{"place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","slug":"fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","full_name":"City of Fort St. John","type":"municipality","country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"},"region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"website":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca","population":"not yet confirmed from an official page (check the Community Profile or the 2021 Census figure)","intro":"Fort St. John is the largest city in northeastern BC's Peace River region, on the Alaska Highway in Treaty 8 territory. The City runs City Hall at 10631 100 Street, the 3-1-1 service line and the My City Hall online portal, its own drinking water system (wells on the Peace River at Taylor, a treatment plant and two bulk water stations), sewer lagoons and a water recovery facility, monthly utility bills, weekly garbage and every-other-week recycling in City carts, snow and ice control under a category system, roads and streetlights, the Fort St. John Fire Department, bylaw services and DocuPet dog licences, building permits, business licences, two cemeteries, parks and trails, the Co-op Centre and North Peace Arena, and it operates the North Peace Leisure Pool for the Peace River Regional District, which owns it. The Peace River Regional District runs the North Peace Regional Landfill and rural services; the Fort St. John RCMP detachment polices the city and the North Peace; BC Transit runs the bus and handyDART service; the Fort St. John Public Library is an independent library association; health care is Northern Health; schools are School District 60 Peace River North; and marriage licences, health cards and driver's licences are provincial.","city_hall":{"label":"City Hall","address":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5","phone":"250-787-8150 (or 3-1-1 in the city)","hours":"Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed statutory holidays)"},"useful_contacts":[{"label":"After-hours emergency support (water","sewer":null,"roads":null,"bylaw)":null,"value":"250-787-8150 or 3-1-1","press 4":null},{"label":"Bylaw Services and animal control","value":"250-787-8150 or 3-1-1"},{"label":"Utilities billing","value":"250-787-8150"},{"label":"Planning and Engineering (building inspections)","value":"250-787-8150"},{"label":"Cemetery Administration","value":"250-787-8162"},{"label":"Co-op Centre and recreation bookings","value":"250-785-4592"},{"label":"North Peace Leisure Pool","value":"250-787-8178"},{"label":"Missed garbage or recycling pickup (Element Disposal)","value":"250-224-8774"},{"label":"Dog licences (DocuPet)","value":"1-855-249-1370"},{"label":"North Peace SPCA (9311 81 Avenue)","value":"1-855-622-7722"}],"bodies":{"municipal":{"name":"City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"regional":{"name":"Peace River Regional District","url":"https://prrd.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/fort-st-john/boundary.geojson","area_km2":33.03,"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":27,"zone_pages":23,"has_page":true,"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version, listing amendments up to Bylaw 2573, 2022)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"The City's consolidated version is \"for convenience only\"; the adopted bylaw and its amending bylaws prevail."},"map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true}},"counts":{"answers":24,"facts_matched":137},"latest":"2026-11-05"},"generated":"2026-11-12T01:48:38.090Z","count":24,"answers":[{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. In Fort St. John a permit is required before any construction, alteration, demolition or change of use of a building, and for plumbing work. Fill in the City's Building Permit Package for your project type and book inspections with at least 24 hours' notice. A Standard permit takes up to 10 business days to process.","aliases":["building permit fort st john","how to apply for a building permit","building inspection fort st john","do I need a permit"],"cost":"$6 per $1,000 of construction value, plus a plan processing fee ($150 new standard building, $300 new complex building). See the building-permit-fees answer for the full table.","how_long":"Up to 10 business days for a Standard Building Permit; the City states no time for complex buildings.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Building Permits page and application packages","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Inspection","value":"250-787-8150"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Inspection","value":"building@fortstjohn.ca"}],"documents":["Completed Building Permit Package (Simple, Complex, or Garage and Accessory Buildings)","Plans meeting the requirements in the package"],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permit Package - Simple (Part 9 buildings) (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-standard"},{"title":"Building Permit Package - Complex (Part 3 buildings) (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-complex"},{"title":"Building Permit Package - Garage and Accessory Buildings (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-garage-and-accessory-buildings"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 2589, 2024 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Fort St. John building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Fort St. John permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fort St. John zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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 required before any construction, alteration or renovation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or change of use or occupancy of a building or structure, plus plumbing work. Building permit needed for a shed over 10 m² and for any deck.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 17","quotes":["No person shall commence or continue any construction, alteration/renovation, reconstruction,","demolition, removal, relocation or change the use or occupancy of any building or structure or"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 31","quotes":["a Deck Building Permit before construction of a deck;","a Shed Building Permit before construction of a shed that is greater than 10m2;"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Building Permits page","quotes":["Building permits are required for most types of construction, including new homes, commercial buildings, and the renovation or expansion of existing properties."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"No building permit for: painting, same-size window replacement, replacing plumbing fixtures, replacing roofing or cladding with like materials, or fence construction, repairs or alterations (a temporary security fence at a complex-building site still needs a Security Fence Permit). The bylaw does not apply to retaining structures under 1.2 m high or buildings the Building Code exempts.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 13-16","quotes":["nor to retaining structures less than 1.2 meters in height.","painting (exterior and/or interior), window replacement (same size","A Building Permit is not required for fence construction, repairs, or alterations.","A Building Permit is not required for the replacement of roofing materials or exterior cladding","a Security Fence Permit before construction of a security fence;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Complete the City's application forms: the Building Permit Package (Complex, Simple, or Garage and Accessory Buildings), found on the City's Building Permits page. The pages read do not say where or how to submit it (online, in person or by email).","short":"Paper form; submission method not stated","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Applying for a Permit","quotes":["Compile all required documentation following the requirements of your Building Permit Application.","Building Permit Package - Garage and Accessory Buildings"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 32","quotes":["Applications for permits required by this Bylaw shall be made with the approved City of Fort St. John application forms."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Standard building: Owner's Declaration, site plan, floor plans and other drawings on the City's form, plus a BC Housing Licensing and Consumer Services form. Complex building adds two sets of professionally prepared plans, cost estimate, title, letters of assurance, geotechnical report, damage deposit and landscaping deposit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 39","quotes":["Owner’s Declaration – each Owner of a building or structure to be constructed requiring a","must be submitted at the time of application for a standard building permit."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 42","quotes":["Plans - two complete sets of drawings at the suitable scale of the design,","Cost Estimate - a cost estimate from a registered professional or a signed copy of the written","Securities - submit the damage deposit in accordance to Schedule A of this Bylaw,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"The Building Department has up to 10 business days to process a Standard Building Permit; incomplete applications may be delayed. No time is stated for complex buildings.","short":"Up to 10 business days (standard)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-standard","title":"Standard Building Permit Package (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"Standard Building Permit Package, page 2","quotes":["The Building Department has up to 10 business days to process a Standard Building"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"The owner or agent requests each inspection; at least 24 hours' notice is required. Call the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150 during normal business hours with the permit number, site address and type of inspection. First come, first served.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Requesting an Inspection","quotes":["24 hours notice is required prior to any inspection request.","Inspections can be requested during normal business hours by contacting the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150.","Building permit number, the address of worksite, and the type of inspection being requested is required when booking an inspection."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"s. 58","quotes":["The Owner shall give at least 24 hours advance notice to the Building Official of the Owner’s"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Inspection (Development Services): 250-787-8150 or building@fortstjohn.ca (City Contact Us page). An older Step Code brochure gives 250-794-3263.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bcenergystepcode","title":"BC Energy Step Code Requirements brochure, City of Fort St. John","section":"Step Code brochure","quotes":["Contact Building Inspection: 250-794-3263 or building@fortstjohn.ca"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Requesting an Inspection","quotes":["contacting the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us?page=1","title":"Contact Us, City of Fort St. John","section":"Contact Us page (page 1 of list)","quotes":["- Trevor Bolin -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us/trevor-bolin - Email -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/form/contact-us?recipient_select=tbolin@fortstjohn.ca - Building Inspection -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us/building-inspection - Email -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/form/contact-us?recipient_select=building@fortstjohn.ca - Business Licenses -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us/business-licenses","- Email -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/form/contact-us?recipient_select=tbolin@fortstjohn.ca - Building Inspection -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us/building-inspection - Email -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/form/contact-us?recipient_select=building@fortstjohn.ca - Business Licenses -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us/business-licenses - Email -> https://www.fortstjohn.ca/form/contact-us?recipient_select=businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"cover","quotes":["BUILDING BYLAW NO. 2589, 2024"]}],"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\nUnder [Building Bylaw 2589, 2024](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw), no one may start any construction, alteration or renovation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or change of use or occupancy of a building or structure without a permit. Plumbing work needs one too. Any deck needs a building permit, as does a shed over 10 m². Separate permits also cover demolition, moving, plumbing, fire sprinklers, security fences and solid fuel burning appliances.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Choose the City's Building Permit Package for your project: Simple, Complex, or Garage and Accessory Buildings. Find them on the City's Building Permits page.\n2. Complete it. A standard building needs an Owner's Declaration, site plan and floor plans on the City's form, plus a BC Housing Licensing and Consumer Services form. A complex building adds two sets of professionally prepared plans, a cost estimate, title, letters of assurance, a geotechnical report, a damage deposit and a landscaping deposit.\n3. Submit it. The pages we read do not say whether to submit online, in person or by email, so ask Building Inspection (250-787-8150 or building@fortstjohn.ca).\n4. Request each inspection by calling the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150 during normal business hours. Give at least 24 hours' notice and have the permit number, site address and type of inspection ready.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The Building Department has up to 10 business days to process a Standard Building Permit; incomplete applications may be delayed. No time is stated for complex buildings.\n- New builds also need a satisfactory energy model under the BC Energy Step Code before a permit is issued.\n- No building permit is needed for painting, same-size window replacement, replacing plumbing fixtures, like-for-like roofing or cladding, or fence construction, repairs or alterations. The bylaw does not apply to retaining structures under 1.2 m high or to buildings the Building Code exempts. A temporary security fence at a complex-building site still needs a Security Fence Permit.\n- Inspections are first come, first served. Work must not go past an inspection stage without clearance.\n- An older City brochure lists 250-794-3263 for Building Inspection. The City's Contact Us page lists 250-787-8150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-standard","title":"Standard Building Permit Package (PDF), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us?page=1","title":"Contact Us, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bcenergystepcode","title":"BC Energy Step Code Requirements brochure, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"No building permit is needed for a fence in Fort St. John. The Zoning Bylaw still sets the rules: in residential, commercial and institutional zones a fence can be 1.2 m high in a front yard and 1.8 m in a side or rear yard. Chain link is banned in residential zones.","aliases":["fence height fort st john","fence bylaw fort st john","backyard fence permit","chain link fence"],"cost":"No permit fee for an ordinary fence.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City of Fort St. John","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Ask Building or Development Services staff to check your lot."},{"type":"online","label":"Fort St. John Interactive Map (parcel and zoning)","value":"https://gisapp.fortstjohn.ca/vertigisstudio/web/?app=b9231f6939714739abd23dd7d08c19ae"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019, section 4.13 Fencing (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 2589, 2024 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Fort St. John permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fort St. John zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fort St. John building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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 fence construction, repairs or alterations. A security fence (a temporary fence around a complex-building construction site) needs a Security Fence Permit.","short":"No building permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 16","quotes":["A Building Permit is not required for fence construction, repairs, or alterations."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(h), s. 43","quotes":["a Security Fence Permit before construction of a security fence;","An Owner must install a security fence prior to constructing a complex building"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_front":{"label":"Height, front yard","value":"1.2 m in a front yard in R, C and INS zones. Height is measured from ground grade at the base of the fence to its highest point.","short":"1.2 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.13.2-3","quotes":["No fence shall exceed a height of 1.2 m in a front yard and 1.8 m in a side and rear yard in R,","The height of a fence shall be measured as the vertical distance from the ground grade level"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"height_side_rear":{"label":"Height, side and rear yards","value":"1.8 m in side and rear yards in R, C and INS zones.","short":"1.8 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.13.3","quotes":["No fence shall exceed a height of 1.2 m in a front yard and 1.8 m in a side and rear yard in R,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"corner_lots":{"label":"Corner lots and sightlines","value":"On a corner parcel, nothing (landscaping, screening, building or structure) may be higher than 1 m above the street grade within the space formed by points 9.0 m back along the curb lines from the intersection (s. 4.11). Fences may go in required setbacks except the part inside a required sight triangle (s. 4.13.5).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.11.1","quotes":["on a corner parcel within the shaded space formed by the curb lines","9.0 m from the point of intersection of the curb lines","no landscaping, screening, building or structure may be planted","to a height greater than 1 m above the established grade of the street.","Fences may be constructed within any required setback, with the exception of setbacks","required for a watercourse and to the portion of a parcel that is within a required sight"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.13.5","quotes":["Fences may be constructed within any required setback, with the exception of setbacks","required for a watercourse and to the portion of a parcel that is within a required sight"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_rules":{"label":"Other rules","value":"Barbed wire only in A1, M1 and M2 zones. Chain link banned in all R and RM zones and on front and flanking yards in C zones. Fences next to a highway must be see-through (opaque next to the Alaska Highway). A pool, hot tub or spa deeper than 0.75 m needs a non-climbable fence at least 1.2 m high. Over-height fence: $100 per offence per day.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.13.6-9","quotes":["Barbed wire included in fencing is only permitted in the A1, M1 and M2 zone.","Fences adjacent to a highway shall be constructed from a see-through style material, except","Chain link fencing is prohibited in all R and RM zones.","Chain link fencing is prohibited on the front and flanking yards in all C zones."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["32.6.3, 32.7.3, 32.8.3 Obstructing corner vision 4.11 $100.00/offence/day Over height fence 4.13 $100.00/offence/day Accessory building infringement 4.18 $100.00/offence/day Insufficient parking 5.0, 5.5, 5.8 $100.00/offence/day","30.7.3, 30.8.3, 30.9.3, 30.10.3, 31.7, 32.6.3, 32.7.3, 32.8.3 Obstructing corner vision 4.11 $100.00/offence/day Over height fence 4.13 $100.00/offence/day Accessory building infringement 4.18 $100.00/offence/day"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 70","quotes":["shall be surrounded by a non-climbable fence least 1.2 meters in height.","private swimming pool, wading pool, hot tub or spa having a depth greater than 0.75 meters at any point"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019, s. 4.13 (Fencing) and s. 4.11 (Sight Clearance)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.13","quotes":["4.0 General Regulations 4.13 Fencing (continued) 7. Fences adjacent to a highway shall be constructed from a see-through style material, except","City of Fort St. John - Zoning Bylaw","Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version) This consolidated Version includes the following"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"cover","quotes":["ZONING BYLAW 2470, 2019"]}],"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 [Building Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw) says a building permit is not required for fence construction, repairs or alterations. Fences must still meet [Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw), s. 4.13. Height is measured from ground grade at the base of the fence to its highest point. \"Fence\" includes a gate, screen, trellis and wall.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone on the City's interactive map.\n2. Keep to the height limits: 1.2 m in a front yard and 1.8 m in a side or rear yard in R, C and INS zones. In M zones no fence may exceed 2.4 m in any yard.\n3. Keep clear of any sight triangle at a corner, and of watercourse setbacks. Otherwise fences may go in required setbacks.\n4. Call the City if your lot is unusual, in an A, I or P zone, or next to a highway.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Chain link is banned in all R and RM zones, and on front and flanking yards in C zones. Barbed wire is allowed only in A1, M1 and M2 zones.\n- On a corner parcel, nothing may be higher than 1 m above the street grade within the space formed by points 9.0 m back along the curb lines from the intersection.\n- Fences next to a highway must be see-through; next to the Alaska Highway they must be opaque.\n- A pool, hot tub or spa deeper than 0.75 m needs a non-climbable fence at least 1.2 m high (Building Bylaw s. 70). Pools, hot tubs and spas less than 6.5 meters in area are exempt (Building Bylaw s. 71).\n- An over-height fence is $100 per offence per day, and so is obstructing corner vision.\n- A temporary security fence around a complex-building construction site needs a Security Fence Permit.