{"place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","slug":"houston","name":"Houston","full_name":"District of Houston","type":"municipality","country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"},"region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"website":"https://houston.ca","population":"3,052 (District's Invest in Houston page, which also presents a 2021 Census community profile)","intro":"Houston is a rural community on Highway 16 in the Bulkley Valley of northwestern British Columbia, incorporated in 1957. The District of Houston runs planning and zoning, business licensing, bylaw enforcement, dog licensing, garbage collection (weekly Toter cart pickup), water and sewer, roads and snow removal, parks, the leisure facility, arena and airport, and the Houston Volunteer Fire Department. Building inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako. Marriage licences, health cards and driver's licences are provincial.","city_hall":{"label":"Municipal Office","address":"3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","phone":"250-845-2238","email":"doh@houston.ca","hours":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed all statutory holidays)"},"useful_contacts":[{"label":"Municipal Office (general, dog licences, lost dogs)","value":"250-845-2238"},{"label":"Community Development (building, zoning, business licences)","value":"250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca"},{"label":"Bylaw complaints and service requests (online Service Request Portal)","value":"citywideportal.com, or doh@houston.ca"},{"label":"Water and sewer emergencies (after hours)","value":"250-845-8591"},{"label":"Houston Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency office; emergencies call 911)","value":"250-845-2250"},{"label":"Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (Burns Lake office)","value":"250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339, info@rdbn.bc.ca"}],"bodies":{"municipal":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"regional":{"name":"Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako","url":"https://www.rdbn.bc.ca"},"provincial":{"name":"Province of British Columbia","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca"},"federal":{"name":"Government of Canada","url":"https://www.canada.ca"}},"boundary":{"geojson":"/data/ca/bc/houston/boundary.geojson","area_km2":71.59,"source":"Municipalities - Legally Defined Administrative Areas of BC, BC Data Catalogue","source_url":"https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/municipalities-legally-defined-administrative-areas-of-bc","accessed":"2026-11-08"},"zoning":{"zones":12,"zone_pages":12,"has_page":true,"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (adopted October 6, 2026)","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520","accessed":"2026-11-08","note":"Schedule A of the bylaw is the text; Schedule B (the zoning map) is a separate PDF at https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149524. The document shows \"Updated - N/A\"."},"map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true}},"counts":{"answers":22,"facts_matched":126},"latest":"2026-11-08"},"generated":"2026-11-12T01:48:38.090Z","count":22,"answers":[{"title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","question":"Do I need a building permit in Houston, and how do I apply?","slug":"building-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"Most building work in Houston needs a building permit, including new homes, additions, renovations, secondary suites, swimming pools, demolition and accessory structures over 10 m² (108 sq ft). Complete the Building Permit Application Form and call 250-845-2238 before you apply.","aliases":["building permit houston bc","do i need a permit houston","apply for building permit houston","renovation permit houston"],"cost":"See the building-permit-fees answer. A $50 application fee applies to work under $25,000, plus the permit fee.","how_long":"Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how complete and complex the application is.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/"},{"title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Houston building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Houston fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/building-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit/"},"facts":{"needed_for":{"label":"Needed for","value":"Most projects, including renovations and minor additions: new homes, additions, secondary suites, plumbing and heating changes, wood stoves, swimming pools, demolition, and accessory structures over 10 m² (108 sq ft).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Building Permit Requirements\"","quotes":["Building permits are required for most projects, including renovations and minor additions.","Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square","Creating a secondary suite","Constructing or structurally repairing a swimming pool","Installing wood or pellet stove appliances"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3.0","quotes":["A permit is required whenever work regulated under this Bylaw is to be undertaken."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"The bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code, to retaining structures that are part of a building or structure that does not support an occupancy, or to minor repairs or alterations that do not affect a structural component. No size threshold is given.