd-numbered Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Up to 2 hours a day, 5 to 10 a.m. or 8 to 11 p.m.\n- **Stage 2:** even-numbered Monday and Thursday; odd-numbered Tuesday and Friday; same hours. Trees, shrubs, flowers and plants at homes may be watered 5 to 8 a.m. only (non-residential 1 to 9 a.m.), up to 2 hours. Washing a car needs an automatic shut-off hose, 5 to 10 a.m. or 8 to 11 p.m.\n- **Stage 3:** gardens, trees and shrubs only, with a shut-off nozzle: even-numbered Thursday, odd-numbered Tuesday, 1 hour, 6 to 8 a.m. or 8 to 10 p.m.\n- **Stage 4:** no watering of lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees or playing fields.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Exempt:** vegetable gardens and edible plants, concrete curing and City playing fields in Stages 1 to 3; City parks and greenspaces in Stages 1 and 2 only; rain barrel water. Stage 4 has no exemptions except essential City maintenance and pre-purchased landscaping stock. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off unless a person is holding them.\n- **New lawn or tree:** a Water Use Permit lets you water during Stage 1 or 2. It is not valid in Stage 3 or 4. Post it on a stake facing the street.\n- **Tickets:** $100 first offence, $200 second and $500 third for Stage 1, 2 or 3 rules; Stage 4 is $500 first and $1,000 second. Wasting water is $250, $350 and $500.\n- **Sources differ:** section 5.2 of the bylaw and the City's page say Stage 1 ends October 15, but section 8.1 says October 31. Confirm with Public Works.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/175133","title":"Water Conservation and Regulation Bylaw No. 2518, 2024 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/water-sewer/water-conservation.html","title":"Water Conservation, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/water-restrictions.json"}},{"title":"Fernie dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence in Fernie, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Every dog over four months old in the City of Fernie needs a City licence for the calendar year. Buy it at City Hall, 501-3rd Avenue. The fee is $15 for a neutered or spayed dog and $35 for one that is not.","aliases":["dog license fernie","dog tag fernie","how much is a dog licence in fernie"],"cost":"$15 neutered male or spayed female; $35 unneutered male or open female; replacement tag $1. Aggressive dog $150, vicious dog $227, dangerous dog $567. No early-payment discount, late fee or seniors discount was found.","how_long":"Licences run January 1 to December 31 each year and expire on December 31.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Fernie City Hall","value":"501-3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-423-6817"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"}],"documents":["Owner's name and address, where the dog is kept, and a description of each dog (name, sex, colouring, age, breed, and whether spayed or neutered)"],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927"},{"title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Fernie dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Fernie rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fernie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/how-many-pets/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 four months old kept on a parcel needs a valid licence for the current calendar year, and the licence tag must be worn on the dog's collar or harness at all times.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.1, 4.4","quotes":["No person shall keep or permit to be kept on a parcel a Dog over the age of four","(4) months unless a valid and subsisting Dog Licence for the current calendar year","a valid Dog Licence tag is displayed on the Dog"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The City of Fernie. Applications go to the City's Corporate Officer, and licences are sold at City Hall.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.3","quotes":["Every application for a Dog Licence shall be made to the Corporate Officer"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","section":"Licensing your Dog","quotes":["For sale at City Hall (501-3rd Avenue)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$15 a year for one neutered male or spayed female dog.","short":"$15 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["One neutered male or spayed female dog; $15.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$35 a year for one unneutered male or open female dog.","short":"$35 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["One unneutered male or open female dog; $35.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Replacement tag $1. Aggressive Dog licence $150, Vicious Dog licence $227, Dangerous Dog licence $567. Impoundment: $50 first, $75 second, $100 third and later, plus $10 a day board.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Replacement tag. $1.00","Aggressive Dog $150.00","Vicious Dog $227.00","Dangerous Dog $567.00","first impoundment: $50.00","second impoundment: $75.00","third and subsequent impoundments: $100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Every licence runs from January 1 to December 31 and expires on December 31.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.2","quotes":["Every Dog Licence issued under this Bylaw shall expire on the thirty-first day of","December next following the date on which the licence was issued"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","section":"Licensing your Dog","quotes":["Valid from January 1 to December 31 each year"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"Buy at City Hall, 501-3rd Avenue. The application needs the owner's name and address, where the dog is kept, and a description of each dog (name, sex, colouring, age, breed, spayed or neutered).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","section":"Licensing your Dog","quotes":["Visit City Hall to purchase your Dog Licence."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.3","quotes":["a full description of each Dog that must be licensed, including name, sex,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Municipal ticket $200 for an unlicensed dog over four months, and $200 for not having the licence tag on the dog.","short":"Ticket $200","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 7 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041, s. 4.1 and 4.4","quotes":["Unlicensed dog over four (4) months 4.1 $200.00","Failure to affix dog license tag 4.4 $200.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","section":"Licensing your Dog","quotes":["The fine for not having a dog license is $50.00 for the first impoundment, $75.00 for the second and $100.00 for the third"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City web page calls $50, $75 and $100 the \"fine\" for not having a licence. Those match the impoundment fees in Schedule A of the bylaw, not the ticket schedule. The ticket schedule (Bylaw 2041) sets $200. The ticket schedule heading says \"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2436, 2021\" but Schedule 1 of the same bylaw still lists \"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2346, 2018\" (repealed); the appendix sections match Bylaw 2436."},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title and Part 4","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as","ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 2436, 2021"]}],"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\nUnder the [Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927), no one may keep a dog over four months old in the City of Fernie without a valid licence for the current calendar year. The tag must be on the dog at all times.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Go to City Hall, 501-3rd Avenue, to buy the licence.\n2. Give the owner's name and address, where the dog is kept, and a description of the dog, including whether it is spayed or neutered.\n3. Pay the fee ($15 or $35) and take the tag.\n4. Put the tag on the dog.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A municipal ticket for an unlicensed dog is $200, and so is a ticket for not having the tag on the dog. The City page calls $50, $75 and $100 a \"fine\"; those amounts match the bylaw's impoundment fees.\n- Impoundment fees are $50 the first time, $75 the second and $100 the third and after, plus $10 a day for board. An impounded unlicensed dog also needs its licence fee paid.\n- Lost tags are replaced on application to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.\n- The City's page names City Hall only. Ask City Hall whether you can pay online or by card.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence.json"}},{"title":"Fernie dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash in Fernie, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie a dog must be on a leash in any public place, except in a signed off-leash area. The City's page names one, the Railyard Dog Park at 95 Ridgemont Avenue. Dogs are banned, even on a leash, in Rotary Park, Ridgemont Park and school grounds.","aliases":["off leash dog park fernie","railyard dog park","dogs on leash fernie","dog poop bylaw fernie"],"cost":"Using the off-leash park has no stated cost. A municipal ticket for not keeping a dog on a leash in a public place is $150.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html"},{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fernie dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Fernie rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"A dog must be on a leash on any sidewalk, highway, boulevard, school ground, playground, park or other public place, except in an off-leash area where its owner is a competent person who keeps it in view and under control.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5.1(a), 6.1","quotes":["to be on a sidewalk, highway, boulevard, school","unless the Dog is on a","Despite section 5.1(a) a Leash is not required for a Dog in an Off-Leash Area"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":"A leash may be no longer than 6 feet (1.83 m). Aggressive, vicious and dangerous dogs must be on a leash no longer than 1 metre when off the owner's property.","short":"6 feet (1.83 m)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2 \"Leash\"; s. 7.2(a)","quotes":["means a line or chain that does not exceed 6 feet (1.83 meters)","a maximum length of (1) metre"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":"The Railyard Dog Park, 95 Ridgemont Avenue (run by the Fernie Pets Society). An off-leash area is City land marked by signs. In one, carry a leash, keep the dog in view and under control, leash it at once if aggressive, and remove its excrement.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","section":"Dog Off-Leash Parks","quotes":["The Off-Leash Railyard Dog Park is located at:","95 Ridgemont Avenue"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2 \"Off Leash Area\"; s. 6.2","quotes":["means an area of City-owned property designated by signs","carry a Leash;","keep the Dog in view at all times;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"Rotary Park, the grounds of any school, and Ridgemont Park. Dogs are banned there even on a leash.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5.1(e)","quotes":["whether or not on Leash, enter onto or be in the following restricted areas:","Rotary Park;","The grounds of any school;","Ridgemont Park."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"The owner must not let the dog leave excrement on a public place or another person's property unless the owner immediately removes it and disposes of it in a sanitary manner.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5.1(d)","quotes":["leave or deposit excrement on any Public Place or Property of another","person, unless the Owner immediately removes such excrement and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"Municipal ticket $150 for failing to keep a dog on a leash in a public place.","short":"Ticket $150","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 7 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041, s. 5.1(a)","quotes":["Failure to keep a dog on leash in a Public place 5.1 (a) $150.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 2436, 2021"]}],"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 [Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927) requires a dog in the City of Fernie to be on a leash on any sidewalk, highway, boulevard, school ground, playground, park or other public place. A leash may be no longer than 6 feet (1.83 metres).\n\n## Off-leash areas\n\nThe Railyard Dog Park, 95 Ridgemont Avenue, is run by the Fernie Pets Society. An off-leash area is City land marked by signs. In one, the owner must carry a leash, keep the dog in view and under control, leash it at once if it behaves aggressively, and remove its excrement.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Dogs are not allowed in Rotary Park, Ridgemont Park or on the grounds of any school, even on a leash.\n- Dog waste must be removed immediately and disposed of in a sanitary manner, on public places and on other people's property.\n- Aggressive, vicious and dangerous dogs must be on a leash no longer than 1 metre when off the owner's property.\n- A municipal ticket is $150 for not keeping a dog on a leash in a public place. Other $150 tickets include a dog in a restricted area and not removing excrement.