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","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/fort-st-john/fence-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fence-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fence-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, every deck needs a Deck Building Permit and a shed larger than 10 m² needs a Shed Building Permit. A garage needs a building permit; the City has a package for garages and accessory buildings. The basic fee for a deck or shed permit is $60. Zoning rules apply to all.","aliases":["deck permit fort st john","shed permit fort st john","garage permit","carport permit","accessory building rules"],"cost":"Basic fee $60 for a deck permit and $60 for a shed permit. For a garage, see the building-permit-fees answer.","how_long":"Not stated for these permits. A Standard Building Permit takes up to 10 business days to process.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Building Inspection","value":"250-787-8150"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permit Package - Garage and Accessory Buildings (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-permit-package-garage-and-accessory-buildings"},{"title":"Building Permits page","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 2589, 2024 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fort St. John building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Fort St. John building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Fort St. John fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fort St. John zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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":"A Shed Building Permit is required for a shed larger than 10 m². The bylaw states no permit rule for smaller sheds.","short":"Yes, if larger than 10 m²","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(a), (i)","quotes":["a Shed Building Permit before construction of a shed that is greater than 10m2;","a Building Permit before constructing, reconstructing, repairing or altering a building,","structure, deck, or a shed that is greater than 10m2 in area"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"deck":{"label":"Decks","value":"A Deck Building Permit is required before construction of a deck. The bylaw sets no height threshold. A deck is a structure attached to a dwelling, floor on posts and beams above grade, with no walls except visual partitions and railings.","short":"Yes; no height threshold stated","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(c), s. 1","quotes":["a Deck Building Permit before construction of a deck;","“DECK” means a structure attached to a dwelling, with no walls except for visual partitions"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits/building-permit-fees","title":"Building Permit Fees, City of Fort St. John","section":"Fees page","quotes":["Basic Fee for Each","$60.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"garage_carport":{"label":"Garages and carports","value":"A Building Permit is required before constructing a building or structure. The City has a permit package for 'Garage and Accessory Buildings'. The Building Bylaw has no separate garage or carport exemption.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(a)","quotes":["a Building Permit before constructing, reconstructing, repairing or altering a building,"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Applying for a Permit","quotes":["Building Permit Package - Garage and Accessory Buildings [PDF/437KB] (for garage and accessory buildings)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_limits":{"label":"Zoning limits","value":"Accessory buildings are not allowed in a front yard. Setbacks: 1.0 m from interior lot lines, 3.0 m from flanking street lines, 1.5 m from rear line and from other buildings. In R and RM zones: total floor area of all accessory buildings at most 10% of the lot or 90 m² (whichever is less); height at most two storeys and 7.0 m, or the principal building's height if less.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.18","quotes":["Accessory buildings are not permitted in the front yard and must meet the following","a. 1.0 m from interior parcel lines;","b. 3.0 m from flanking exterior side parcel lines;","c. 1.5 m from rear parcel line; and","exceed 10% of the area of the parcel, or 90.0 m2, whichever is less.","two storeys and up","to 7.0 m in height or the height of the principal building, whichever is less."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Also: must be built of similar exterior materials and colours as the principal building (s. 4.18.8); the principal building must be built first or at the same time (s. 4.18.1); an accessory building over 7.0 m high adds 0.3 m to side and rear setbacks per metre over. In Ag and I zones total area is at most 5% of the lot. Fine for accessory building infringement: $100.00/offence/day (Zoning Schedule B)."},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024; Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"cover","quotes":["BUILDING BYLAW NO. 2589, 2024"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.18","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version) 4.0 General Regulations 4.18 Accessory Buildings This section 1. Accessory buildings, including detached suites, accessory structures or accessory uses shall"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Building Bylaw 2589, 2024](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw) requires a Deck Building Permit before any deck is built, and a Shed Building Permit before a shed larger than 10 m² is built. The bylaw sets no height threshold for decks. It also does not apply to buildings or structures the Building Code exempts. The City has a permit package called \"Garage and Accessory Buildings\", and the bylaw has no separate garage or carport exemption.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. For a garage, use the Garage and Accessory Buildings package. For a deck or shed, ask Building Inspection which application applies.\n2. Submit it to the City and pay the fee ($60 basic fee for a deck or shed).\n3. Request an inspection by calling 250-787-8150. A deck must be inspected before the work is covered.\n4. For a carport, or a shed of 10 m² or less, ask Building Inspection. The bylaw does not mention carports and states no permit rule for smaller sheds.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Zoning rules apply to any size of shed. Under [Zoning Bylaw 2470](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) s. 4.18, accessory buildings are not allowed in a front yard. They must be 1.0 m from interior lot lines, 3.0 m from flanking street lines, and 1.5 m from the rear line and from other buildings.\n- In R and RM zones, all accessory buildings together may cover at most 10% of the lot or 90 m², whichever is less. Height is at most two storeys and 7.0 m, or the principal building's height if less. An accessory building over 7.0 m high adds 0.3 m to side and rear setbacks per metre over.\n- In Ag and I zones the total is at most 5% of the lot.\n- The principal building must be built first or at the same time, and the accessory building must use similar exterior materials and colours.\n- The fine for breaking the accessory building rules is $100 per offence per day.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits/building-permit-fees","title":"Building Permit Fees, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John building permit fees","question":"How much does a building permit cost?","slug":"building-permit-fees","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"A City of Fort St. John building permit costs $6 per $1,000 of construction value, plus a plan processing fee of $150 for a new standard building or $300 for a new complex one. Deck, shed and security fence permits have a $60 basic fee. Starting work without a permit raises the rate to $9 per $1,000.","aliases":["building permit cost fort st john","permit fees fort st john","deck permit fee","plumbing permit fee"],"cost":"$6 per $1,000 of construction value; plan processing $150 (new standard), $300 (new complex), $90 to $180 (additions and renovations). Deck, shed, demolition, moving, solid fuel appliance and re-inspection $60 each; plumbing $60 plus $6 per fixture.","how_long":"Not applicable. The fee is paid before the permit is issued.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Building Permit Fees page","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits/building-permit-fees"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Inspection","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Bylaw 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fort St. John building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Fort St. John permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/deck-shed-garage-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/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":"The Building Bylaw sets no minimum building permit fee. The basic fee for a deck, shed or security fence permit is $60 each. Smallest plan processing fee is $90.","short":"None set; $60 deck, shed or fence permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["SECURITY FENCE PERMIT, DECK AND SHED PERMITS","Basic Fee for Each","To construct an addition/renovation on a Standard Building up to 50m2"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_formula":{"label":"How the fee is worked out","value":"$6 per $1,000 of construction value, to a maximum fee of $500,000. If construction started without a permit and a stop work notice was issued: $9 per $1,000, to a maximum of $750,000.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Fee for each $1,000.00 of Value of Construction","$6.00 per $1,000.00","$9.00 per $1000.00","to a maximum fee of $750,000.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"application_fee":{"label":"Application or plan review fee","value":"Plan processing fee is part of the building permit fee and is paid when applying: new standard building $150, new complex building $300, addition/renovation to a standard building up to 50 m² $90 (51 m² or larger $120), complex building up to 100 m² $120 (101 m² or larger $180). Not refundable.","short":"$150 new standard building; $90 to $120 addition","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["To construct a new Standard Building","To construct a new Complex Building","To construct an addition/renovation on a Complex Building up to 100m","$180.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"s. 81","quotes":["The plan-processing component of the Building Permit fee is payable at the time of the","c) The plan-processing component of the Building Permit fee is not refundable under any"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees","value":"Plumbing permit $60 plus $6 per fixture; fire sprinkler permit $60 plus $0.60 per head; demolition $60; moving $60; solid fuel appliance $60; re-inspection $60 (each inspection after the first); damage deposit $5,000; landscaping and paving security as per Form F.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Additional Fee per Plumbing Fixture","Additional Fee per Sprinkler Head","DAMAGE DEPOSIT","$5,000.00","LANDSCAPING AND PAVING SECURITY DEPOSIT","RE-INSPECTION FEE"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"s. 86","quotes":["for each inspection after the first inspection,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_pay":{"label":"How to pay","value":"The permit fee must be paid in full before the permit is issued; the plan processing fee is paid when the application is submitted. An application is cancelled and the plan fee forfeited if the rest is not paid within 180 days after the City says the permit is ready.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"s. 80, 81, 83","quotes":["fee, in the amount established by Schedule A of this Bylaw, shall be paid in full prior to","paid the remainder of the Building Permit fee within 180 days of the date of written"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (Fees and Charges)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 Page 40 SCHEDULE A FEES AND CHARGES BUILDING PERMIT FEE Fee for each $1,000.00 of Value of Construction $6.00 per $1,000.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits/building-permit-fees","title":"Building Permit Fees, City of Fort St. John","section":"Fees page","quotes":["Building Permit Fees are set out in the Building 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 in Schedule A of [Building Bylaw 2589, 2024](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw). The permit fee is $6 per $1,000 of construction value, to a maximum fee of $500,000. The plan processing fee is part of the building permit fee, is charged on top of the per-$1,000 amount, is paid when you apply, and is not refundable. The bylaw sets no minimum building permit fee.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Pay the plan processing fee when you submit your application. A new standard building is $150 and a new complex building is $300.\n2. For an addition or renovation to a standard building, the plan fee is $90 (up to 50 m²) or $120 (51 m² or larger). For a complex building it is $120 (up to 100 m²) or $180 (101 m² or larger).\n3. Pay the rest of the permit fee in full before the permit is issued.\n4. Add any separate permits you need (see below).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- If construction started without a permit and a stop work notice was issued, the rate is $9 per $1,000, to a maximum of $750,000.\n- Other fees: a plumbing permit is $60 plus $6 per fixture; a fire sprinkler permit is $60 plus $0.60 per head; deck, shed, security fence, demolition, moving and solid fuel appliance permits are $60 each; each inspection after the first is a $60 re-inspection. There is no re-inspection fee for multiple framing and insulation inspections in winter months.\n- A damage deposit of $5,000 applies. The landscaping and paving security is set by Form F; contact Building Inspection for the amount.\n- If you do not pay within 180 days after the City says the permit is ready, the application is cancelled and the plan processing fee is forfeited.\n- Development cost charges and school site acquisition charges are separate.\n- The bylaw and fee page do not state payment methods; ask the City.\n- The City's fee web page labels some addition rows differently from the bylaw. This answer follows the bylaw; confirm with the City.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits/building-permit-fees","title":"Building Permit Fees, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024, Schedule A (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit-fees/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit-fees.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit-fees.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, check your parcel's zone on the City's Fort St. John Interactive Map. Zoning maps are also on the City's Maps page and in Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019. Then read that zone's section of the bylaw. Development Services can confirm at 250-787-8150.","aliases":["zoning map fort st john","what is my property zoned","zoning bylaw fort st john","can i build on my lot"],"cost":"Not stated on the City's pages for online lookup.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Fort St. John Interactive Map (parcel and zoning information)","value":"https://gisapp.fortstjohn.ca/vertigisstudio/web/?app=b9231f6939714739abd23dd7d08c19ae"},{"type":"online","label":"Maps page","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/local-government/maps"},{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Planning Manager 250-787-8188"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Development Services","value":"10648 - 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"},{"title":"Maps, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/local-government/maps"},{"title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw 2616, 2025 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/official-community-plan-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fort St. John secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/zoning-lookup/"}],"topic":{"title":"Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup/"},"facts":{"how_to_find":{"label":"How to find your zone","value":"Use the City's Fort St. John Interactive Map, an online map that shows parcel and zoning information. Zoning maps are also on the City's Maps page (Documents Library) and in Schedule A of the Zoning Bylaw.","short":"Online map (Interactive Map); PDF zoning maps","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/local-government/maps","title":"Maps, City of Fort St. John","section":"Maps page","quotes":["An interactive map allowing parcel and zoning information to be displayed.","A variety of City produced maps including aerial, snow clearing, and zoning maps."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["The location of each zone is established on Schedule A, the Zoning Bylaw Map of this Bylaw."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"zoning_bylaw":{"label":"Zoning bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019, adopted October 28, 2019. The consolidated version is for convenience only and includes amendments through Bylaw 2630, 2026, adopted August 24, 2026.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"cover and amendment table","quotes":["Adopted October 28, 2019","CONSOLIDATED VERSION FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY","2630, 2026","August 24, 2026"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_zone_controls":{"label":"What the zone controls","value":"Each zone sets its permitted uses (principal and accessory), minimum parcel area and width, setbacks, parcel coverage, number of dwellings, density and building height, plus other regulations such as parking. General regulations in section 4.0 apply across zones.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 8.2, 8.3 (R-1 example)","quotes":["The following uses and no others are permitted in the R-1 Zone:","Minimum parcel area","Maximum parcel coverage","Maximum principal dwelling and structure height"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.0","quotes":["Except as otherwise specified in this Bylaw, this section 4.0 applies to all zones established under"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Development Services, 10648 - 100 Street: 250-787-8150 (Planning Manager 250-787-8188), or the email form on the City's Contact Us page.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","section":"Building Permits page","quotes":["contacting the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process","title":"Business Licence Application Process, City of Fort St. John","section":"Payment","quotes":["Development Services 10648 – 100 Street"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us?page=1","title":"Contact Us, City of Fort St. John","section":"Contact Us page (page 1 of list)","quotes":["Planning Manager | Development Services | 250 787 8188 | Email"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"cover","quotes":["ZONING BYLAW 2470, 2019"]}],"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. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version, listing amendments up to Bylaw 2573, 2022)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","accessed":"2026-11-07","note":"The City's consolidated version is \"for convenience only\"; the adopted bylaw and its amending bylaws prevail."},"zones":27,"zone_pages":23,"index_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning/index.json","lookup_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning/lookup","map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true,"zones_geojson":"/data/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zones.geojson","addresses_json":"/data/ca/bc/fort-st-john/addresses.json","source_url":"https://services.arcgis.com/uFSCv839a7S1MRb7/arcgis/rest/services/opendata_zoning/FeatureServer/0","viewer":{"title":"Fort St. John Interactive Map","url":"https://gisapp.fortstjohn.ca/vertigisstudio/web/?app=b9231f6939714739abd23dd7d08c19ae"},"caveat":null,"accessed":"2026-11-07"}},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Fort St. John sets land use in [Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw). The consolidated version is for convenience only and includes amendments through Bylaw 2630, 2026, adopted August 24, 2026. Each zone sets its permitted uses (principal and accessory), minimum parcel area and width, setbacks, parcel coverage, number of dwellings, density and building height, plus other rules such as parking. General regulations in section 4.0 apply across zones.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Open the Fort St. John Interactive Map and search your address to see the parcel and its zone. Zoning maps are also on the City's Maps page and in Schedule A of the bylaw.\n2. Open the Zoning Bylaw and go to the section for your zone. Check the permitted uses and regulations.\n3. Read the general rules in section 4.0 too.\n4. If unsure, call Development Services at 250-787-8150 (Planning Manager 250-787-8188), or use the email form on the City's Contact Us page.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City recommends contacting Development Services before buying property or signing a lease to check that your use is permitted.\n- Example: the R-1 zone has a 550 m² minimum parcel, 40% coverage, a 7.5 m front setback and up to 4 dwelling units on a parcel on municipal services.\n- The amendment list in the PDF is the check for how current it is. The adopted bylaws and amendments are the legal text.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/local-government/maps","title":"Maps, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/contact-us?page=1","title":"Contact Us, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process","title":"Business Licence Application Process, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John allows one secondary suite per house, and up to two detached suites (carriage houses) in the R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4 and R-4A zones, but only in zones whose use list includes them. Check your zone first. Suites must meet the BC Building Code and need a City business licence.","aliases":["basement suite fort st john","legal suite","carriage house","detached suite","illegal suite"],"cost":"Building permit fees apply (see the building-permit-fees answer). A suite needs a City business licence ($75). A $200 City inspection fee may apply.