# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Highlands --- title: "Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply" question: "Do I need a building permit in Highlands, and how do I apply?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.json" --- # Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a building permit in Highlands, and how do I apply? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands you need a building permit to construct, repair, alter or move a building or structure. Buildings of 10 m² or less in building area and minor non-structural repairs do not need one. Apply online through the provincial Building Permit Hub. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** A plan-processing fee of $50 (construction value under $50,000) or $250 (over $50,000) is paid with the application. The permit fee itself is set by a schedule we could not read. See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The District's pages and bylaw do not state a review time. An application is cancelled if the permit is not issued and paid for within 180 days of notice that it is ready. **Where:** - Online: Building Permit Hub (provincial portal, BCeID needed), https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections (The District's page links to the Hub for the District of Highlands.) - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 (The pages read do not state counter hours.) - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca ## Key facts - **Needed for:** A building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, and before moving one. Separate permits for plumbing, for a masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance (unless covered by a building permit), and for demolition. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.2 and 3.3.7](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;" … "a plumbing permit prior to commencing the installation of any plumbing;" … "a demolition permit prior to demolishing a building or structure." … "A building permit is required for the relocation of a building or structure on the property to which it is to be moved." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Not needed for:** No permit for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts of a building, for repairing or replacing a valve, faucet, fixture or service water heater, or for a building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of a building;" … "if a building or structure does not exceed 10 square meters in building area." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** Online through the Building Permit Hub (provincial portal, BCeID needed). The District's Building Permit Application and Checklist are also posted. Only complete applications are accepted. - Source: [Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) - Official wording: "Use the Building Permit Hub to submit your application online." … "Only complete applications which all required documents will be accepted." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What to submit:** Application form (Appendix A) with a title search (the form says last 30 days; Bylaw 192 s. 3.3.6(b) says within 14 days), driveway access permit evidence, sewage disposal filing or ROWP letter, potable water source, Owner's Undertaking (Appendix M), site plan, floor plans, drawings. - Source: [Building Permit Application and Checklist, Appendix A form, items 1 to 6](https://www.highlands.ca/media/489) - Official wording: "Copy of a recent (last 30 days) CERTIFICATE OF TITLE" … "Evidence of Driveway Access Permit application and location obtained from the District of Highlands" … "Sewage Disposal filing from Health Authority or letter from Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP)." … "Source of potable water indicated on plans." … "Owner’s Undertaking (Appendix M)." - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.3.6](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "include two copies of specifications and two sets of drawings" … "include a copy of a title search made within 14 days of the date of the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The official pages do not state this detail. - **Inspections:** Book by calling 250-474-1773 or emailing info@highlands.ca. 24 hours' notice is required. A final inspection is required before an occupancy permit. - Source: [Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) - Official wording: "To book an inspection, contact 250-474-1773 or email info@highlands.ca. Inspections require 24-hour notice." … "A final inspection is required upon completion of a project and before an occupancy permit can be issued." - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 4.5.4](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "shall obtain an inspection and receive a Building Official's acceptance prior to concealing any aspect of the following work:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer Chris Leek, 250-474-1773, cleek@highlands.ca. General: info@highlands.ca. - Source: [Staff Directory](https://www.highlands.ca/staff-directory) - Official wording: "Chris Leek" … "Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer" … "250-474-1773" … "cleek@highlands.ca" - Source: [Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) - Official wording: "To book an inspection, contact 250-474-1773 or email info@highlands.ca." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, Title page and Part 1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003" … "It includes amendments up to July 15, 2024" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands requires a permit under its [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420). You need a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, and before moving one. Plumbing and demolition have their own permits, and so does a masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance unless a building permit covers it. You do not need a permit for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts, for repairing or replacing a valve, faucet, fixture or water heater, or for a building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area. A permit-free structure must still meet the Zoning Bylaw. ## Steps 1. Check your zoning and any development permit area rules first (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. Gather the documents listed above. Only complete applications are accepted. 3. Apply online through the Building Permit Hub (you need a BCeID). 4. Pay the plan-processing fee with the application, and the permit fee before the permit is issued. 5. Book inspections at each stage by calling 250-474-1773 or emailing info@highlands.ca. Inspections need 24 hours' notice, and a final inspection is required before an occupancy permit. ## Good to know - Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC. Septic and drinking water approvals come from Island Health. - The bylaw says you must get an inspection and acceptance before concealing certain work, such as footings, drain tile, framing and insulation. - The District's page does not state how long a review takes. Ask the Building Official. - The posted bylaw is a consolidation through July 15, 2024, and the District says it may not include the latest amendment. ## What you'll need - Application form (Appendix A) and Owner's Undertaking (Appendix M) - Recent title search - Evidence of a Driveway Access Permit application from the District - Sewage disposal filing from the Health Authority or a letter from a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner - Source of potable water shown on the plans - Site plan, floor plans and drawings ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permits & Inspections, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) - [Building Permit Application and Checklist (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/489) - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees.md) - [Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/building-permit.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/building-permit.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/building-permit.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permits & Inspections, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application and Checklist (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/489) (read 2026-11-08) - [Staff Directory, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/staff-directory) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit/_ --- --- title: "Highlands fence rules: permits and height limits" question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence in Highlands, and how high can it be?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules.json" --- # Highlands fence rules: permits and height limits **Question:** Do I need a permit to build a fence in Highlands, and how high can it be? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands, the Zoning Bylaw limits a fence to 2.5 m within 10 m of any lot line, and 5 m where it is farther than that from every lot line. The bylaw and the building bylaw do not say whether a fence needs a permit, so ask the Building Official. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** The District's bylaws set no fence permit fee. **How long:** Not stated. The bylaws set no fence permit. **Where:** - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **Permit:** Not confirmed. The Zoning Bylaw and Building Regulation Bylaw do not say whether a fence needs a permit. - **Height, front yard:** No separate front-yard limit. Zoning s. 3.2(2): 2.5 m within 10 m of any lot line; 5 m where the fence is not within 10 m of any lot line. In the M1 and M2 industrial zones no fence or wall may exceed 2.4 m. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.2(2)(a), (b)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "A fence may be sited, placed or constructed on any part of a lot, and" … "shall not exceed a height of 2.5 metres where the fence is within 10 metres of any lot line," … "shall not exceed a height of 5 metres when the fence is not within 10 metres of any lot line," … "No fence or wall shall exceed a height of 2.4 meters (8 feet)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Height, side and rear yards:** Same rule for all yards: 2.5 m within 10 m of any lot line; 5 m where the fence is not within 10 m of any lot line. In the M1 and M2 industrial zones no fence or wall may exceed 2.4 m. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.2(2)(a), (b)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "A fence may be sited, placed or constructed on any part of a lot, and" … "shall not exceed a height of 2.5 metres where the fence is within 10 metres of any lot line," … "shall not exceed a height of 5 metres when the fence is not within 10 metres of any lot line," … "No fence or wall shall exceed a height of 2.4 meters (8 feet)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** No corner-lot rule in the general fence section (s. 3.2). In the M1 and M2 industrial zones only: on a corner lot nothing may be placed or grow so as to impede vision between 0.75 m and 3.0 m above street centreline grades within a 10 m triangle at the intersection. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, M1 s. 11.1.5 (j), Visibility at Intersecting Streets](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "On a corner lot nothing shall be placed or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other rules:** Height is measured from natural ground level before the fence or any land alteration. A fence excludes a retaining wall. A pool must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.5 m high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Over-height fence: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28); municipal ticket $200. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.2(2), s. 1 and s. 3.4(3)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "measured from the natural ground level of the land prior to the siting, placement or construction of" … "does not include a retaining wall." … "a fence shall be no less than 1.5m (4.9 ft) above grade and have a self-closing gate" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, Schedule A, Appendix 10](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Exceed allowed fence height 3.2(2)(a-b) $200.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Exceed allowed fence height 3.2(2)(a-b) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.2(2) (fences) and s. 3.4(3) (pool fences) - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" … "Consolidated to June 15, 2026" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Fence rules are in section 3.2 of the [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622). The bylaw does not separate front, side and rear yards. One rule applies everywhere on the lot: a fence may be up to 2.5 m high within 10 m of any lot line, and up to 5 m high where it is not within 10 m of any lot line. In the M1 and M2 industrial zones no fence or wall may exceed 2.4 m. Height is measured from the natural ground level before the fence or any land alteration. The Zoning Bylaw and Building Regulation Bylaw 192 do not say that a fence needs, or does not need, a permit. Ask the Building Official before you build. ## Steps 1. Call or email the Building Official to confirm whether your fence needs a permit. 2. Keep the fence within the height limit above, measured from natural ground. 3. If you have a pool, enclose it as described below. ## Good to know - A fence does not include a retaining wall. - A pool must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.5 m high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. - There is no corner-lot rule in the general fence section. Only in the M1 and M2 industrial zones, on a corner lot, nothing may be placed or grow so as to block vision between 0.75 m and 3.0 m above street centreline grades within a 10 m triangle at the intersection. - A fence over the height limit can bring a bylaw notice of $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days, $240 after 28 days). A municipal ticket is $200. - The bylaws read do not mention barbed wire or electric fences. ## Official forms and pages - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) - [Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/fence-rules.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/fence-rules.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/fence-rules.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fence-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/fence-rules.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Highlands? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands a building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area does not need a building permit, and a larger one does. The bylaw has no separate rule for decks, garages or carports. Zoning limits apply either way. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The District does not state a review time. **Where:** - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **Sheds:** A building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area does not need a building permit. A larger shed or accessory building does (a permit is needed before constructing a building or structure). - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.2(a) and 3.1.3(c)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;" … "if a building or structure does not exceed 10 square meters in building area." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Decks:** None set. The District's Building Regulation Bylaw has no separate rule for decks. - **Garages and carports:** No separate rule. The general rules apply: a permit is needed to build a building or structure, unless it is 10 m² or less in building area. Garages and carports are valued for the permit fee in Appendix L. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.2(a) and 3.1.3(c)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;" … "if a building or structure does not exceed 10 square meters in building area." - Source: [Construction Values, Appendix L](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Construction%20Values_201306040901063981.pdf) - Official wording: "Garages and or Workshops" … "Carports, Barns or Sheds" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Zoning limits:** Varies by zone. Example, RR1: accessory building height up to 6 m; 7.5 m from the front lot line (and from a side lot line on a road), 3 m from other side lot lines, 10 m from the rear; total accessory floor area up to 325 m², no single building over 200 m². - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 6.1.3 (RR1) and s. 3.4(1)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "The height of an accessory building or structure shall not exceed 6 metres." … "No building or structure shall be sited within 7.5 metres of a front lot line." … "No building or structure shall be sited within 3 metres of a side lot line." … "No building or structure shall be sited within 10 metres of a rear lot line." … "total floor area of all accessory buildings on a lot shall not exceed 325 square metres and no" … "No accessory building or structure shall be sited, placed or constructed on a lot unless:" … "No building or structure shall be sited within 7.5 metres of a side lot line that abuts a highway." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (permits); Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (zoning limits) - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, Part 1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003" - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the District's [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420), a permit is needed before constructing a building or structure, except one of 10 m² or less in building area. That means a shed or other accessory building of 10 m² or less does not need a building permit, and a larger one does. The bylaw has no separate rule for decks, garages or carports, so the same 10 m² rule applies to them. Garages and carports are valued for the permit fee in Appendix L of the bylaw. Zoning rules apply whether or not you need a permit. They vary by zone. For example, in the RR1 zone an accessory building may be up to 6 m high, 7.5 m from the front lot line (and from a side lot line on a road), 3 m from other side lot lines and 10 m from the rear. Total accessory floor area is up to 325 m², with no single building over 200 m². Other zones have their own numbers. ## Steps 1. Find your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer) and read its accessory building rules in the [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622). 2. Measure the building area of your project. If it is over 10 m², apply for a building permit (see the building-permit answer). 3. If you are unsure, call or email the Building Official. ## Good to know - Buildings and structures must also stay 30 m from the sea, lakes, ponds, wetlands and watercourses. - Appendix L lists sundecks as a construction-value rate only, not a permit threshold. - A building bigger than 10 m² needs a permit even if it meets zoning. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) - [Highlands building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees.md) - [Highlands fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) (read 2026-11-08) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Construction Values (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Construction%20Values_201306040901063981.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Highlands building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Highlands building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost in Highlands? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands the building permit fee is based on the value of the work, under a fee schedule we could not read in the posted bylaw. A plan-processing fee of $50 (value under $50,000) or $250 (over $50,000) is paid with the application and credited to the permit fee. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Plan-processing fee $50 (construction value under $50,000) or $250 (over $50,000), credited against the permit fee if the permit is issued. The permit fee is based on value under Appendix J of Bylaw 192; the posted copy has blank appendix pages. **How long:** The District's pages do not state when the final fee is confirmed. Ask the Building Official. **Where:** - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** Not confirmed. The dollar rates in Appendix J could not be read in the posted bylaw. - **How the fee is worked out:** The permit fee is based on the value of the building or structure, set by the Appendix J fee schedule. Value is the contract price or, with no contract price, the floor-area rates in Appendix L (for example $70 per square foot for finished main floor of a single or two-family dwelling). - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.3.3 and s. 3.4.1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "shall be assessed a separate building permit fee based on the value of the building or structure" … "A permit fee, calculated in accordance with the forms attached as Appendix C, D, E," - Source: [Building Permits & Inspections, Construction Value Calculations](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) - Official wording: "The construction value for buildings shall be the contract price or, where there is no contract price, the value shall be calculated according to the following schedule." - Source: [Construction Values, Appendix L](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Construction%20Values_201306040901063981.pdf) - Official wording: "Finished Main* Floor Areas" … "$70.