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 4.1","quotes":["nor to minor repairs or alterations which do not alter or affect a structural component of the building or structure","nor to retaining structures that are part of a building or structure that does not support an occupancy","nor to retaining structures that are","part of a building or structure that does not support an occupancy, nor to minor repairs or"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.10 (definition of \"structure\")","quotes":["specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures not supporting an occupancy"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Complete the Building Permit Application Form, available online or from the District office. Staff encourage a meeting before applying. Questions: 250-845-2238.","short":"Paper form from District office or online","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Building Permit Application Guide, \"Building Permit Process\"","quotes":["Application forms are available online or from the District office.","Applicants are encouraged to meet with Staff before submitting their application"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Forms & Guides\"","quotes":["If you are unsure about needing a Building Permit, please contact 250-845-2238."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"A current title certificate and charges on title, site layout, elevation and building plans, plus structural drawings and professional submissions where required. The guide's checklist adds two sets of plans, a plot plan and an energy compliance report for new dwellings.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Building Permit Requirements\"","quotes":["Copies of the current state of title certificate and documents for registered charges on title;","Site layout, elevation, and building plans;"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Building Permit Application Checklist","quotes":["TWO sets of plans at a suitable scale of the design","Energy Code Compliance report required for new dwellings."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how complete and complex the application is.","short":"2 to 4 weeks","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"\"Building Permit Process\"","quotes":["Typically, the processing time for a BP application is 2-4 weeks."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"The owner or agent books each inspection with the Building Inspector (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 250-845-2238). The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice; the guide recommends at least 48 hours. All fees must be paid before inspections are requested.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"\"Building Inspections\"","quotes":["It is the responsibility of the owner or their authorized agent to schedule inspections with the Building Inspector.","Monday through Friday each week from","8:30 am to 4:30 pm","at least 48 hours’ notice is recommended"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 15.3","quotes":["shall give at least twenty-four (24) hours notice to the District of Houston when requesting an inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Community Development Department, 3367 12th Street, Houston: 250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca. Building inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page","quotes":["250-845-2238 ecdev@houston.ca","Building Inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako’s Building Inspection department."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, amended by Bylaw No. 960, 2007 and Bylaw No. 1178, 2023.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 22.0 (title)","quotes":["District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston","section":"Bylaws & Policies page","quotes":["Bylaw Archive – Numerical Order"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston requires a building permit for most projects, including renovations and minor additions: new homes, additions, secondary suites, plumbing and heating changes, wood stoves, swimming pools, demolition, and accessory structures over 10 m² (108 sq ft). The District's page also lists relocating a home, porches, balconies, sunrooms, new window or door openings, major roofing, solar panels, load-bearing wall changes and fire or flood repair.\n\nThe [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) does not apply to buildings exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code, or to minor repairs or alterations that do not affect a structural component. It gives no size threshold, and the District's pages do not say what applies to accessory structures of 10 m² or less. Ask before you build.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238. Staff encourage a meeting before you apply.\n2. Complete the Building Permit Application Form, available online or from the District office.\n3. Submit a current title certificate and charges on title, plus site layout, elevation and building plans. Structural drawings and professional submissions are needed where required. The guide's checklist adds two sets of plans, a plot plan and an energy compliance report for new dwellings.\n4. Pay the permit fee in full before the permit is issued.\n5. Book each inspection with the Building Inspector (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 250-845-2238). The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice; the guide recommends at least 48 hours.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- An application is cancelled if the permit is not issued and paid for within 180 days of written notice that it is ready.\n- All fees must be paid before you request inspections.\n- The District's page says building inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (Burns Lake, 250-692-3195).\n- The pages we read do not describe an online portal or say how to pay (in person, online, cheque). Ask the office.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.json"}},{"title":"Houston fence rules: permits and height limits","question":"Do I need a permit to build a fence in Houston, and how high can it be?","slug":"fence-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"The District of Houston's pages and bylaws list no fence permit. Under the Zoning Bylaw a fence can be up to 1.2 m high in a front yard and 1.8 m in a side or rear yard. Check the highway exception and the corner-lot rule below.","aliases":["fence height houston bc","fence bylaw houston","do i need a permit for a fence houston","retaining wall houston"],"cost":"No fence permit is listed in the bylaws or pages read.","how_long":"Not applicable for a fence.