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services","value":"250-787-8150"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Secondary and Detached Suites page","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/housing/secondary-suites"},{"title":"Secondary Suites Brochure (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/secondary-suites-brochure"},{"title":"Enforcement of Illegal Suites","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/housing/secondary-suites/enforcement-illegal-suites"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fort St. John building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Fort St. John zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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":"Where a zone's use list includes it: A-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4, R-4A, RM-1 and RM-2 (not R-3, RM-3 or RM-4), when a single-family dwelling or duplex is the principal dwelling. One suite per principal dwelling; not subdivided or strata-titled; not inside a detached suite.","short":"Yes, in zones that list it (A-1, R-1, R-2 etc.)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"s. 4.20.1","quotes":["Secondary Suites are permitted in all residential zones when a single family dwelling or","b. no more than one Secondary Suite is permitted per principal dwelling;","e. Secondary Suites shall not be subdivided or strata-titled; and","f. Secondary suites are not permitted in detached suites."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/housing/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary and Detached Suites, City of Fort St. John","section":"Secondary and Detached Suites page","quotes":["suites are now permitted within most residential zones"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"Where a zone's use list includes it (A-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4, R-4A, RM-1, RM-2), on a parcel with a principal dwelling, inside an accessory building. No more than two per parcel in R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4 and R-4A. Must meet BC Building Code.","short":"Yes, in zones listing it, in accessory building","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"s. 4.21.1","quotes":["no more than two Detached Suites are permitted on a parcel in the R1, R-1A, R-2,","b. Detached Suites are only permitted on parcels which contain a principal dwelling;","c. a Detached Suite is permitted within an Accessory Building;","d. the Detached Suite must meet BC Building Code requirements."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Secondary suite floor area at most the lesser of 90 m² or 40% of the principal dwelling's habitable floor area. One secondary suite per dwelling. Up to two detached suites in R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4 and R-4A. R-1 density is up to 4 dwelling units per parcel on municipal services.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"s. 4.20.1(c)","quotes":["c. the maximum floor area of a Secondary Suite must not exceed the lesser of 90 m 2 or","40% of the habitable floor area of the principal dwelling unit;"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"R-1 Table 7","quotes":["4 dwelling units on a parcel","connected to municipal services"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"1 space per bedroom in the suite, in addition to the spaces required for the principal dwelling.","short":"1 space per bedroom, plus principal dwelling","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"s. 5.8 parking table","quotes":["Secondary or Detached Suite","1 space per bedroom in the suite in addition to"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/secondary-suites-brochure","title":"Secondary Suites brochure (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"Brochure","quotes":["One parking space is provided on the parcel per"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit is needed to build or change a building's use (Building Bylaw s. 17), and the suite must meet the BC Building Code. A secondary suite also needs a City business licence ($75). A development permit is needed only in a designated Development Permit Area. A City inspection fee of $200 may apply.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","section":"s. 17","quotes":["change the use or occupancy of any building or structure or plumbing system, including excavation or other work related to construction unless:"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.8","quotes":["Secondary Suites shall be permitted in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw and all","homeowners with Secondary Suites must comply with the regulations in the Zoning","Secondary Suite  $75.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/development/development-applications","title":"Development Applications, City of Fort St. John","section":"Development Permits","quotes":["You need to apply for a Development Permit if:","You are located in a designated Development Permit Area."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/secondary-suites-brochure","title":"Secondary Suites brochure (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"Brochure","quotes":["who will verify the suite meets BC Building Code","($200 fee may apply)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (s. 4.20 and 4.21); Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (s. 7.8); Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","section":"s. 4.20","quotes":["c. must not exceed 40% of the principal buildings floor area or 90 m2, whichever is less. This 4.20 Secondary Suites section","City of Fort St. John - Zoning Bylaw","Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version) This consolidated Version includes the following"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"cover","quotes":["BYLAW NO. 2563, 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 [Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) (s. 4.20 and 4.21), a secondary suite is allowed where a zone's use list includes it: A-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4, R-4A, RM-1 and RM-2, when a single-family dwelling or duplex is the principal dwelling. It is not allowed in R-3, RM-3 or RM-4. A detached suite goes inside an accessory building on a parcel with a principal dwelling, in the same zones.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Contact Development Services to confirm your zone and what is allowed.\n2. A building permit is needed to build or change a building's use, and the suite must meet the BC Building Code. Apply with plans showing the suite.\n3. Provide parking: one space per bedroom in the suite, in addition to the spaces for the main dwelling.\n4. Get a City business licence for the suite ($75) and book inspections through Planning and Engineering (250-787-8150).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Limits: a secondary suite is at most the lesser of 90 m² or 40% of the principal dwelling's habitable floor area. There is one per principal dwelling. It cannot be subdivided or strata-titled or sit inside a detached suite.\n- Up to two detached suites are allowed per parcel in R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-4 and R-4A. R-1 allows up to 4 dwelling units per parcel on municipal services.\n- A development permit is needed only in a designated Development Permit Area.\n- The Fees and Charges Bylaw lists a $200 suite inspection fee and a $400 charge on title.\n- The City's page says \"most residential zones\" while the bylaw lists the zones above. Check the zone list for your parcel.\n- The Zoning Bylaw does not state an owner-occupancy requirement. The City's brochure says there are no boarders or bed and breakfast being operated.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/housing/secondary-suites","title":"Secondary and Detached Suites, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, s. 4.20 and 4.21)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/secondary-suites-brochure","title":"Secondary Suites brochure (PDF), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/building-bylaw","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/development/development-applications","title":"Development Applications, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John has no tree protection bylaw, so the City sets no permit, fee or replacement rule for removing a tree on your own lot, according to its 2020 Urban Forest Strategy. Trees in parks and on boulevards are different, and the strategy may be out of date. Confirm with the City.","aliases":["cut down tree fort st john","tree bylaw fort st john","boulevard tree","tree permit"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City of Fort St. John","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Ask Parks or Development Services."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Trees on Boulevards Policy 107/07 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/107-trees-boulevards-policy"},{"title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw 2615, 2025 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf"},{"title":"Urban Forest Strategy (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/urban-forest-strategy-web"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Fort St. John building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/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":"The City's June 2020 Urban Forest Strategy says no tree protection bylaw currently exists.","short":"No tree protection bylaw","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/urban-forest-strategy-web","title":"Urban Forest Strategy, June 2020 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","section":"Bylaws, Programs and Practices table","quotes":["No tree protection bylaw currently exists"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":null,"status":"none","note":"According to its 2020 Urban Forest Strategy, the City sets no permit, fee or replacement rule for removing a tree on your own lot.","sources":[]},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":null,"status":"none","note":"According to its 2020 Urban Forest Strategy, the City sets no permit, fee or replacement rule for removing a tree on your own lot.","sources":[]},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Boulevard trees: no person may injure or damage any tree, shrub or hedge on a boulevard; the owner of the abutting parcel must keep boulevard hedges and trees trimmed and maintain the boulevard. On a highway, no one may damage, remove or plant trees or vegetation without a Road Use Permit. In parks, cutting down or removing trees is prohibited.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"s. 11-12","quotes":["No person shall injure or damage any tree, shrub, plant, bush or hedge located","keeping hedges and trees trimmed to prevent visual obstruction or other"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"s. 36(b)","quotes":["cause damage to, remove or plant trees or vegetation on a Highway;","Except as specifically authorized by a Road Use Permit"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.2","quotes":["destroy, damage, cut down, top, deface, or remove any trees."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/107-trees-boulevards-policy","title":"Trees on Boulevards Policy No. 107/07 (PDF)","section":"Council Policy 107/07","quotes":["the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and cleanup of the trees fronting their real"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The City's 2020 Urban Forest Strategy says no tree protection bylaw currently exists.","sources":[]},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The City's 2020 Urban Forest Strategy says no tree protection bylaw currently exists.","sources":[]}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":2,"matched":2,"none":4,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City's June 2020 [Urban Forest Strategy](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/urban-forest-strategy-web) says no tree protection bylaw currently exists, and recommends adopting one. We found no City permit, fee, replacement-planting rule or fine for removing a tree on private land. The strategy is from 2020, so ask the City whether anything has changed.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Confirm the tree is on your lot, not the boulevard, a highway or a park. See the property-lines answer.\n2. If it is yours, call the City at 250-787-8150 to confirm no rule applies, for example from a development permit.\n3. For a boulevard tree or a tree on a highway, check the rules below before cutting or planting.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Boulevards: under the Property Standards Bylaw, no person may injure or damage any tree, shrub or hedge on a boulevard. The owner of the abutting parcel must keep boulevard hedges and trees trimmed and maintain the boulevard.\n- On a highway, no one may damage, remove or plant trees or vegetation without a Road Use Permit ([Highway and Traffic Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf), s. 36).\n- In parks, cutting down, topping or removing trees is prohibited ([Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf), s. 6.2).\n- Under the Trees on Boulevards Policy, the City removes trees affecting its own right-of-way work at its expense and removes trees that fell from natural causes. The policy encourages residents not to plant poplar trees near sewer lines.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits (Planning and Engineering phone), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/urban-forest-strategy-web","title":"Urban Forest Strategy, June 2020 (PDF), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/107-trees-boulevards-policy","title":"Trees on Boulevards Policy No. 107/07 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 2 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 4 are recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/tree-removal.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John 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/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"The City of Fort St. John collects garbage weekly and recycling every second week, using the contractor Element Disposal. Put the cart out by 8 a.m. on collection day, behind the curb or sidewalk, with the lid closed. Single bags left at the curb are not collected. Find your day in the Waste Wise app.","aliases":["garbage pickup day fort st john","garbage collection schedule fort st john","fort st john waste wise app","extra garbage bags fort st john","garbage cart rules fort st john"],"cost":"$8 a month per garbage cart and $5 a month per recycling cart, on the utility bill. Additional cart $30 plus the monthly fee. Lost, stolen or badly damaged cart $100.","how_long":"Garbage weekly; recycling every second week. No curbside organics collection.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Waste Wise app (collection calendar)","value":"https://bit.ly/FSJwastewise"},{"type":"online","label":"Garbage Collection Map (PDF)","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/garbage-collection-map"},{"type":"phone","label":"Element Disposal (City's collection contractor)","value":"250-224-8774"},{"type":"online","label":"Report a Problem","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/report-problem"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Garbage and Recycling, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling"},{"title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw 2557, 2021 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/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":"Garbage is collected weekly and recycling (blue cart) every second week. There is no curbside organics collection; the City points residents to backyard composting.","short":"Garbage weekly; recycling every other week","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling","title":"Garbage and Recycling, City of Fort St. John","section":"intro","quotes":["one blue recycle cart (collected bi-weekly) and one black/grey garbage cart (collected weekly)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"collection_day":{"label":"Finding your day","value":"Use the Waste Wise app (Calendar tab), type your address into \"My Schedule\" on the City’s Garbage and Recycling page, or see the Garbage Collection Map.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/curbside-collection-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Collection Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Collection day","quotes":["Download the Waste Wise App for your smartphone","Visit My Schedule on the Garbage & Recycling Page","View the Garbage Collection Map"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"carts":{"label":"Carts","value":"One garbage cart (250 litres per the City FAQ; the bylaw says 240) and one 360-litre recycling cart per home. Additional cart: $30 plus the monthly fee. Lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair: $100. Damaged wheels or lids are repaired free. Use the Curbside Cart Form.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/curbside-collection-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Collection Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Cart sizes and fees","quotes":["Garbage carts are 250 litres and recycle carts are 360 litres","After the fee of $30 is paid","After the fee of $100 is paid","they will repair your cart at your residence at no charge"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Administration fee for each additional collection cart - $30.00","Administration fee for each replacement collection cart - $100.00","Administration fee to reinstate removed collection cart - $75.00","“garbage cart” means a 240-litre wheeled container owned and supplied by the City,","“recyclable materials cart” means a 360-litre wheeled container owned and supplied by"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Carts belong to the City and stay with the address. Reinstating a cart removed for a bylaw breach costs $75. The City may waive the replacement fee for a cart at end of life."},"set_out":{"label":"Setting carts out","value":"Put carts out by 8 a.m. on collection day, behind the curb or sidewalk (on your driveway or lawn, not the street or sidewalk), with the lid arrow facing the street and at least 1 m of clear space on all sides. Bring carts in by the end of collection day. Keep lids closed.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 3.23, 3.25","quotes":["before 8:00 a.m. on the day","must be","removed from the curbside by the end of collection day","at least one metre horizontally on all"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling","title":"Garbage and Recycling, City of Fort St. John","section":"Take the Guesswork out of Going Green","quotes":["Put your cart out by 8 am on your collection day","Make sure there is at least 1 meter (3 feet) of space on all sides"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits and extra garbage","value":"The lid must close; carts overfilled with the lid open are not picked up. Garbage must be bagged in the cart; recycling goes in loose. Single bags left at the curb are not collected. Extra carts can be rented. No weight limit is stated.","short":"Lid must close; single curb bags not collected","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 3.21, 3.22","quotes":["bag the garbage placed in the garbage cart","to the extent that the lid does not close"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Garbage and recycling","quotes":["Single bags of garbage are not permitted to be left on the curb or on the street for pick up"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling","title":"Garbage and Recycling, City of Fort St. John","section":"Take the Guesswork out of Going Green","quotes":["Overfilled carts with the lid open will not be picked up"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Per month on the utility bill: $8 per garbage cart and $5 per recycling cart, for each house, duplex, triplex, fourplex or townhouse. Owners pay whether or not they use the service.","short":"$8 a month per garbage cart; $5 per recycling cart","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, s. 5.1","quotes":["$8.00 per garbage cart","$5.00 per recyclable materials cart","whether or not"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/curbside-collection-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Collection Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Extra cart","quotes":["$8 per month for garbage carts and $5 per month for recycle carts"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 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 City's contractor, Element Disposal, collects garbage weekly and blue-cart recycling every second week. There is no curbside organics collection; the City points residents to backyard composting. Each home gets one garbage cart and one 360-litre recycling cart. The [Solid Waste Management Bylaw 2557](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no) sets the rules. The garbage cart is 240 litres in the bylaw and 250 litres on the City's FAQ page.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your day: use the Waste Wise app (Calendar tab), type your address into \"My Schedule\" on the City's Garbage and Recycling page, or see the Garbage Collection Map.\n2. Bag your garbage and put it in the cart. Recycling goes in loose.\n3. By 8 a.m. on collection day, put the cart behind the curb or sidewalk (on your driveway or lawn, not the street or sidewalk), with the lid arrow facing the street and at least 1 metre of clear space on all sides.\n4. Bring the cart in by the end of collection day. Keep the lid closed.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The lid must close. Carts overfilled with the lid open are not picked up, and single bags left at the curb are not collected. No weight limit is stated.\n- Pickups continue on weekday holidays, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day, which move to the next day.\n- Carts belong to the City and stay with the address. Request an additional cart with the Curbside Cart Form. Damaged wheels or lids are repaired free. Reinstating a cart removed for a bylaw breach costs $75.\n- Fees are billed monthly for each house, duplex, triplex, fourplex or townhouse, whether or not you use the service. Unpaid amounts on December 31 are added to property taxes.\n- A bylaw notice for an over-full cart is $100 ($85 early; $125 late). Other cart offences range from $100 to $300.\n- Items too large for the cart go to the Peace River Regional District landfill.\n- Yard waste: see the yard waste answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling","title":"Garbage and Recycling, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/curbside-collection-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Collection Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/garbage-collection/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/garbage-collection.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/garbage-collection.