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Application or plan review fee:** A plan-processing fee is paid with the application: $50 if the construction value is under $50,000, $250 if over $50,000. It is non-refundable but credited against the building permit fee if the permit is issued. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.4.2 and 3.4.3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "The plan-processing fee for a building with a construction value of less than $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars) shall be $50 (fifty dollars)." … "shall be $250 (two hundred and fifty dollars)." … "The plan-processing fee is non-refundable and shall be credited against the building permit fee if the permit is issued ." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other fees:** Re-inspection: $40 for each inspection after the second when more than two are needed because of non-compliance. Starting work without a permit, if a stop work notice is issued: an extra 100% of the permit fee. Reinstating an expired permit for a conditional occupancy certificate: $100. Plumbing: $20 per fixture for the first 10, $15 each after. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.4.7](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "a re-inspection charge of $40 (forty dollars) shall be paid" - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 5.1.1(b)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "pay an additional charge equal to 100% of the required permit fee prior to obtaining the required" - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.6.4(d)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "for a fee of $100.00." - Source: [Plumbing Permit Application, Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1057) - Official wording: "Fee (First 10 fixtures)" … "$20. per fixture" … "Fee (Additional fixtures)" … "$15. per fixture" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to pay:** Permit fee must be paid in full before the permit is issued; the plan-processing fee is paid with the application. The plumbing permit form shows payment by cheque or cash. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.4.1 and 3.4.2](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "shall be paid in full, prior to issuance of any permit under this bylaw." … "A plan-processing fee, as set out below, shall accompany an application made" - Source: [Plumbing Permit Application](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1057) - Official wording: "Payment received by way of" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.4 and Appendix J (Permit Fees Schedule); Appendices K and L set construction values. - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.4 and s. 6.1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "PERMIT FEES" … "Appendix J - Permit Fees Schedule" … "Appendix K, L - Construction Values" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands sets building permit fees in its [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420). The permit fee is based on the value of the building or structure, using the Appendix J fee schedule. The value is the contract price or, if there is none, a floor-area rate from Appendix L. The dollar rates in Appendix J could not be read in the posted copy, so ask the Building Official for the current amount. A plan-processing fee is paid with your application: $50 if the construction value is under $50,000, or $250 if it is over $50,000. It is not refundable, but it is credited against the permit fee if the permit is issued. ## Steps 1. Work out the construction value (your contract price, or the Appendix L floor-area rates). 2. Ask the Building Official for the permit fee under Appendix J. 3. Pay the plan-processing fee with your application. 4. Pay the permit fee in full before the permit is issued. ## Good to know - Appendix L floor-area rates include $70 per square foot for the finished main floor of a single or two-family dwelling, $25 for an unfinished basement, $20 for a garage or workshop, $15 for a carport, barn or shed, and $10 for a sundeck. The Construction Values file is from 2013. - Re-inspection is $40 for each inspection after the second, when more than two are needed because of non-compliance. - If you start work without a permit and a stop work notice is issued, the fee increases by 100% of the permit fee. - Reinstating an expired permit for a conditional occupancy certificate is $100. - Plumbing permits are $20 per fixture for the first 10 and $15 for each after, according to the District's plumbing permit form. - The fee is reduced by 5%, up to $500, for complex buildings with professional letters of assurance. - The application is cancelled and the processing fee lost if the permit is not issued and paid for within 180 days of notice that it is ready. - The pages read do not state payment methods for permit fees. The plumbing form shows cheque or cash. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - [Construction Values (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Construction%20Values_201306040901063981.pdf) - [Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1057) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) - [Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/building-permit-fees.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit-fees.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/building-permit-fees.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/building-permit-fees.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/building-permit-fees.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permits & Inspections, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/building-permits-inspections) (read 2026-11-08) - [Construction Values (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Construction%20Values_201306040901063981.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) - [Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1057) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- title: "Highlands 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 in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.json" --- # Highlands 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 in Highlands? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands, the zoning map is a PDF on the District's Maps page (Schedule A to Zoning Bylaw No. 100), and the page also links to the CRD Regional Map Viewer. Your zone's section in the bylaw sets permitted uses, density, heights and setbacks. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** The pages read give no current fee for a zoning confirmation. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Phone: Municipal Planner, 250-474-1773 - Email: Municipal Planner, lbeckett@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** The District's Maps page has an Address/Zoning Map (PDF) and a link to the CRD Regional Map Viewer. The zoning bylaw's Schedule A is the Zoning Map. - Source: [Maps, Maps page](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/maps) - Official wording: "Address/Zoning Map" … "CRD Regional Map Viewer" - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 5.1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "The location and boundaries of the Zones established by this Bylaw are shown on the Zoning Map" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Zoning bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998; consolidated to June 15, 2026 (includes Bylaw 484). - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Consolidated to June 15, 2026" … "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" … "Consolidated for convenience only" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What the zone controls:** Each zone sets permitted uses, residential density (for example one principal dwelling and one accessory dwelling per lot), building heights, setbacks, floor areas and subdivision lot sizes. Example, RR1: principal dwelling up to 10.5 m high; buildings 7.5 m from front lot line. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 6.1 (RR1)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "the following uses and no others shall" … "There shall be no more than one (1) principal dwelling unit on each lot." … "The height of a principal dwelling unit shall not exceed 10.5 metres." … "No building or structure shall be sited within 7.5 metres of a front lot line." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** Municipal Planner Laura Beckett, 250-474-1773, lbeckett@highlands.ca. - Source: [Staff Directory](https://www.highlands.ca/staff-directory) - Official wording: "Deputy Emergency Program Coordinator Phone 250-474-1773 Email emergencycoordinator@highlands.ca ### Laura Beckett Title Municipal Planner Phone 250-474-1773 Email lbeckett@highlands.ca" … "250-474-1773 Email emergencycoordinator@highlands.ca ### Laura Beckett Title Municipal Planner Phone 250-474-1773 Email lbeckett@highlands.ca ### Laura Uganecz" … "emergencycoordinator@highlands.ca ### Laura Beckett Title Municipal Planner Phone 250-474-1773 Email lbeckett@highlands.ca ### Laura Uganecz Title Administrative Assistant" … "Laura Beckett Title Municipal Planner Phone 250-474-1773 Email lbeckett@highlands.ca ### Laura Uganecz Title Administrative Assistant Phone 250-474-1773" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District's Maps page has an Address/Zoning Map (a PDF titled "Zoning Designations (Consolidated Schedule A to Bylaw No. 100, 1998)") and a link to the CRD Regional Map Viewer. The Zoning Map is Schedule A of the [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622), which is consolidated to June 15, 2026 and includes Bylaw 484. The District's page has no address search. Each zone sets permitted uses, residential density (for example one principal dwelling and one accessory dwelling per lot), building heights, setbacks, floor areas and subdivision lot sizes. For example, in RR1 the principal dwelling may be up to 10.5 m high and buildings must be 7.5 m from the front lot line. Other zones have different numbers. Section 3 has general rules on fences, home-based business, parking and accessory dwelling units. ## Steps 1. Open the Address/Zoning Map on the Maps page and find your property. 2. Open the Zoning Bylaw and read your zone's section, plus section 3. 3. Check for development permit areas and other rules that may also apply. 4. If unsure, call or email the Municipal Planner to confirm your zoning. ## Good to know - The consolidated bylaw is for convenience and is not a certified copy. - An older fee bylaw (a 2013 consolidation) lists a written reply on zoning and OCP designation at $42; this may be out of date, so ask the Planner. ## Zones 47 zones are listed from [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated to June 15, 2026, including Bylaw 484)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning/index.json ## Official forms and pages - [Maps, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/maps) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) - [Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) - [Highlands home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/zoning-lookup.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/zoning-lookup.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/zoning-lookup.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/zoning-lookup.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/zoning-lookup.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Maps, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/maps) (read 2026-11-08) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Staff Directory, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/staff-directory) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.json" --- # Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Highlands? **Short answer:** In most zones in the District of Highlands you may have one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) of 90 m² or less in addition to your main home, either inside it or in a separate building. The owner must live in the main home or the ADU, and a registered covenant is needed first. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** The District's pages read do not give a suite-specific fee. See the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** The District does not state a review time. **Where:** - Online: Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** Yes, in most zones: one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot in addition to the main home, which can be inside the main home (secondary or basement suite). Only the CD2 zone allows up to 3; GB1A allows 4 principal dwelling units with one ADU each. - Source: [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, Page text](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) - Official wording: "The Zoning Bylaw allows one ADU in addition to the principal dwelling unit per lot in most zones." … "It can either be within the main home such as a secondary suite or basement suite" … "Only the CD2 (Rivers Crossing area) and the GB1A (one property on Millstream Lake Road) zones allow more than one ADU per lot." - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 6.1.2(2) (RR1)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "there may be no more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit on each lot if the property owner grants" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Yes, in the same zones: an ADU may be in a separate accessory building, such as above a garage or a garden suite. It counts as the one ADU allowed per lot, and must meet the zone's siting and setbacks. - Source: [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, Page text](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) - Official wording: "or it can be within a separate accessory building, such as above a garage or a garden suite." … "Siting and setbacks of the ADU must match the individual zone’s siting and setbacks depending on whether the ADU is in the principal house or in an accessory building." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** 90 m² or less. The owner must live in the main home or the ADU. The ADU cannot be used for a home-based business or be subdivided or strata-titled from the main home. One ADU per lot in most zones (CD2: up to 3). - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.11](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "The total floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 90m2." … "The property owner must have as their principal residence either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit." … "An accessory dwelling unit must not be used for a home-based business." … "An accessory dwelling unit must not be subdivided from the principal dwelling unit on the same lot." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Parking:** One additional parking space is required for the ADU. - Source: [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, Page text](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) - Official wording: "One additional parking space is required for the ADU." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permits:** A building permit (with Building Code compliance and, before occupancy, an occupancy permit). A section 219 no-subdivision covenant must be registered on title before applying (not needed in CD2). A development permit (DPA 6 check sheet) may also be needed. - Source: [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, Building Code and Required Documents](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) - Official wording: "all Building Code requirements must be met, and an Occupancy Permit is required for the ADU." … "Building Permit Application form and all required documents listed on it (Appendix A of Bylaw 192)." … "prior to the building permit application. This covenant is not required for properties zoned CD2." … "Development Permit Area 6 Guideline Check Sheet" - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.6.1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "An owner must obtain a certificate of occupancy, on the form attached as Appendix" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (s. 3.11 and each zone's residential density section); Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Source: [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, Part 1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) - Official wording: "Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands calls a secondary suite, garden suite or carriage house an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) allows one ADU per lot, in addition to the main home, in most zones. It can be inside the main home (a secondary or basement suite) or in a separate accessory building, such as above a garage or a garden suite. Only the CD2 zone allows up to 3, and GB1A allows 4 principal dwelling units with one ADU each. Section 3.11 of the Zoning Bylaw sets these limits: the ADU is 90 m² or less; the owner lives in the main home or the ADU; the ADU cannot be used for a home-based business; and it cannot be subdivided or strata-titled from the main home. One additional parking space is required for the ADU. A detached ADU must meet the zone's siting and setbacks, and a Development Variance Permit can be requested if the setbacks cannot be met. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone allows an ADU (see the District's page for the list). 2. Register a section 219 no-subdivision covenant on title before applying (not needed in CD2). 3. Gather the documents listed above and check whether a development permit (DPA 6) is needed. 4. Apply for a building permit, which requires Building Code compliance (see the building-permit answer). 5. Get the final inspection and an occupancy permit before anyone lives in the unit. ## Good to know - A development permit may also be needed. - Whether the Zoning Bylaw allows renting the ADU short term is not stated; see the short-term-rental answer. - Ask the Building Official about fees; the posted fee schedule could not be read. ## What you'll need - Registered section 219 no-subdivision covenant on title (not needed in the CD2 zone) - Development permit check sheet (DPA 6), if a development permit is needed - Sewage disposal filing and Health Authority approval of the water system for the ADU - Step Code energy report - Owner's Undertaking and Owner's Declaration ## Official forms and pages - [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md) - [Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/secondary-suite.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/secondary-suite.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/secondary-suite.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/secondary-suite.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/building-development-planning/building/secondary-suites-and-accessory-dwelling-units) (read 2026-11-08) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1420) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Highlands tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal.json" --- # Highlands tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Highlands? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands you need a tree cutting permit for protected species, large trees, trees near lot lines, roads, creeks and lakes, and some steep-slope cutting. It costs $25 for each 50 trees or portion thereof. Hazardous trees get a permit at no charge. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** $25 for each 50 trees or portion thereof. No charge for a permit for a hazardous tree or work ordered under section 12 of the bylaw. **How long:** The District's pages and bylaw do not state a processing time. **Where:** - Phone: Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer, 250-474-1773 - Email: Building Official, cleek@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** A tree cutting permit is needed for: protected trees (Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific dogwood, yew, cascara, manzanita, Douglas fir over 60 cm, any tree over 80 cm across); trees within 20 m of a road or trail lot line or 10 m of other lot lines; trees near creeks and lakes; more than 2 trees a year on a slope over 30%; logging. Development permit areas may also apply. - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994, s. 1(i), 3, 5, 6, 7](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) - Official wording: "No person shall, without first obtaining a tree cutting permit, cut down a" … "within 20 metres of any lot line adjacent to or abutting a highway or road, or trail, right-of-way; or" … "within 10 metres of any other lot line." … "within 30 metres of the natural boundary of Millstream Creek or within 15" … "cut down more than 2 trees in any one calendar year growing on any steep slope" … "A Douglas Fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii), having a diameter greater than 60 centimetres (24 inches)." - Source: [Tree Management, Tree Cutting Permits](https://www.highlands.ca/sustainability-and-climate-action/tree-management) - Official wording: "A tree cutting permit is necessary when removing a protected tree or any tree located near a watercourse, lake, or steep slope area." - Source: [https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/277%20-%20OCP%202007_Consolidated_Schedule%20A_to%20Bylaw%20418_202501131717224860.pdf, OCP s. 11.2 Development Permit Areas - General](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/277%20-%20OCP%202007_Consolidated_Schedule%20A_to%20Bylaw%20418_202501131717224860.pdf) - Official wording: "In Highlands, Development Permits are obtained at the same time as other permits such as tree cutting," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Exemptions:** Emergency: a tree or limb severely damaged by a natural cause and in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property may be cut without a permit. Dead, dying, unstable or dangerous trees, and trees too near utility wires, can get a permit at no charge. 