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/"}],"related":[{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/fence-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/fence-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules/"},"facts":{"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"Fences are excluded from the definition of \"structure\" in both the Building Regulations Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw. The District's building permit page lists no fence permit; it lists retaining walls over 1.22 m (4 ft) that are part of a building or structure supporting occupancy.","short":"No fence permit listed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.10","quotes":["specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures not supporting an occupancy"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3 (definition of \"structure\")","quotes":["the following shall not be Structures: • a fence;"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Accessory Buildings & Structures\"","quotes":["Building retaining walls over 1.22 meters (4.0 feet) in height"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"height_front":{"label":"Height, front yard","value":"1.2 m. Exception: 1.8 m for a lot in a Rural or Residential zone that abuts a provincial highway, or an arterial or collector road designated in the Official Community Plan.","short":"1.2 m (1.8 m next to highway or arterial)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.6(2)(a) and 5.6(3)","quotes":["(a) 1.2 metres when located within a front yard; and","the maximum height of a fence located within a front yard is 1.8 metres.","for any lot within a Rural or Residential zone abutting a provincial highway, or an arterial or collector road as designated by the Official Community Plan"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Fencing, Screening and Landscaping\"","quotes":["For Residential properties, the front yard fence has a maximum height of 1.2 meters."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"The Zoning page gives 1.2 m for residential front yards and leaves out the 1.8 m highway and arterial exception in s. 5.6(3). The bylaw (adopted October 6, 2026) governs."},"height_side_rear":{"label":"Height, side and rear yards","value":"1.8 m in a rear or side yard.","short":"1.8 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.6(2)(b)","quotes":["(b) 1.8 metres when located within a rear or side yard."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Fencing, Screening and Landscaping\"","quotes":["Fences may not exceed 1.8 meters in height on any property inside the District."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"corner_lots":{"label":"Corner lots and sightlines","value":"On a corner lot, no fence, wall, building, landscaping or other object may be over 1.0 m high inside the triangle formed by measuring 6.0 m along the two adjoining exterior lot lines and joining the ends.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.7","quotes":["On any corner lot, no building, structure, fence, retaining wall, landscaping, screening, or","maximum height of 1.0 metre within the triangular space formed by measuring 6.0 metres along the two adjoining exterior lot lines"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"other_rules":{"label":"Other rules","value":"Height is measured from the mean landscape grade 1.0 m from both sides of the fence. Retaining walls, alone or with a fence: 1.8 m in Residential zones, 2.4 m in Rural, Commercial, Industrial and Public Use zones. Required landscape screens cannot be plywood, corrugated metal or chain link without slats.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.6(1), 5.6(4) and 5.8.3(4)","quotes":["The height of a fence shall be determined by measurement from the mean landscape grade 1.0 m from both sides of the fence.","Residential Zones 1.8 metres 1.8 metres","Rural, Commercial, Industrial, and Public 2.4 metres 2.4 metres","A landscape screen shall not consist of plywood, corrugated metal, or chain link fencing, except for chain link fencing that contains slat inserts."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.6 (fences and retaining walls) and s. 5.7 (visual clearance at intersections).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1, 5.6, 5.7","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”","5.6 FENCES AND RETAINING WALLS","5.7 VISUAL CLEARANCE AT INTERSECTIONS"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nFences are excluded from the definition of \"structure\" in both the [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) and the [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/). The District's building permit page lists no fence permit, but it does list retaining walls over 1.22 m (4 ft) that are part of a building or structure supporting occupancy. A fence must still meet the height rules in section 5.6 of the Zoning Bylaw.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check the height limits below for your yard.\n2. If your lot is on a corner, check the visibility triangle.\n3. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238 if you are unsure.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Front yard: 1.2 m. The exception is 1.8 m for a lot in a Rural or Residential zone that abuts a provincial highway, or an arterial or collector road designated in the Official Community Plan.\n- Rear or side yard: 1.8 m.\n- Corner lots: no fence, wall, building, landscaping or other object may be over 1.0 m high inside the triangle formed by measuring 6.0 m along the two adjoining exterior lot lines and joining the ends.\n- Height is measured from the mean landscape grade 1.0 m from both sides of the fence.\n- Retaining walls, alone or with a fence: 1.8 m in Residential zones, 2.4 m in Rural, Commercial, Industrial and Public Use zones.\n- Required landscape screens cannot be plywood, corrugated metal or chain link without slats.\n- The District's Zoning page gives 1.2 m for front yards and leaves out the highway exception. The bylaw governs; confirm with the District.