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John yard waste collection and drop-off","question":"Where does yard waste and brush go?","slug":"yard-waste","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John has no separate curbside yard waste collection. The City holds yard waste drop-off days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the North Peace Arena (9805 96 Avenue); the last 2026 day is November 7 at Home Hardware. You can also take all yard waste to the regional district landfill.","aliases":["yard waste drop off fort st john","brush disposal fort st john","leaves and grass clippings fort st john","christmas tree drop off fort st john","black knot disposal"],"cost":"The City's drop-off page does not mention a fee. At the regional landfill, residential yard and garden waste is $55 a tonne (minimum fee $3.75); residential properties get a free annual coupon worth $45 of fees.","how_long":"Eight City drop-off days in 2026, May to November. Dates for other years are not posted.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"North Peace Arena","value":"9805 96 Avenue, Fort St. John","note":"10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the listed dates."},{"type":"in_person","label":"Home Hardware (November 7 only)","value":"9820 108 Street, Fort St. John","note":"10 a.m. to 3 p.m."},{"type":"in_person","label":"Peace River Regional District landfill","value":"7014 269 Road, Charlie Lake, BC","note":"Open during business hours; fees apply."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop"}],"related":[{"slug":"garbage-collection","title":"Fort St. John garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/garbage-collection/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/yard-waste/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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":"No separate curbside yard waste collection. Yard waste may not go in the recycling cart. Bylaw s. 3.29 says grass trimmings and leaves only are accepted in garbage carts, but s. 3.27(a) also bans yard waste in any collection cart; check with the City.","short":"No separate collection","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.29","quotes":["Yard waste is not permitted in a recyclable materials cart. Grass trimmings and leaves only will be accepted in garbage carts.","yard waste, liquid wastes or sludges, appliances or power tools, batteries,","Yard waste is not permitted in a recyclable materials cart. Grass trimmings and leaves"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Section 3.27 (as replaced in 2023) also lists \"yard waste\" as material not to be put in a collection cart, which sits oddly with s. 3.29; the City’s other pages do not mention curbside yard waste. Yard waste is not \"solid waste\" under the bylaw definition."},"preparation":{"label":"How to set it out","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The City's drop-off page states no bundle or size limits.","sources":[]},"drop_off":{"label":"Drop-off","value":"City drop-off days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the North Peace Arena (9805 96 Ave); the last 2026 date, November 7, is at Home Hardware (9820 108 St). All yard waste is also accepted at the Peace River Regional District landfill at 7014 269 Road during business hours.","short":"City drop-off days; PRRD landfill, 7014 269 Road","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop","title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","section":"2026 Drop-off Dates","quotes":["The City provides a regular Yard Waste Drop-off for city residents during the summer months","10 am - 3 pm","North Peace Arena","Home Hardware"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.29","quotes":["All yard waste is accepted at the Peace River","Regional District Landfill during business hours, located at 7014 269 Road"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cost":{"label":"Cost","value":"The City's drop-off page does not mention a fee. At the regional landfill, residential yard and garden waste costs $55 a tonne (minimum fee $3.75). Residential properties get a free annual coupon worth $45 of fees.","short":"$55 a tonne ($3.75 minimum)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.prrd.bc.ca/home-property/garbage-and-recycling/tipping-fees-and-coupons/","title":"Tipping Fees and Coupons, Peace River Regional District","section":"Tipping fees","quotes":["Yard and garden waste","$55.00","$3.75 each ($45.00 of waived fees)","Each coupon includes 12 punches valued at $3.75 each ($45.00 of waived fees)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_accepted":{"label":"Not accepted","value":"At City drop-off days: bags, processed lumber, trees longer than 6 feet or more than 2 inches thick, food scraps or dog waste, cement, rocks or dirt.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop","title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","section":"Materials","quotes":["Not accepted:","Processed lumber","Trees (longer than 6 feet or more than 2 inches in diameter)","Food scraps or dog waste","Cement, rocks or dirt"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023); Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (no accumulations of yard waste)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"s. 17(c)","quotes":["an accumulation of yard waste, including an accumulation of grass"]}],"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 has no curbside yard waste collection, and yard waste may not go in the recycling cart. Instead it holds drop-off days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the North Peace Arena (9805 96 Avenue). The 2026 dates were May 9, May 23, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12 and October 3. The last 2026 day, November 7, is at Home Hardware (9820 108 Street). The City page lists no dates for other years.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Bring leaves, grass clippings, plant trimmings, sod, twigs and branches. Black Knot infected branches or trees are accepted too.\n2. Do not bring bags (the page says bags are not accepted), processed lumber, food scraps, dog waste, cement, rocks or dirt.\n3. Trees longer than 6 feet or more than 2 inches thick are not accepted.\n4. On other days, take all yard waste to the Peace River Regional District landfill at 7014 269 Road during business hours.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The [Solid Waste Management Bylaw 2557](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no) contradicts itself. Section 3.29 accepts grass trimmings and leaves only in garbage carts, but s. 3.27(a) bans yard waste in any collection cart. Check with the City before putting any in your cart.\n- Leaving yard waste, grass clippings or cuttings on a highway, in a park or outside on any land is prohibited under the Property Standards Bylaw.\n- The regional district also waives some fees during spring (June 1 to 14) and fall (October 5 to 18, 2026) cleanups.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop","title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 2557, 2021 (consolidated with Bylaw 2583, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.prrd.bc.ca/home-property/garbage-and-recycling/tipping-fees-and-coupons/","title":"Tipping Fees and Coupons, Peace River Regional District","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/fort-st-john/yard-waste/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/yard-waste.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/yard-waste.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Fort St. John?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John's Water Regulation Bylaw sets no standing sprinkling season or schedule. During a water shortage the City may restrict watering, car washing and private pool filling, after at least 7 calendar days' notice except in emergencies. Check the City's website or call 250-787-8150.","aliases":["sprinkling ban fort st john","lawn watering rules fort st john","watering restrictions"],"cost":"Bylaw notice: $100 for a first violation within a calendar year, $250 for a second, $500 for a third. Water service may also be disconnected.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"City news and notices","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/local-government/news-and-notices"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall and 3-1-1","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Water Regulation Bylaw 2457, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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":"The bylaw sets no standing season or schedule. During a water shortage the City may restrict irrigation, sprinkling, car washing and private pool filling, and set days, times and areas. It must give at least 7 calendar days' notice, except in emergencies (s. 39).","short":"No set season; City may restrict in a shortage","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"ss. 34, 36, 37","quotes":["restrict or prohibit irrigation, yard/garden sprinkling, car washing and private","pool filling to reduce water usage when, in its opinion, there is a water shortage","at least 7","announced on the City’s Website","Notwithstanding any other provision of this bylaw, no notice may be given for"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The Water Regulation Bylaw sets no standing watering season or schedule.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)"}]},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The bylaw and City water pages list no exempt watering types and no new-lawn rules.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John"}]},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The bylaw and City water pages list no exempt watering types and no new-lawn rules.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John"}]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: violating water restrictions within one calendar year is $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second and $500 for a third. Water service may also be disconnected.","short":"Notice $100 first violation; $250 second; $500 third","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Schedule B, s. 38","quotes":["Violate water restrictions in the City within","1st Violation - $ 100.00","2nd Violation - $ 250.00","3rd Violation - $ 500.00","may face fines, penalties and/or disconnection of the Water Service"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN WATER REGULATION BYLAW 2457, 2019 CONSOLIDATED VERSION"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":3,"matched":3,"none":3,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Water Regulation Bylaw 2457](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw) sets no standing watering season or schedule. During a water shortage the City of Fort St. John may restrict irrigation, sprinkling, car washing and private pool filling, and set days, times and areas. It must give at least 7 calendar days' notice, except in emergencies (s. 39). The bylaw and the City water pages we read do not list exempt types of watering, such as hand watering, or any rules for new lawns.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Look for a notice on the City's website (news and notices) or social media.\n2. For the current rules, call 3-1-1 or 250-787-8150.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Breaking a restriction is a bylaw notice of $100 for a first violation within one calendar year, $250 for a second and $500 for a third. Water service may also be disconnected.\n- No current restriction or stage was found on the City's water pages. Check before you water.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","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 3 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 3 are recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/water-restrictions.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, every dog over three months old needs a City of Fort St. John licence tag. The fee is $20 a year, the same for every dog, or $100 for a biting or aggressive dog. Buy it online through DocuPet, at City Hall or at the North Peace SPCA.","aliases":["dog license fort st john","dog tag fort st john","docupet fort st john","renew dog licence fort st john"],"cost":"$20 a year for each dog (no different amount for spayed or neutered dogs); $100 for a biting or aggressive dog; $5 replacement tag. Service dogs and other exempt dogs pay nothing. Licence fees are non-refundable. DocuPet designer tags cost extra (price not stated).","how_long":"Each licence is valid for 365 days from the day you buy it, so your renewal date depends on when you bought it.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"DocuPet (the City's licensing partner)","value":"https://fortstjohn.docupet.com/"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (reception helps with the DocuPet process)","value":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed statutory holidays."},{"type":"in_person","label":"North Peace SPCA","value":"9311 81 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC"},{"type":"phone","label":"DocuPet licensing line","value":"1-855-249-1370"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services (licensing questions)","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":["Documentation showing your dog is a service dog, RCMP dog or similar, if you are claiming an exemption"],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control page, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2556, 2021 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw"},{"title":"Animal Control Brochure (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fort St. John","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Fort St. John dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Fort St. John rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/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. All dogs over three months old living in Fort St. John must have and wear a current dog tag. Service dogs, RCMP dogs and dogs in school or research facilities (with documentation) are exempt. Visitors for up to two consecutive weeks, or 30 days in a calendar year, are exempt.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["All dogs over the age of three (3) months living in the City of Fort St. John are required to have and wear a current dog tag"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 5, 15, 17","quotes":["as soon as his or her Dog is three months of age","not exceeding thirty days in a calendar year","Service Dogs as defined under this Bylaw"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The City of Fort St. John, through DocuPet. Tags are sold online, at City Hall or at the North Peace SPCA.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["The City of Fort St. John has partnered with DocuPet","Dog licences may be purchased online, at City Hall or the North Peace SPCA"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$20 a year. The City does not charge a different amount for spayed or neutered dogs.","short":"$20 a year (same for all dogs)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing, License Fees","quotes":["$20 for each dog licence"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Schedule of Fees","quotes":["for responsible pet ownership. All Dogs $20 Licensing Pick up after your dog Replacement tag $5"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$20 a year, the same as for a spayed or neutered dog.","short":"$20 a year (same as altered)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing, License Fees","quotes":["$20 for each dog licence"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Schedule of Fees","quotes":["for responsible pet ownership. All Dogs $20 Licensing Pick up after your dog Replacement tag $5"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Replacement tag $5. Biting or aggressive dog licence $100. Service dogs and other exempt dogs pay no fee. Designer tags cost extra. Licence fees are non-refundable.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing, License Fees","quotes":["$100 for each biting or aggressive dog licence","$5 replacement tag","upgrade to one of DocuPet’s colourful designer tag styles for an additional fee"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 14","quotes":["Licence fees are non-refundable"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Each licence is valid for a full 365 days after purchase, so the renewal date depends on when you bought it.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["all licences valid for a full 365 days after purchase"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"Online through DocuPet (fortstjohn.DocuPet.com), in person at City Hall (reception helps with the DocuPet process), at the North Peace SPCA, or by phone at 1-855-249-1370.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["Dog licences may be purchased online, at City Hall or the North Peace SPCA, or by calling 1-855-249-1370."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Licensing","quotes":["Dog licenses can be conveniently acquired"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"An unlicensed dog carries a $200 bylaw notice. The amount is $150 on days 1–14 and $250 on days 31–60. A compliance agreement is available.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["OFFENCE SECTION PENALTY EARLY LATE COMPLIANCE PAYMENT PAYMENT AGREEMENT AVAILABLE (15 - 30 (1 - 14 (31 - 60 Days (50% of Penalty) Days) Days) Collections 60+) Unlicensed Dog 5 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Bylaw Infractions","quotes":["• Dog licenses can be conveniently acquired online via Docupet. To license your dog, please Number of dogs Unlicensed dog $200 visit www.fortstjohn.DocuPet.com. Alternatively, • You are allowed to have a maximum of three (3) Failure to affix licence $200"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to include Bylaw 2584, 2023)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 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\nEvery dog over three months old living in Fort St. John must have and wear a current tag under the [Animal Control Bylaw 2556](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw). Licence a dog when it turns three months old. If you take on a dog that is already three months or older, the bylaw gives you one week. The City licenses dogs through DocuPet.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Go to the DocuPet page for Fort St. John, visit City Hall or the North Peace SPCA, or call 1-855-249-1370.\n2. Create a profile for your dog and pay $20, or $100 for a biting or aggressive dog.\n3. Choose the standard tag, or a designer tag for an extra fee.\n4. Fasten the tag to your dog's collar or harness. The dog must wear it.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A licence runs 365 days from purchase, so note your own renewal date.\n- Exempt: service dogs, RCMP dogs, and dogs in school or research facilities (with documentation). Visitors for up to two consecutive weeks, or 30 days in a calendar year, are also exempt.\n- A replacement tag costs $5. Licence fees are not refunded.\n- No dog licence is a bylaw notice of $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31 to 60). Not fastening the licence to the collar is also $200. A compliance agreement may be available.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://fortstjohn.docupet.com/","title":"Pet Licensing in Fort St. John, DocuPet","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/fort-st-john/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, a dog must be on a leash in a public place unless the place is designated an off-leash area. No official City text we read lists any designated off-leash area. The leash may be no more than 3 metres long. A dog at large or unleashed is a $200 bylaw notice.","aliases":["off leash dog park fort st john","dog on leash fort st john","dogs in parks fort st john"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Also dial 3-1-1. City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2556, 2021 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw"},{"title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw 2615, 2025 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fort St. John dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Fort St. John rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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":"Every owner must keep their dog on a leash in a public place unless the place is designated an off-leash area. A dog must not be at large (not under direct and continuous control of its owner or a competent person).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 18-19, 3 (\"At large\")","quotes":["Every Owner shall Keep their Dog leashed when the Dog is in a public place unless that place","has been designated an off-leash area","is not At large"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":"No more than 3 metres, of strong material, held by a person able to control the dog. Aggressive and biting dogs off their property: non-retractable leash of 2 metres or less, held by a competent person over 16. A female dog in heat may be leashed that way instead of being confined.","short":"3 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 3 (\"Leash\"), ss. 21, 34(f)","quotes":["no more than three meters in length","non-retractable leash no more than two metres","material no more than three meters in length and of sufficient strength and design to restrain","securely leashed or harnessed with a non-retractable leash no more than two metres","with a non-retractable leash no more than two metres in length and under the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"None of the bylaws or City pages read names an off-leash area.","sources":[]},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"Any school ground, playground, park or sports field where dogs are expressly prohibited. School grounds are off-limits for dogs. In parks, dogs may not run at large except in a designated Dog Off-Leash Park.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 25","quotes":["No Owner shall permit or allow their Dog on any school ground, playground, park or sports"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Regulations","quotes":["School grounds are off-limits for dogs"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.7(d)","quotes":["Allow any dog or other animal to run at large with the exception of areas designated"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"The owner must immediately remove dog feces left on any property other than the owner’s own. A legally blind owner is exempt for a service dog. The City page says to pick up and dispose of waste from any public or private property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 22-23","quotes":["must immediately remove feces deposited by the Owner’s Dog on property other than the Owner’s property","An Owner who is legally blind is exempt"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Regulations","quotes":["Pick up and dispose of dog waste from any public or private property"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"A dog at large or a failure to leash carries a $200 bylaw notice, $150 on days 1–14 or $250 on days 31–60. Failure to prevent an attack has a separate $400 penalty.