'Logging' excludes cutting up to 3 trees per 0.4 ha in 12 months and dead, diseased or damaged trees. Trees blocking a watercourse are exempt from the watercourse buffer rule. - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994, s. 14, 13 and 1(g)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) - Official wording: "a person may cut down a tree or limb of a tree prohibited from removal under this by-law if:" … "There shall be no charge for a permit issued under this section." … "The cutting down of trees which are dead, diseased or damaged by a natural cause." … "except where a tree or the roots of a tree are blocking a watercourse or reducing its drainage capacity." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** $25 for each 50 trees or portion thereof. No charge for a permit for a hazardous tree or work ordered under section 12. - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994, s. 10(a), 12(e), 13(b)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) - Official wording: "The fee shall be $25.00 for each 50 trees or portion thereof except as otherwise permitted in this bylaw." … "there shall be no application fee charged." - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit application, Form A](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-05/Tree%20Cutting%20Permit%20FILLABLE%202025.pdf) - Official wording: "Application fee ($25 for each 50 trees or portion thereof" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Replacement trees:** A person who cuts or damages a tree against the bylaw or a permit must plant a replacement of the same species near the same spot, maintain it, and give security of 120% of the cost of replacing and maintaining it for 3 years. Steep-slope permits may need a geotechnical report and a surety of 120% of the works. - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994, s. 15 and s. 11(b)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) - Official wording: "Plant a replacement tree of the same species in approximately the same" … "Provide to the municipality security in the amount of 120% of the total" … "the applicant provides to the municipality a surety deposit or bond in favour of the municipality in the amount of 120% of the cost of the works" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **City trees:** No person other than authorized District staff may, without a Council resolution, dig up or injure or destroy any tree, flower, foliage or shrubbery on a road right-of-way. In parks, removing natural park features needs written permission from the Chief Administrative Officer. - Source: [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300, s. 6.25 (Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) - Official wording: "No person other than a duly authorized officer or employee of the District" … "acting in pursuance of his/her duties shall without the authority of a resolution" … "of the Council dig up or in any manner injure or destroy any tree, flower," - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, Appendix 4](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Damage tree/ flower/ foliage shrubbery 6.25 $200.00" - Source: [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, s. 7(a)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) - Official wording: "shall remove any natural park feature or engage in excavation, digging, cutting, or any other" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice (Bylaw 475): no tree cutting permit $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); logging without permit $500 ($400 / $600); cutting in the 20 m buffer or on a steep slope $200. Municipal ticket (Bylaw 478): $200 for no permit; $1,000 for the 10 m buffer, watercourse or lake buffer, environmental protection area or against a development permit. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Tree Management Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "No tree cutting permit 3(a) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Logging without tree cutting permit 3(d)(i) $500.00 $400.00 $600.00" … "Cut down tree in 20 metre buffer 3(e)(i) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Tree cutting on steep slope 7(a) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, Appendix 12](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "No tree cutting permit 3(a) $200.00" … "Cut down tree in 10 metre buffer 3(e)(ii) $1000.00" … "Cut down tree in watercourse buffer area 5 $1000.00" … "Cut down tree in lake buffer area 6 $1000.00" … "Cut down tree in environmental protection area 3(b) $1000.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** District of Highlands Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994 - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994, Title and s. 19](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) - Official wording: "DISTRICT OF HIGHLANDS TREE MANAGEMENT BYLAW NO. 10, 1994" … "It includes amendments up to October 15, 2001 (Bylaw No. 167)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District regulates tree cutting under its [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417). A tree is 5 m or more tall or 10 cm or more in diameter. You need a permit to cut: - protected trees: Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific dogwood, yew, cascara, manzanita, Douglas fir over 60 cm, and any tree over 80 cm across; - trees within 20 m of a road or trail lot line, or 10 m of other lot lines; - trees near creeks and lakes (the lake buffer is 30 m for Teanook, Matson, Fizzle, Fork, Eagles, Mitchell, Second, Third and Pease Lakes, and 15 m for others); - more than 2 trees a year on a slope over 30%; - logging. Trees on the Significant Tree list (Schedule A of the bylaw) cannot be cut. Cutting in a development permit area also needs a development permit. An emergency exemption applies to a tree or limb severely damaged by a natural cause and in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property. Dead, dying, unstable or dangerous trees, and trees too near utility wires, can get a permit at no charge. "Logging" excludes cutting up to 3 trees per 0.4 ha in 12 months and dead, diseased or damaged trees. ## Steps 1. Check whether your tree is protected or within a buffer, and whether you are in a development permit area. 2. Fill out the Tree Cutting Permit application and submit it to the District. 3. Pay the fee. If a permit is not issued, the part of the fee over $25 is refunded. 4. Cut only once the permit is issued. ## Good to know - Anyone who cuts or damages a tree against the bylaw or a permit must plant a replacement of the same species near the same spot, maintain it, and give security of 120% of the cost of replacing and maintaining it for 3 years. - A bylaw notice for no tree cutting permit is $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days, $240 after 28 days); logging without a permit is $500 ($400 or $600). A municipal ticket for no permit is $200, and $1,000 for the 10 m buffer, watercourse or lake buffer, environmental protection area or against a development permit. The bylaw allows a fine of up to $10,000 on conviction. - On District roads, only authorized District staff may, without a Council resolution, dig up or injure or destroy any tree, flower, foliage or shrubbery on a road right-of-way. In parks, removing natural park features needs written permission from the Chief Administrative Officer. - The page says a permit may still be needed for dead or dying trees under the bylaw, a development permit area or a land title covenant. ## Official forms and pages - [Tree Management, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/sustainability-and-climate-action/tree-management) - [Tree Cutting Permit application (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-05/Tree%20Cutting%20Permit%20FILLABLE%202025.pdf) - [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/tree-removal.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/tree-removal.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/tree-removal.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [Tree Management, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/sustainability-and-climate-action/tree-management) (read 2026-11-08) - [Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1417) (read 2026-11-08) - [Tree Cutting Permit application (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-05/Tree%20Cutting%20Permit%20FILLABLE%202025.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) (read 2026-11-08) - [https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/277%20-%20OCP%202007_Consolidated_Schedule%20A_to%20Bylaw%20418_202501131717224860.pdf](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/277%20-%20OCP%202007_Consolidated_Schedule%20A_to%20Bylaw%20418_202501131717224860.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal/_ --- --- title: "Highlands garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits" question: "When is garbage collected in Highlands, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: regional owner_body: Capital Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection.json" --- # Highlands garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits **Question:** When is garbage collected in Highlands, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags? **Short answer:** The District of Highlands does not collect garbage; residents arrange it with private contractors. GFL Environmental collects household recycling under the Capital Regional District (CRD) blue box program. Find your recycling day by entering your address on the CRD curbside recycling page. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.ca) **Cost:** No fee found. The District's page gives none for garbage, and the CRD says the blue box program is paid for by Recycle BC. **How long:** No collection frequency is stated. Check your recycling day by address. **Where:** - Phone: GFL Environmental (new or replacement blue boxes and bags), 236-470-0186 - Email: GFL Environmental, blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **How often:** The District does not collect garbage: residents arrange it with private contractors. GFL Environmental collects household recycling under the CRD blue box program. No collection frequency is stated. - Source: [Garbage & Recycling](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "Residents living in the District of Highlands are responsible for their garbage collection through private contractors." … "GFL Environmental provides for household recycling." - Source: [Collection Services in Your Area, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/collection-services-your-area) - Official wording: "Garbage, food waste and yard waste services are provided through both municipal programs and private companies" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Finding your day:** Recycling: enter your address on the CRD curbside recycling page, or use the RecycleCRD app. The District also posts a recycling schedule PDF. Garbage: ask your private contractor. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Collection schedule](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "Enter your address below and never miss your collection day again!" … "Download the RecycleCRD app for iPhone or Android." - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, Household Recycling](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "- Yellow Pages -> https://www.yellowpages.ca/search/si/1/waste%20collection/Victoria%20BC - Recycling Schedule - 2024-2025 -> https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Recycling%20Schedule.pdf - website -> http://www.compost.bc.ca/" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Carts:** Recycling: the CRD program supplies one blue box and two blue bags per home. New or replacement boxes and bags: GFL Environmental, 236-470-0186 or blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com. Garbage containers are supplied by your private contractor. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Get blue boxes & bags](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "The program provides residents with one CRD blue box and two blue bags per home." … "please contact our collection contractor, GFL Environmental, at 236.470.0186" - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, Household Recycling](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "can call 236-470-0186 or email: blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Setting carts out:** Recycling: have it at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection day, with at least one CRD blue box or blue bag so the driver knows it is for recycling. Garbage set-out rules are set by your private contractor. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Collection schedule](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "have your recyclables at the curb by 7:30am on your collection day, and" … "use at least one CRD blue box or blue bag to let the driver know your materials are intended for recycling collection." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits and extra garbage:** Recycling: there is no limit to the amount of material you may place at the curb. Garbage limits are set by your private contractor. - Source: [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District, Missed collection](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) - Official wording: "There is no limit to the amount of material you may place at the curb." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Bylaw:** None set. The District of Highlands has no garbage collection bylaw in its bylaw list. ## How it works Highlands does not collect household garbage. Residents hire a private contractor, who sets the cart, limit and set-out rules. The CRD's table of municipal services shows no municipal garbage, yard waste or food waste collection for Highlands, and no collection frequency is stated. GFL Environmental collects recycling under the CRD blue box program. The program supplies one blue box and two blue bags per home. ## Steps 1. For your recycling day, enter your address on the CRD curbside recycling page or use the RecycleCRD app. The District also posts a recycling schedule PDF. 2. Put recycling at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection day, with at least one CRD blue box or blue bag so the driver knows it is for recycling. 3. For new or replacement boxes and bags, contact GFL Environmental at 236-470-0186 or blueboxvictoria@gflenv.com. ## Good to know - There is no limit on how much recycling you may put at the curb. - Items accepted for recycling are banned from residential garbage. - Ask your private contractor about garbage days, containers, limits and fees. ## Official forms and pages - [Garbage & Recycling, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) - [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) ## Related questions - [Highlands yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste.md) - [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/garbage-collection.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/garbage-collection.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/garbage-collection.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/garbage-collection.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/garbage-collection.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Garbage & Recycling, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/garbage-recycling) (read 2026-11-08) - [Curbside Recycling, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/curbside-recycling) (read 2026-11-08) - [Collection Services in Your Area, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/collection-services-your-area) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Highlands yard waste collection and drop-off question: "Where does yard waste and brush go in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: regional owner_body: Capital Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste.json" --- # Highlands yard waste collection and drop-off **Question:** Where does yard waste and brush go in Highlands? **Short answer:** Highlands has no curbside yard waste collection that we found. Take yard and garden material to CRD Hartland Landfill at #1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria. It costs $59 per tonne ($10 minimum) for material under 3 inches thick. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.ca) **Cost:** Yard and garden material under 3 inches: $59 per tonne, $10 minimum. Branches and stumps over 3 inches: $110 per tonne, $10 minimum. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - In person: CRD Hartland Landfill, #1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays and holidays.) ## Key facts - **Curbside collection:** Not confirmed. The District of Highlands does not list curbside yard waste collection. - **How to set it out:** At Hartland Landfill: yard and garden material less than 3 inches in diameter, separated and clearly distinguishable from other items. Branches and stumps over 3 inches in diameter are charged at a higher rate. - Source: [Hartland Landfill public drop depot, Capital Regional District, Accepted pay-by-weight items](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/public-drop-depot) - Official wording: "Yard and garden material (less than 3" dia, separated and clearly distinguishable from other items)" … "Branches and stumps (greater than 3" dia) - $110/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Drop-off:** CRD Hartland Landfill, #1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays and holidays. - Source: [Hartland Landfill, Capital Regional District, Hours and Location](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill) - Official wording: "Hartland landfill accepts recycling, hazardous waste, salvageable materials, and organic materials like kitchen scraps and yard and garden waste." … "Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm" … "Saturday: 7:00am to 5:00pm" … "#1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria, BC." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cost:** Yard and garden material under 3 inches: $59 per tonne, $10 minimum. Branches and stumps over 3 inches: $110 per tonne, $10 minimum. - Source: [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Yard and garden material (less than 3"dia) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" … "Branches and stumps (greater than 3" dia) - $110/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Not accepted:** Yard and garden waste is banned from general refuse. Invasive species are not composted: they must be bagged and tagged ($59 per tonne, $10 minimum), and knotweed needs a controlled waste permit. - Source: [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Yard and Garden waste is banned from general refuse and is accepted at Hartland to be composted, except for invasive species." … "Invasive species (bagged and tagged) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" … "Knotweed (with a controlled waste permit) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** None set. The text says Highlands has no yard waste bylaw. ## How it works The District of Highlands does not list curbside yard waste collection, and neither does the CRD's table of collection services. Yard and garden material goes to the CRD's Hartland Landfill. Yard and garden waste is banned from general refuse. ## Steps 1. Separate yard and garden material less than 3 inches in diameter so it is clearly distinguishable from other items. 2. Take it to Hartland Landfill, #1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays and holidays). 3. Pay at the rates above. ## Good to know - Branches and stumps over 3 inches in diameter are charged at the higher rate. - Invasive species are not composted: they must be bagged and tagged ($59 per tonne, $10 minimum), and knotweed needs a controlled waste permit. - Burning is another option only with a permit; see the backyard fire answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - [Hartland Landfill public drop depot, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/public-drop-depot) ## Related questions - [Highlands garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection.md) - [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/yard-waste.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/yard-waste.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/yard-waste.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/yard-waste.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/yard-waste.