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-leash-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fernie rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","question":"What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Fernie?","slug":"dangerous-dogs","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Fernie's Animal Responsibility Bylaw has three tiers: aggressive, vicious and dangerous dogs. An Animal Control Officer designates the dog by written notice, and the owner must then follow strict leash, muzzle, confinement and licensing rules.","aliases":["vicious dog fernie","dog bite bylaw fernie","aggressive dog designation","dangerous dog licence fernie"],"cost":"Annual licence: aggressive dog $150, vicious dog $227, dangerous dog $567. Municipal tickets range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the offence.","how_long":"An owner may ask for reconsideration of a vicious or dangerous designation within 14 days. An aggressive dog needs permanent identification and an Aggressive Dog licence within 30 days.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), Parts 5 to 9","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927"},{"title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Fernie dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fernie dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"An Animal Control Officer decides and gives the owner written notice. Aggressive: showed aggressive behaviour or caused a minor injury without provocation. Vicious: serious injury, a known tendency to attack, or repeated minor injuries. Dangerous: as defined in s. 49 of the Community Charter.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2; s. 5.4, 5.5","quotes":["has without justifiable provocation, displayed aggressive","Dangerous Dog has the same meaning as defined in section 49","Has, without justifiable provocation, caused a","An Animal Control Officer may, by written notice, designate a Dog as an"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"owner_rules":{"label":"Rules for owners","value":"Aggressive: leash 1 m or less off property, never at large, muzzled in off-leash areas, never left unattended off property; permanent ID and Aggressive licence within 30 days. Vicious and Dangerous: also muzzled off property, no off-leash areas, warning signs, secure enclosure at home. Dangerous: owner over 19, spayed or neutered, $1,000,000 liability insurance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.2, 8.4, 9.5, 9.7","quotes":["secure the Dog by a collar and Leash that is a maximum length of (1) metre","keep the Dog effectively Muzzled","post a clearly visible sign at all points of entry","Enclosure with a roof and locked","who is over nineteen (19) years of age","not less than one million ($1,000,000) dollars","iii. obtain a City of Fernie Aggressive Dog license for the Dog;","(c) ensure the Dog is not in a designated Off-Leash area in the City at any"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Licence fee","value":"Aggressive Dog $150, Vicious Dog $227, Dangerous Dog $567 (licence fees in Schedule A).","short":"Dangerous $567; vicious $227; aggressive $150","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["One unneutered male or open female dog; $35.00 Replacement tag. $1.00 Aggressive Dog $150.00 Vicious Dog $227.00 Dangerous Dog $567.00 Impoundment first impoundment: $50.00","Replacement tag. $1.00 Aggressive Dog $150.00 Vicious Dog $227.00 Dangerous Dog $567.00 Impoundment first impoundment: $50.00 second impoundment: $75.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Contact Bylaw Services: (250) 423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca. Give your full name and phone number, the date and time, and details; anonymous complaints are not investigated.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","section":"How to Report a Bylaw Violation","quotes":["By email at bylawservices@fernie.ca or","By phone at (250) 423-2244"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/report-problem-request-service/bylaw-concerns.html","title":"Bylaw Concerns, City of Fernie","section":"Bylaw Concerns","quotes":["Anonymous complaints will not be investigated."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal tickets: aggressive dog rule breaches $200 to $250; vicious dog $200 to $400; dangerous dog $500 to $1,000. A dog showing aggressive behaviour $300, causing a minor injury $400, a serious injury $1,000.","short":"Ticket $500 to $1,000 dangerous; $200 to $250 aggressive","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 7 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041, Parts 5 to 9","quotes":["display aggressive behaviour towards person or domestic","Dog causes minor injury 5.2 (b) $400.00","Dog causes serious injury 5.2 (c) $1,000.00","Aggressive dog improperly leashed 7.2 (a) $250.00","Vicious dog improperly leashed 8.4 (a) $400.00","Dangerous dog improperly leashed 9.7 (a) $1,000.00","Dangerous Dog warning sign not posted 9.7 (e) $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Parts 7 to 9","quotes":["ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 2436, 2021"]}],"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 [Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927), a City of Fernie Animal Control Officer decides whether a dog is aggressive, vicious or dangerous and gives the owner written notice.\n\n- **Aggressive:** showed aggressive behaviour or caused a minor injury without provocation.\n- **Vicious:** caused a serious injury, has a known tendency to attack, or caused repeated minor injuries.\n- **Dangerous:** as defined in section 49 of the Community Charter.\n\n## Owner rules\n\n- **Aggressive dog:** a leash of 1 metre or less off the owner's property, never at large, muzzled in off-leash areas, and never left unattended off the property. The owner must get permanent identification and an Aggressive Dog licence within 30 days.\n- **Vicious and dangerous dogs:** the same rules, plus a muzzle whenever off the property, no off-leash areas at all, warning signs, and a secure enclosure at home. The enclosure must be at least 2 m high and 2 m wide, with a top and bottom, and lockable.\n- **Dangerous dog only:** the owner must be over 19, the dog must be spayed or neutered, and the owner must carry $1,000,000 liability insurance.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- An owner may ask the Director responsible for Bylaw Services to reconsider a vicious or dangerous designation within 14 days, with written reasons and a dog behaviour specialist's assessment from the last 6 months. An aggressive designation can be reviewed after one year.\n- Licence fees are $150 (aggressive), $227 (vicious) and $567 (dangerous).\n- Municipal tickets: $200 to $250 for breaking aggressive dog rules, $200 to $400 for vicious dog rules and $500 to $1,000 for dangerous dog rules. A dog showing aggressive behaviour is $300, causing a minor injury $400 and a serious injury $1,000. The amount depends on the section broken.\n- To report a dog, contact Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca with your full name and phone number, the date and time, and details. Anonymous complaints are not investigated.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/animal-responsibility.html","title":"Animal Responsibility, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/report-problem-request-service/bylaw-concerns.html","title":"Bylaw Concerns, City of Fernie","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/fernie/dangerous-dogs/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dangerous-dogs.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dangerous-dogs.json"}},{"title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fernie","question":"How many dogs or cats can I keep in Fernie?","slug":"how-many-pets","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie, no more than three dogs are allowed on any property unless zoning allows more. The animal bylaw sets no limit on cats, but the zoning bylaw treats four or more dogs or cats as a kennel, allowed only in the RR and A-1 zones.","aliases":["pet limit fernie","how many dogs allowed fernie","how many cats allowed fernie","kennel fernie"],"cost":null,"how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927"},{"title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fernie dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"backyard-chickens","title":"Fernie backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-chickens/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 on any property, except as otherwise permitted under a zoning bylaw.","short":"Max three dogs","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 14.7","quotes":["No person shall keep more than three (3) Dogs on any Property except as","otherwise permitted under a zoning bylaw."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cat_limit":{"label":"Cats allowed","value":"No cat limit in the Animal Responsibility Bylaw. The Zoning Bylaw counts four or more dogs or cats (two months or older) kept for any purpose as a kennel, a use allowed only in the RR and A-1 zones.","short":"No cat limit; four or more counts as a kennel","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Definition of KENNEL; R-SS permitted uses","quotes":["any compound, group of pens or cages or property in which four or more dogs or cats are, or","species which is two or more months in age.","The following uses, and no other, are permitted in the R-SS zone."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_limits":{"label":"Other animal limits","value":"Zoning Bylaw: four or more dogs or cats (two months old or older) kept for any purpose count as a kennel. Other pets: domestic animals not listed as prohibited or restricted are allowed if kept indoors in a dwelling. Bees, female chickens and ducks are limited by zone (see backyard chickens).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Definition of \"Kennel\"","quotes":["any compound, group of pens or cages or property in which four or more dogs or cats are, or","species which is two or more months in age."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2 \"Unrestricted Animals\"","quotes":["means domestic cats and other domestic animals not listed as","kept as pets, provided they are","kept indoors in a residential dwelling unit."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exceptions":{"label":"Exceptions","value":"Zoning can allow more. Kennels are permitted in the Rural Residential (RR) zone (kennel setback 62 m from all property lines) and the Agricultural (A-1) zone. Agricultural animals are allowed on parcels zoned for agricultural use. The Zoning Bylaw's kennel definition counts only dogs and cats two months or older.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"RR zone, permitted uses","quotes":["kennels, subject to subsection (2)(c), on the following chart;","species which is two or more months in age."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"A-1 zone, permitted uses","quotes":["4. Private Aerodrome 5. Equestrian Centre 6. Kennel 3. Accessory Uses 1. Uses, buildings and structures accessory to a permitted use."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 14.7, 2.2","quotes":["except as otherwise permitted under a zoning bylaw.","Agricultural Animals are permitted on parcels that are zoned for agricultural use."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"No ticket is listed for s. 14.7 itself. 'Keeping of restricted animal' (s. 3.1; dogs are restricted animals) is a $450 municipal ticket and may apply. A bylaw ticket may not exceed $1,000; a court fine under the Offence Act is $500 to $10,000.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 15.2","quotes":["a fine and penalty of not more than $1,000.00 if issued a ticket under the","not more than $10,000.00 and not less than $500.00"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 7, Part 3 Restricted Animals","quotes":["Keeping of restricted animal 3.1 $450.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 2436, 2021"]}],"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\nSection 14.7 of the [Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927) says no one may keep more than three dogs on any property in the City of Fernie, except as otherwise permitted under a zoning bylaw.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Cats:** the Animal Responsibility Bylaw sets no limit on cats. It treats domestic cats as unrestricted animals if they are kept indoors in a residential dwelling unit.\n- **Kennels:** the [Zoning Bylaw](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505) counts four or more dogs or cats, two months old or older, kept for any purpose as a kennel. Kennels are allowed only in the Rural Residential (RR) zone, where a kennel must be 62 m from all property lines, and in the Agricultural (A-1) zone. No exemption for puppies or kittens was found.\n- **Other pets:** domestic animals that are not listed as prohibited or restricted are allowed if kept indoors in a dwelling. Bees, female chickens and ducks are limited by zone (see the backyard chickens answer). Agricultural animals are allowed on parcels zoned for agricultural use.\n- **Penalties:** no ticket is listed for the three-dog limit itself. A fourth dog may be charged as \"keeping of restricted animal\", a $450 municipal ticket. A bylaw ticket may not exceed $1,000; a court fine is $500 to $10,000.\n- To check a specific property, call Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","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/fernie/how-many-pets/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/how-many-pets.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/how-many-pets.json"}},{"title":"Fernie backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Fernie?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie, urban hens (female chickens or ducks, up to 6) and bees are allowed only in the zones listed in Schedule B of the Animal Responsibility Bylaw. Those zone names no longer exist in the 2024 zoning, so confirm with the City which parcels qualify. Other livestock needs agricultural zoning.","aliases":["chickens fernie","backyard hens fernie","beekeeping fernie","livestock fernie","ducks fernie"],"cost":"The sources read state no fee, permit or registration for keeping urban agricultural animals.