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule C / Schedule C, dog at large, failure to leash and failure to prevent attack","quotes":["Dog at large","Fail to leash a dog","$200.00","$150.00","$250.00","Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6 OFFENCE SECTION PENALTY EARLY LATE COMPLIANCE PAYMENT PAYMENT AGREEMENT AVAILABLE (15 - 30 (1 - 14 (31 - 60 Days (50% of Penalty) Days) Days) Collections 60+) Unlicensed Dog 5 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes Fail to affix license to collar/harness 15 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes Keep more than three dogs 20 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes Dog at large 21 (a) $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 No Fail to prevent attack 21 (b) $400.00 $350.00 $450.00 No Dog damaging property 21 (c) $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 No Fail to leash a dog 22 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 No"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Bylaw Infractions","quotes":["you can also stop by City Hall, where reception dogs per household Keep more than 3 dogs $200 will assist you in the Docupet licensing process. Dog at large $200 Responsible guardianship Leashing and running-at-large • Do not let your dog bite","Dog damaging property $200 • Dogs must not be allowed to run at large Unleashed dog $200 • Owners must provide food and water, and a"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-trails/walking-trails","title":"Walking Trails, City of Fort St. John","section":"Dog Etiquette","quotes":["Failure to leash or pick up after your dog is a $100 fine."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The Walking Trails page says $100 for failing to leash or pick up on trails; the bylaw schedule and brochure say $200. The bylaw schedule is followed. The consolidated Animal Control Bylaw (to Bylaw 2584, 2023) still prints the older section numbers in Schedule C, so Schedule C section numbers do not match the current section numbers."},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to include Bylaw 2584, 2023); in parks also the Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021”."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.7","quotes":["Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw) requires every owner to keep a dog on a leash in a public place unless it is a designated off-leash area. A dog must also not be \"at large\", meaning not under the direct and continuous control of its owner or another competent person. Under the [Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf), dogs may not run at large in a park except in a designated Dog Off-Leash Park. None of the bylaws or City pages we read names such an area, so ask Bylaw Services before you let a dog off leash.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The leash must be strong, no more than 3 metres long, and held by a person able to control the dog.\n- Aggressive and biting dogs off their property need a non-retractable leash of 2 metres or less held by a competent person over 16. A female dog in heat may be leashed that way instead of being confined.\n- Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, or on playgrounds, parks and sports fields where dogs are expressly prohibited. The sources do not list which places have a ban.\n- You must immediately remove dog feces left on any property other than your own. A legally blind owner is exempt for a service dog.\n- A bylaw notice for a dog at large or failing to leash is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31 to 60). Failing to prevent an attack is $400. The City's Walking Trails page says $100 for trails; the bylaw says $200, so confirm with Bylaw Services.\n- Questions: Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/parks-and-open-spaces-bylaw-no-2615-2025pdf","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2615, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-trails/walking-trails","title":"Walking Trails, City of Fort St. John","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 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-leash-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","question":"What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?","slug":"dangerous-dogs","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John's Animal Control Bylaw has two special categories: aggressive dogs and biting dogs. A bylaw officer serves the owner a written notice. The owner then needs a $100 yearly licence, and rules on confinement and leashing apply. The fine for most breaches is $400.","aliases":["aggressive dog fort st john","biting dog fort st john","dog bite rules fort st john","dangerous dog bylaw"],"cost":"$100 a year for a biting or aggressive dog licence (a regular dog licence is $20), valid 365 days from purchase.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Or dial 3-1-1; press 4 for after-hours emergencies. 10631 100 Street."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2556, 2021 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw"},{"title":"Animal Control page, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fort St. John dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Fort St. John dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-leash-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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 aggressive dog is one that is a \"dangerous dog\" under s. 49 of the Community Charter or has (without a mitigating factor) pursued or harassed a person, cat or animal, shown aggression such as growling, snarling or lunging, shown potential to attack or injure, or been a continuing threat. A biting dog has bitten a person, animal or cat. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer who has reason to believe this serves a written notice on the owner; the owner may appeal to Council within 30 days.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 3, 36, 42","quotes":["“AGGRESSIVE DOG” means a Dog that is a “dangerous dog” as defined under section 49 of","displayed aggressive behaviour including, but not limited to, growling, snarling, lunging","“BITING DOG” means a Dog that has, in the absence of a Mitigating Factor, bitten a person","may issue and serve upon the Owner a notice in letter form","may appeal the findings of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer to Council within thirty days of service of the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"owner_rules":{"label":"Rules for owners","value":"Aggressive dog: licence, microchip, 'Dog on Premises' sign, confinement at home, a 2 m non-retractable leash held by a competent person over 16 off the property, and 48-hour notice of a move or death. Biting dog: s. 34(b)-(f) only, plus a biting dog licence, muzzle off the property and secure enclosure at home.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 34-35","quotes":["have a Microchip implanted in the Dog and provide proof of implantation","post signage on the Owner’s property indicating Dog on Premises","non-retractable leash no more than two metres","Competent Person over the age of sixteen years","notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer within forty-eight hours","muzzle the Biting Dog when the Biting Dog is off the Owner’s property","confine the Biting Dog in a Secure Enclosure when the Biting Dog is on the Owner’s property","34(b)-(f) of this Bylaw that apply to an Owner of an Aggressive Dog","notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer within forty-eight hours of:","confine the Biting Dog in a Secure Enclosure when the Biting Dog is on the Owner’s"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Licence fee","value":"$100 a year for a biting or aggressive dog licence (a regular dog licence is $20). The licence is valid 365 days from purchase.","short":"$100 a year (biting or aggressive dog)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"License Fees","quotes":["$100 for each biting or aggressive dog licence"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Schedule of Fees","quotes":["Aggressive and Biting Dog Tag","$100"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Report an aggressive dog or a dog bite to City Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150 or 3-1-1 (press 4 for after-hours emergencies), at 10631 100 Street. Cruelty to animals goes to the North Peace SPCA.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Report a Concern","quotes":["Report an animal at large, barking dog, aggressive dog, a dog bite, or a lost dog","250-787-8150 or dial 3-1-1 (press 4 for After Hours Emergencies)"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Reporting a concern","quotes":["1131 by City of Fort St. John 60 by SPCA % bylaw@fortstjohn.ca Report a Problem (City app or website) owners"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $400 ($350 if paid within 14 days; $450 on days 31–60) for failing to licence, microchip, sign, confine, leash or muzzle an aggressive or biting dog, or failing to prevent an attack. No compliance agreement is available.","short":"Notice $400 ($350 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Fail to license aggressive dog","Fail to muzzle biting dog","Fail to prevent attack","$400.00","$350.00","$450.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Aggressive and Biting Dogs","quotes":["Failure to muzzle a biting dog","$400"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to include Bylaw 2584, 2023), Parts Five to Eight","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 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 Control Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw), an aggressive dog is one that is a \"dangerous dog\" under s. 49 of the Community Charter, or has, without a mitigating factor, pursued or harassed a person, cat or animal, shown aggression such as growling, snarling or lunging, shown potential to attack or injure, or been a continuing threat. A biting dog has bitten a person, animal or cat. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer who has reason to believe a dog fits serves the owner a written notice.\n\n## Owner rules\n\n1. Aggressive dog: a $100 licence, a microchip, a \"Dog on Premises\" sign, confinement at home, and a non-retractable leash of 2 metres or less held by a competent person over 16 off the property. Tell the City within 48 hours if the dog moves or dies.\n2. Biting dog: a biting dog licence, a muzzle off the property and a secure enclosure at home, plus the bylaw's s. 34(b) to (f) rules.\n3. A secure enclosure is at least 2 metres high with a concrete, stone or asphalt floor, wire or steel mesh sides and roof, and a lock.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- You may appeal the notice to Council within 30 days.\n- After at least a year without further complaints and with a force-free training course, the owner of an aggressive dog may apply for relief (s. 40).\n- A bylaw notice for failing to licence, microchip, sign, confine, leash or muzzle such a dog, or to prevent an attack, is $400 ($350 if paid within 14 days; $450 on days 31–60). No compliance agreement is available.\n- Report an aggressive dog or bite to Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150 or 3-1-1. Cruelty to animals goes to the North Peace SPCA.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs.json"}},{"title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fort St. John","question":"How many dogs or cats can I keep?","slug":"how-many-pets","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John you may keep no more than three dogs on a parcel or in a dwelling. The Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on cats. Keeping more than three dogs is a $200 bylaw notice.","aliases":["dog limit fort st john","cat limit fort st john","how many dogs allowed fort st john"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2556, 2021 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw"},{"title":"Animal Control page, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fort St. John dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"backyard-chickens","title":"Fort St. John backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-chickens/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Fort St. John rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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 a parcel or within a dwelling.","short":"Max three dogs","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 16","quotes":["No person may Keep more than three Dogs on a parcel or within a dwelling."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","section":"Regulations","quotes":["maximum of three (3) dogs per household"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"cat_limit":{"label":"Cats allowed","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Fort St. John's Animal Control Bylaw sets no limit on cats.","sources":[]},"other_limits":{"label":"Other animal limits","value":"No fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and similar birds) may be kept in the city. Livestock may be kept only as part of an agricultural use permitted by the Zoning Bylaw. Animals listed in Schedule B (such as exotic mammals, large snakes, venomous animals) are prohibited.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 45, 48, 50","quotes":["No person shall Keep Fowl within the city limits.","No person shall Keep Livestock, unless the keeping is part of an agricultural use of land permitted","No person shall Keep an Animal listed in Schedule “B”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exceptions":{"label":"Exceptions","value":"No kennel, zoning or puppy-age exception is stated. Visitors for up to two consecutive weeks, or 30 days a year, are exempt from Part Two, which includes the three-dog limit (s. 15). RCMP dogs are exempt (s. 72). Animals in vet hospitals, SPCA pounds or school research facilities are not covered (s. 71).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 71","quotes":["in a veterinary hospital under the care of a licensed veterinarian","in a public or BC SPCA pound","not exceeding thirty days in a calendar year;","is exempt from this Part.","Part Two of this Bylaw shall not apply to Dogs owned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: keeping more than three dogs is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31–60). A compliance agreement is available.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Keep more than three dogs","$200.00","$150.00","$250.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","section":"Bylaw Infractions","quotes":["Keep more than 3 dogs","$200"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to include Bylaw 2584, 2023)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw) says no more than three dogs may be kept on a parcel or within a dwelling. It defines \"animal\" so that it excludes domestic cats, and we found no limit on cats in the bylaw, the brochure or the City's Animal Control page. The bylaw states no kennel, zoning or puppy-age exception to the dog limit.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A bylaw notice for keeping more than three dogs is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31–60). A compliance agreement may be available.\n- Visitors for up to two consecutive weeks, or 30 days a year, are exempt from this part of the bylaw. RCMP dogs are exempt.\n- No fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and similar birds) may be kept in the city. Livestock is allowed only as part of an agricultural use permitted by the Zoning Bylaw. Animals listed in Schedule B, such as exotic mammals, large snakes and venomous animals, are prohibited.\n- No limit on other small pets, such as rabbits, caged birds or fish, was found.\n- To ask about a particular situation, such as a kennel or a breeder, call Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/animal-control","title":"Animal Control, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-brochure","title":"Animal Control brochure (revised January 2024) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/how-many-pets/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/how-many-pets.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/how-many-pets.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Not chickens on an ordinary residential lot. Fort St. John's Animal Control Bylaw says no one may keep fowl within the city limits, though the Zoning Bylaw's agriculture rules seem to conflict, so check with the City. Bees are allowed under the Beekeeping Bylaw.","aliases":["chickens fort st john","backyard hens fort st john","beehive fort st john","livestock fort st john","horses fort st john"],"cost":null,"how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2556, 2021 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw"},{"title":"Beekeeping Bylaw 2373, 2017 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/beekeeping-bylaw"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Fort St. John","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Fort St. John dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/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":"No on ordinary residential lots: the Animal Control Bylaw says no person shall keep fowl within the city limits. The Zoning Bylaw does allow agriculture, including a poultry commodity group, on large parcels in the I-2 and I-3 Integration Zones, which seems inconsistent; check with the City.","short":"No on ordinary residential lots","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 3 (\"Fowl\"), 48","quotes":["“FOWL” means any Galliform including, but not limited to, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys","No person shall Keep Fowl within the city limits."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"ss. 28.2, 28.4 (I-2 Zone); 29.4 (I-3 Zone)","quotes":["The following uses and no others are permitted in the I-2 Zone:","Agriculture use is permitted on parcels 4 ha and larger."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The sources read give no coop rules, hen limit or permit.","sources":[]},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":"No. Roosters are fowl and no fowl may be kept in the city.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 48","quotes":["No person shall Keep Fowl within the city limits."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The sources read give no coop rules, hen limit or permit.","sources":[]},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The sources read give no coop rules, hen limit or permit.","sources":[]},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Allowed under the Beekeeping Bylaw. Hives must be in the rear yard, at least 3 m from neighbouring property lines, and either inside a solid 1.8 m fence or at least 2.4 m off the ground. Limit: 2 colonies plus 2 nucleus colonies on a parcel under 1,000 m²; 4 plus 4 on a larger parcel.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/beekeeping-bylaw","title":"Beekeeping Bylaw No. 2373, 2017 (PDF)","section":"ss. 4-5","quotes":["not locate a Beehive within 3 meters of any neighboring property line","solid 1.8 meter high fence","minimum of 2.4 meters off the ground","locate Beehives in the rear yard of the property","two (2) Colonies and two (2) nucleus Colonies","four (4) Colonies and four (4) nucleus Colonies"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Livestock may be kept only as part of an agricultural use of land permitted under the Zoning Bylaw, and is subject to zoning. Ducks, geese and other fowl are banned. Exotic animals listed in Schedule B are prohibited.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 50-51","quotes":["No person shall Keep Livestock, unless the keeping is part of an agricultural use of land permitted","is subject to the","No person shall Keep Fowl within the city limits."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to include Bylaw 2584, 2023); Beekeeping Bylaw No. 2373, 2017","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021”."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/beekeeping-bylaw","title":"Beekeeping Bylaw No. 2373, 2017 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["City of Fort St. John Beekeeping Bylaw No. 2373, 2017"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":3},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Animal Control Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw) says no person shall keep fowl within the city limits, so hens and roosters are not allowed on ordinary residential lots. The [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) does allow agriculture, including a poultry commodity group, on large parcels in the I-2 and I-3 Integration Zones. That seems inconsistent with the fowl ban, so check with the City before buying birds. No coop rules, hen limit or permit exist in the sources.\n\n## Bees\n\nThe [Beekeeping Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/beekeeping-bylaw) allows bees if you:\n- keep hives in the rear yard, at least 3 metres from neighbouring property lines;\n- put the hive inside a solid 1.8-metre fence or at least 2.4 metres off the ground;\n- keep no more than 2 colonies plus 2 nucleus colonies on a parcel under 1,000 square metres, or 4 plus 4 on a larger parcel.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Livestock may be kept only as part of an agricultural use permitted by the Zoning Bylaw, and is subject to zoning. Ducks, geese and other fowl are banned. Exotic animals in Schedule B are prohibited.\n- A bylaw notice for keeping fowl or livestock, or breaking the beekeeping bylaw, is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31–60).\n- Check your lot's zone and any exception with Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/beekeeping-bylaw","title":"Beekeeping Bylaw No. 2373, 2017 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","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 8 facts was matched to the official text; 3 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-chickens.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John RV, boat and trailer parking rules","question":"Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Fort St. John?","slug":"rv-boat-trailer-parking","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, a trailer (including a boat trailer) may be parked on a street only while hitched to a towing vehicle, no vehicle may stay on a street longer than 24 hours unless a sign allows it, and no one may occupy an RV parked on a street. On your own lot, an RV or boat must be at least 2 metres back from the curb or sidewalk.","aliases":["park rv fort st john","boat trailer on street fort st john","camper parking fort st john","trailer parking bylaw fort st john"],"cost":"Bylaw notices: occupying an RV on a street $200 ($100 within 14 days; $300 on days 31–60). Parked over 24 hours $40 ($30 early; $50 late). Trailer without a towing vehicle $40. Parked on a boulevard or sidewalk $40.","how_long":"24 hours maximum on a street, unless a sign allows longer.