# Gov Handbook: Highlands, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Highlands building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit.md): 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.
- [Highlands fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fence-rules.md): 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.
- [Highlands permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): 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.
- [Highlands building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/building-permit-fees.md): 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.
- [Highlands zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning-lookup.md): 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.
- [Highlands secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/secondary-suite.md): 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.
- [Highlands tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal.md): 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.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Highlands garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/garbage-collection.md): 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.
- [Highlands yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/yard-waste.md): 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.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Highlands watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/water-restrictions.md): 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.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md): 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.
- [Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules.md): 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.
- [Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs.md): 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.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets.md): 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.
- [Highlands backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-chickens.md): 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.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Highlands RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): 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.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Highlands noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/noise-rules.md): 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.
- [Highlands unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/unsightly-property.md): 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.
- [Highlands backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md): 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.
- [Highlands fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/fireworks.md): 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.
- [Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines.md): 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.

## Starting and running a business

- [Highlands business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/business-licence.md): 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.
- [Highlands home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/home-based-business.md): 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.

## Housing and renting

- [Highlands short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/short-term-rental.md): 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.

## Zoning

- [All 45 zones in Highlands, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St