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Planning (City Hall)","value":"250-423-6817"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), Part 10 and Schedule B","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927"},{"title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fernie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fernie dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"Up to 6 female chickens or ducks, only in the RWF and RWF1 zones named in Schedule B. Poultry is prohibited in R1, R1B, RR, P1 and P2. Parcels zoned for agricultural use may keep agricultural animals (s. 2.2). The current Zoning Bylaw no longer lists these zones, so confirm with the City.","short":"Only in RWF and RWF1 zones; confirm with City","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Unless listed below urban agricultural animal keeping is prohibited.","R1 - Single Family","RWF – Residential West","6 female chickens or ducks or","Unless listed below","Notwithstanding section 2.1, Agricultural Animals are permitted on parcels that are"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":"6 female chickens or ducks, or any combination of them, per parcel in the RWF and RWF1 zones.","short":"6 chickens or ducks","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["6 female chickens or ducks or","any combination thereof"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":"No. Only female chickens and ducks are urban agricultural animals. Roosters count as poultry, a prohibited agricultural animal, except on parcels zoned for agricultural use.","short":"No, except on agricultural-zoned parcels","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2, 2.2","quotes":["means bees, female chickens, and female ducks","includes: hens or","pullets, rooster or cockerels","Agricultural Animals are permitted on parcels that are zoned for agricultural use."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":"Animals must be in an enclosed rear-yard area at least 1.8 m high that extends below ground and deters bears and predators. Shelters need a 1.5 m side and rear setback, sit behind the house, face away from neighbours, and be no higher than 0.6 m above grade or 2.5 m total. Screening is needed within 7.5 m of a neighbour.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 10.5, 10.6","quotes":["contained within an enclosed area in the rear yard that","minimum height of 1.8m","all shelters have a minimum side and rear yard setback of 1.5m","all shelters are located to the rear of the principal dwelling","If a shelter is located within 7.5m of a side or rear property line"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Schedule B: 2 hives in R1, R1B, P1 and P2; in RR 2 hives on parcels under 0.403 ha and 6 on larger ones; 1 hive in RWF and RWF1. Keepers need the BC Bee Masters course (or equivalent, or five years as a registered beekeeper). These zone names are not in the current Zoning Bylaw; confirm with the City.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule B; s. 10.7(b)","quotes":["2 beehives","On parcels <0.403ha: 2","On parcels >0.403ha: 6","have completed the BC Bee Masters course","Unless listed below"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Agricultural animals (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) are prohibited except on parcels zoned for agricultural use. Ungulates, feral animals and wildlife are prohibited.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1.2, 2.1, 2.2","quotes":["Agricultural Animals Include:","Prohibited Animal means:","Agricultural Animals except for those listed as restricted","Agricultural Animals are permitted on parcels that are zoned for agricultural use."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"RR zone, permitted uses","quotes":["keeping of small farm animals;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The Zoning Bylaw lists \"keeping of small farm animals\" as a permitted use in the Rural Residential (RR) zone, which is not an agricultural zone, while the Animal Responsibility Bylaw prohibits agricultural animals except on agriculturally zoned parcels. Ask the City how the two apply to RR parcels."},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (Part 10, Schedule B); Zoning Bylaw No. 1750","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Part 10, Schedule B","quotes":["ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 2436, 2021"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["The Corporation of the City of Fernie CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750 Consolidated to Bylaws: 1786, Amend # 1 2043, Amend # 74 2159, Amend # 125 2302, Amend # 183 2421, Amend #235"]}],"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\nThe [Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927) treats only bees, female chickens and female ducks as urban agricultural animals, and Schedule B limits them by zone. It names zones (R1, R1B, RWF, RWF1) that the current [Zoning Bylaw](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505) no longer lists, so confirm with the City which parcels qualify.\n\n## Schedule B limits (as written)\n\n- **Hens:** up to 6 female chickens or ducks, or any combination, only in the RWF and RWF1 zones. Poultry is prohibited in R1, R1B, RR, P1 and P2.\n- **Roosters:** not allowed. They count as poultry, a prohibited agricultural animal, except on parcels zoned for agricultural use.\n- **Bees:** 2 hives in R1, R1B, P1 and P2; 1 hive in RWF and RWF1; in RR, 2 hives on parcels under 0.403 ha and 6 on larger ones. Keepers need the BC Bee Masters course (or equivalent, or five years as a registered beekeeper).\n\n## Rules if allowed\n\n1. Keep the animals in an enclosed rear-yard area at least 1.8 m high that extends below ground and deters bears and predators. Electric fencing built to WildSafeBC guidelines counts and must be on from March 1 to November 30.\n2. Place shelters behind the house, facing away from neighbours, with a 1.5 m side and rear setback and no higher than 0.6 m above grade or 2.5 m total.\n3. Screen shelters within 7.5 m of a neighbour with a solid fence or evergreen hedge at least 1.8 m high, running 12 m along the line.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Other livestock:** agricultural animals (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) are prohibited except on parcels zoned for agricultural use. The Zoning Bylaw lists \"keeping of small farm animals\" as a permitted use in the Rural Residential (RR) zone, which is not agricultural. The two bylaws differ, so ask the City how they apply to an RR parcel.\n- Ungulates, feral animals and wildlife are prohibited.\n- Officers may inspect.\n- Confirm your parcel's zone with Planning at 250-423-6817.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/127927","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2436, 2021 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, to Bylaw 2551 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","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/fernie/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-chickens.json"}},{"title":"Fernie RV, boat and trailer parking rules","question":"Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?","slug":"rv-boat-trailer-parking","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie a trailer that is not attached to a motor vehicle, including a boat trailer, cannot be parked on any street, and no vehicle may stay on a street over 72 hours in a row unless signs allow it. The bylaws read set no rule for keeping an RV, boat or trailer on your own lot.","aliases":[],"cost":"Municipal tickets: unattached trailer on a highway $50; parking over 72 hours $50; RV camping in City parks or on City property from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. $500.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Planning (zoning questions)","value":"250-423-6817"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/46794"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/invermere","name":"Invermere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/invermere/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 one may park a trailer that is not attached to a motor vehicle on any highway. Any vehicle may not be parked on a highway for more than 72 hours in a row unless signs allow it. Vehicles over 6.5 m long may not park in an angle space.","short":"72 hours; unattached trailers not allowed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/46794","title":"Consolidated Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 9(3), 9(11), 9(13)","quotes":["No person shall park any trailer, which is not attached to a motor vehicle","on any highway.","for a continuous period in excess of 72 hours unless posted otherwise.","greater than 6.5 meters (21.23 feet) in an angle parking space"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"on_property":{"label":"On your property","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The bylaws read for Fernie set no rule on keeping an RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot.","sources":[]},"living_in":{"label":"Living in an RV","value":"Not in City parks, at City facilities or on City-owned property between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., except in a designated area: no parking an RV or trailer to sleep in (camping); $500 ticket. The bylaws found say nothing about sleeping in an RV on a private lot or street.","short":"Not in City parks 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.; $500 ticket","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","title":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","section":"Part 14, s. 14.2 (Bylaw 2484)","quotes":["No person shall erect or place a tent, shelter, or structure, or park any motor vehicle,","recreational vehicle, trailer or other unit designed for the purpose of accommodation or","sleeping (“Camping”) between the hours of 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM the following day in any"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal tickets: parking an unattached trailer on a highway $50; parking over 72 hours $50; parking against a traffic control device $75 ($150 repeat within 12 months); winter parking breach $75 ($150 repeat).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 1 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Park unhitched trailer 9 (13) $50.00","Park in excess of 72 hours 9 (3) $50.00","Park contrary to traffic control device 9 (2) $75.00","Park contrary to traffic control device – second offence and 9 (2) $150.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400; Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022; Zoning Bylaw No. 1750","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/46794","title":"Consolidated Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["Consolidated Streets and Traffic By-Law","Bylaw No. 1400"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW 2456, 2022"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), to Bylaw 2551, City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["The Corporation of the City of Fernie CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750 Consolidated to Bylaws: 1786, Amend # 1 2043, Amend # 74 2159, Amend # 125 2302, Amend # 183 2421, Amend #235"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":4,"matched":4,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nOn streets, an RV, boat or trailer is covered by the [Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/46794). The bylaws read set no rule on keeping one on a residential lot.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No one may park a trailer that is not attached to a motor vehicle on any highway. No vehicle may be parked on a highway for more than 72 hours in a row unless signs allow it.\n- Vehicles over 6.5 m long may not park in an angle space.\n- Vehicles of 10,200 kg gross weight or more may not park from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. outside transportation, industrial or wholesale commercial zones, or for over 2 hours at any other time. Winter parking rules apply from November 1 to April 15.\n- **Sleeping in an RV:** RV camping (parking an RV or trailer to sleep in) in City parks, at City facilities or on City-owned property from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. is banned, except in a designated area. The ticket is $500. The bylaws read say nothing about sleeping in an RV on a private lot or on a street.\n- **Your lot:** no rule was found on parking or storing an RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot. Unlicensed, unused or stripped vehicles, trailers and boats count as refuse and unsightly property under the Community Standards Bylaw, and the Zoning Bylaw bans more than one derelict vehicle in a residential zone and any in the front yard. Ask Planning at 250-423-6817 about your zone.\n- Other tickets: parking against a traffic control device $75 ($150 for a repeat within 12 months); winter parking breach $75 ($150 repeat); overweight vehicle parked $50. Parking tickets are the registered owner's responsibility.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/46794","title":"Consolidated Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), to Bylaw 2551, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","title":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/167923/","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 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/rv-boat-trailer-parking/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json"}},{"title":"Fernie noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","question":"What are the noise rules and quiet hours?","slug":"noise-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie, quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, and construction noise is banned from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. A municipal ticket for noise during quiet hours is $250, or $500 for a second offence. Report it to Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244.","aliases":["quiet hours fernie","noise bylaw fernie","construction hours fernie","barking dog fernie","loud party fernie"],"cost":"Municipal ticket $250 for noise during quiet hours, $500 for a second offence.