\n- We found no rule on barbed wire, electric fences or swimming pool fences. Ask the Community Development Department.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.json"}},{"title":"Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","question":"Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Houston?","slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 m² (108 sq ft), such as a shed, garage or carport, needs a building permit. Porches, balconies and enclosing a sundeck also need one. The pages do not state a deck height rule or say what applies at 10 m² or less.","aliases":["shed permit houston bc","garage permit houston","deck permit houston","carport permit houston"],"cost":"See the building-permit-fees answer; the fee schedule prices garages at $34 per sq ft and carports at $22.50 per sq ft for permit value.","how_long":"Typically 2 to 4 weeks for a building permit.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Houston building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Houston fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/deck-shed-garage-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},"facts":{"shed":{"label":"Sheds","value":"Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 m² (108 sq ft) needs a building permit.","short":"Yes, if over 10 m²","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Accessory Buildings & Structures\"","quotes":["Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"\"When is a Building Permit Required?\"","quotes":["Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10","square metres (108 square feet)."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"deck":{"label":"Decks","value":"A porch or balcony, and enclosing a sundeck or porch, need a building permit. The District's pages state no deck height threshold.","short":"Yes if enclosed; no height threshold stated","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Exterior Renovations & Additions\"","quotes":["A porch or balcony","Enclosing a sundeck or porch"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"garage_carport":{"label":"Garages and carports","value":"Accessory structures over 10 m² (108 sq ft) need a building permit, and so does converting a garage to living space. The fee schedule prices garages at $34 per sq ft and carports at $22.50 per sq ft for the permit value.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page","quotes":["Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square","Change of use (i.e., converting a garage into a living space)"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"Schedule B-2, item 3","quotes":["Garage per square foot 34.00","Carport per square foot 22.50"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"zoning_limits":{"label":"Zoning limits","value":"Neighbourhood Residential (R1): accessory buildings up to 5.1 m high; setbacks 5.0 m front, 1.5 m interior side and rear, 3.0 m exterior side; lot coverage 45%. Rural Residential (A2): up to 6.4 m high, 200 m² per building. Other zones differ.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 9.1(4) and (6) (R1)","quotes":["(c) Maximum Lot Coverage 45%","(6) Accessory Buildings and Structures (a) Maximum Height 5.1 m","ii. Interior Side Lot Line 1.5 m"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 10.2(6) (A2)","quotes":["(b) Maximum Height 6.4 m","No single building will be greater than 200.0 m²"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (permits) and Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (accessory building limits).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 22.0","quotes":["District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston requires a building permit to construct or demolish an accessory structure over 10 m² (108 sq ft). Converting a garage to living space also needs one. A porch or balcony, and enclosing a sundeck or porch, need a building permit. The District's pages state no deck height threshold, and they do not say what applies to structures of 10 m² or less.\n\nSeparately, the [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) limits where and how large accessory buildings can be. An accessory building over 10 m² is allowed only where a principal use is established or being established on the lot.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Look up your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n2. Check the zone limits below.\n3. Call 250-845-2238 to confirm whether your project needs a permit.\n4. If it does, follow the building-permit steps.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Neighbourhood Residential (R1): accessory buildings up to 5.1 m high; setbacks 5.0 m front, 1.5 m interior side and rear, 3.0 m exterior side; lot coverage 45%.\n- Rural Residential (A2): up to 6.4 m high and 200 m² per building; together up to 20% of the lot area to a maximum of 450 m²; setbacks 10.0 m front, 5.0 m rear and interior side, 5.0 m exterior side.\n- Other zones differ (R2, for example, allows accessory buildings of 55.0 m² maximum and 4.0 m high). Check Zoning Bylaw Parts 9 to 11 for your zone.\n- Lot coverage counts accessory structures of 10 m² or more.\n- The fee schedule lists a sundeck value, which suggests permits are issued for decks, but we found no height or size cut-off.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.json"}},{"title":"Houston building permit fees","question":"How much does a building permit cost in Houston?","slug":"building-permit-fees","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston a building permit costs $7 per $1,000 of estimated value, plus plan review of $1 per $1,000 and an application fee of $50 for work under $25,000 ($100 if $25,000 or more). The schedule states no minimum permit fee. Work done without a permit is charged double.","aliases":["building permit fee houston","how much is a building permit houston","permit cost houston bc"],"cost":"Application fee $50 (under $25,000) or $100 ($25,000 or more); permit fee $7 per $1,000 of estimated value; plan review $1 per $1,000.","how_long":"Fees are due before the permit is issued; see the building-permit answer for processing time.