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/yard-waste.md) ## Sources - [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) (read 2026-11-08) - [Hartland Landfill public drop depot, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/public-drop-depot) (read 2026-11-08) - [Hartland Landfill, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill) (read 2026-11-08) - [Collection Services in Your Area, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/collection-services-your-area) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste/_ --- --- title: Highlands watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: regional owner_body: Capital Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/water-restrictions.json" --- # Highlands watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, the CRD Water Conservation Bylaw applies to customers of the CRD Regional Water Supply System. Stage 1 runs every year from May 1 to September 30. Most Highlands residents use private wells, which the bylaw does not cover. Check the CRD page for the current stage. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.ca) **Cost:** Stage 1 lawn watering outside the allowed days or times: $200. **How long:** Stage 1 is in effect every year from May 1 to September 30. The CRD Commission can change the dates or bring in stricter stages at any time; higher stages take effect 48 hours after notice. **Where:** - Online: CRD watering schedule, https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** CRD Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099 applies to customers of the CRD Regional Water Supply System (Sooke Lake Reservoir water); Highlands is a participating municipality. Stage 1 is in effect every year from May 1 to September 30. The CRD Commission can change the dates or bring in stricter stages at any time. Most Highlands residents use private wells. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099), s. 2 and s. 4(1)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "The restrictions and regulations in this bylaw are applicable in each Municipality." … "The Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions prescribed in Schedule “A” are in effect each" … "year from May 1 to September 30 inclusive" … "District of Highlands" - Source: [Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, Watering schedule](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "applies to any customers of the Regional Water Supply System receiving drinking water from the Sooke Lake Reservoir" - Source: [Groundwater and Well Information, Groundwater & Well Information](https://www.highlands.ca/sustainability-and-climate-action/groundwater-well-information) - Official wording: "most of the 2,100 residents rely on private wells for their potable water" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Sprinkling schedule:** Stage 1 lawn watering: even-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays; odd-numbered addresses on Thursdays and Sundays. Any method between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; timed or automatic irrigation systems may also water from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099), Schedule A, s. 1(1)(a)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "the property has an even-numbered address, the lawn watering is on" … "Wednesdays or Saturdays" … "Thursdays or Sundays" … "between the hours of 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. by any method permitted" - Source: [Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, Lawn Watering](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "Even Number | Wednesdays & Saturdays" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Allowed at any time:** Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered any day, at any time, by hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro/drip irrigation. A sprinkler may be used on them any day during the lawn-watering hours (4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.). - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099), Schedule A, s. 1(1)(b)(i)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "water trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables on any day with a Sprinkler" … "other than during the prescribed hours for Stage 1 lawn watering or on any" … "hand held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or by Micro-irrigation" - Source: [Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District, Established trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetable gardens](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) - Official wording: "Hand Watering & Micro/Drip Irrigation | Any day, any time" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **New lawns:** New sod may be watered outside the lawn-watering hours on the day of installation and the first 21 days after. A newly seeded lawn may be watered until growth is established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less. - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099), Schedule A, s. 1(1)(b)(iii)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "outside the prescribed Stage 1 lawn Watering hours, water new sod or" … "during the first" … "21 days after installation, or for newly seeded lawns, water until growth is" … "established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Stage 1, lawn watering outside the allowed days or times: $200. Stage 2: $250. Stage 3, watering a lawn or boulevard: $400. Wasting water: $200 (Stage 1), $300 (Stage 2), $400 (Stage 3). Hindering an inspection: $500. - Source: [CRD Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 1857, Schedule 26, items 7, 8, 13](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b) - Official wording: "Stage 1 - water lawn contrary to even-numbered" … "Sch. A 1.(1)(a)(i) $200.00" … "Sch. A 2.(1)(a)(i) $250.00" … "Hinder/Prevent Inspection 3 $500.00" … "Wasting water during Stage 3" … "Stage 3 – water lawn or boulevard" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Capital Regional District Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw No. 4099). - Source: [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099), title page](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 4099" … "CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT WATER CONSERVATION BYLAW NO. 1, 2016" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [CRD Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) applies to customers of the CRD Regional Water Supply System (Sooke Lake Reservoir water). Highlands is a participating municipality, but most residents use private wells, which the bylaw does not govern. Stage 1 is in effect every year from May 1 to September 30. ## Steps 1. In Stage 1, water lawns on these days: even-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays; odd-numbered addresses on Thursdays and Sundays. 2. Use any method between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Timed or automatic irrigation systems may also water from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. 3. Check the CRD watering schedule page for the current stage. ## Good to know - Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables may be watered any day, at any time, by hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro or drip irrigation. A sprinkler may be used on them any day during the lawn-watering hours. - New sod may be watered outside the lawn-watering hours on the day of installation and the first 21 days after. A newly seeded lawn may be watered until growth is established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less. - Nurseries, farms, turf farms and tree farms are exempt from all stage restrictions. - Tickets: Stage 1 outside allowed days or times $200; Stage 2 $250; Stage 3 watering a lawn or boulevard $400. Wasting water: $200 (Stage 1), $300 (Stage 2), $400 (Stage 3). Hindering an inspection: $500. ## Official forms and pages - [CRD Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099 (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) - [Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/water-restrictions.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/water-restrictions.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/water-restrictions.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/water-restrictions.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/water-restrictions.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Water Conservation Bylaw No. 1, 2016 (Bylaw 4099) (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/4099-capital-regional-district-water-conservation-bylaw-no-1-2016) (read 2026-11-08) - [Watering Schedule, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/environment/water-conservation/watering-schedule) (read 2026-11-08) - [Groundwater and Well Information, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/sustainability-and-climate-action/groundwater-well-information) (read 2026-11-08) - [CRD Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 1857 (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence in Highlands, and what does it cost?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: regional owner_body: Capital Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.json" --- # Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence in Highlands, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** In Highlands, dog licences are sold by the Capital Regional District (CRD), which does animal control for the District under contract. Every dog over four months old needs one each calendar year. The animal bylaw lists $25 for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not, but the CRD's own page lists higher fees, so confirm the price when you apply. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw 1465: $25 a year spayed or neutered, $45 not. The CRD page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $35 / $55 if renewed before December 31, $40 / $60 regular, and $60 / $80 after March 1. Replacement tag $5. No fee for guide dogs and police dogs. **How long:** A licence is for the calendar year and expires December 31. The new year's licence is due by the last day of February. **Where:** - Online: CRD online dog licence application form, https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624 - Email: CRD Animal Care Services, animalservices@crd.bc.ca - In person: CRD Animal Care Services, 212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford ## Key facts - **Licence required:** Yes. The owner of each dog over four months old must get a licence for the calendar year, on or before the last day of February (or right away if the dog is acquired after that). No fee for guide dogs and police dogs. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 3, s. 5(6), s. 1 'Dog'](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "The owner of a dog shall obtain a license for the calendar year, January 1 to" … "over the age of four (4) months" … "No licence fee shall be charged for Police Dogs and Guide Dogs." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Issued by:** Capital Regional District (CRD Animal Care Services), under contract to the District of Highlands. - Source: [Animal Control & Licensing](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) - Official wording: "The District of Highlands has contracted the Capital Regional District for Animal Bylaw Issues." - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "CRD Animal Care Services provides dog licencing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** Bylaw 1465 Schedule A: $25 a year. The CRD licensing page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $35 if renewed before December 31, $40 regular and $60 after March 1. (Sources differ: CONFLICT: the CRD's own licensing page (fees in effect as of June 11, 2025) lists $35 early (renewed before December 31), $40 regular and $60 late (after March 1) for a spayed or neutered dog. The Highlands copy of the bylaw (consolidated to May 21, 2024) still shows $25. Value follows the bylaw; the CRD sells the licence so the web fees are probably what is charged. A free first-year licence is also given if the dog was neutered or spayed in the 12 months before applying (s. 5(2)).) - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), Schedule A, items (b) and (d)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "Female Dog (spayed) 25.00*" … "Male Dog (neutered) 25.00*" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees (CRD web page)](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Spayed/neutered" … "(altered) | $35 | $40 | $60" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** Bylaw 1465 Schedule A: $45 a year. The CRD licensing page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $55 if renewed before December 31, $60 regular and $80 after March 1. (Sources differ: CONFLICT: the CRD's licensing page (as of June 11, 2025) lists $55 early, $60 regular and $80 late for an unaltered dog. The Highlands bylaw copy shows $45. Value follows the bylaw.) - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), Schedule A, items (a) and (c)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "Female Dog (not spayed) $ 45.00*" … "Male Dog (not neutered) 45.00*" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees (CRD web page)](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Unspayed/unneutered" … "(unaltered) | $55 | $60 | $80" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other fees and discounts:** Early-payment discount: the CRD lists lower fees if renewed before December 31 and higher late fees after March 1. Replacement tag $5. Bylaw: $10 late penalty, dangerous dog licence $100, kennel $75, $150 or $200. No senior discount found. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), Schedule A, items (e) to (j); s. 5(4); s. 8](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "Replacement of Lost Licence 5.00" … "Late Application Penalty 10.00" … "Dangerous Dog Licence 100.00" … "the new owner may apply for a new licence at no cost" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Early discounts as well as late fees are in effect." … "Replacement tags are $5 each." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** Licences are for the calendar year and expire on December 31. The new year's licence is due by the last day of February (the CRD advises buying ahead, before December 31). - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 3 and s. 6](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "shall expire on the 31st day of December next following the date" … "on or before the last day of February in" - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, How Often Do I Need to Renew](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "Your dog's licence is valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to get one:** Through the CRD: complete the online dog licence application form, then pay online with your account number. Or phone 250-478-0624, email animalservices@crd.bc.ca, or visit CRD Animal Care Services, 212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford. - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Apply for a licence; Where to Get a Licence](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - Official wording: "If you live in one of the above municipalities, please complete the CRD dog licence application form:" … "By phone (250.478.0624 or 1.800.665.7899 extension 0) with a credit card" … "By email at animalservices@crd.bc.ca" … "CRD Animal Care Services: 212 - 2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $50 ($40 if paid within 14 days; $60 after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $50. Having no tag on the dog is also $50. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, CRD Animal Regulation bylaw, s. 3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "No Dog License 3 $50.00 $40.00 $60.00" … "No License Tag on Dog 7 $50.00 $40.00 $60.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 2, s. 3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "No Dog License 3 $50.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (Capital Regional District Bylaw No. 1465), posted by the District as 'Animal Regulations (CRD) Bylaw'. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 36 and title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "BY-LAW NO. 1465" … "This By-law may be cited as the “Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands has contracted the CRD for animal bylaw issues, so the CRD issues dog licences here under the [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (CRD Bylaw 1465). The owner of each dog over four months old must have a licence for the calendar year. ## Steps 1. Complete the online dog licence application form on the CRD's licensing page. 2. Pay online with your account number. You can also phone 250-478-0624, email animalservices@crd.bc.ca, or visit CRD Animal Care Services at 212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford. 3. Renew each year. The CRD advises buying ahead, before December 31. ## Good to know - The bylaw sets $25 and $45; the CRD page lists $35 / $55 if renewed before December 31, $40 / $60 regular and $60 / $80 after March 1 (spayed or neutered / not). The Highlands copy of the bylaw may be out of date, so confirm with the CRD. - The bylaw also lists a $10 late application penalty and a $100 dangerous dog licence. - A dog without a licence: bylaw notice $50 ($40 if paid within 14 days; $60 after 28 days); municipal ticket $50. A dog with no tag is also $50. - Highlands is not on the CRD's list of municipal halls that sell tags in person. ## Official forms and pages - [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) ## Related questions - [Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md) - [Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dog-licence.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-licence.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-licence.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-licence.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) (read 2026-11-08) - [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash in Highlands, and what are the leash rules?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash in Highlands, and what are the leash rules? **Short answer:** In Highlands, a dog may not run at large. Off its owner's land it must be under the direct and continuous control of a competent person, securely confined or securely fastened. The bylaws set no leash length and name no off-leash areas. In District parks the dog must be under control at all times. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** A dog at large is a $75 bylaw notice or ticket; a dog at large in a District park is $200. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services (animal bylaw complaints), 250-478-0624 - Phone: CRD Animal Control after hours, 1-800-884-0919 - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** An animal may not run at large. A dog is 'at large' on land that its owner does not own or occupy, unless it is under the direct and continuous control of a competent person, securely confined, or securely fastened. A dangerous (vicious) dog must be muzzled and on a leash. In District parks the animal must be under control at all times. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 1(2) and s. 24](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "an animal is deemed to be "running at large" if" … "Under the direct and continuous control of a person who is competent to control" … "An owner of a vicious dog shall keep it muzzled and on a leash." - Source: [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, s. 4(5)(c)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) - Official wording: "No person shall allow an animal to run at Large and must ensure the animal is under" … "control at all times to prevent annoyance, injury, or damage to property." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Maximum leash length:** None set. Highlands' bylaws do not set a maximum leash length. - **Off-leash areas:** Not confirmed. No official source read names an off-leash area. - **Places dogs are not allowed:** No animals on the public beaches in Schedule E of the animal bylaw from June 15 to September 15 (Aylard Farm, Glen Lake, Langford Lake, Vesuvius Bay and Bader Beach). Horses are not allowed in District parks except in designated equestrian areas. Park staff may require any dog to be removed (guide and service dogs excepted). - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 29 and Schedule E](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "to be on any of the public beaches listed in Schedule "E" from June 15 to September" … "AYLARD FARM BEACH" … "VESUVIUS BAY BEACH" - Source: [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, s. 4(5)(b), (e), (f)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) - Official wording: "No person shall permit or cause a horse to enter or remain in any park, except in areas" … "Authorized personnel may require any person to restrain or remove a dog or other" … "nothing shall interfere with the rights of" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cleaning up:** In District parks, anyone bringing a dog must clean up and dispose of excrement in the designated waste containers, or remove it from the park if there is no container. - Source: [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, s. 4(5)(d)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) - Official wording: "clean up and dispose of any excrement in designated waste containers" … "if no container is available, remove the excrement from the park" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Animal at large (animal bylaw s. 24(1)): bylaw notice $75 ($60 within 14 days; $90 after 28 days); municipal ticket $75. Dog running at large in a District park (Parks Bylaw s. 4(5)(c)): bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, animal bylaw s. 24(1); Parks bylaw 4. 