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"RCMP non-emergency (car or house alarms, traffic noise, commercial noise after hours)","value":"250-423-4404"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203"},{"title":"Managing Noise, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-noise.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fernie bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 that disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment or comfort of the neighbourhood during quiet hours. Some noises are banned at any time: motor vehicles with no muffler or an altered muffler, excessive horns, tire squealing, unattended car alarms, air horns, engine brakes.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 \"Noise\"; s. 3.3","quotes":["any sound that disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort of the","No person shall allow, cause or make Noise during Quiet Hours.","Motor vehicles without a functioning muffler or a muffler that has been altered to increase","Excessive horns, squealing of tires, unattended car alarms, air horns, engine brakes."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"quiet_hours":{"label":"Quiet hours","value":"11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.","short":"11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 \"Quiet Hours\"","quotes":["Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"construction_hours":{"label":"Construction hours","value":"Construction noise is banned between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily. The bylaw sets no separate rule for Sundays or holidays.","short":"7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 \"Quiet Hours\" (b)","quotes":["Construction Noise between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 \"Construction Noise\"","quotes":["Construction, demolition, reconstruction, alteration, or repair of a building or structure;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_limits":{"label":"Other limits","value":"No decibel limit found. Exempt from the noise ban: emergency vehicles, avalanche control, bells or chimes for religious services, security or fire alarms, City or contracted maintenance (such as snow removal and garbage collection), emergency repairs, warning signals, and approved special events.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 4.2","quotes":["Section 3 Paragraph (3) does not apply to;","Emergency vehicles;","Avalanche control operations;","Municipal or contracted maintenance operations","Approved special events."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 \"Noise\"","quotes":["Amplified sound (e.g., stereos, public address systems, wildlife deterring systems);"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_day":{"label":"Who to call, business hours","value":"Bylaw Services, (250) 423-2244, bylawservices@fernie.ca (online form also available). Car or house alarms and traffic noise go to the RCMP at 250-423-4404.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","section":"How to Report a Bylaw Violation","quotes":["By email at bylawservices@fernie.ca or","By phone at (250) 423-2244"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-noise.html","title":"Managing Noise, City of Fernie","section":"Who do I talk to about the noise?","quotes":["Car or house alarms","250.423.4404"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City's Managing Noise page gives Bylaw Services as 250.423.6817 (the City Hall number), while the Bylaw Services and Animal Responsibility pages give (250) 423-2244. I used the Bylaw Services page. The Managing Noise page also names a repealed Noise Bylaw, so treat it as old."},"contact_after_hours":{"label":"Who to call, after hours","value":"RCMP, 250-423-4404, for noise from a commercial establishment after hours, and for car or house alarms and traffic.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-noise.html","title":"Managing Noise, City of Fernie","section":"Who do I talk to about the noise?","quotes":["| Commercial establishment | Bylaw Services (during office hours) RCMP (after hours) | Online, email, or 250.423.6817 250.423.4404","Bylaw Services (during office hours) RCMP (after hours) | Online, email, or 250.423.6817 250.423.4404 | Traffic | RCMP | RCMP | Strata building you live in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket $250 for noise during quiet hours ($500 for a second offence). Muffler offences $100 ($250 second); excessive horns, tire squealing, alarms $200 ($500 second); wildlife-deterring device $250 ($500 second). Barking dog $150.","short":"Ticket $250 ($500 second offence)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 2 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Prohibited noise during quiet hours 3.3(c) 250.00","Prohibited noise during quiet hours- second offence 3.3(c) 500.00","Motor Vehicle with no muffler or altered muffler 3.3(a) 100.00","Failure to stop a dog from making excessive noise 5.1 (c) $150.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW 2456, 2022","Consolidated to include Amendment Bylaw No. 2558, 2026"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Fernie regulates noise under the [Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203). No one may make or allow noise that disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment or comfort of the neighbourhood during quiet hours. Noise includes shouting lasting 15 minutes within a 30-minute period. An authorized person decides what is objectionable, using factors such as time of day, volume, duration and nearness to sleeping areas.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. Construction noise is banned from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. The bylaw sets no separate rule for Sundays or holidays, and no decibel limit.\n- Some noises are banned at any time: vehicles with no muffler or an altered one, excessive horns, tire squealing, unattended car alarms, air horns, engine brakes, and devices used to frighten or deter wildlife.\n- Exempt: emergency vehicles, avalanche control, bells or chimes for religious services, security or fire alarms, City or contracted maintenance (such as snow removal and garbage collection), emergency repairs, warning signals and approved special events.\n- Municipal tickets: quiet-hours noise $250 ($500 second offence); muffler offences $100 ($250); excessive horns, tire squealing and alarms $200 ($500); wildlife-deterring device $250 ($500). A barking dog is $150. Construction noise during quiet hours is charged as quiet-hours noise.\n- Report noise to Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca (an online form is also available). Anonymous complaints are not investigated. The City's Managing Noise page gives 250-423-6817 instead and cites a repealed bylaw, so use the Bylaw Services number.\n- Car or house alarms and traffic noise go to the RCMP at 250-423-4404, as does noise from a commercial establishment after hours. The City pages name no after-hours line for general residential noise.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-noise.html","title":"Managing Noise, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","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 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/noise-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/noise-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/noise-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fernie unsightly property rules and how to report","question":"How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property?","slug":"unsightly-property","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie, report an unsightly or overgrown property to Bylaw Services online, at bylawservices@fernie.ca or at 250-423-2244, giving your name and phone number. The Community Standards Bylaw covers unsightly land, weeds, grass over 20 cm, refuse, derelict vehicles and graffiti.","aliases":["overgrown yard fernie","messy property fernie","junk in yard fernie","derelict vehicle fernie","graffiti fernie","tall grass bylaw fernie"],"cost":"No fee to report. Municipal tickets: unsightly premises $300, overgrown weeds or grass $200, chattels for sale over 14 days $200, graffiti $1,000, refuse in a public place $150.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Bylaw Concerns form","value":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/report-problem-request-service/bylaw-concerns.html"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"phone","label":"RCMP non-emergency (graffiti on private property)","value":"250-423-4404"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203"},{"title":"Property Use and Maintenance, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/property-use-maintenance.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fernie bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines/"},{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Fernie noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/noise-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 land become or stay unsightly (appearing unkempt or in disrepair as a whole), or allow noxious weeds, grass over 20 cm, refuse, graffiti, derelict vehicles, or (on residential land) chattels for sale outside over 14 days. Unsightly includes refuse, broken fencing, dead trees, damaged structures, broken windows.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.2; s. 2","quotes":["No Owner or Occupier of a premise or premises shall cause, contain, or allow the","to become or remain Unsightly;","accumulation of Weeds, or overgrown grasses;","Chattels displayed for sale outside of a Structure exceeding 14 days","grasses that are more than 20 cm in height","Trees or shrubs that are dead;","such an extent that as a whole it appears unkempt, unmaintained, dilapidated, or in disrepair","\"Weed\" means a noxious weed as defined by the Weed Control Regulation B.C. Reg."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Report to Bylaw Services online (Report Problem/Request Service), by email at bylawservices@fernie.ca, or by phone at (250) 423-2244. Give your full name, phone number, and the date, time and details. Graffiti on private property: RCMP non-emergency 250.423.4404.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","section":"How to Report a Bylaw Violation","quotes":["Online at Report Problem/Request Service","By phone at (250) 423-2244","Provide your full name and phone number so we can contact you if we have questions"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-graffiti.html","title":"Managing Graffiti, City of Fernie","section":"How do I report graffiti?","quotes":["On Private Property: Call the RCMP non-emergency number at 250.423.4404."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"process":{"label":"What happens next","value":"A bylaw officer may give the owner or occupier written notice to comply within a stated time. If that fails, the officer may ask Council to impose a Remedial Action Requirement under the Community Charter. If the owner still does not comply, the City may do the work and recover the cost, as property taxes if unpaid by December 31.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"s. 6, 8","quotes":["the Bylaw Officer may, by written","notice, advise the owner or occupier of the Land or Premises of the","the Bylaw Officer may request that Council impose a Remedial","If such costs remain unpaid by December 31 of the year in which","they are owing, the costs may be recovered as taxes in arrears"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal tickets: unsightly premises $300, overgrown weeds or grass $200, chattels for sale over 14 days $200, graffiti $1,000, refuse in a public place $150.","short":"Ticket $300","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 5 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Cause, contain or allow premises to remain or become","3.2(a) $300.00","Cause, contain or allow Graffiti 3.2(e) $1,000.00","Cause, contain, or allow accumulation of overgrown weeds or","3.2(b) $200.00","Cause, contain or allow chattels for sale exceeding 14 days 3.2(d) $200.00","Leave, plant or place refuse in a Public Place 3.1(a) $150.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW 2456, 2022"]}],"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 [Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203) says owners and occupiers in the City of Fernie must not let land become or stay unsightly (appearing unkempt or in disrepair as a whole). They must also not allow noxious weeds, grass over 20 cm, refuse, graffiti or derelict vehicles. Unsightly includes refuse, broken fencing, dead trees, damaged structures and broken windows. On residential land, chattels for sale outside for more than 14 days are also banned; residential garage sales lasting no more than 2 days, at most twice a month, are exempt.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Note the address, what you see, and the date and time.\n2. Report it to Bylaw Services using the online form (Report Problem/Request Service), bylawservices@fernie.ca or 250-423-2244. Give your full name and phone number. Anonymous complaints are not investigated.\n3. An officer may give the owner or occupier written notice to comply within a stated time. If that fails, the officer may ask Council to impose a Remedial Action Requirement under the Community Charter. If the owner still does not comply, the City may do the work and recover the cost, as property taxes if unpaid by December 31.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Municipal tickets: unsightly premises $300; weeds or grass $200; chattels for sale over 14 days $200; graffiti $1,000; refuse in a public place $150.\n- Dumping refuse or weeds on public land is banned.