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/"},{"title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/"},{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/building-permit-fees/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/building-permit-fees/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees/"},"facts":{"minimum_fee":{"label":"Lowest fee","value":"$50 application fee (estimated value under $25,000), plus the permit fee of $7 per $1,000 of estimated value and plan review of $1 per $1,000. The schedule states no minimum permit fee.","short":"None set; $50 application plus $7 per $1,000","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"Schedule B-2, item 1","quotes":["Application Fee - Estimated Value under $25,000 50.00 50.00","Permit Fee $7 per $1,000 of estimated value"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_formula":{"label":"How the fee is worked out","value":"Permit fee $7 per $1,000 of estimated value, plus plan review $1 per $1,000. For houses and their accessory buildings, value is set per sq ft (main floor $112.50, garage $34, basement $45); other buildings use an engineer's estimate. Work done without a permit is charged double.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"Schedule B-2, items 1 and 3","quotes":["Permit Fee $7 per $1,000 of estimated value","Plan Review Fee $1 per $1,000 of estimated value","Main Floor per square foot 112.50","Garage per square foot 34.00","Basement per square foot 45.00","Any project undertaken without a permit Double normal rate"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"application_fee":{"label":"Application or plan review fee","value":"$50 if the estimated value is under $25,000; $100 if $25,000 or more. Non-refundable; no text says it counts toward the permit fee. The $450 administration fee on projects over $50,000 is refundable on completion (s. 11.7).","short":"$50 under $25,000 of value; $100 if $25,000 or more","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"Schedule B-2, item 1","quotes":["Application Fee - Estimated Value under $25,000 50.00 50.00","Application Fee - Estimated Value $25,000 and over 100.00 100.00","Administration Fee for all projects over $50,000 450.00 450.00","*Refundable in accordance with section 11.7 of Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005","Administration Fee for all projects over $50,000"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 11.1 and s. 11.7","quotes":["shall accompany an application for a building permit made under this Bylaw.","will be returned if the work is completed for which the permit has been issued"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A (2005 text), item 3 and application fee","quotes":["$30.00 for any project with a value under $10,000.00;","$350.00 for all projects where the construction value exceeds $10,000.00."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"Conflict: the building bylaw's own Schedule A (2005 text) still shows older amounts (application fee $30 under $10,000 and $50 at $10,000 and over; administration fee $350 over $10,000). The later Fees & Charges Bylaw sets the amounts used here. Neither says whether the application fee counts toward the permit fee."},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees","value":"Plumbing $6.75 per fixture; sprinklers $6.75 for the first 25 heads, $2.25 each additional; demolition $56.25; moving a building $112.50; re-inspection of rejected work $85; paving deposit $2 per sq ft; landscaping deposit equal to an acceptable contractor quote.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"Schedule B-2, item 2","quotes":["Plumbing per fixture 6.75","Sprinklers - additional heads per head 2.25","Demolition per structure 56.25","Move building or structure per structure 112.50","Re-Inspection of Rejected Work per plan 85.00","Paving Deposits per square foot 2.00","Landscaping Deposits An amount equal to an acceptable quote for the required works"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_pay":{"label":"How to pay","value":"The permit fee is paid in full before the permit is issued; the non-refundable application fee is paid with the application. All fees must be paid before inspections are requested.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 11.0 and s. 11.1","quotes":["shall be paid in full prior to the issuance of a permit under this Bylaw","shall accompany an application for a building permit made under this Bylaw."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"\"Building Inspections\", note 2","quotes":["All fees must be paid prior to any inspections being requested."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1094, 2017, Schedule B-2 (Building Permit Fees), substituted by Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 for 2024 to 2028. Permit rules are in Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","section":"s. 1 and Schedule B-2","quotes":["A bylaw to amend the Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1094, 2017","BUILDING PERMITS BUILDING BYLAW NO. 906, 2005","Schedule B-2 – Building Permit Fees"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston sets building permit fees in [Schedule B-2 of the Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (amended by Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, for 2024 to 2028). The permit fee is $7 per $1,000 of estimated value, and plan review is $1 per $1,000. For houses and their accessory buildings, value is set per square foot: main floor $112.50, garage $34, basement $45, additional floors $56.50, carport $22.50, sundeck $22.50. Other buildings use an engineer's estimate.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Pay the application fee with your application: $50 if the estimated value is under $25,000, or $100 if $25,000 or more. It is non-refundable.\n2. Pay the permit fee in full before the permit is issued.\n3. Pay all fees before you request inspections.