5) c.](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Animal at Large 24 (1) $75.00 $60.00 $90.00" … "Dog running at large 4. 5) c. $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 2 and Appendix 11](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Animal at Large 24 (1) $75.00" … "Dog running at large 4. 5) c. $200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw No. 1465); and the Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025 for District parks. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "CRD Bylaw - 1465 Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw Page 15 CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ANIMAL REGULATION AND IMPOUNDING BY-LAW NO. 1465, 1986 SCHEDULE "E" 1. AYLARD FARM BEACH The sandy beach at the Capital Regional" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Park Management Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Park Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (CRD Bylaw 1465), an animal may not run at large. A dog is "at large" on land its owner does not own or occupy unless it is under the direct and continuous control of a competent person, securely confined, or securely fastened. A vicious dog must be muzzled and on a leash. In District parks, the [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) says no one may let an animal run at large and the animal must be under control at all times. ## Good to know - The bylaws do not set a maximum leash length, and no off-leash areas or map are named. Ask the District at 250-474-1773. - In parks, clean up and put excrement in the waste containers, or take it with you if there is none. The animal bylaw has no general pick-up rule for streets or private land. - No animals are allowed on the public beaches listed in Schedule E of the animal bylaw from June 15 to September 15. The schedule is regional and names none in Highlands, so check whether any applies to you. - Horses are not allowed in District parks except in designated equestrian areas. Park staff may require a dog to be removed (guide and service dogs excepted). - Animal at large: bylaw notice $75 ($60 within 14 days; $90 after 28 days); municipal ticket $75. Dog running at large in a District park: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) ## Related questions - [Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md) - [Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md) - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dog-leash-rules.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1594) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) (read 2026-11-08) - [Find a Bylaw, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/find-bylaw) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, the animal bylaw calls a dog that has attacked, bitten or chased a person or animal "vicious". Its owner must keep it muzzled and on a leash. Report a bite or attack to CRD Animal Care Services at 250-478-0624. The dangerous dog licence is $100 in the bylaw. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** Dangerous dog licence: $100 in the bylaw's Schedule A. Not muzzled and on a leash: $150. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services (report a bite or attack), 250-478-0624 - Phone: CRD Animal Control after hours, 1-800-884-0919 ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** The Highlands copy of the animal bylaw defines a 'vicious' animal as one that has attacked or bitten, attempted to attack or bite, or chased any person, animal or wildlife (excluding an attack on a dog or cat, and an attack by a dog on animals or wildlife molesting livestock). It does not say who decides or set a declaration process. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 1 'Vicious'](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: ""Vicious" when used in relation to any animal means any animal that has attacked or bitten," … "attempted to attack or bite or chased any person or animal or wildlife" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Rules for owners:** The owner of a vicious dog must keep it muzzled and on a leash. A vicious animal is deemed not to be under direct and continuous control, so it is 'at large' whenever off the owner's property. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 24(2) and s. 1(2)(c)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "An owner of a vicious dog shall keep it muzzled and on a leash." … "a vicious animal is deemed not to be under the direct and continuous control of a person" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Licence fee:** $100 for a dangerous dog licence (Schedule A, item J). - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), Schedule A, item J](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "Dangerous Dog Licence 100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to report:** Contact CRD Animal Care Services by phone at 250-478-0624 or complete the CRD's online complaint form. After hours: 1-800-884-0919. - Source: [Animal Complaints, Capital Regional District, How to report a dog bite or attack](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) - Official wording: "Contact our office at 250.478.0624 or complete an online complaint form." - Source: [Animal Control & Licensing](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) - Official wording: "212 - 2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway Langford, British Columbia Phone: 250-474-3351 AFTER HOURS: 1-800-884-0919 ## To Report: - Cougar Sightings: 1-800-663-9453 - Wildlife Sightings: 1-877-952-7277" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Vicious dog not muzzled and on a leash (s. 24(2)): bylaw notice $150 ($120 within 14 days; $180 after 28 days); municipal ticket $150. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, animal bylaw s. 24(2)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Vicious Dog Not Muzzled and On Leash 24 (2) $150.00 $120.00 $180.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 2](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Vicious Dog Not Muzzled and On Leash 24 (2) $150.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw No. 1465). - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 36](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "*Amended under Bylaw No. 359, 2013 CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ANIMAL REGULATION AND IMPOUNDING BY-LAW NO. 1465, 1986 SCHEDULE "B" 1. DOGS" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (CRD Bylaw 1465), a "vicious" animal is one that has attacked or bitten, attempted to attack or bite, or chased any person, animal or wildlife. Excluded are an attack on a dog or cat, and an attack by a dog on animals or wildlife molesting livestock. The bylaw does not say who decides or set a declaration process. ## Steps 1. To report a bite or attack, phone CRD Animal Care Services at 250-478-0624 or complete the CRD's online complaint form. 2. After hours, call 1-800-884-0919. 3. Give your name, address and phone number. The CRD does not take anonymous reports. ## Good to know - The owner of a vicious dog must keep it muzzled and on a leash. A vicious animal is deemed not to be under direct and continuous control, so it is "at large" whenever it is off the owner's property. - Not muzzled and on a leash: bylaw notice $150 ($120 within 14 days; $180 after 28 days); municipal ticket $150. - The bylaw's Schedule A lists a dangerous dog licence at $100. The CRD page lists $95 early, $100 regular and $120 late. - The CRD describes other rules for dangerous dogs in its area bylaws, but they are not in the Highlands bylaw text, so ask the CRD what applies. ## Official forms and pages - [Report an animal complaint, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) ## Related questions - [Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md) - [Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md) - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dangerous-dogs.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Complaints, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, keeping more than four dogs over four months old for each dwelling unit on a parcel needs a valid kennel licence. The animal bylaw sets no limit on cats or other pets that we found. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** Kennel licence: $75 (breeding, four or fewer dogs), $150 (breeding, five or more) or $200 (boarding). **How long:** Not stated in the bylaw. **Where:** - Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624 - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** More than four dogs over four months old for each dwelling unit on a parcel needs a valid kennel licence. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 2(1)(a)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "more than four (4) dogs over the age of four (4) months without holding a valid kennel licence" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cats allowed:** None set. Highlands' animal bylaw sets no limit on how many cats you may keep. - **Other animal limits:** No limit on other pets found. Wild or exotic animals listed in Schedule G of the animal bylaw (for example bears, apes and monkeys, wolves, coyotes) may not be kept. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 30 and Schedule G](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "KEEPING OF WILD EXOTIC ANIMALS - No person shall keep a “wild or exotic animal”" … "bears (carnivora);" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Exceptions:** A valid kennel licence allows more than four dogs, up to the number in the licence. Kennel licences are $75 (breeding, four or fewer dogs), $150 (breeding, five or more) or $200 (boarding). A kennel must be a permitted use under the zoning bylaw. Dogs four months old or younger are not counted. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 2(1), 2(2)(a), Schedule A, s. 1 'Dog' / Kennel licence fees, up to four dogs and five or more dogs](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "No person holding a valid kennel licence shall cause or permit the keeping or" … "unless the operation is a permitted use under an applicable Zoning By-law" … "Breeding Kennel having four (4) or less dogs 75.00" … "Boarding Kennel 200.00" … "(b) Female Dog (spayed) 25.00* (c) Male Dog (not neutered) 45.00* (d) Male Dog (neutered) 25.00* (e) Replacement of Lost Licence 5.00 (f) Late Application Penalty 10.00 (g) Breeding Kennel having four (4) or less dogs 75.00 (h) Breeding Kennel having five (5) or more dogs 150.00 (i) Boarding Kennel 200.00 J) Dangerous Dog Licence 100.00 CRD Bylaw No. 1465 - Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw Page 11 **Consolidated Version **" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated), s. 7.3A.1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "be permitted in Rural 3A (R3A) Zone: a) Residential b) Kennel c) Agriculture d) Home-based Business" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** None set. No ticket exists in Highlands for keeping too many dogs. - **Bylaw:** Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw No. 1465). - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), s. 36](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "CRD Bylaw - 1465 Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw Page 15 CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ANIMAL REGULATION AND IMPOUNDING BY-LAW NO. 1465, 1986 SCHEDULE "E" 1. AYLARD FARM BEACH The sandy beach at the Capital Regional" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (CRD Bylaw 1465) says no one may keep more than four dogs over four months old for each dwelling unit on a parcel without a valid kennel licence. The limit does not vary by lot size or zone. Dogs four months old or younger are not counted. ## Good to know - A kennel licence allows more than four dogs, up to the number in the licence. It is $75 for a breeding kennel with four or fewer dogs, $150 for a breeding kennel with five or more, and $200 for a boarding kennel. - A kennel must also be a permitted use under the zoning bylaw. In the Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (consolidated June 2026), Kennel is a listed use in the Rural 3A zone; the other zones searched do not list it. - The bylaw defines a cat but sets no limit on how many you may keep, and no other limit on other pets was found. - Wild or exotic animals listed in Schedule G (for example bears, apes and monkeys, wolves and coyotes) may not be kept. - The bylaws list no fixed ticket for keeping too many dogs. The animal bylaw sets a minimum penalty on conviction of $50 for a first offence and $100 for later ones. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) ## Related questions - [Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md) - [Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Highlands backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens.md) - [Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/how-many-pets.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/how-many-pets.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/how-many-pets.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/how-many-pets.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/how-many-pets.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 are recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Highlands backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Highlands backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Highlands? **Short answer:** Highlands has no rule on backyard hens that we found: no number, rooster, coop or permit rule. Keeping livestock counts as "Agriculture", a permitted use in many rural zones. Beekeeping is allowed where Agriculture is permitted. Check your zone with the District. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** No permit or fee for hens is mentioned in the bylaws or on the District's pages. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 - Email: Municipal Planner, lbeckett@highlands.ca ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Most hens:** None set. Neither the Zoning Bylaw nor the animal bylaw sets rules on this for backyard hens. - **Roosters:** None set. Neither the Zoning Bylaw nor the animal bylaw sets rules on this for backyard hens. - **Coop rules:** None set. Neither the Zoning Bylaw nor the animal bylaw sets rules on this for backyard hens. - **Permit or registration:** None set. Neither the Zoning Bylaw nor the animal bylaw sets rules on this for backyard hens. - **Bees:** Beekeeping is allowed where Agriculture is a permitted use: the animal bylaw's list of banned wild or exotic animals excludes bees kept for beekeeping in those zones. No hive limits found. - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), Schedule G, item 26](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "venomous or poisonous spiders, insects, fish and scorpions; excludes bees for the purpose of" … "beekeeping where agriculture is a permitted use;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other livestock:** Keeping livestock is part of 'Agriculture', which is a permitted use in the Rural Residential zones (RR1 to RR5, RR15, RR16) and Rural zones (R1 to R3D, R5 to R7), among others. Check your zone. In Rural 1, a building used for agriculture must be at least 30 m from the front lot line and 15 m from side and rear lot lines. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), s. 1 'Agriculture'; s. 6.1.1; s. 7.1.3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "AGRICULTURE means a use providing for growing, harvesting and sales of agricultural products and the" … "keeping and breeding of livestock" … "c) Agriculture" … "no building used for Agriculture shall be sited within 15 metres of a side lot line" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated); Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw No. 1465). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), footer](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) - Official wording: "CRD Bylaw - 1465 Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw Page 15 CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ANIMAL REGULATION AND IMPOUNDING BY-LAW NO. 1465, 1986 SCHEDULE "E" 1. AYLARD FARM BEACH The sandy beach at the Capital Regional" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Neither the [Zoning Bylaw No. 100](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) nor the animal bylaw sets rules for backyard hens. They do not say how many, whether roosters are allowed, what a coop must look like, or whether a permit is needed. Keeping and breeding livestock is part of "Agriculture". Agriculture is a permitted use in the Rural Residential zones (RR1 to RR5, RR15, RR16) and Rural zones (R1 to R3D, R5 to R7), among others. Check your zone. ## Good to know - In Rural 1, a building used for agriculture must be at least 30 m from the front lot line and 15 m from side and rear lot lines. - Beekeeping is allowed where Agriculture is a permitted use. The animal bylaw's list of banned wild or exotic animals excludes bees kept for beekeeping in those zones. No hive limits were found. - The animal bylaw's ban on animals that disturb the neighbourhood does not apply in an agricultural zone. - Intensive Agriculture (confining poultry, livestock or fur-bearing animals as a commercial enterprise) is prohibited except as a home-based business. - Ask the District at 250-474-1773 before getting hens. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) - [Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/backyard-chickens.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/backyard-chickens.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/backyard-chickens.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-chickens.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/backyard-chickens.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (read 2026-11-08) - [Find a Bylaw, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/find-bylaw) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 3 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 4 are recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- title: Highlands RV, boat and trailer parking rules question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # Highlands RV, boat and trailer parking rules **Question:** Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, a trailer or camper detached from a vehicle may not be parked on any road. On a lot, no more than three recreation vehicles may be parked outside a building. Nobody may live in an RV or camper on a road, or use one as a dwelling on any lot. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Detached trailer or camper on a road: $50. Other fines range from $50 to $500. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall (Bylaw Enforcement), 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **On the street:** A trailer or camper detached from a motor vehicle may not be parked on any road. Vehicles over 4,000 kg gross weight or 7.0 m long may not park on a road between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Abandoning a vehicle, trailer or boat on a road or public place is banned. Check signs for local time limits. - Source: [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300, s. 5.10, 5.11, 6.12(e)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) - Official wording: "No person shall park on road right-of-ways:" … "(a) a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of more than 4,000 kilograms; or" … "no person shall park a" … "trailer or camper that is detached from a motor vehicle on any road right-of-" … "shall abandon, deposit or leave any vehicle, trailer, or boat upon or in any" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **On your property:** No more than three recreation vehicles (campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, or motor vehicles built mainly for temporary recreational sleeping) may be parked or kept outside a building on a lot. No more than one unlicensed vehicle outside a building; unlicensed or commercial vehicles must be at least 10 m from every lot line. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), s. 3.9(1), (3), (5)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "No more than three (3) recreation vehicles shall be parked or kept outside a building on a lot." … "No more than one (1) unlicensed vehicle shall be parked or kept outside a building on a lot." … "No unlicensed vehicle or commercial vehicle shall be parked or kept on a lot within 10 metres of" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), s. 1 'Recreation Vehicle'](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "RECREATION VEHICLE means any camper, travel trailer, fifth wheel or motor vehicle with a maximum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Living in an RV:** No. On a road, no one may use a vehicle, trailer or camper for lodging, sleeping or as a residence. On any lot, using an RV, camper or vehicle as a dwelling unit is prohibited in all zones. - Source: [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300, s. 5.16](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) - Official wording: "No person shall use any vehicle, trailer or camper parked on a road right-of-way" … "for the purpose of lodging, sleeping accommodation or a residence." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), s. 3.7(2)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "recreational vehicle, camper, or building or structure other than a dwelling unit as a dwelling unit is" … "prohibited in all Zones." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Detached trailer or camper on a road (s. 5.11): $50 ($40 within 14 days; $60 after 28). Over 4,000 kg or 7 m overnight (s. 5.10): $50. Abandoning a vehicle, trailer or boat on a road: $200. Contrary to zoning s. 3.9: $200. Living in a parked vehicle on a road: notice $500 but ticket $75; schedules differ. (Sources differ: CONFLICT: for occupying a parked vehicle, trailer or camper, the Bylaw Notice schedule (No. 475) lists $500 ($400 early, $600 late) with section 6.01, while the Municipal Ticket schedule (No. 478) lists $75 with section 5.16. The two schedules' section numbers are also offset in several rows. Check with the District which applies.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Bylaw 300 and Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Park detached trailer/camper 5.11 $ 50.00 $40.00 $60.00" … "Occupancy of parked vehicle/ trailer/" … "6.01 $500.00 $400.00 $600.00" … "Permit vehicles, driveways, and parking" … "3.9(1-11)" … "Park vehicle in excess of 4,000 kgs." … "Abandon vehicle/trailer/boat" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 4 and 10](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Park detached trailer/camper 5.11 $ 50.00" … "Occupancy of parked vehicle/ trailer/ camper 5.16 $ 75.00" … "Permit vehicles, driveways, and parking contrary to bylaw 3.9(1-11) $200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** District of Highlands Bylaw No. 300 to Regulate Roads and Traffic; Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998. - Source: [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300, title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) - Official wording: "DISTRICT OF HIGHLANDS BYLAW NO. 300 A BY-LAW TO REGULATE ROADS AND TRAFFIC WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF HIGHLANDS" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026), footer](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) bars a trailer or camper detached from a motor vehicle from being parked on any road. A vehicle over 4,000 kg gross weight or 7.0 m long may not park on a road between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Abandoning a vehicle, trailer or boat on a road or public place is banned, and so is parking an unlicensed vehicle on a road. Check signs for local time limits. On your own lot, the [Zoning Bylaw No. 100](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) allows no more than three recreation vehicles (campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, or vehicles built mainly for temporary recreational sleeping) parked or kept outside a building. No more than one unlicensed vehicle may be outside a building, and unlicensed or commercial vehicles must be at least 10 m from every lot line. ## Good to know - Nobody may use a vehicle, trailer or camper for lodging, sleeping or as a residence on a road. Using an RV, camper or vehicle as a dwelling unit is prohibited in all zones. - No separate limit on boats or utility trailers was found. Detached vehicle parts may not be kept outside a building. - Fines: detached trailer or camper on a road: $50 ($40 within 14 days; $60 after 28). Over 4,000 kg or 7 m overnight: $50. Abandoning a vehicle, trailer or boat on a road: $200. Breaking the zoning rule on vehicles: $200. - Living in a parked vehicle on a road: the bylaw notice schedule says $500, but the ticket schedule says $75. The two disagree, so ask the District which applies. ## Official forms and pages - [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Roads and Traffic Bylaw No. 300 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1448) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated June 2026) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: "Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines" question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.json" --- # Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines **Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Highlands? **Short answer:** Highlands has no fixed quiet hours. The Noise Suppression Bylaw bans any noise that disturbs the peace, rest or comfort of the neighbourhood. Construction that disturbs others is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after sunset or 7 p.m., whichever is the latest. The fine is $200. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Noise that disturbs: $200 bylaw notice or municipal ticket. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Phone: District Office, 250-474-1773 - By mail: Mail a written complaint, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria BC V9B 6H1 - Phone: CRD Animal Care (barking dogs), 250-478-0624 ## Key facts - **General rule:** No person may make, cause or continue any noise or sound, on a highway or elsewhere, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or of people near the source. - Source: [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961), s. 2(2)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - Official wording: "No person shall make, cause to be made, or continue to make, any noise or sound in" … "disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Quiet hours:** None set. The Noise Suppression Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. - **Construction hours:** Construction, demolition, alteration or repair of a building, or excavating or filling land, in a way that disturbs others is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after sunset or 7 p.m., whichever is the latest. The bylaw sets no separate Sunday or holiday rule for construction. - Source: [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961), s. 3(6)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - Official wording: "No person shall construct, demolish, alter or repair a building, or excavate or fill" … "before the hours of 7 o’clock in the forenoon or after sunset or 7 o’clock in the afternoon, whichever is the latest" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other limits:** Also banned when disturbing: loud radios, instruments or amplified sound; animals or caged birds making frequent or loud noise; vehicles or engines without a sufficient muffler; engine retarder brakes on District highways except in an emergency; loading or unloading trucks before 7 a.m. or after sunset or 7 p.m. (whichever is latest) or on Sundays. Exempt: emergency vehicles, reasonable farm equipment, church bells. - Source: [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961), s. 3(1), (2), (3), (5), (8); s. 4](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - Official wording: "No person shall play any radio, phonograph, television receiving set, tape, cartridge," … "No person shall keep or harbour any animal or caged bird which by making frequent" … "No person shall use an engine retardant brake while operating a motor" … "nor on Sundays." … "the operation, in a reasonable manner, of farm equipment" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Who to call, business hours:** The District's Bylaw Officer. Complaints must be in writing (Report an Issue form, email, fax 250-474-3677, mail to 1980 Millstream Road, or drop off at the District Office), except urgent health and safety matters. District Office phone: 250-474-1773. Barking dogs: CRD Animal Care, 250-478-0624. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Report a Problem](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "Complaints must be submitted in writing, with the exception of those that identify urgent contraventions" … "By mail: Bylaw Officer, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1" - Source: [Find a Bylaw | District of Highlands, BC | CiviKit, Find a Bylaw page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/find-bylaw) - Official wording: "please call the District Office at 250-474-1773" - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement Services | District of Highlands, BC | CiviKit, Animal Control](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw-enforcement-services/bylaw-enforcement-services/bylaw-enforcement-services) - Official wording: "Animal control services for the District of Highlands are provided, by contract, through the Capital Regional District. Please call 250-478-0624 or E-mail." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Who to call, after hours:** Not confirmed. No official Highlands page names an after-hours noise line. - **Fine:** Noise which disturbs (s. 2(2)): bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. Construction noise which disturbs (s. 3(6)): the same $200. The bylaw itself allows a fine up to $500 on conviction. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Noise Suppression Bylaw No. 961](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Noise which disturbs 2(2) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Construction noise which disturbs 3(6) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 5](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Noise which disturbs 2(2) $200.00" - Source: [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961), s. 6(2)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - Official wording: "is guilty of an offence and is" … "liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $500.00." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (Capital Regional District Bylaw No. 961), posted by the District as Bylaw No. 961. - Source: [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961), title page and s. 7](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 961" … "This By-law may be cited as the “Noise Suppression By-law, 1981”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) (posted by the District as Bylaw No. 961) bans making or continuing any noise that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or of people near the source. It sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise and no decibel limits. ## Steps 1. Send a written complaint to the District's Bylaw Officer: use the Report an Issue form, email, fax 250-474-3677, mail, or drop it off at the District Office. Urgent health and safety matters need not be in writing. 2. For barking dogs, call CRD Animal Care at 250-478-0624. ## Good to know - Construction, demolition, alteration or repair of a building, or excavating or filling land, in a way that disturbs others is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after sunset or 7 p.m., whichever is the latest. No separate Sunday or holiday rule for construction is set. - Also banned when disturbing: loud radios, instruments or amplified sound; animals or caged birds making frequent or loud noise; vehicles or engines without a sufficient muffler; engine retarder brakes on District highways except in an emergency; and loading or unloading trucks before 7 a.m. or after sunset or 7 p.m. (whichever is latest) or on Sundays. - Exempt: emergency vehicles, reasonable farm equipment and church bells. - Fine: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. Construction noise is the same $200. The bylaw allows up to $500 on conviction. - No official Highlands page names an after-hours noise line. For animal matters, call 1-800-884-0919. ## Official forms and pages - [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (Bylaw No. 961) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks.md) - [Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/noise-rules.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/noise-rules.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/noise-rules.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/noise-rules.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/noise-rules.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/noise-rules.md) ## Sources - [Noise Suppression By-law, 1981 (CRD Bylaw 961) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1424) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing) (read 2026-11-08) - [Find a Bylaw | District of Highlands, BC | CiviKit](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/find-bylaw) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement Services | District of Highlands, BC | CiviKit](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw-enforcement-services/bylaw-enforcement-services/bylaw-enforcement-services) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules/_ --- --- title: Highlands unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property.json" --- # Highlands unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, send a written complaint with your name, address and phone number to the District's Bylaw Officer. The unsightly premises bylaw bars letting rubbish, discarded materials or filth collect, or letting a property become unsightly. The fine is $200. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $200 ($160 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $200. **How long:** A written complaint is investigated within five business days. The owner is generally given up to 30 days to fix it. **Where:** - Online: Report an Issue form, https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement - Phone: District Office, 250-474-1773 - By mail: Mail or drop off in person, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **What counts:** An owner or occupier must not let water, filth, discarded materials or rubbish collect or accumulate around the premises, or allow the property to become or remain unsightly. Nobody may deposit bottles, broken glass or rubbish in an open place or place graffiti. 'Discarded materials' includes unused or stripped vehicles, trailers, boats and machinery. - Source: [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw 1887), s. 1 and s. 2](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) - Official wording: "No Owner or Occupier of Real Property shall cause or permit water, filth, discarded materials" … "No Owner or Occupier of Real Property shall allow the real property to become or to remain" … "No person shall place graffiti on walls, fences or elsewhere on or adjacent to a public place." … "unused or stripped" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to report:** Send a written complaint to the District's Bylaw Officer with your name, address and phone number: online through the Report an Issue form, by email, fax 250-474-3677, mail to 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria BC V9B 6H1, or in person at the District Office. Urgent health and safety matters may be reported without writing. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Report a Problem](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "Complaints must be submitted in writing, with the exception of those that identify urgent contraventions" … "Online through our Report an Issue form" … "including property maintenance, excessive noise, unauthorized land alterations" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What happens next:** A written complaint is investigated within five business days. If there is a violation, the owner is told to fix it at once or within a set time, generally up to 30 days. Bylaw 1887 s. 4 lets the Regional District clear it at the owner's cost, added to taxes if unpaid December 31. - Source: [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw 1887), s. 3 and s. 4](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) - Official wording: "Removal is to be done at a reasonable" … "time and in a reasonable manner." … "may enter and effect the removal or clearance at the expense of the owner or" … "shall be added to and form part of the taxes payable on that Real Property as taxes in arrears." - Source: [https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Bylaw%20Procedure_201709261316423767.pdf, s. 3 Investigation](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Bylaw%20Procedure_201709261316423767.pdf) - Official wording: "This initial investigation shall occur within five business days of receiving the" … "issue immediately or within a specified time period. Generally this time period will be" … "up to thirty days." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Accumulated debris, depositing rubbish, unsightly property, graffiti, or failing to remove rubbish or graffiti: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Unsightly Premises Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Accumulated Debris 2(1) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Unsightly Property 2(3) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 3](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Unsightly Property 2(3) $200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw No. 1887). Its title covers other electoral areas, but Highlands' ticket bylaws list it; the District does not post it. Confirm with the District. - Source: [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw 1887), title and s. 8](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) - Official wording: "BY-LAW NO. 1887" … "This by-law may be cited for all purposes as "Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991"." … "ELECTORAL AREAS OF LANGFORD, SOOKE, SALT SPRING ISLAND AND THE" … "OUTER GULF ISLANDS OF THE CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The CRD's [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) (Bylaw 1887) says an owner or occupier must not let water, filth, discarded materials or rubbish collect around the premises, or let the property become or remain unsightly. "Discarded materials" includes unused or stripped vehicles, trailers, boats and machinery. Nobody may deposit bottles, broken glass or rubbish in an open place or place graffiti. ## Steps 1. Send a written complaint to the District's Bylaw Officer with your name, address and phone number. Use the Report an Issue form, email, fax 250-474-3677, mail, or drop it off at the District Office. Urgent health and safety matters may be reported without writing. 2. The District investigates within five business days. If there is a violation, the owner is told to fix it at once or within a set time, generally up to 30 days. ## Good to know - Fine for accumulated debris, depositing rubbish, unsightly property or graffiti: bylaw notice $200 ($160 within 14 days; $240 after 28 days); municipal ticket $200. - The bylaw lets the Regional District clear a property at the owner's cost, added to taxes if unpaid on December 31. It sets no notice period. - The bylaw's own title names other electoral areas and the District does not post it, so confirm with the District that it applies. The District's page also lists property maintenance as a complaint it investigates. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw 1887) (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md) - [Highlands RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/unsightly-property.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/unsightly-property.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/unsightly-property.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/unsightly-property.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/unsightly-property.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) (read 2026-11-08) - [Unsightly Premises By-law No. 1, 1991 (CRD Bylaw 1887) (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1887-unsightly-premises-bylaw-no-1-1991b) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Bylaw%20Procedure_201709261316423767.pdf](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/Bylaw%20Procedure_201709261316423767.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Highlands backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.json" --- # Highlands backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, every open-air fire, including a campfire, needs a free burn permit from the Fire Chief, all year. Campfire permits are approved automatically online. Burn only when the Ventilation Index is "good". A fire without a permit is a $500 ticket. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Free. Burn permits are free of charge. A fire without a permit is a $500 bylaw notice or municipal ticket. **How long:** Campfire permits (up to 0.5 m x 0.5 m) and Open Air permits up to 1 m x 1 m are approved automatically online; larger ones are approved manually. **Where:** - Online: Burning permits (District online permit system), https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits - Phone: District Office (Fire Chief), 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** Allowed only with a free burn permit from the Fire Chief: every open-air fire, including a campfire, needs one, all year. Campfire permits (up to 0.5 m x 0.5 m) are approved automatically online. Residential charcoal-briquette, natural gas or propane appliances on a firm non-combustible base need no permit. - Source: [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, s. 33(a) and 33(h)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) - Official wording: "any fire of any kind whatsoever in the open air or in an appliance, container or device in the open air, without first having obtained a permit from the Fire Chief" … "an outdoor appliance that uses charcoal briquettes or is" … "fueled by and burns natural gas or propane, for residential use only is permitted" - Source: [Burning Permits](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits) - Official wording: "ALL outdoor fires in the Highlands require a permit." … "Campfire permits (max size .5m x .5m)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Burning yard waste:** Only with a permit. The Fire Chief may permit burning of brush, stumps and slash from land clearing, and dry garden refuse, on conditions. Burn only when the Ventilation Index is forecast 'good'. Garbage, treated wood, plastic and construction waste may not be burned; paper only to start a fire. - Source: [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, s. 33(b), (d), (e)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) - Official wording: "(iv) garden refuse" … "the burning of brush, stumps, slash and like materials, resulting from the" … "the burning of dry garden refuse;" … "Ventilation Index covering the District is forecast as “good”" … "paper products, other than to start a fire;" … "construction or demolition waste is prohibited" - Source: [Burning Permits](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits) - Official wording: "Note: There is no longer an "open season" for burning" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** Yes. Get a free burn permit from the Fire Chief through the District's online permit system. Permits are required year-round and are free of charge. - Source: [Burning Permits](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits) - Official wording: "These permits are mandatory year-round and are free of charge." … "The District of Highlands offers a FREE online permitting process for all open burning." - Source: [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, s. 33(a) and s. 38](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) - Official wording: "without first having obtained a permit from the Fire Chief." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fire bans:** The Fire Chief may order that no burning is to occur in the District for an indefinite or specified period, and permits already issued stop being effective. Check the BC Ventilation Index before burning; burning is allowed only when it is 'good'. - Source: [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, s. 33(e) and (f)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) - Official wording: "The Fire Chief may, where he/she deems it expedient to do so, order that no burning" … "previously issued permits cease to be effective as of the date of such order." - Source: [Wood and Backyard Burning, Check Conditions Before You Burn](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning) - Official wording: "Burning is only permitted when the index is rated “GOOD” for the day." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Instead of burning:** Compost leaves and clippings, hire a tree-trimming company to remove land-clearing debris, or take yard and garden material to CRD Hartland Landfill (fees apply). - Source: [Wood and Backyard Burning](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning) - Official wording: "Compost leaves and clippings instead of burning them." … "Hire tree trimming companies to dispose of land clearing debris." - Source: [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District, Yard & Garden Waste](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) - Official wording: "Yard and garden material (less than 3"dia) - $59/tonne, $10 minimum" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Open-air fire without a permit (s. 33(a)): bylaw notice $500 ($400 within 14 days; $600 after 28 days); municipal ticket $500. Burning contrary to a permit condition or outside the distance rules: $200. Open-air fire during a burning ban (s. 33(f)): municipal ticket $1,150. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Open air fire without permit 33 a) $500.00 $400.00 $600.00" … "Burning fires outside distance" … "35 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 8](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Open air fire during a burning ban 33 f) $1,150.00" … "Open air fire without permit 33 a) $500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025. - Source: [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, s. 1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as " Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under the [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612), every open-air fire, including a campfire, needs a free burn permit from the Fire Chief, all year. Residential charcoal-briquette, natural gas or propane appliances on a firm non-combustible base need no permit. The Fire Chief may permit burning of brush, stumps and slash from land clearing, and dry garden refuse, on conditions. Garbage, treated wood, plastic and construction waste may not be burned; paper only to start a fire. ## Steps 1. Get a free permit through the District's online burning permit system. 2. Burn only when the BC Ventilation Index is forecast "good". 3. Keep a fire larger than 0.5 m³ at least 6 m from any building or property line and 1 m from shrubbery, tall grass, a fence or other combustibles. ## Good to know - Fires over 1 m³ must be 500 m from any residence or business and 15 m from combustibles. - The Fire Chief may order that no burning is to occur for an indefinite or specified period, and permits already issued stop being effective. Check the District and the Province for current bans; the District's page says campfires are also controlled under the provincial Wildfire Act. - Alternatives: compost leaves and clippings, hire a tree-trimming company, or take yard material to CRD Hartland Landfill (fees apply). - Fire without a permit: bylaw notice $500 ($400 within 14 days; $600 after 28 days); municipal ticket $500. Burning against a permit condition or the distance rules: $200. Open-air fire during a burning ban: municipal ticket $1,150. ## Official forms and pages - [Burning Permits, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits) - [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) ## Related questions - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) - [Highlands yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste.md) - [Highlands fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/backyard-fire.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/backyard-fire.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/backyard-fire.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/backyard-fire.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1612) (read 2026-11-08) - [Burning Permits, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning/burning-permits) (read 2026-11-08) - [Wood and Backyard Burning, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/protective-services/fire-services/wood-and-backyard-burning) (read 2026-11-08) - [Hartland Landfill rates and accepted items, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/hartland-landfill/rates-accepted-items) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Highlands fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks.json" --- # Highlands fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Highlands? **Short answer:** In Highlands, consumer fireworks may be set off only with a permit, and only on October 31 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The permit applicant must be 18 or older. Firecrackers are banned outright, and selling fireworks is not allowed. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Permit fees in the 2009 bylaw: $10 consumer, $75 display. Fines are $200 to $500. **How long:** Consumer fireworks: apply by noon on October 31 (or the last business day before). Display fireworks: apply 30 days ahead. **Where:** - Phone: District of Highlands Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** Only with a permit. Consumer fireworks may be discharged only on October 31 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. (or in exceptional circumstances under municipal policy). The permit applicant must be 18 or older. No one under 18 may possess or use fireworks, and parents may not allow it. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), s. 3(4), (5), (8), (9); s. 4(1)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "No person may hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use consumer fireworks" … "No person may discharge consumer fireworks except on October 31st of each year" … "between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m." … "No person under the age of eighteen (18) years may hold, possess, store, discharge," … "Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older before discharging consumer" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Selling fireworks:** Not allowed: no person may sell fireworks. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), s. 3(1)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "No person may sell fireworks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What counts as fireworks:** 'Fireworks' means consumer fireworks (such as fountains, Roman candles, pin wheels and volcanoes), display fireworks (such as rockets and shells) and pyrotechnic special effects fireworks. Consumer fireworks do not include Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns. Firecrackers are banned outright. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), s. 2](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "“Fireworks” means consumer fireworks, display fireworks, and pyrotechnic special effects" … "but does not include Christmas crackers, sparklers, and caps for toy guns;" … "No person may buy, sell, hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** Anyone 18 or older must apply to the municipality for a permit. Consumer fireworks: apply by noon on October 31 (or the last business day before); the applicant needs a Certification Card and a Fireworks Safety Course within the past three years. Display fireworks: apply 30 days ahead. Fees: $10 consumer, $75 display. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), s. 4(1), 4(2)(a), Schedule F](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "must be submitted to the municipality by no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 31st" … "the applicant has successfully completed the Fireworks Safety Course within the three year period" … "Fireworks Permit $10.00" … "Display Fireworks Permit $75.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Selling fireworks: $500. Using or possessing without a permit, or unsafe discharge: $200. Discharging outside the permitted date and time: $200. Bylaw notices give $160 within 14 days and $240 after 28 days; municipal tickets the full amount. (Sources differ: CONFLICT: the fireworks bylaw's own Schedule F (2009) lists $100 for possessing firecrackers (and, by its table, for discharge outside the permitted period and other offences) and $200 for possessing fireworks without a permit. The 2025 ticket bylaws (No. 475 and 478) list $200 for firecrackers and for discharge outside the permitted period. The 2025 bylaws were used as current.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Sale of fireworks 3.1 $500.00 $400.00 $600.00" … "Discharge outside permitted period 3.5 $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 9](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Sale of fireworks 3.1 $500.00" … "Discharge outside permitted period 3.5 $200.00" - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), Schedule F](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "Possess firecrackers 3.3 Firecrackers $100.00" … "Possess fireworks 3.4 Permit $200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009), s. 1](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Fireworks Regulation Bylaw” No. 254," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) allows consumer fireworks (such as fountains, Roman candles, pin wheels and volcanoes) only with a permit. They may be discharged only on October 31 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., or in exceptional circumstances under municipal policy. No one under 18 may possess or use fireworks, and parents may not allow it. Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns are outside the definition. ## Steps 1. Anyone 18 or older applies to the District for a permit. 2. For consumer fireworks, apply by noon on October 31 (or the last business day before). You need a Certification Card and a Fireworks Safety Course taken within the past three years. 3. For display fireworks, apply 30 days ahead. Pyrotechnic special effects permits go through the Fire Chief. ## Good to know - Firecrackers and "prohibited fireworks" (cherry bombs, M-80s and similar) are banned outright. No person may sell fireworks. - Fireworks are also banned in District parks. - Fees in the 2009 consolidation of the bylaw: $10 consumer, $75 display. - Fines: selling fireworks $500; using or possessing without a permit, unsafe discharge, or discharging outside the permitted date and time $200. Bylaw notices give $160 within 14 days and $240 after 28 days on the $200 amounts; municipal tickets show the full amount. ## Official forms and pages - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) ## Related questions - [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) - [Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md) - [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/fireworks.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/fireworks.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/fireworks.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/fireworks.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/fireworks.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 254, 2007 (consolidated to 2009) (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1427) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Highlands? **Short answer:** The District of Highlands uses two ticket systems. A bylaw notice has an early-payment amount (for example, $200 becomes $160 if paid within 14 days). A municipal ticket shows one amount. Examples: no dog licence $50, noise $200, open fire without a permit $500. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** Examples: no dog licence $50; animal at large $75; noise or unsightly property $200; open fire without a permit $500. **How long:** You have 14 days from the date of service to dispute a bylaw notice. **Where:** - Phone: District Office, 250-474-1773 - By mail: Mail a Notice of Dispute, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** Two systems. Bylaw Offence Notices (Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw) carry early and late amounts and can go to screening and adjudication. Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) tickets go to Provincial Court if disputed. Bylaw Enforcement Officers issue them; some schedules also name the RCMP, Fire Chief, Building Official or Animal Control Officer. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Bylaw Enforcement Notices, Municipal Tickets & Fines](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "Bylaw Offence Notices and Municipal Ticket Information (MTIs) are issued for both parking violations and municipal bylaw violations." … "If you dispute a Municipal Ticket Information (MTI), you will receive written notice from the Provincial Court Registry" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, Schedule A, Appendix 2 and 4](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Bylaw Enforcement Officer and Animal Control Officer" … "ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Bylaw Enforcement Officer and Royal Canadian Mounted Police" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Common fines:** Bylaw notice amounts: park beyond posted time $25; park detached trailer or camper $50; no dog licence $50; animal at large $75; noisy dog, noise, unsightly property $200; open fire without a permit $500. Municipal tickets show the full amount only. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Park in excess of posted time 5.09 $ 25.00 $20.00 $30.00" … "No Dog License 3 $50.00 $40.00 $60.00" … "Animal at Large 24 (1) $75.00 $60.00 $90.00" … "Noisy Dog 26 (1) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Open air fire without permit 33 a) $500.00 $400.00 $600.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying early:** Most bylaw notices have an early payment amount if paid within 14 days (for example $200 becomes $160; $500 becomes $400). - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, Fines & Payments](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "The majority of fines are subject to an early payment discount if paid within 14 days." - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A header](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "(within 14 days) (after 28 days)" … "$200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying late:** If the notice is not paid or disputed within 14 days of service it becomes final and the full penalty is payable. If payment is received after 28 days, a late penalty applies (for example $200 becomes $240). Overdue amounts may be referred to collections. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, What happens if I do not pay my tickets?](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "If the bylaw notice is not paid or disputed within 14 days of service, the notice will be deemed final" … "If payment is received after 28 days, a late penalty will apply." … "Overdue penalties and fees may be referred to collections." - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A header](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "(within 14 days) (after 28 days)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Disputing a ticket:** You have 14 days from the date of service to deliver, mail or email a Notice of Dispute to the District, with the ticket number, full name and mailing address, date of the offence, and bylaw name and section. If an adjudicator finds the offence occurred, a $25 adjudication fee is added. A disputed MTI goes to Provincial Court. - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement, How much time do I have to dispute my ticket?](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) - Official wording: "You have 14 days from the date of service to deliver, mail, or email a Notice of Dispute" … "a $25 adjudication fee will be added to the fine." … "If you dispute a Bylaw Offence Notice, a Screening Officer will contact you" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (bylaw notices) and Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (MTI tickets). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, page header](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "BYLAW NOTICE ENFORCMENT BYLAW NO. 475, 2025" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025, page header](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Highlands has two ticket systems side by side. A Bylaw Offence Notice, under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623), carries early and late amounts and can go to screening and adjudication. A Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) ticket, under the [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635), shows one amount and goes to Provincial Court if disputed. Bylaw Enforcement Officers issue them; some schedules also name the RCMP, Fire Chief, Building Official or Animal Control Officer. ## Steps 1. If you get a bylaw notice, pay it within 14 days for the early amount, or dispute it. 2. To dispute, deliver, mail or email a Notice of Dispute to the District within 14 days of service. Include the ticket number, your full name and mailing address, the date of the offence, and the bylaw name and section. 3. If an adjudicator finds the offence occurred, a $25 adjudication fee is added. ## Good to know - Bylaw notice examples: park beyond posted time $25; detached trailer or camper $50; no dog licence $50; animal at large $75; noisy dog, noise or unsightly property $200; open fire without a permit $500. - Most bylaw notices have an early amount if paid within 14 days (for example $200 becomes $160; $500 becomes $400). - If the notice is not paid or disputed within 14 days it becomes final. If payment is received after 28 days, a late penalty applies (for example $200 becomes $240). Overdue amounts may go to collections. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) ## Related questions - [Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md) - [Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md) - [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md) - [Highlands RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/bylaw-fines.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/bylaw-fines.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/bylaw-fines.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/bylaw-fines.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/bylaw-fines.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- title: "Highlands business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply" question: "Do I need a business licence in Highlands, and how do I get one?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence.json" --- # Highlands business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a business licence in Highlands, and how do I get one? **Short answer:** No. The District of Highlands does not issue municipal business licences, so nobody needs one to operate here. It offers only an Intermunicipal Business Licence ($100 a year) for a business already operating from Highlands premises that also works in other CRD municipalities. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** $100 a year for an Intermunicipal Business Licence. There is no other District business licence. **How long:** The pages read do not state a processing time. **Where:** - Online: Business Licences, District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences - In person: District Office, Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 (Take the completed form here. Counter hours are not stated on the pages read.) - Phone: Municipal Hall, 250-474-1773 - Email: Municipal Hall, info@highlands.ca ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** Nobody needs a municipal business licence for a home-based or commercial business: the District does not issue them. Only an Intermunicipal Business Licence is offered, and only to a business already operating from premises in Highlands. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Home based or commercial business licences are not issued in the District of Highlands." … "To be able to obtain an Intermunicipal Business Licence you must already be operating a business on, in or from a premises within the District of Highlands." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** $100 a year for an Intermunicipal Business Licence. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "The annual fee for an Intermunicipal Business Licence is $100 and may be purchased at the District Office." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001, s. 5](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) - Official wording: "shall be accompanied by a fee of $100.00." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** Fill in the Intermunicipal Business Licence application form and take it to the District Office (1980 Millstream Road); the licence is bought there. A Resident Business that also works in another participating municipality applies to the Administrator. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Application Form" … "may be purchased at the District Office." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001, s. 2 and 4](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) - Official wording: "Every person owning or operating a Resident Business that also operates" … "The application for a licence for the first time shall be in the form or forms" - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "To be able to obtain an Intermunicipal Business Licence you must already be operating a business on, in or from a premises within the District of Highlands." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** Licences run January 1 to December 31 each year, with no part-year reduction. If nothing about the business has changed, no application form is needed to renew. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001, s. 8 and 13](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) - Official wording: "Licenses issued hereunder shall be annual licenses for the period January 1st" … "to December 31st in each and every year, and no proportionate reduction" … "an application form is not required to renew an Intermunicipal Business Licence." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Inter-community licence:** Yes. An Intermunicipal Business Licence lets a business licensed in a participating CRD municipality work in all of them: Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, View Royal and Highlands. Fee $100 a year. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Participating municipalities include: Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, View Royal, and Highlands." … "The annual fee for an Intermunicipal Business Licence is $100 and may be purchased at the District Office." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** No fine for operating without a licence: the District issues no business licences. Bylaw 152 s. 14 sets only a general penalty for breaching that bylaw: on conviction at least $100 plus costs (first offence), $200 (second), $300 (later). No ticket is listed. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001, s. 14](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) - Official wording: "liable on conviction, to a" … "fine or penalty of not less than $100.00 and costs in respect of the first" … "offence, $200.00 and costs in respect of the second offence, and in the case of" … "subsequent offences to a fine of not less than $300.00 and costs." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** District of Highlands Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001 (Intermunicipal Business Licence scheme) - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001, s. 15](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) - Official wording: "District of Highlands Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands does not issue business licences, for home-based or commercial businesses. It offers only an Intermunicipal Business Licence under [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf), and only to a business already operating from premises in Highlands. The licence lets a business licensed in a participating CRD municipality work in all of them: Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, View Royal and Highlands. The fee is $100 a year. Licences run January 1 to December 31, with no part-year reduction. ## Steps 1. Decide whether you need the Intermunicipal licence (only if you work in other participating municipalities). 2. Fill in the Intermunicipal Business Licence application form and take it to the District Office at 1980 Millstream Road, where the licence is bought. 3. A Resident Business that also works in another participating municipality applies to the Administrator. 4. To renew, if nothing about the business has changed, no application form is needed. ## Good to know - Operating without a licence carries no fine, because the District issues no business licences. Breaching Bylaw 152 carries a general penalty on conviction of at least $100 plus costs (first offence), $200 (second) and $300 (later). No ticket is listed. - How renewal fees are paid is not stated on the pages read. - Home-based businesses still must follow zoning rules (see the home-based-business answer). ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licences, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) ## Related questions - [Highlands home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md) - [Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/business-licence.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/business-licence.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/business-licence.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/business-licence.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/business-licence.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licences, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 152, 2001 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/sites/31/files/2025-02/152%20-%20Business%20License_201306031504557174.pdf) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Enforcement, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/bylaw/bylaw-enforcement) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Highlands home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: District of Highlands sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.json" --- # Highlands home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home in Highlands? **Short answer:** Yes. In the District of Highlands a home-based business is a permitted use in the Rural Residential, Rural and Greenbelt zones and a few others, if the owner lives on the property. The District does not issue home-based business licences, so none is required. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Highlands, https://www.highlands.ca) **Cost:** No District licence or fee. An optional Intermunicipal Business Licence is $100 a year. **How long:** Not applicable; the District does not issue a licence. **Where:** - Phone: Municipal Planner, 250-474-1773 - Email: Municipal Planner, lbeckett@highlands.ca - In person: Municipal Hall, 1980 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6H1 ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes. A permitted use in the Rural Residential (RR1-5, 7, 8, 13-16), Rural (R1-R7, not R3D) and Greenbelt (GB1, GB1A, GB2) zones, and in P3, Am1, Am2 and CD2. The owner or operator must live on the property. Check your zone. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Home-based businesses are permitted in the District of Highlands and do not require a business licence." - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 6.1.1 (RR1) and s. 3.6(1)(a)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Home-based business" … "The owner or operator of a home-based business shall have their principal residence on" … "d) Home-based business" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** No business licence is required. The District does not issue home-based business licences. An Intermunicipal Business Licence ($100 a year) is only for a business already operating from Highlands premises that also works in other participating CRD municipalities. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Home-based businesses are permitted in the District of Highlands and do not require a business licence." … "The annual fee for an Intermunicipal Business Licence is $100 and may be purchased at the District Office." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** Wholly inside the dwelling (lots of 5,000 m² or more may also use an accessory building, up to 70 m² total, 20 m from the front lot line, 10 m from side and rear); one non-resident employee; 8 vehicle trips a day; 1 parking space (1 more for an accessory building); no outdoor storage. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6(1)(b) to (f), (k) and s. 3.6(6)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "not more than one person who does not reside on the lot on which that home-based business is" … "on a lot of 5000m² or more in area" … "shall not exceed 70 square metres (753 sq. ft.)" … "must be sited at least 20 metres from the front lot line and 10 metres from" … "is permitted only within a dwelling unit or" … "shall not generate more than eight (8) departures or arrivals of" … "for each principal dwelling unit" … "used for a home-based business" … "for accessory buildings used for a" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Businesses not allowed:** No list of banned business types. The rules bar a business that causes noise, odour, heat, smoke, dust, glare, vibration or electrical interference detectable off the lot, more than one unlicensed vehicle being repaired, and any business in an accessory dwelling unit. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6(1)(l), (m) and s. 3.11(3)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "shall not allow or permit to be" … "any noise, odour, heat, smoke, dust, glare, vibration or electrical interference which" … "An accessory dwelling unit must not be used for a home-based business." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6 (home-based business regulations) - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page and s. 3.6](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" … "Home-Based Business" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Home-based businesses are regulated in section 3.6 of the [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622). A home-based business is a permitted use in the Rural Residential (RR1 to RR5, RR7, RR8, RR13 to RR16), Rural (R1 to R7, not R3D) and Greenbelt (GB1, GB1A, GB2) zones, and in P3, Am1, Am2 and CD2. The owner or operator must live on the property. Check your zone, and note that RR8 and RR14 bar home-based business on bare land strata common property. No business licence is required. The District does not issue home-based business licences. An Intermunicipal Business Licence ($100 a year) is only for a business already operating from Highlands premises that also works in other participating CRD municipalities. The limits: the business is wholly inside the dwelling (lots of 5,000 m² or more may also use an accessory building, up to 70 m² total, 20 m from the front lot line and 10 m from the side and rear lot lines); one non-resident employee; 8 vehicle trips a day; 1 parking space (1 more for an accessory building); and no outdoor storage. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone allows a home-based business (call the Municipal Planner). 2. Check the limits above. 3. Start your business. No District licence is needed. ## Good to know - There is no list of banned business types. The rules bar a business that causes noise, odour, heat, smoke, dust, glare, vibration or electrical interference detectable off the lot, more than one unlicensed vehicle being repaired, and any business in an accessory dwelling unit. - Cannabis production and sales are prohibited unless a zone expressly permits them. - The bylaw has no home-based business sign rule. ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licences, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence.md) - [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) - [Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.md) - [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/home-based-business.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/home-based-business.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/home-based-business.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/home-based-business.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/home-based-business.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licences, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Highlands. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Highlands?" place: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/highlands category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.json" --- # Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Highlands? **Short answer:** In the District of Highlands the Zoning Bylaw does not mention short-term rentals and the District has no short-term rental bylaw or licence. It does allow a bed and breakfast inside the owner's home in some zones. The Province also requires registration and limits rentals to your principal residence plus one suite. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** No District licence fee. Provincial registration is $100 a year for your principal residence and $450 a year for a secondary unit. **How long:** Not stated. **Where:** - Online: Province of BC, short-term rentals, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement - Phone: Municipal Planner, 250-474-1773 - Email: Municipal Planner, lbeckett@highlands.ca ## Key facts - **Allowed:** No short-term rental bylaw found. The Zoning Bylaw permits bed and breakfast use (a home-based business) only in Rural Residential, Rural and Greenbelt zones, wholly inside the owner's home. Highlands is on the Province's list where short-term rentals are limited to the host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6(1)(a), (g), (h)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "The owner or operator of a home-based business shall have their principal residence on" … "is permitted only in any Rural Residential, Rural or Greenbelt Zone," … "only be operated or maintained wholly within a dwelling unit on" - Source: [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC, Communities where the principal residence requirement applies](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Gabriola Island Highlands Kamloops" … "The usual place where they make their home day-to-day home" … "Plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** No. The District does not issue home-based or commercial business licences, and home-based businesses do not need one. - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) - Official wording: "Home based or commercial business licences are not issued in the District of Highlands." … "Home-based businesses are permitted in the District of Highlands and do not require a business licence." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Provincial registration:** Yes. Provincial registration applies to short-term rentals of fewer than 90 consecutive days, with one registration number per unit. Fee: $100 a year for the host's principal residence, $450 a year for a secondary unit. - Source: [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC, Registration and business licence exemptions](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days" … "Each short-term rental unit requires its own registration number." … "Fee: $100 annually" … "Fee: $450 annually" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Operating rules:** For a bed and breakfast: owner lives on the property; inside the dwelling; at most 8 guests on any night; at most 8 vehicle arrivals or departures a day; no noise, odour, dust or glare detectable off the lot; 1 parking space for each rented room. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6(1) and 3.6(6)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "is limited to a maximum of eight (8) persons on any single night;" … "shall not generate more than eight (8) departures or arrivals of" … "interferes with ordinary residential uses of land outside the boundary of the lot which contains" … "for each room that is used for a" … "boarder, lodger or for a bed" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** No short-term rental fine is listed. Zoning offences: uses prohibited in all zones $200; permit use contrary to zone $200; uses contrary to home-based business rules $200. Bylaw notice: $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28). Municipal ticket: $200. - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, Appendix 10, Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) - Official wording: "Permit use contrary to zone 2.5(1) $200.00" … "Uses contrary to home-based business regulations 3.6(1)(a-m) $200.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025, Schedule A, Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) - Official wording: "Permit use contrary to zone 2.5(1) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" … "Uses prohibited in all zones 3.7(1-4) $200.00 $160.00 $240.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, s. 3.6 (home-based business, bed and breakfast) and s. 3.7. Province: principal residence requirement. - Source: [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998, Title page](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) - Official wording: "Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (consolidated)" - Source: [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC, Page title](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "short-term rental principal residence requirement" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The District of Highlands has no short-term rental bylaw and issues no business licences. The [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) does not mention short-term or vacation rentals, and it prohibits any use that it does not expressly permit. It does permit a bed and breakfast, as a home-based business, in the Rural Residential, Rural and Greenbelt zones, wholly inside the owner's home. For a bed and breakfast the bylaw requires: the owner lives on the property; the business is inside the dwelling; at most 8 guests on any night; at most 8 vehicle arrivals or departures a day; no noise, odour, dust or glare detectable off the lot; and 1 parking space for each rented room. The Province applies its own rules. Highlands is on the Province's list of communities where short-term rentals are limited to the host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. Provincial registration applies to rentals of fewer than 90 consecutive days, with one registration number per unit. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone and whether a bed and breakfast is allowed (ask the Municipal Planner). 2. Check the Province's page and register your unit there. The fee is $100 a year for your principal residence and $450 a year for a secondary unit. 3. Follow the bed and breakfast limits above. ## Good to know - Boarders or lodgers: at most two rooms. - The District lists no short-term rental fine. Zoning offences such as a use prohibited in all zones, a use contrary to the zone, or a use contrary to the home-based business rules carry a bylaw notice of $200 ($160 within 14 days, $240 after 28), and a municipal ticket of $200. Whether they cover a given rental depends on the facts. - No rule was found on posting a licence number or naming a local contact. ## Official forms and pages - [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) ## Related questions - [Highlands business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence.md) - [Highlands home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md) - [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/short-term-rental.md) - [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/short-term-rental.md) - [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/short-term-rental.md) - [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/short-term-rental.md) - [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/short-term-rental.md) - [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Highlands Zoning Bylaw No. 100, 1998 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1622) (read 2026-11-08) - [Principal residence requirement, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licences, District of Highlands](https://www.highlands.ca/local-government/business-licences) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental/_