\n- One derelict vehicle is allowed behind the front yard of a residential lot under the Zoning Bylaw.\n- For graffiti on private property, the City's graffiti page gives the RCMP non-emergency line, 250-423-4404.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/143203","title":"Community Standards Bylaw 2456, 2022 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 2558, 2026, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/property-use/managing-graffiti.html","title":"Managing Graffiti, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences.html","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fernie","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/fernie/unsightly-property/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/unsightly-property.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/unsightly-property.json"}},{"title":"Fernie backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie a backyard campfire is allowed only in a fire pit with a valid Fire Pit Permit ($30 for a new permit). Yard waste may not be burned in a fire pit. Any other open fire needs a Burn Permit, which the Fire Director issues at their discretion.","aliases":["fire pit permit fernie","burn permit fernie","campfire backyard fernie","burning leaves fernie","fire ban fernie"],"cost":"Fire Pit Permit $30 new, $30 renewal with changes, $0 renewal without changes. The Burn Permit fee was not found. Illegal open burning costs $300 for the first hour and $400 an hour after.","how_long":"The City's Fire Department page says a Fire Pit Permit must be renewed each year.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (drop off the application and sketch)","value":"501-3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC"},{"type":"phone","label":"Fernie Fire Hall","value":"250-423-4226"},{"type":"email","label":"Fernie Fire Rescue","value":"ferniefr@fernie.ca"}],"documents":["Completed Fire Pit Permit application, with a sketch showing distances to property lines and buildings"],"forms":[{"title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), with the Fire Pit Permit in Schedule F","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425"},{"title":"Fernie Fire Department page (permits and fire bans)","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/emergency-services/fernie-fire-department.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Fernie fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fireworks/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fernie bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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":"Yes, but only in a fire pit with a valid Fire Pit Permit. Pit sides no deeper than 45 cm and no wider than 60 cm, 3 m from buildings, property lines, wires, trees and anything combustible, spark screen, surrounded by 1 m of non-combustible ground. Fuel only briquettes or dry firewood. Fires only from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., supervised by an adult.","short":"Yes, with a Fire Pit Permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 6.1 to 6.4","quotes":["unless such campfire is contained within a fire pit for","A minimum clearance of 3 metres (10 feet) shall be","A spark arrestor mesh screen of expanded metal","Fuel is to be composed only of barbecue briquettes or dry firewood","Fires cannot be started before 7:00 a.m. and must be extinguished no","Fires are to be supervised at all times by a competent adult person"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"No burning of vegetation, yard waste or household paper in a fire pit. Any other open fire, including a brush pile, needs a Burn Permit, which the Fire Director may issue at discretion (for example land clearing or fire hazard reduction). Burn Permits are never issued for industrial, commercial or construction waste.","short":"No in a fire pit; other fires need a Burn Permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5.1, 5.2, 6.3(b)","quotes":["light, ignite or start any open fire within the City of Fernie","without a valid Burn Permit","Burn Permits may be issued at the discretion of the Director in respect of:","Burn Permits shall not be issued for the burning of industrial, commercial","No burning of vegetation, household scrap paper, building, and other"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Yes. Fire Pit Permit from the Director of Fire and Emergency Services: $30 new, $30 renewal with changes, $0 renewal without changes. Apply with a sketch showing distances to property lines and buildings, dropped off at City Hall. Burn Permits for other open fires: fee not found.","short":"Yes, $30 for Fire Pit Permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Fire Pit Permits $30 (New Permit)","$30 (Permit Renewal with","$0 (Permit Renewal without"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/emergency-services/fernie-fire-department.html","title":"Fernie Fire Department, City of Fernie","section":"Fire Permits","quotes":["To obtain a permit, please fill out an application and attach a sketch with distances to property lines and buildings and drop off the information at City Hall.","Permits must be renewed each year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"The Director of Fire and Emergency Services can issue an open fire ban. The City directs residents to BC Wildfire Service for current bans and advisories. Consumer fireworks permits are not issued during a ban.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.1, 7.3(a)","quotes":["when an open fire ban has been issued","Fireworks Permits shall not be issued for Consumer Fireworks during an open"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/emergency-services/fernie-fire-department.html","title":"Fernie Fire Department, City of Fernie","section":"Fire Bans and Advisories","quotes":["In the event of a fire ban or advisory, please check the link to BC Wildfire Service for updated information."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":"Yard trimmings (grass, leaves, smaller twigs and sticks) go in the weekly curbside organics cart. Yard and garden waste can also go to the Fernie Transfer Station, 6000 Highway 3.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Garbage and Recycling Collection, City of Fernie","section":"Curbside Organic Collection","quotes":["It also includes yard trimmings such as grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks."]},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/fernietransferstation/","title":"Fernie Transfer Station, Regional District of East Kootenay","section":"Fernie Transfer Station","quotes":["The Fernie Transfer Station is located at 6000 Highway 3","Yard and Garden Waste"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: burning without a fire permit $200; burning outside permitted hours $200 ($300 for second and later); leaving a fire unattended $100; burning prohibited material $100 to $200; fire pit supervision or hours breach $200.","short":"Ticket $200","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 10 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Burning without a fire permit 5.1 a) $200.00","Burning after permitted hours 5.1 b) $200.00","Leaving fire unattended 5.1 c) $100.00","Failure to have a competent adult supervising the fire 6.4 a) $200.00","Burning prohibited materials 6.3 b) $200.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw","Bylaw No. 2029"]}],"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 Fernie's [Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425) allows a backyard campfire only in a fire pit with a valid Fire Pit Permit from the Director of Fire and Emergency Services. To apply, fill in the application, attach a sketch showing distances to property lines and buildings, and drop it at City Hall.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Fire pit rules:** sides no deeper than 45 cm and no wider than 60 cm; 3 m from buildings, property lines, wires, trees and anything combustible; not within 1 m of gas lines; a spark screen; 1 m of non-combustible ground around it.\n- **Fuel:** briquettes or dry firewood only. Fires are allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., supervised by an adult. Backyard incinerators are prohibited.\n- **Yard waste:** no burning of vegetation, yard waste or household paper in a fire pit. Any other open fire, such as a brush pile, needs a Burn Permit, issued at the Fire Director's discretion (for example for land clearing or fire hazard reduction). Burn Permits are never issued for industrial, commercial or construction waste.\n- **Instead of burning:** grass, leaves and smaller twigs and sticks go in the weekly curbside organics cart, or to the Fernie Transfer Station, 6000 Highway 3.\n- **Fire bans:** the Fire Director can issue an open fire ban. The bylaw does not say whether fire pit campfires are barred during one, so check with the Fire Hall. The City points to BC Wildfire Service for current bans and advisories.\n- **Tickets:** burning without a permit $200; burning outside permitted hours $200 ($300 for second and later); leaving a fire unattended $100; burning prohibited material $100 to $200; breaching fire pit supervision or hours $200; fire pit fuel breach $100.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/emergency-services/fernie-fire-department.html","title":"Fernie Fire Department, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/garbage-recycling-collection.html","title":"Garbage and Recycling Collection, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/environmentalservices/garbage_recycling/fernietransferstation/","title":"Fernie Transfer Station, Regional District of East Kootenay","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/fernie/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-fire.json"}},{"title":"Fernie fireworks rules","question":"Are fireworks allowed?","slug":"fireworks","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Fernie, setting off consumer or display fireworks requires a Fireworks Permit from the Director of Fire and Emergency Services. No consumer permit is issued to anyone under 18 or during an open fire ban. The permit form lists $10 for consumer and $75 for display fireworks.","aliases":["fireworks permit fernie","set off fireworks fernie","fireworks bylaw fernie","fire ban fireworks"],"cost":"Consumer fireworks $10; display fireworks $75. City events and some non-profit associations are exempt from fees.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Fernie Fire Hall","value":"250-423-4226"},{"type":"email","label":"Fernie Fire Rescue","value":"ferniefr@fernie.ca"}],"documents":["Fireworks Permit application (Schedule D of the bylaw)","Display fireworks only - liability insurance and a Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Supervisor Certificate"],"forms":[{"title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), with the Fireworks Permit in Schedule D","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Fernie backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-fire/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fernie bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/fireworks/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks/"},"facts":{"use":{"label":"Setting off fireworks","value":"Not without a Fireworks Permit. It is unlawful to fire consumer or display fireworks in the City unless the Director of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a permit. No consumer fireworks permits are issued during an open fire ban or to anyone under 18.","short":"Only with a Fireworks Permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.2, 7.3","quotes":["It shall be unlawful for any person to fire, set off or explode","Fireworks Permits shall not be issued for Consumer Fireworks during an open","Fireworks Permits shall not be issued for Consumer Fireworks to any one"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"sale":{"label":"Selling fireworks","value":"Consumer fireworks may not be sold, offered for sale or otherwise disposed of while an open fire ban issued by the Fire Director is in effect anywhere in the City.","short":"Not during an open fire ban","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["No person shall sell, offer for sale or otherwise dispose of Consumer","at any time when an open fire"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_counts":{"label":"What counts as fireworks","value":"Consumer fireworks are low-hazard fireworks for recreational use (Class 7.2.1 under the Explosives Act), excluding display fireworks, Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns. Display fireworks are high-hazard fireworks for professionals (aerial shells, cakes, roman candles and so on).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 1 definitions","quotes":["Consumer Fireworks means low-hazard firework articles designed for recreational use","excepting Display Fireworks, Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps","Display Fireworks are high-hazard firework articles"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Apply to the Director of Fire and Emergency Services. The applicant must supervise the fireworks; no consumer permit for anyone under 18 or during an open fire ban. Fee: $10 consumer, $75 display. Display fireworks need a Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Supervisor Certificate and liability insurance. City events and some non-profit associations are exempt from fees.