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150"},{"type":"online","label":"Report a Problem","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/report-problem"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw 2605, 2025 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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":"A vehicle may not be parked on a street for longer than 24 hours unless a sign allows it. A trailer may be parked on a street only while connected to a towing vehicle, and both must have current insurance, registration and plates. No parking on a boulevard or sidewalk, or within 5 m of a hydrant.","short":"24 hours; trailers must be attached","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"ss. 23(h), 23(j), 23(k), 49","quotes":["for longer than 24 hours, unless parking for a longer period is expressly permitted by a","Trailer is connected to a towing vehicle","on a Sidewalk or trail","within 5 m of a fire hydrant"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Parking","quotes":["no more than a consecutive 24-hour time period"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"on_property":{"label":"On your property","value":"Recreational vehicles, boats, campers and utility trailers must be set back at least 2 m from the inside edge of the curb or sidewalk. Parking spaces in residential (R, RM) and P zones must be solely for private non-commercial vehicles.","short":"Must be set back at least 2 m from curb or sidewalk","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 5.2(4)-(5)","quotes":["Recreational vehicles, boats, campers and utility trailers must be setback a minimum of 2","m from the inside edge of the curb or sidewalk","Parking spaces in R, RM, or P zones must be solely for parking of private non-commercial"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"living_in":{"label":"Living in an RV","value":"Not on a street: no one may occupy a recreational vehicle at any time while it is parked on a highway.","short":"No on a street","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"s. 48","quotes":["A Person must not occupy any Recreational Vehicle, at any time, while it is parked on a Highway."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: occupying an RV on a highway $200 ($100 within 14 days; $300 on days 31–60). Parked longer than 24 hours $40 ($30 early; $50 late). Trailer parked without a towing vehicle $40. Parked on a boulevard or sidewalk $40.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Occupying RV on Highway","200.00","100.00","300.00","Parked for longer than 24 hours","Trailer parked without towing","40.00","30.00","50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025; Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC BYLAW NO. 2605, 2025"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version)"]}],"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 [Highway and Traffic Bylaw 2605](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf) treats \"recreational vehicle\" broadly: travel trailers, tent trailers, motorhomes, campers and trailers carrying boats, snowmobiles or ATVs. The [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) covers parking on your own lot.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. On a street, keep a trailer connected to a towing vehicle. Both need current insurance, registration and plates.\n2. Do not occupy an RV parked on a street at any time.\n3. Move any vehicle before 24 hours are up, unless a sign allows longer.\n4. On your lot, set RVs, boats, campers and utility trailers back at least 2 metres from the inside edge of the curb or sidewalk.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No parking on a boulevard or sidewalk, or within 5 metres of a hydrant.\n- Heavy trucks may not park on streets in residential-only zones, which could affect large rigs.\n- Residential and P-zone parking spaces must be for private, non-commercial vehicles.\n- Under the Property Standards Bylaw, dilapidated or dismantled boats and trailers count as refuse and may not be left outdoors, and derelict vehicles are not allowed.\n- No limit on number or size of RVs on a lot, no front-yard ban, and no rule on living in an RV on private land were found. The City's FAQ also mentions a midnight to 8 a.m. ban in certain areas that the bylaw does not show; ask Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/rv-boat-trailer-parking/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","question":"What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Fort St. John?","slug":"noise-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John's Noise Regulation Bylaw 2507 has no single quiet-hours rule. Amplified sound, shouting and banging are deemed disturbing from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., animal noise from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and construction noise is banned before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. A bylaw notice is $100.","aliases":["quiet hours fort st john","noise bylaw fort st john","loud neighbours fort st john","barking dog bylaw fort st john","construction hours fort st john"],"cost":"Bylaw notice $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 on days 31–60). Construction noise outside hours: $100, then $250, then $500 for a third offence (early $75, $200, $400). A municipal ticket is also $100 ($100, $250, $500 for construction).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Also 3-1-1. Office hours are not stated on the City pages we read."},{"type":"online","label":"Report a Problem form","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/report-problem"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw 2507, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fort St. John bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/noise-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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, sound or vibration, in a public place or coming from a property, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of people in the neighbourhood.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"ss. 3-4","quotes":["disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest,","No person shall use or permit such property to be used so that noise, sound or vibration"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"quiet_hours":{"label":"Quiet hours","value":"10 p.m. to 8 a.m.: voice amplification, shouting, banging, and sound from radios, TVs, instruments or other sound equipment that can be heard outside are deemed disturbing. 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.: noise from kept animals (except farm operations, shelters, vet clinics, kennels).","short":"10 p.m. to 8 a.m. (animals 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 5(a)-(c)","quotes":["between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8:00 am, use of a megaphone, microphone","between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8:00 am, noise or sound from a radio","between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am, noise or sounds permitted to be made or caused by any kept or harboured animal"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"construction_hours":{"label":"Construction hours","value":"Construction noise is not permitted before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on any day other than Sunday or a statutory holiday. On a Sunday or statutory holiday it is not permitted if the contractor is receiving profit or financial compensation. The Director of Planning and Engineering may approve work outside these hours.","short":"7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun and holidays not for profit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 6","quotes":["before 7:00 am or after 10:00 pm on any day other than Sunday or a statutory","on a Sunday or statutory holiday if the contractor is receiving profit or financial","Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her alternate may give written"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_limits":{"label":"Other limits","value":"Horns, alarms or warning devices sounding for 3 minutes or more in any 15 minutes are deemed disturbing (unless a real danger or warning signal). A dog that barks or cries in a way that disturbs the neighbourhood is an offence. Exempt: police, fire and ambulance, City and government work, church bells, code-required alarms, and farm operations under the Right to Farm Act.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"ss. 5(d)-(e), 7","quotes":["a dog whose owner permits or causes the dog to cry or bark in a manner which","totaling three (3) minutes or more in any fifteen (15)","police, fire or ambulance service personnel","the use of bells or chimes for announcing of public worship services"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_day":{"label":"Who to call, business hours","value":"City Bylaw Services, 250-787-8150 (or dial 3-1-1), or the City’s Report a Problem form. Complainants must give their name, address and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","section":"Reporting a Bylaw Infraction","quotes":["calling 250-787-8150 or complete the Report a Problem form","Anonymous complaints will not be investigated"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Anonymous complaints","quotes":["must provide their full name, address and phone number"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact_after_hours":{"label":"Who to call, after hours","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"No after-hours noise contact is stated in the published sources.","sources":[]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $100 ($75 within 14 days, $125 on days 31–60). Construction noise outside hours: $100, $250, then $500 for a third offence (early $75/$200/$400). Municipal ticket: $100 ($100/$250/$500 for construction). Two systems, not a conflict; compliance agreement available.","short":"Notice $100 ($75 if paid in 14 days); ticket $100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["$100","$75","$125","First Offence","Second Offence","$250","$500","16.   The amounts appearing in Column 3 of Schedule A of this Bylaw are the fines set","17.   The penalty for a contravention dealt with by bylaw notice in accordance with the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019"]}],"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 [Noise Regulation Bylaw 2507](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw) bans noise, sound or vibration, in a public place or from a property, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment or comfort of people in the neighbourhood. It then names kinds of noise that are deemed disturbing at set hours. It sets no decibel limits.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check the hours below. Noise outside them can still be an offence if it disturbs neighbours.\n2. If it is safe, talk to the neighbour first.\n3. Otherwise report it to Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150 (or 3-1-1) or through the Report a Problem form. Give your name, address and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.: voice amplification, shouting, banging, and sound from radios, TVs, instruments or other sound equipment that can be heard outside.\n- 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.: noise from kept animals (farm operations, shelters, vet clinics and kennels excepted). A dog that barks or cries in a way that disturbs the neighbourhood is an offence at any hour.\n- A horn, alarm or warning device sounding for 3 minutes or more in any 15 minutes is deemed disturbing, unless it signals real danger.\n- Construction noise is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on any day other than Sunday or a statutory holiday. On a Sunday or statutory holiday it is not allowed if the contractor is paid. The Director of Planning and Engineering may approve work outside these hours; the contractor must hand-deliver notice to owners within 100 metres three days before.\n- Exempt: police, fire and ambulance, City and government work, church bells, code-required alarms, and farm operations under the Right to Farm Act.\n- A bylaw notice is $100; a municipal ticket is also $100. The City does not state an after-hours noise line.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/noise-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/noise-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/noise-rules.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John unsightly property rules and how to report","question":"How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Fort St. John?","slug":"unsightly-property","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Report it to Bylaw Services at the City of Fort St. John by calling 250-787-8150 or using the Report a Problem form. The Property Standards Bylaw 2434 covers grass over 20 cm, weeds, litter, junk and derelict vehicles. Most bylaw notices are $200.","aliases":["overgrown lawn fort st john","junk in yard fort st john","unsightly premises fort st john","tall grass bylaw fort st john","derelict vehicle fort st john"],"cost":"Bylaw notices are mostly $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31–60); $300 for a dilapidated or unsafe structure. If the City cleans up, the owner pays its cost plus 15% administration on contractor invoices.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Also 3-1-1."},{"type":"online","label":"Report a Problem form","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/report-problem"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Property Standards Bylaw 2434, 2018 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fort St. John bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/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 allow outdoors on their premises: refuse, derelict vehicles, accumulated yard waste (grass clippings, cuttings, compost piles), weeds or growth that is a fire or health hazard, litter, grass over 20 cm high, or noxious weeds. Also: graffiti, building materials in view without a building permit, a destructive insect infestation, and fences or building exteriors in disrepair. Boulevards must be kept clear and cut.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"ss. 11, 13-14, 16-17, 19, 3 (\"Overgrown\")","quotes":["No owner or occupier of a premise or premises shall allow the following to be","an accumulation of yard waste, including an accumulation of grass","grasses that are more than 20cm in height","The owner or occupier of a parcel abutting a boulevard must maintain the boulevard","No person shall place graffiti on the exterior of any building"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Call Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150 or use the Report a Problem form. Include the property address. Complaints must include your full name, address and phone number; they are kept confidential unless court proceedings require disclosure, and anonymous complaints are not investigated.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","section":"Reporting a Bylaw Infraction","quotes":["calling 250-787-8150 or complete the Report a Problem form","If the concern relates to a private property providing the address is essential"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Anonymous complaints","quotes":["must provide their full name, address and phone number"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"process":{"label":"What happens next","value":"For weeds, tall grass and litter an inspector may issue a written order without prior notice giving at least 7 calendar days. For other problems the inspector gives notice, then may issue a Clean Up Order giving at least 30 days; the owner may ask Council to reconsider. If the order is not met, the City may do the work and recover its cost plus 15% administration on contractor invoices, added to property taxes if unpaid by December 31.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"ss. 20-21, 22-24, 26, 29","quotes":["no less than seven (7) calendar days to fulfill the requirement","Clean Up Order","no less than thirty (30) days to fulfill","administrative costs equal to 15% of the value of all contractor and agent","may be recovered as property taxes in arrears"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: most offences $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 on days 31–60). Dilapidated or unsafe structure $300. Building materials in view, prohibited sales and failure to cut grass have a $100 early amount. A compliance agreement is available for most.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Accumulation of refuse","Failure to cut grass","Dilapidated or unsafe structure","200","150","250"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018"]}],"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 the [Property Standards Bylaw 2434](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw), owners and occupiers in Fort St. John must not allow certain things outdoors on their premises, and boulevards must be kept clear and cut. Bylaw Services investigates complaints.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Note the property address and what you see.\n2. Call 250-787-8150 or use the Report a Problem form. Give your full name, address and phone number; complaints are kept confidential unless court proceedings require disclosure, and anonymous complaints are not investigated.\n3. For weeds, tall grass and litter an inspector may issue a written order without prior notice, giving at least 7 calendar days. For other problems the inspector gives notice, then may issue a Clean Up Order giving at least 30 days; the owner may ask Council to reconsider.\n4. If the order is not met, the City may do the work and recover its cost. Unpaid amounts on December 31 are added to property taxes.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Covered: refuse, derelict vehicles, accumulated yard waste (grass clippings, cuttings, compost piles), weeds or growth that is a fire or health hazard, litter, grass over 20 cm high, noxious weeds, graffiti, building materials in view without a building permit, insect infestations, and fences or building exteriors in disrepair.\n- Items offered for sale more than 14 days in a residential zone are also covered. Garage sales of up to two days, twice a month, are excepted.\n- Items removed by the City may be disposed of after 30 days, sold or auctioned.\n- A compliance agreement is available for most offences.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","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/fort-st-john/unsightly-property/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/unsightly-property.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/unsightly-property.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Fort St. John?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"In Fort St. John, a backyard fire needs no permit if it is in a device made to contain it, no more than 1 metre across, burning only clean dry wood, briquettes or propane, and at least 4.5 metres from all buildings and property lines. Any open burning, such as yard waste, needs a $50 burning permit.","aliases":["fire pit rules fort st john","burning permit fort st john","open burning fort st john","burn yard waste fort st john"],"cost":"Burning permit $50. Municipal ticket $200 for open burning without a permit and similar offences.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall (ask for the Fire Department)","value":"250-787-8150","note":"Burning permits for yard waste are issued by telephone."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks"},{"title":"Fire Prevention Bylaw 2106, 2012 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Fort St. John fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fireworks/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Fort St. John bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/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":"Allowed without a permit if the fire is in a device designed to contain it, no more than 1 metre across, burning only clean dry wood, briquettes or propane, and at least 4.5 m from all buildings and property lines.","short":"Yes, no permit, up to 1 metre across","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"s. 30(6), (8)","quotes":["Permit requirements shall not apply to outdoor cooking fires which includes","not exceeding 1 metre in diameter","minimum of 4.5 meters from all property lines and buildings"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks","title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","section":"Backyard Fires","quotes":["The Fire Pit does not exceed 1 meter in diameter","Fire Pits are not located within 4.5 meters of any building or property line"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"Any open burning needs a burning permit. A permit may be issued by telephone for organic yard waste (garden refuse, pruning, branches) on lots of one acre or more. Fires must be no more than 2 m high and 3 m wide, at least 3 m from combustibles, hand-fed, and attended. No burning of construction materials, pallets, debris or household garbage.","short":"Only with a permit, on lots of one acre or more","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"ss. 29(2), 30(2), 30(4)-(5), 30(7)","quotes":["unless the person first obtains a Burning Permit","on lots that are one (1) acre in size or","greater than two (2.0) metres in height","less than three (3.0) metres from any","construction materials, pallets and debris or household garbage"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks","title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","section":"Burning Permits","quotes":["by telephone for burning organic yard waste such as garden refuse, pruning and wood branches on lots that are one (1) acre in size or greater"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Yes, for open burning (not for small backyard fire pits). It is issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or an officer; the fee is $50.","short":"Yes for open burning, $50","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"ss. 29(2), 30(1), Schedule A","quotes":["Burning Permits may be issued, cancelled or suspended solely at the discretion","Burning Permit","50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"The Fire Chief may impose a general ban on all open burning while atmospheric conditions are poor for smoke to disperse. Cooking fires in City parks are also banned under a general burning ban.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"s. 29(3)-(4)","quotes":["the Fire Chief","may impose a general ban on all Open Burning for the duration of the said","Cooking Fires in any City Park contrary to"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":"Yard waste can go to the City's drop-off days (10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2026 dates posted) or the regional district landfill at 7014 269 Road during business hours. Bylaw s. 3.29 allows grass trimmings and leaves in garbage carts, but s. 3.27(a) bans yard waste in carts; check with the City.