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"s. 7.3; Schedule D","quotes":["Applicants shall pay a fee for Fireworks Permits as presented in Schedule","Consumer ($10.00) Display ($75.00)","Events sponsored by the City are not subject to Fireworks Permit Fees.","Fireworks Supervisor Certificate issued by Natural","Fireworks Permits shall not be issued for Consumer Fireworks to any one","Every person applying for a Fireworks Permit to fire, set off or explode"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: firing fireworks without a permit $100; firing during an open fire ban $300; selling or offering consumer or display fireworks during an open fire ban $100.","short":"Ticket $100 without a permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 10 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","quotes":["Illegal firing, setting off or exploding of Consumer or Display","Fireworks within the Municipal boundary without a permit","Fireworks within the Municipal boundary during an open fire","Illegal sale, offer or otherwise dispose of Consumer or Display"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","section":"Title and s. 7","quotes":["Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw","Bylaw No. 2029"]}],"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\nSection 7 of the [Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425) makes it unlawful to fire consumer or display fireworks in the City of Fernie unless the Director of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a permit. Consumer fireworks are low-hazard fireworks for recreational use. Display fireworks are high-hazard fireworks for professionals.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The person who applies must be the person who supervises the fireworks. No consumer fireworks permit is issued to anyone under 18 or during an open fire ban.\n- Display fireworks need a Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Supervisor Certificate and liability insurance.\n- If the event is on property you do not own, the permit form needs the property owner's agreement.\n- The bylaw sets no dates or hours for permitted fireworks. Ask the Fire Hall.\n- Consumer fireworks may not be sold or offered for sale while an open fire ban is in effect anywhere in the City.\n- Tickets: firing fireworks without a permit $100; firing during an open fire ban $300; selling or offering fireworks during an open fire ban $100.\n- Signal devices such as flares used by motorists, railroads and police are exempt.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/54425","title":"Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 5 (June 2024), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/fireworks/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fireworks.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/fireworks.json"}},{"title":"Fernie bylaw fines and how tickets work","question":"What are the common bylaw fines?","slug":"bylaw-fines","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Fernie sets its ticket amounts in the Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) Bylaw 2041. Examples: $250 for noise during quiet hours, $300 for an unsightly property, $50 for parking over 72 hours and $200 for burning without a permit. A ticket must be paid or disputed within 14 days.","aliases":["parking ticket fine fernie","bylaw ticket amount fernie","municipal ticket information fernie","MTI fernie"],"cost":"See the examples below; each bylaw's appendix in Bylaw 2041 sets its own amounts. No early-payment discount was found.","how_long":"A ticket not paid or disputed within 14 days of service is a deemed guilty plea, and the fine is immediately payable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (cash, cheque or debit)","value":"501-3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC"},{"type":"online","label":"City online payments page (lists tickets and fines)","value":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/online-payments.html"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199"},{"title":"Municipal Ticket Information page, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences/municipal-ticket-information.html"}],"related":[{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Fernie noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/noise-rules/"},{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Fernie backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/backyard-fire/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/invermere","name":"Invermere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/invermere/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":"Fernie uses Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) tickets under Bylaw No. 2041, for both parking and other bylaw offences. Bylaw Enforcement Officers issue them, as do other designated positions such as RCMP members for some bylaws. Bylaw Services investigates on a complaint basis.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 19 (Bylaw 2562), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2, 3","quotes":["The Bylaws listed in Column 1 of Schedule 1 to this Bylaw may be enforced by","designated as Bylaw Enforcement Officers"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences/municipal-ticket-information.html","title":"Municipal Ticket Information, City of Fernie","section":"Municipal Ticket Information","quotes":["MTIs are issued for both parking violations and municipal bylaw violations."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"example_fines":{"label":"Common fines","value":"Parking over 72 hours $50; parking against a traffic control device $75 ($150 repeat); dog off leash $150; unlicensed dog $200; noise during quiet hours $250 ($500 repeat); unsightly premises $300; burning without a permit $200.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 19 (Bylaw 2562), City of Fernie","section":"Appendices 1, 2, 5, 7, 10","quotes":["Park in excess of 72 hours 9 (3) $50.00","Failure to keep a dog on leash in a Public place 5.1 (a) $150.00","Unlicensed dog over four (4) months 4.1 $200.00","Prohibited noise during quiet hours 3.3(c) 250.00","3.2(a) $300.00","Burning without a fire permit 5.1 a) $200.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"early_payment":{"label":"Paying early","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"late_payment":{"label":"Paying late","value":"The MTI schedule sets one amount per offence and lists no late surcharge. A ticket not paid or disputed within 14 days of service is a deemed guilty plea and the fine is immediately payable; tickets unpaid 30 days after that are sent to collections.","short":"None set; deemed guilty plea after 14 days","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences/municipal-ticket-information.html","title":"Municipal Ticket Information, City of Fernie","section":"What Happens if I do not Pay?","quotes":["within 14 days from the date of service of this ticket, you will be deemed to have pleaded guilty","Tickets that remain unpaid thirty (30) days after being deemed guilty will be sent off to collections."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dispute":{"label":"Disputing a ticket","value":"MTI: submit the MTI Ticket Dispute Form to the City Clerk within 14 days of service (postmarked by day 14); the City replies within 7 business days; if disputed, the Provincial Court Registry mails a hearing notice. Parking tickets: written Notice of Dispute to Bylaw Services within 14 days; review can take up to 30 days. No adjudication fee found.","short":"Within 14 days; no adjudication fee found","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences/municipal-ticket-information.html","title":"Municipal Ticket Information, City of Fernie","section":"Disputes","quotes":["you must complete a MTI Ticket Dispute Form","you have up to fourteen (14) days from the date of service","within seven (7) business days","Provincial Court Registry"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/parking-regulations/parking-concerns-tickets.html","title":"Parking Concerns & Tickets, City of Fernie","section":"Disputing a parking ticket","quotes":["All disputes must be in writing and must be received within 14 days of the issuance of the ticket.","This process may take up to 30 days."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 19 (Bylaw 2562), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw","Bylaw No. 2041"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Fernie issues Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) tickets under [Bylaw No. 2041](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199), for both parking and other bylaw offences. Bylaw Enforcement Officers issue them, as do other designated positions such as RCMP members for some bylaws. Bylaw Services investigates on a complaint basis.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Examples from the bylaw:\n  - Parking over 72 hours $50; against a traffic control device $75 ($150 repeat).\n  - Dog off leash $150; unlicensed dog $200.\n  - Noise during quiet hours $250 ($500 repeat).\n  - Unsightly premises $300; burning without a permit $200.\n- **Paying:** at City Hall by cash, cheque or debit, by mail, or through the City's online payments page, which lists tickets and fines. The schedule sets one amount per offence with no late surcharge. Tickets unpaid 30 days after the guilty plea is deemed are sent to collections.\n- **Disputing an MTI ticket:** send the MTI Ticket Dispute Form to the City Clerk within 14 days of service (postmarked by day 14). The City replies within 7 business days; if disputed, the Provincial Court Registry mails a hearing notice.\n- **Disputing a parking ticket:** send a written Notice of Dispute to Bylaw Services within 14 days. A review can take up to 30 days. Paying a parking ticket ends the right to dispute it.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2041 (PDF), consolidated to Amendment 19 (Bylaw 2562), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/bylaw-services-business-licences/municipal-ticket-information.html","title":"Municipal Ticket Information, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/residents/city-services/parking-regulations/parking-concerns-tickets.html","title":"Parking Concerns & Tickets, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/online-payments.html","title":"Online Payments, City of Fernie","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 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/bylaw-fines.json"}},{"title":"Fernie business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Fernie, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Nearly every business in the City of Fernie, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors, needs a City business licence. The fee is $100 a year in the bylaw but $150 on the City's page and form. Call Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 to apply and confirm.","aliases":["business license fernie","apply for business licence fernie","new business licence fernie","do I need a business licence"],"cost":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028, Schedule A: $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1). The City's page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Changes to an existing licence cost $20. Confirm the current fee with Bylaw Services.","how_long":"No processing time is stated. An application is not processed until the fee is paid. Licences run January 1 to December 31.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services (business licensing)","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"}],"documents":["Completed Business Licence Application","Floor plan and off-street parking plan","Proof of residency (home-based businesses)","Trade or health certificates, where relevant"],"forms":[{"title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html"},{"title":"Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html"},{"title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Fernie home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/home-based-business/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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 and short-term rental in Fernie, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors and trades. The bylaw excludes non-profits, religious bodies, schools, municipal recreation programs, employees, and monthly-or-longer rental of a whole dwelling unit, two or fewer rooms or a suite on one title; property managers still need one. The City page also lists apartment rental owners.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3(1); s. 2 'Business'","quotes":["No person shall carry on, within the Municipality, any business unless the owner or operator thereof:","Non-profit societies or organizations and religious organizations","the interval at which rent is payable and the tenancy period on the","Dwelling Unit, Secondary Suite, or Secondary Dwelling Unit or rooms in a","(e) Rental of the whole of a Dwelling Unit or two or fewer rooms of a Dwelling","excepting rental or property managers engaged for the rental or management of properties as set out in","No person shall carry on, within the Municipality, any business unless the owner"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","section":"When is a Business Licence Required?","quotes":["Every business and short-term rental in the City of Fernie is required to have a valid business licence before commencing operations.","Business licences are also required for businesses that are not located in the community but do work in it. For example, contractors and trades persons."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Bylaw 2028 Schedule A says $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1), but the City's web page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Changes to an existing licence cost $20. Confirm the current fee with Bylaw Services.","short":"Bylaw $100; city page $150 (confirm)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A; s. 6(3)","quotes":["A. Licence other than a Short-Term Rental (Annual Fee) $100","E. Change of business location $20","F. Transfer of Licence to new owner $20","G. Change of business name $20","Where an applicant becomes Licenced after the first day of July in any calendar"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","section":"Fees","quotes":["The annual business licence fee to operate a business in Fernie is $150.00.","$20.00 for registering the transfer of location"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/","title":"Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Required Documentation Checklist, Fees","quotes":["☐ $150 BL Fee","☐ $75 Pro-rated BL Fee (after July 1)","☐ $20 Change to existing business licence"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Bylaw says $100; the web page says $150. Bylaw wins. The bylaw consolidation is amended to Bylaw 2529 (2024-08-19) and the web page may reflect a later fee change not yet in it. Other bylaw fees: inspection for fire or building code $150; artists' co-op $80; short-term rentals $175 to $700."