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop","title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","section":"Yard Waste Drop-off","quotes":["The City provides a regular Yard Waste Drop-off for city residents during the summer months"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","section":"s. 3.29","quotes":["All yard waste is accepted at the Peace River","Grass trimmings and leaves only will be accepted in garbage carts","yard waste, liquid wastes or sludges, appliances or power tools, batteries,","only will be accepted in garbage carts. All yard waste is accepted at the Peace River"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $200 for open burning without a permit, burning during a general fire ban, a fire that is too large, too close to combustibles, not hand-fed, unattended, or burning prohibited materials.","short":"Ticket $200","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"Schedule H","quotes":["Open burning fire without burning permit","Burning contrary to general fire ban","Fire too large","Fire Unattended","200.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (Part 6, Burning Requirements)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["Fire Prevention Bylaw No. 2106, 2012"]}],"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 [Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw 2106](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw) lets Fort St. John residents have a small fire without a permit. Anything else is open burning and needs a burning permit, issued at the Fire Chief's or an officer's discretion. The fee is $50.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. For a backyard fire, use a device designed to contain fire, no more than 1 metre across.\n2. Keep it at least 4.5 metres from all buildings and property lines.\n3. Burn only clean dry wood, briquettes or propane.\n4. To burn organic yard waste (garden refuse, pruning, branches), phone the City for a permit. Permits by telephone are for lots of one acre or more.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Open burning fires may be no more than 2 metres high and 3 metres wide, at least 3 metres from combustibles, hand-fed, and attended.\n- Never burn construction materials, pallets, debris or household garbage.\n- Permits may also be issued for stumps and land clearing (an air curtain burner is required), hand-fed fires smaller than 3 metres wide, and special events.\n- The Fire Chief may ban all open burning while smoke will not disperse. Neither the bylaw nor the City page says where to check whether a ban is in effect, so ask the Fire Department.\n- In City parks, only a portable propane fire pit is allowed, and cooking fires are banned during a general burning ban.\n- Instead of burning, yard waste can go to the City's drop-off days or the regional district landfill at 7014 269 Road. See the yard waste answer.\n- A municipal ticket is $200 for open burning without a permit, burning during a ban, or a fire that is too large, too close to combustibles, unattended or burning prohibited materials. The bylaw's general fine range is $50 to $10,000.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks","title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/garbage-and-recycling/yard-waste-drop","title":"Yard Waste Drop-off, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","title":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/solid-waste-management-bylaw-no","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/fort-st-john/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-fire.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John fireworks rules","question":"Are fireworks allowed in Fort St. John?","slug":"fireworks","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"No. In Fort St. John no one may give, fire, set off or sell low hazard (consumer) fireworks at any time. The City runs public displays on Canada Day and New Year's Eve. The municipal ticket for setting off fireworks is $100.","aliases":["fireworks bylaw fort st john","set off fireworks fort st john","sparklers fort st john","canada day fireworks fort st john"],"cost":"Municipal ticket $100 for setting off fireworks against the bylaw. The bylaw's general fine range is $50 to $10,000.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-787-8150","note":"To report fireworks being set off, call Bylaw Services. In an emergency call 9-1-1."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks"},{"title":"Fire Prevention Bylaw 2106, 2012 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Fort St. John backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-fire/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/prince-george","name":"Prince George","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/fireworks/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks/"},"facts":{"use":{"label":"Setting off fireworks","value":"No. A person may not give, fire or set off low hazard (consumer) fireworks within the City of Fort St. John at any time. The City runs public displays on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(2)","quotes":["A person may not sell, offer for sale, give, fire or set off low hazard fireworks"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks","title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","section":"Fireworks","quotes":["selling or setting off fireworks aren't allowed within city limits","two public Fireworks displays on Canada Day and New Year"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"sale":{"label":"Selling fireworks","value":"No. A person may not sell, offer for sale or give low hazard fireworks within the City. Wholesale manufacture, storage or possession must follow the Canada Explosives Act.","short":"No (low hazard fireworks)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(1)-(2)","quotes":["A person may not sell, offer for sale, give, fire or set off low hazard fireworks","shall conform to the Canada"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_counts":{"label":"What counts as fireworks","value":"The ban covers \"low hazard fireworks, as defined by the Canada Explosives Act\". The bylaw does not list items such as sparklers or firecrackers.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"s. 31(2)","quotes":["low hazard fireworks, as","defined by the Canada Explosives Act"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw gives residents no permit for fireworks.","sources":[]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $100 for setting off fireworks in contravention of the bylaw.","short":"Ticket $100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"Schedule H","quotes":["Set off fireworks in contravention","31(2)","100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (s. 31)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["Fire Prevention Bylaw No. 2106, 2012"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nSection 31 of the [Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw 2106](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw) says no one may give, fire or set off low hazard fireworks, as defined by the Canada Explosives Act, within the City of Fort St. John. No one may sell, offer for sale or give them either. The bylaw gives residents no permit for fireworks, and does not list items such as sparklers or firecrackers, so ask the Fire Department about a specific product.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The only exception is City displays: the Fire Rescue Department may display fireworks for civic activities. The City runs public displays on Canada Day and New Year's Eve.\n- Wholesale manufacture, storage or possession must follow the Canada Explosives Act.\n- A municipal ticket for setting off fireworks against the bylaw is $100. Selling or giving fireworks has no separate ticket amount; the bylaw's general fine range is $50 to $10,000.\n- To report fireworks, call Bylaw Services at 250-787-8150. If there is a fire or immediate danger, call 9-1-1.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/fire-department/community-fire-safety/outdoor-burning-and-fireworks","title":"Outdoor Burning and Fireworks, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services","title":"Bylaw Services, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fireworks/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fireworks.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/fireworks.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John bylaw fines and how tickets work","question":"What are the common bylaw fines in Fort St. John?","slug":"bylaw-fines","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Fort St. John uses two ticket systems: bylaw notices (Bylaw 2428) and municipal tickets (Bylaw 2429). Each bylaw sets its own amounts, for example $200 for a dog at large and $100 for disturbing noise. Pay within 14 days for the lower early amount.","aliases":["bylaw ticket fine fort st john","dispute bylaw ticket fort st john","parking ticket fort st john","pay bylaw ticket fort st john"],"cost":"Set by each bylaw's schedule. Examples: dog at large or unleashed $200; unlicensed dog $200; disturbing noise $100; most unsightly-property offences $200; parked over 24 hours $40; first water restriction breach $100; open burning without a permit $200; setting off fireworks $100. A lost adjudication hearing adds $25.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"My City Hall (bylaw tickets)","value":"https://mycityhall.fortstjohn.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2428, 2018 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated"},{"title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw 2429, 2018 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/municipal-ticket-information-system-bylaw"},{"title":"Bylaw Services FAQ","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions"}],"related":[{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Fort St. John noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/noise-rules/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Fort St. John unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/bylaw-fines/"}],"topic":{"title":"Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines/"},"facts":{"how_tickets_work":{"label":"How tickets work","value":"Two systems. Bylaw notices (Bylaw No. 2428, 2018) cover animal control, property standards, solid waste, highway and traffic, noise and water restrictions, with early and late amounts in each bylaw's schedule. Municipal tickets (Bylaw No. 2429, 2018) cover the fire bylaw. Bylaw officers, building inspectors and RCMP issue them, depending on the bylaw.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"ss. 4.1, 9.1","quotes":["The bylaws listed in Column 1 of Schedule “A” to this Bylaw may be dealt with by bylaw notice.","are authorized to issue and complete"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/municipal-ticket-information-system-bylaw","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2429, 2018 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1","quotes":["may be enforced by means of a ticket issued under section 264 of the Community"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"ss. 9, 14, 17","quotes":["14.   A bylaw enforcement officer, a building inspector, or a RCMP officer is designated as","17.   The penalty for a contravention dealt with by bylaw notice in accordance with the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"example_fines":{"label":"Common fines","value":"Dog at large or unleashed $200; unlicensed dog $200; noise that disturbs $100; most unsightly-property offences $200; parked over 24 hours $40; water restriction breach $100 (first); open burning without permit $200; setting off fireworks $100. Each bylaw sets its own amounts.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Keep more than three dogs 20 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes Dog at large 21 (a) $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 No Fail to prevent attack 21 (b) $400.00 $350.00 $450.00 No","a) an Animal unlawfully At Large on a highway or in a public place; b) an Unlicensed Dog; c) an Animal straying or trespassing on private property;"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["3 $100 $75 $125 Disturbs - Public YES Property Noise, Sound or Vibration Which 4 $100 $75 $125 Disturbs - Private YES","Property Noise, Sound or Vibration Which 4 $100 $75 $125 Disturbs - Private YES Property Amplified Sound"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["16 Destructive insect infestation 200 150 250 Yes 17(a) Accumulation of refuse 200 150 250 Yes 17(b) Derelict vehicle or parts in view 200 150 250 Yes"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Parked for longer than 24 hours","40.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Violate water restrictions in the City within","1st Violation - $ 100.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","section":"Schedule H","quotes":["Open burning fire without burning permit","Set off fireworks in contravention","100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"early_payment":{"label":"Paying early","value":"Pay within 14 days of receiving the bylaw notice to pay the reduced early-payment amount in the bylaw’s schedule (for example $150 instead of $200 for a dog at large).","short":"Lower amount if paid in 14 days (e.g. $150 vs $200)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 5.1","quotes":["within 14 days of the date on which the person received or is","Column A5 (Early Payment)"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"s. 70(b)","quotes":["The early payment penalty set out in column 4 of Schedule “C” applies if payment is received by the City within 14 days"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"late_payment":{"label":"Paying late","value":"A higher late amount applies if payment is received more than 31 days after the notice is received (for example $250 instead of $200 for a dog at large). After 60 days the notice goes to collections.","short":"Higher amount after 31 days (e.g. $250 vs $200)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","section":"ss. 70(c), Schedule C","quotes":["The late payment penalty set out in Column 5 of Schedule “C” applies if payment is received more than 31 days","(31 - 60 Days","Collections 60+)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dispute":{"label":"Disputing a ticket","value":"Within 14 days, return the dispute part of the bylaw notice in person during office hours or by mail to City Hall, 10631 100 Street, to dispute it. A screening officer can explain the notice and may offer a compliance agreement (50% penalty reduction, up to one year) for eligible offences. A person who loses an adjudication hearing pays an extra $25. For parking tickets, bring the ticket to City Hall and fill out a dispute form within 14 days.","short":"Within 14 days; extra $25 if you lose","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"ss. 5.1(b), 6.2, 6.3, 8.2-8.3","quotes":["Request dispute adjudication by filling in the appropriate portion of the bylaw notice","additional fee of $25.00","The maximum duration of a compliance agreement is one year"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","section":"Parking ticket","quotes":["You have 14 days to dispute the ticket from the date of issue"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018; Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2429, 2018 (amounts are in each bylaw’s own schedule)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/municipal-ticket-information-system-bylaw","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2429, 2018 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2429,"]}],"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\nFort St. John has two ticket systems. Bylaw notices ([Bylaw 2428](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated)) cover animal control, property standards, solid waste, highway and traffic, noise and water restrictions. Municipal tickets ([Bylaw 2429](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/municipal-ticket-information-system-bylaw)) cover the fire bylaw. Bylaw officers, building inspectors and RCMP issue them, depending on the bylaw. Each bylaw's own schedule lists the amount, so there is no single fine list.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Read the notice for the offence and amount.\n2. Pay within 14 days of receiving it to get the reduced early amount in the bylaw's schedule (for example $150 instead of $200 for a dog at large).\n3. To dispute, within 14 days return the dispute part of the notice in person during office hours, or by mail, to City Hall at 10631 100 Street. For a parking ticket, bring it to City Hall and fill out a dispute form within 14 days.\n4. A screening officer can explain the notice and may offer a compliance agreement (a 50% penalty reduction, up to one year) for eligible offences.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A higher late amount applies if payment is received more than 31 days after the notice (for example $250 instead of $200 for a dog at large). After 60 days the notice goes to collections. Bylaw 2428 describes the late step slightly differently (30 days), so confirm on your notice.\n- A person who loses an adjudication hearing pays an extra $25.\n- Examples: dog at large or unleashed $200; unlicensed dog $200; disturbing noise $100; most unsightly-property offences $200; parked over 24 hours $40; first water restriction breach $100; open burning without a permit $200; setting off fireworks $100.\n- City Hall can tell you how to pay; the sources we read do not list payment methods.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-services/bylaw-services-frequently-asked-questions","title":"Bylaw Services Frequently Asked Questions, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2428, 2018 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/municipal-ticket-information-system-bylaw","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2429, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/animal-control-bylaw","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2556, 2021 (consolidated to Bylaw 2584, 2023) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/noise-regulation-bylaw","title":"Noise Regulation Bylaw No. 2507, 2019 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/property-standards-bylaw","title":"Property Standards Bylaw No. 2434, 2018 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/highway-and-traffic-bylaw-no-2605-2025pdf","title":"Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 2605, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/water-regulation-bylaw","title":"Water Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, 2019 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/fire-prevention-bylaw","title":"Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw No. 2106, 2012 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/bylaw-fines.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Fort St. John, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Every business operating in the City of Fort St. John needs a valid City business licence, with a separate licence for each premises. Apply online, by email to businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca, in person at Development Services, or through BCeID or BizPal. A regular licence is $150.","aliases":["fort st john business licence","start a business fort st john","apply for business licence fort st john","business license fort st john"],"cost":"Regular $150; home occupation $125; mobile vendor $125; secondary suite $75; temporary (28 days) $75; name change or reprint $25; registered non-profit no cost. Inter-community licence $130 extra.","how_long":"The City's pages do not state a processing time. It may send your application to Planning, Building, the Fire Department or Northern Health.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Business licence application form","value":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business/business-licence-application-form"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licences","value":"businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Development Services","value":"10648 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z6"},{"type":"phone","label":"City of Fort St. John","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Types of Business Licences","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences"},{"title":"Business Licence Application Process","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2563, 2021 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw"},{"title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2371, 2017 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/inter-community-business-licence-bylaw"},{"title":"Changes to Your Business Licence","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/changes-your"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Fort St. John home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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":"All businesses operating within the City need a valid business licence (or an Inter-Community Business Licence). Separate licence for each premises. Registered non-profits pay nothing. A stall holder in a licensed market does not need one, except when selling tobacco, cannabis or liquor.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.1, 5.2, 5.9","quotes":["No person shall carry on a business for which a licence is required by this Bylaw within","Every person who carries on a business from more than one premises in the City shall","A business licence is not required of any person who rents a stall,"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","section":"Who Needs a Business Licence","quotes":["All businesses operating within the City of Fort St. John are required to have a valid business licence or a valid inter-community business licence."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Regular business licence $150; home occupation (business or office) $125; mobile vendor $125; secondary suite $75; temporary licence (28 days) $75; name change or reprint $25; registered non-profit no cost. Applications from April 1, July 1 and October 1 get 25%, 50% and 75% off.","short":"$150 (home occupation $125)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, Table 1.0","quotes":["Regular Business Licence  $150.00","Home Occupations – Business and Office  $125.00","Secondary Suite  $75.00","Temporary Licence (28 Days)  $75.00","Registered Non-Profit  NO COST","April 1  25% Reduction"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process","title":"Business Licence Application Process, City of Fort St. John","section":"Business License Fees","quotes":["Regular Commercial Business Licence: $150.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply with the online form, by email to businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca, in person at Development Services, or through BCeID or BizPal. The City reviews it and may send it to Planning, Building, Fire Department or Northern Health. Approval needs the application, fees, any other agency approvals, inspections, and a declaration that the use meets zoning.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process","title":"Business Licence Application Process, City of Fort St. John","section":"Steps 2-3","quotes":["Completing the online form","Submitting via email to businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca","Submitting through BCeID","Planning - Building - Fire Department - Northern Health Authority"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.1","quotes":["The applicant’s declaration of compliance of land use/business activities with"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed before December 31. An expired licence not renewed by January 31 is terminated on February 1 and a new application is needed. A licence issued after January 1 lasts to December 31 of that year.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.3, 6.7, 6.8","quotes":["The business licence period shall be one (1) year to commence on the 1st day of January and to terminate on","prior to the expiry of the","business licence on December 31st of that year.","renewed as required by January 31st of the renewal","year, the business licence shall then be terminated on February 1st"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. $130, in addition to a regular City licence, for businesses that travel client to client. Bylaw 2371 (2017) lists Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Pouce Coupe and Northern Rockies; the City's web page omits Northern Rockies. Excludes taxis, mobile food vendors, door-to-door sales.","short":"Yes, $130 (mobile businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/inter-community-business-licence-bylaw","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2371, 2017 (PDF)","section":"s. 4 and definitions","quotes":["The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $130 and shall be paid in full at the time","City of Dawson Creek","Northern Rockies Regional Municipality","Mobile food vendors, flea markets, trade shows or other similar Businesses.","Door to door sale persons/businesses."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","section":"Inter-community Business Licence","quotes":["This inter-community business licence is to be purchased IN ADDITION to a regular Fort St. John business licence"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The bylaw lists eight participating governments including Fort St. John and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality; the City's web page lists six others and omits the Northern Rockies. Bylaw followed."},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating a business without a licence: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Not posting the licence: $100 ($50 early; $150 late).","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B, Table 3.0","quotes":["Days) (1-14 Days) (31-60 Days (50% of Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not","Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not 5.10 $100.00 $50.00 $150.00 Yes","5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not 5.10 $100.00 $50.00 $150.00 Yes Posted","Business Licence not 5.10 $100.00 $50.00 $150.00 Yes Posted Failure to provide 6.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 8.8","quotes":["shall result in liability for penalties in amounts set out in"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “City of Fort St. John Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Business Licence Bylaw 2563, 2021](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw) requires a valid licence (or an Inter-Community Business Licence) for every business operating within the City: any commercial or industrial activity for gain or profit, other than government. Bed and breakfasts, home occupations, secondary suites and direct sales also need one. Registered non-profits pay nothing. A stall holder in a licensed market does not need one, except when selling tobacco, cannabis or liquor.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Before buying property or signing a lease, ask Development Services whether your use is permitted.\n2. Apply with the online form, by email to businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca, in person at Development Services, or through BCeID or BizPal.\n3. The City reviews it and may send it to Planning, Building, the Fire Department or Northern Health. Approval needs the application, fees, any other agency approvals, inspections, and a declaration that the use meets zoning.\n4. Pay: in person (no cash), by debit, credit card (3.5% processing fee), cheque or online banking.\n5. Renew before December 31. Applications from April 1, July 1 and October 1 get 25%, 50% and 75% off.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Licences run January 1 to December 31. An expired licence not renewed by January 31 is terminated on February 1, and you need a new application. A licence issued after January 1 lasts to December 31 of that year.\n- Licences are non-transferable and fees non-refundable. Changes need 30 days' written notice. The licence must be posted in a visible location.\n- An inter-community licence ($130, in addition to a regular City licence) is for businesses that travel client to client. It excludes taxis, mobile food vendors and door-to-door sales. Bylaw 2371 lists Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Pouce Coupe and the Northern Rockies; the City's web page omits the Northern Rockies, so confirm.\n- Operating without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Not posting the licence is $100 ($50 early; $150 late).\n- The City's web page also says unlicensed businesses face a 10 per cent fee increase for each month. That is not in the bylaw, so ask the City.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/business-licence-application-process","title":"Business Licence Application Process, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences/changes-your","title":"Changes to Your Business Licence, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/inter-community-business-licence-bylaw","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2371, 2017 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John home-based business rules","question":"Can I run a business from my home?","slug":"home-based-business","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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 Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in Fort St. John where your zone lists a home occupation. You need a City business licence ($125) and must follow Zoning Bylaw s. 4.22. A home business may use up to 25% of the floor area (90 m² at most); a home office is limited to 25 m² with no customers or employees.","aliases":["home occupation fort st john","home based business licence","work from home business rules"],"cost":"$125 for a home occupation business licence (business or office).","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Business licences","value":"businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Development Services","value":"10648 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z6"},{"type":"phone","label":"City of Fort St. John","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Home Occupations - Business (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/home-occupations-business"},{"title":"Home Occupations - Office (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/home-occupations-office"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019, section 4.22 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Fort St. John business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fort St. John secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/home-based-business/"}],"topic":{"title":"Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"Yes, as an accessory use where the zone lists it. 'Home Occupation - Business' is listed in A-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4A, I-1, I-2 and CD-01 sub-zone C; 'Home Occupation - Office' is also listed in RM-1 to RM-4. Not allowed in a dwelling that does not comply with municipal bylaws.","short":"Yes, where the zone lists it","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.1","quotes":["Where permitted, a standard home occupation is subject to the following regulations:","Home Occupation – Business","Home Occupation – Office"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 8.2 (R-1)","quotes":["4.22 Home Occupations 4.22.2 Home Occupation - Business 1. Where permitted, a home occupation - business is subject to the following regulations:","2022 a. Accessory Building b. Home Occupation - Office 16.3 Regulations On a parcel located in an area zoned RM-3, no building or structure shall be constructed, located"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.1(g)","quotes":["No home occupation is permitted within a dwelling that does not comply with municipal bylaws unless"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes. A home occupation operator must hold a valid City business licence. Fee: $125 (Home Occupations – Business and Office).","short":"Yes: $125","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.1(a)","quotes":["All operators of a home occupation must obtain and hold a valid and existing business"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Home Occupations – Business and Office  $125.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","section":"Business Licences page","quotes":["A home occupations business licence is required for all businesses that operate within a residence within the City."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Home business: at most 1 non-resident employee, operator must live there, up to 25% of floor area or 90 m² (whichever is less), up to 20 customer visits a day, one vehicle up to 3 tonnes, one extra off-street parking space, no exterior evidence except a permitted sign. Home office: no customer visits, no employees, 25 m² maximum, no signs.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.2","quotes":["must employ no more than one person","Occupy more than 25% of the floor area of the dwelling or 90.0 m², whichever","Operate in a manner that generates more than 20 customer visits a day;","must include one (1) additional off-street parking","vehicle not exceeding three (3) tonnes gross vehicle"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.3","quotes":["Occupy more than 25.0 m² of floor area of the dwelling unit;","Permit any customer visits to the home occupation – office;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_allowed":{"label":"Businesses not allowed","value":"Any use permitted in an industrial zone. A home business may not sell retail from the premises except incidental products, mail order, phone or internet sales, or direct distributorships where customers do not come in. A secondary suite resident may run only an office, not a home business.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.1(b)","quotes":["A home occupation may not include any use that is permitted in an industrial zone"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.2(h)","quotes":["Retail sales are not permitted in a home occupation – business except for:"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22.1(g)","quotes":["A resident of a secondary suite may not conduct a home occupation within the secondary"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (s. 4.22); Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (s. 7.5)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","section":"s. 4.22","quotes":["Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (Consolidated Version) 4.0 General Regulations 4.22 Home Occupations (continued) 4.22.2 Home Occupations - Business This"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.5","quotes":["Home Occupation – Business and Office"]}],"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 2470, 2019](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) (s. 4.22), a home occupation is an accessory use where the zone lists it. \"Home Occupation – Business\" is listed in A-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4A, I-1, I-2 and CD-01 sub-zone C. \"Home Occupation – Office\" is also listed in RM-1 to RM-4. It is not allowed in a dwelling that does not comply with municipal bylaws. A home can have at most two home occupations, and only one may be a home business. A bed and breakfast counts as a Home Occupation – Business.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone's use list, or ask Development Services, to confirm your address allows it.\n2. Get a City business licence for a home occupation ($125). Prorated discounts of 25%, 50% and 75% apply to applications from April 1, July 1 and October 1.\n3. Follow the rules for your type (below).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Home business: the operator must live there; at most 1 non-resident employee; up to 25% of floor area or 90 m², whichever is less; up to 20 customer visits a day; one vehicle up to 3 tonnes; one extra off-street parking space; no outside sign of the business except a permitted sign.\n- Home office: no customer visits, no employees, 25 m² maximum, no signs.\n- Retail is limited to incidental products, mail order, phone or internet sales, or direct distributorships where customers do not come in. No direct sales from display shelves.\n- No hazardous conditions, offensive noise, odour or interference. An office may not have outdoor storage.\n- Any use permitted in an industrial zone is not allowed as a home occupation.\n- A secondary suite resident may run only an office, not a home business.\n- Failing to license a home occupation under the Zoning Bylaw is a $100 per offence per day fine.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF), section 4.22 Home Occupations","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business.json"}},{"title":"Fort St. John short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Fort St. John?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","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":"Fort St. John is exempt from the Province's principal-residence requirement, but hosts must still register with the Province. The Zoning Bylaw never names short-term rentals; it bans \"commercial temporary accommodation\" in residential zones, which probably covers them (our inference). Ask the City before you list.","aliases":["airbnb fort st john","vrbo fort st john","short term rental bylaw fort st john","bed and breakfast fort st john","rent a room fort st john"],"cost":"Provincial registration is $100 a year for a host's principal residence and $450 for a secondary unit on the property. A bed and breakfast pays a City business licence fee; see below.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Provincial short-term rental registry","value":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licences","value":"businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services (zoning)","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Short-term rentals, Province of B.C.","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals"},{"title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Fort St. John home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Fort St. John business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fort St. John secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/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":"The provincial principal residence requirement does not apply in Fort St. John (Province lists it as exempt). Zoning prohibits 'commercial temporary accommodation' (stays of 30 days or less) in residential zones (s. 4.2.6); it does not name short-term rentals. Owner-occupied bed and breakfasts are allowed where a zone lists them.","short":"No in residential zones (30 days or less); B&B allowed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"Overview","quotes":["B.C. has a provincial principal residence requirement in some areas of the province which limits short-term rentals to:","Plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property","Fort St. John","Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.2.6","quotes":["Commercial temporary accommodation is prohibited in residential zones."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 3.0 definition","quotes":["COMMERCIAL TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION means accommodation for the travelling public for a period","not exceeding 30 continuous days or 30 days in a calendar year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"A bed and breakfast must hold a valid City business licence (Business Licence Bylaw s. 7.1). The fee schedule has no B&B line: regular $150, home occupation (business) $125; the bylaw does not say which applies to a B&B.","short":"Yes; $150 regular or $125 home occupation","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["Bed and Breakfasts shall be permitted in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw and all","persons operating a Bed and Breakfast must comply with the regulations in the Zoning","must obtain and hold a valid and subsisting business licence."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Table 1.0 Licence Type Fees Regular Business Licence $150.00 Home Occupations - Business and Office $125.00 Mobile Vendor $125.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 3.0 definition of Home Occupation - Business","quotes":["occupation – business includes a bed"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. Hosts offering stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days must register with the Province and renew each year. Fee $100 a year for the host's principal residence, $450 for a secondary unit on the property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia","section":"Registration overview","quotes":["Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees.","you must renew it each year to continue operating."]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"Registration fees","quotes":["Fee: $100 annually","Fee: $450 annually","Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days, regardless of whether a local business licence is required."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"Bed and breakfast rules (Zoning s. 4.23): owner must occupy the single-detached dwelling, up to 3 guest rooms, one extra off-street parking space per guest bedroom, no guest stay over 30 consecutive days, and a City business licence.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.23.1","quotes":["The principal single-detached dwelling unit on the parcel containing the bed and","The maximum of three (3) guest rooms shall be permitted in a bed and breakfast;","One additional off-street parking space must be provided for each bedroom used for","The maximum length of stay for any guest may not exceed 30 consecutive days."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating a business without a licence: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Zoning Schedule B lists 'Unlawful land use' (includes s. 4.2) at $100 per offence per day; it has no row for the s. 4.23 bed and breakfast rules.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Days) (1-14 Days) (31-60 Days (50% of Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not","Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not 5.10 $100.00 $50.00 $150.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["14.2, 15.2, 16.2, 17.2, 18.2, 19.2, 20.2, Unlawful land use 21.2, 22.2, 23.2, 24.2, 25.2, 26.2, 27.2, $100.00/offence/day 28.2, 29.2, 30.7.2, 30.8.2, 30.9.2,","infringement 4.2, 7.2, 8.2, 9.2, 10.2, 11.2, 12.2, 13.2, 14.2, 15.2, 16.2, 17.2, 18.2, 19.2, 20.2,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (s. 4.2 and 4.23); Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (s. 7.1); Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (B.C.)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.23","quotes":["4.23 Bed and Breakfasts"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["SECTION 7 - SPECIAL BUSINESS LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Bed and Breakfast 7.1 Bed and Breakfasts shall be permitted in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw and all","CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN BYLAW NO. 2563, 2021 BUSINESS LICENCE 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\nThree layers apply. The Province's principal residence requirement does not apply in Fort St. John, because the Province lists it as exempt. The Province still requires registration for stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days. The City's [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) prohibits \"commercial temporary accommodation\" (stays of 30 days or less) in residential zones (s. 4.2.6). It does not name short-term rentals, so applying that ban to them is our inference; ask Development Services (250-787-8150) whether it covers yours.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Ask Development Services whether your zone and your type of rental are allowed.\n2. If you plan an owner-occupied bed and breakfast, check that your zone lists it, and apply for a City business licence.\n3. Register with the Province's short-term rental registry and renew each year.\n4. Keep your City business licence posted in a visible location.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Provincial registration is required of hosts offering stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days. The fee is $100 a year for the host's principal residence and $450 for a secondary unit on the property. Without it, listings are removed and bookings cancelled.\n- A bed and breakfast is a Home Occupation – Business under the Zoning Bylaw ($125 licence). The [Business Licence Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw) (s. 7.1) requires a licence, but its fee schedule has no B&B line (regular $150, home occupation $125).\n- Bed and breakfast rules (Zoning s. 4.23): the owner must live in the single-detached dwelling, up to 3 guest rooms, one extra off-street parking space per guest bedroom, and no guest stay over 30 consecutive days.\n- Operating without a business licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). The Zoning Bylaw lists \"unlawful land use\" at $100 per offence per day. No fine specific to short-term rentals was found.\n- The City's pages do not say whether a licence number must be posted in a listing, or whether a local contact is needed.\n- The Province's exempt list can change; check its page.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits (Planning and Engineering phone), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental.json"}}]}