},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Complete the Business Licence Application and pay the fee; it is not processed until paid. Bylaw Services reviews it with Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police and Health. The form asks for a floor plan, off-street parking plan, proof of residency (home-based) and trade or health certificates where relevant. Zoning must permit the business.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","section":"How do I get a Business Licence?; Operating in the City","quotes":["Business licence fees are required to be paid at the time of application. A business licence application will not be processed until payment has been provided.","These departments include Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police, and Health."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html","title":"Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie","section":"Inspection Requirements for Business Licenses","quotes":["an inspection by a Building Official and Fire Inspector will be required to ensure that the facility meets the mandatory provincial codes for the new type of business operating at the proposed location.","Copies of reports from the Public Health Inspector are required for all restaurants, cafes, mobile vendors, and any other establishment selling food."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3(3)","quotes":["the zoning of the location of the business permits such business activity;"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/","title":"Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Required Documentation Checklist, Other","quotes":["Floor plan of business premises","Off-street parking plan","If home based business, proof of residency (driver’s licence or utility bill)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed each year. A renewal invoice is mailed in December and is payable by January 1.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/business-licence-renewals.html","title":"Business Licence Renewals, City of Fernie","section":"Business Licence Renewals","quotes":["In December you will receive a Business Licence Renewal Invoice in the mail which is payable by January 1 of the following year."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 5(1); s. 7(2)","quotes":["and expiring on the 31st day of December.","obtain, complete and submit the renewal form and annual Licence fee to the Licence Inspector not","later than January 1st in each year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. A $100 add-on to a Fernie business licence for mobile businesses such as trades and caterers, valid in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. Not prorated, non-refundable once issued. Mobile vending services using a motor vehicle for retail or food sales are excluded (Schedule A, Bylaw 2308).","short":"Yes, $100 (mobile businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/58753","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2308 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"ss. 2, 4","quotes":["PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITY means the following municipalities:","a person applying for an ICBL shall pay a fee of $100.00 to the","An ICBL fee will not be prorated.","The following businesses are excluded from application for an ICBL:","1. Mobile vending services utilizing a motor vehicle or unit for the purpose of:"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence.html","title":"Inter-Community Business License, City of Fernie","section":"Fees; What is an Inter-Community Business Licence?","quotes":["Inter-Community Business Licence - Additional $100","The City of Fernie, District of Sparwood and District of Elkford have entered into an inter-municipal licensing scheme"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"$750 for carrying on business without a licence (municipal ticket). Failing to tell the City of a transfer or change in the kind of business is $150.","short":"Ticket $750","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 3","quotes":["Carrying on business without a Licence 3. (1) $750.00","Transfer of Licence without notice to Licence Inspector $150.00","Change in nature, or kind of business without notice to Licence 9.(2) $150.00"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 15(1)(f)","quotes":["a fine and penalty of not more than $1,000.00 and not less than $100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (consolidated to Amendment 8, Bylaw No. 2529)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["Consolidated Business Licensing and","Bylaw No. 2529, Amend #8"]}],"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\nUnder the [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573), every business and short-term rental in Fernie needs a licence, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors and trades. The bylaw excludes non-profits, religious bodies, schools, municipal recreation programs, employees, and monthly-or-longer rental of a whole dwelling unit, two or fewer rooms or a suite on one title. Property managers still need a licence. The City's page also lists apartment rental owners.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Contact Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca for the Business Licence Application.\n2. Check that zoning permits your business at that location.\n3. Submit the application with a floor plan, an off-street parking plan, proof of residency (home-based) and any trade or health certificates. Pay the fee; the application is not processed until it is paid.\n4. Bylaw Services reviews it with Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police and Health.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Fee conflict:** the bylaw says $100 a year, but the City's page and form say $150 ($75 after July 1). Confirm with Bylaw Services.\n- **Renewal:** licences run January 1 to December 31. A renewal invoice is mailed in December and is payable by January 1. You must still renew even if no invoice arrives.\n- **Inter-community licence:** a $100 add-on to a Fernie licence for mobile businesses such as trades and caterers, valid in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. It is not prorated and is non-refundable once issued. Mobile vending by motor vehicle for retail or food sales is excluded.\n- **Fines:** a municipal ticket is $750 for carrying on business without a licence, and $150 for not telling the City of a transfer or change in the kind of business ([Bylaw 2041](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199)).","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html","title":"Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/","title":"Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/business-licence-renewals.html","title":"Business Licence Renewals, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/58753","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2308 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence.html","title":"Inter-Community Business License, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence.json"}},{"title":"Fernie home-based business rules","question":"Can I run a business from my home?","slug":"home-based-business","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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 Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in the City of Fernie you can run a \"home occupation\" in zones that permit it, but it needs a City business licence and must follow the Zoning Bylaw's rules, such as no outside storage and one sign no bigger than 0.2 m². The licence fee is $100 or $150; confirm with Bylaw Services.","aliases":["home occupation fernie","business from home fernie","home business licence fernie","work from home licence"],"cost":"A business licence is required. Bylaw 2028 Schedule A says $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1); the City's web page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Confirm the current fee with Bylaw Services. There is no separate home-business fee.","how_long":"No processing time is stated. Licences run January 1 to December 31.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Planning (zoning questions)","value":"250-423-6817"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html"},{"title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw 1750 (PDF), section 3.5 Home Occupation","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Fernie business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fernie zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Fernie short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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. A home occupation is a permitted accessory use in the R-SS, R-3, R3-R, R-4, R-5R, R-MH and RR residential zones, and in several commercial, agricultural and comprehensive development zones, but it needs a valid business licence. It must be incidental to residential use.","short":"Yes, in listed zones; licence needed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 'Home Occupation'; s. 4.2.1(3); s. 4.2.8(3); s. 3.5","quotes":["an occupation, service, profession or craft which is clearly incidental to the use of a Dwelling Unit for residential purposes or to the residential use of a parcel occupied by a Dwelling Unit,","3. Accessory Uses 1. home occupation; 2. buildings and structures accessory to a permitted use.","1. Uses, buildings and structures accessory to a permitted use, 2. Home Occupation.","No home occupation shall be permitted unless there is a valid and subsisting business"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes, a valid business licence is required (Zoning s. 3.5(7)). Fee: the bylaw's Schedule A says $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1), but the City's web page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Confirm with Bylaw Services.","short":"Yes: $100 a year per bylaw; $150 per City web page","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.5(7)","quotes":["No home occupation shall be permitted unless there is a valid and subsisting business","license for such use."]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","section":"When is a Business Licence Required?; Fees","quotes":["This includes home based businesses, commercial and industrial establishments and owners of apartment rental properties.","The annual business licence fee to operate a business in Fernie is $150.00."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Schedule A; s. 6(3)","quotes":["A. Licence other than a Short-Term Rental (Annual Fee) $100","Where an applicant becomes Licenced after the first day of July in any calendar","year, excluding the year 2016, the Licence fee shall be one-half of the Annual Fee"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/","title":"Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Required Documentation Checklist, Fees","quotes":["☐ $150 BL Fee","☐ $75 Pro-rated BL Fee (after July 1)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Bylaw (Schedule A, consolidated to Amendment 8, Bylaw 2529, 2024) says $100; the web page says $150. Bylaw wins. The web page may reflect a later fee change not yet in the consolidation."},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Only residents of the dwelling may carry it on, wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building, with no outside storage of materials. One business vehicle (up to 5,300 kg gross, one ton) with a parking space. One sign up to 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft). Parking for all vehicles on site. No retail sales except goods the business makes or assembles.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.5","quotes":["it shall be carried on only by residents of the dwelling unit;","it shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit or an accessory building;","it shall not involve the storage of materials outside the dwelling unit or accessory","a maximum of one home occupation related vehicle shall be permitted provided it is no","larger than one ton with a gross vehicle weight of 5300 kg. and a parking space","one (1) sign not","exceeding 0.2 m² (2.2 sq. ft.) in area may be affixed to the dwelling unit or accessory","shall not involve the retail sale of goods except those produced or assembled by the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_allowed":{"label":"Businesses not allowed","value":"No list of banned business types. A home business may not have non-resident workers, store materials outside or sell retail goods other than those it makes or assembles. Wrecking and repair of vehicles and storing more than one derelict vehicle are barred on residential parcels, but a commercial activity that complies with the home occupation rules is not counted as wrecking.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.5; Residential zones general regulations s. 4.1","quotes":["it shall be carried on only by residents of the dwelling unit;","shall not involve the retail sale of goods except those produced or assembled by the","No person shall use or permit the use of any portion of a parcel in a residential zone for the wrecking and repair of vehicles or for the storage of derelict vehicles except for the storage of not more than one derelict vehicle in other than the front yard.","nor does it include a commercial activity which is in compliance with the definitions of home occupation."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (s. 3.5 Home Occupation); Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 3.5","quotes":["3.5 HOME OCCUPATION","CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["Consolidated Bylaw No. 2028, cited as the Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw"]}],"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 1750](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505) s. 3.5, a home occupation is a permitted accessory use in the R-SS, R-3, R3-R, R-4, R-5R, R-MH and RR residential zones, and in several commercial, agricultural and comprehensive development zones. It must be incidental to residential use, and it needs a valid business licence. Short-term rentals count as home occupations in the zoning definition but have their own rules (see the short-term rental answer).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Ask Planning (250-423-6817) to confirm your property's zone permits a home occupation.\n2. Contact Bylaw Services (250-423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca) for the Business Licence Application.\n3. Submit the application with proof of residency and pay the fee.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Conditions:** only residents of the dwelling may carry it on, wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building, with no outside storage of materials. No retail sales except goods the business makes or assembles.\n- **Vehicle and sign:** one business vehicle (up to 5,300 kg gross, one ton) with a parking space. One sign up to 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft). Parking for all vehicles must be on site.\n- **Banned types:** no list of banned business types. Wrecking and repair of vehicles is barred on residential parcels.\n- **Fee conflict:** the bylaw says $100 a year, but the City's page and form say $150 ($75 if first licensed after July 1). Confirm with Bylaw Services.\n- **Fine:** an unauthorized home occupation is a $100 municipal ticket per offence ([Bylaw 2041](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199)).\n- The sources set no floor-area limit or customer-visit limit.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html","title":"Business Licences, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/","title":"Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","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/fernie/home-based-business/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/home-based-business.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/home-based-business.json"}},{"title":"Fernie short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Fernie?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","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":"In Fernie a short-term rental needs a City short-term rental licence, and only your principal residence qualifies (plus certain condo/hotel properties), not suites or second homes. The licence is $500 a year for a principal residence. Provincial registration is also required.","aliases":["airbnb fernie","vrbo fernie","short term rental licence fernie","rent out my house fernie"],"cost":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028, Schedule A: $500 a year for a principal residence, $700 for a condo/hotel with full ownership, $175 for each quarter share, and $20 to change the contact number. The City's general $150 business licence fee does not apply to short-term rentals.","how_long":"No processing time is stated. The City reviews an application only once payment is received.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"501 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."},{"type":"email","label":"Submit application","value":"corporateservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-423-2244"},{"type":"email","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"bylawservices@fernie.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"Provincial short-term rental registry","value":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry"},{"type":"phone","label":"Province (Service BC) short-term rental questions","value":"1-833-828-2240"}],"documents":["Completed short-term rental application","Completed Self-Inspection Checklist","Proof of principal residence","Site plan","Floor plan"],"forms":[{"title":"Short-Term Rentals, City of Fernie","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/short-term-rentals.html"},{"title":"Apply for a new Business Licence (application and Self-Inspection Checklist)","url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html"},{"title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028 (PDF)","url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573"},{"title":"Provincial short-term rental registry","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Fernie business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/elkford","name":"Elkford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/invermere","name":"Invermere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/invermere/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, with a City business licence, but only in your principal residence (a room, an apartment or a house), and in condo/hotel properties in the C-1, C-HWY, CD-2 and R3R zones. Not allowed in secondary suites, garage suites, garden suites or secondary homes.","short":"Yes, principal residence only, with licence","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 'Short-Term Rental'; Sch. C item 1 and 4","quotes":["means a business operated by a person in their Principal Residence","Short-Term Rentals are not permitted in secondary suites and secondary dwelling units.","All Short-Term Rental business licences are valid only for the Principal Residence which"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/short-term-rentals.html","title":"Short-Term Rentals, City of Fernie","section":"Short-Term Rentals","quotes":["Properties zoned as Condo/Hotels in the C-1, C-HWY, CD-2 and R3R zones, as outlined in the Zoning Bylaw No. 1750.","Which properties DO NOT qualify for a Short-Term Rental?"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 2 'Short-Term Rental'; 'Home Occupation'","quotes":["the rental of all or a portion of a Dwelling Unit for periods of less than 30 days for valuable consideration in accordance with a valid and subsisting business licensed issued for that use in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes. No one may offer or advertise a short-term rental without a valid short-term rental licence for that dwelling. Annual fee: $500 (primary residence), $700 (condo/hotel, full ownership), $175 (each quarter share). Online ads must show the licence number.","short":"Yes, $500 a year (primary residence)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 12(1), 12(7); Sch. A","quotes":["No person shall offer or advertise for lease, rent or barter any portion of a dwelling","unit for Short-Term Rental for valuable consideration unless in possession of a valid and subsisting","B. Short-Term Rental-Primary Residence (Annual Fee) $500","C. Short-Term Rental-Condo/Hotel-Full Ownership (Annual Fee) $700","D. Short-Term Rental-Each Quarter Share (Annual Fee) $175","All electronic advertisements for Short-Term Rental must include the licensee’s"]},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html","title":"Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie","section":"Short-Term Rental Business License","quotes":["Applications will only be reviewed once payment is received."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. Hosts renting for fewer than 90 consecutive days must register with the Province, whether or not a City licence is needed. Fernie is on the Province's exempt list, so the provincial principal residence requirement does not apply here; the City's bylaw still requires a principal residence. ServiceBC: 1-833-828-2240.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/short-term-rentals.html","title":"Short-Term Rentals, City of Fernie","section":"Provincial Regulations","quotes":["Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C. and listing on a platform, which may include, for example, Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, is also required to register with the Provincial Government of British Columbia.","The Provincial regulations apply if you rent your property for a period of less than 90 consecutive days."]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals","title":"Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia","section":"Short-term rentals","quotes":["Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees.","please contact the ServiceBC call centre at 1-833-828-2240"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"Two parking spaces on the parcel, kept clear of snow; a contact person reachable within 24 hours; one licence per dwelling unit; the licence number in every online ad; one extra on-site staff member in residential zones (two in commercial zones). No permanent cooking facilities in the rental area unless it is the whole dwelling. Licence is not transferable.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 12(3), 12(5), 12(6), 12(7); Sch. C items 4 and 5","quotes":["Only one Short-Term Rental business licence may be issued for a dwelling unit.","A Short-Term Rental operator shall provide two (2) parking spaces of dimensions","specified in the Zoning Bylaw located on the parcel the business licence is issued for.","at all times provide to the City the name of a contact person","and their current telephone number who is available to respond within 24 hours of","ii. In residential zones as specified by Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, one (1) additional","Unless it is the entire dwelling, permanent cooking facilities are not permitted in the Short-","Short-Term Rental business licences shall not be transferable."]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Part 5 parking table","quotes":["short-term rental 2 spaces"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $750 for advertising a short-term rental without a licence; $500 for failing to provide two parking stalls; $500 for failing to respond within 24 hours. $750 for carrying on business without a licence.","short":"Ticket $750","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Appendix 3","quotes":["Advertisement of Short-Term Rental without a Licence 12.1 $750.00","Failure to provide two (2) parking stalls 12. (5) i $500.00","Failure to respond within 24 hours 12. (5) iii $500.00","Carrying on business without a Licence 3. (1) $750.00"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"s. 15(1)(f)","quotes":["a fine and penalty of not more than $1,000.00 and not less than $100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (s. 12 and Schedules A and C); Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (short-term rental definition and parking)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title","quotes":["Consolidated Bylaw No. 2028, cited as the Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw"]},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","section":"Title page","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED ZONING BYLAW NO. 1750"]}],"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 Fernie's [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573), no one may offer or advertise a short-term rental (a rental of less than 30 days) without a valid short-term rental licence for that dwelling. A licence is allowed only in your principal residence (a room, an apartment or a house), and in condo/hotel properties in the C-1, C-HWY, CD-2 and R3R zones. It is not allowed in secondary suites, garage suites, garden suites or secondary homes. The licence ends if the home stops being your principal residence.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check that the home is your principal residence, or a listed condo/hotel property.\n2. Complete the application and the Self-Inspection Checklist, and gather proof of principal residence, a site plan and a floor plan.\n3. Submit in person at City Hall or by email to corporateservices@fernie.ca, and pay the fee. The City reviews applications only once payment is received.\n4. Register with the Province if you rent for fewer than 90 consecutive days. Service BC: 1-833-828-2240.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Rules:** two parking spaces on the parcel, kept clear of snow; a contact person reachable within 24 hours; one licence per dwelling unit; the licence number in every online ad. No permanent cooking facilities in the rental area unless it is the whole dwelling. The licence is not transferable.\n- **Staff:** one extra on-site staff member is allowed in residential zones (two in commercial zones).\n- **Province:** Fernie is on the Province's exempt list, so the provincial principal-residence rule does not apply here. The City's bylaw still requires a principal residence. The Province also requires PST and tourism tax on stays of 26 days or less.\n- **Fines:** a municipal ticket is $750 for advertising a short-term rental without a licence, $500 for not providing two parking stalls, and $500 for not responding within 24 hours.\n- No limit on guests or bedrooms was found in the bylaws.","sources":[{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573","title":"Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/short-term-rentals.html","title":"Short-Term Rentals, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html","title":"Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/197505","title":"Consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals","title":"Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia","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/fernie/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/short-term-rental.json"}}]}