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Other fees: plumbing $6.75 per fixture; sprinklers $6.75 for the first 25 heads and $2.25 for each additional head; demolition $56.25; moving a building $112.50; re-inspection of rejected work $85.\n- Deposits: paving $2 per sq ft; landscaping equal to an acceptable contractor quote.\n- Work done without a permit is charged at double the normal rate.\n- Projects over $50,000 pay a $450 administration fee, refundable on completion (s. 11.7 of the [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/)).\n- The plan review fee is halved when the permit is issued in reliance on registered professionals' certification (s. 10.2). If a stop-work notice stays outstanding 30 days, 25% of the permit fee is added (s. 18.8).\n- Inspections requested outside office hours are charged for time spent including travel (s. 11.6); the schedule lists no amount.\n- The bylaw's own Schedule A (2005 text) still shows older amounts. The later fee schedule is the one that applies, but confirm with the District.\n- No text we read says whether the application fee counts toward the permit fee. Ask the office.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.json"}},{"title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","question":"How do I find out how my property is zoned in Houston and what I can build on it?","slug":"zoning-lookup","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"To find your zone in Houston, use the District's online map: choose \"Search by Address\", enter your street number and road name, and turn on the \"Zoning\" layer. The zones and their rules are in Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026. Questions: 250-845-2238.","aliases":["zoning map houston bc","what is my zoning houston","zoning bylaw houston","property zoning lookup houston"],"cost":"Free to look up online.","how_long":"Immediate online; call for questions.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Community Development Department","value":"3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Zoning, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Houston fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Houston home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/zoning-lookup/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/zoning-lookup/"}],"topic":{"title":"Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup/"},"facts":{"how_to_find":{"label":"How to find your zone","value":"Use the District's online map: choose \"Search by Address\" in the Search menu, enter the street number and road name, and turn on the \"Zoning\" layer. The Zoning Map is also Schedule B of the Zoning Bylaw.","short":"Online map with Zoning layer","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Find your Zone\"","quotes":["Use the Search menu in the top left menu bar to “Search by Address”.","Input your Street Number and Road Name.","Ensure the “Zoning” layer is turned on in the bottom left Layers menu."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3.1","quotes":["3.1.2. Schedule B – Zoning Bylaw Map"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"The Zoning page says Schedule A of the bylaw sets out the zone designations and the map is in the bylaw; the bylaw makes Schedule A the text and Schedule B the map. The bylaw governs. A property report can be downloaded from the Survey Parcels menu. The online map link on the page goes to a Regional District of Fraser-Fort George viewer (rdffg.bc.ca); it was not fetched."},"zoning_bylaw":{"label":"Zoning bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026. Schedule A (text) adopted October 6, 2026, updated: N/A.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A cover page","quotes":["Adopted: October 6, 2026 Updated: N/A","This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"what_zone_controls":{"label":"What the zone controls","value":"For each of 12 zones (R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1, C2, C3, M1, M2, P1, P2): permitted principal and secondary uses, minimum lot size, lot coverage, density, height, setbacks and accessory building limits.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Table 8-1 and Parts 9 to 13","quotes":["(1) The District of Houston is divided into zones as shown on the Zoning Map and described in Table 8-1: Table 8-1: Zones Zone Zone Abbreviation Residential Zones","Zone Zone Abbreviation Residential Zones Neighbourhood Residential R1 Multi-Family Residential R2 Manufactured Home Park Residential R3"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"What local governments may regulate through zoning\"","quotes":["Siting, size, and dimensions of buildings and structures (i.e. setbacks, height, and parcel coverage)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Community Development Department: 250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca, 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"Page footer","quotes":["community development department Community Development Department 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370 Houston, BC, V0J 1Z0 250-845-2238 ecdev@houston.ca"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"zoning":{"bylaw":{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (adopted October 6, 2026)","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520","accessed":"2026-11-08","note":"Schedule A of the bylaw is the text; Schedule B (the zoning map) is a separate PDF at https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149524. The document shows \"Updated - N/A\"."},"zones":12,"zone_pages":12,"index_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/index.json","lookup_url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/lookup","map":{"has_map":true,"has_addresses":true,"zones_geojson":"/data/ca/bc/houston/zones.geojson","addresses_json":"/data/ca/bc/houston/addresses.json","source_url":"https://geo.rdffg.bc.ca/arcgis/rest/services/GEO/combined_land_use2/MapServer/21","viewer":{"title":"PropertyMap (joint RDFFG and RDBN web map)","url":"https://rdffg-gisext.rdffg.bc.ca/Html5Viewer/index.html?viewer=PropertyMap.RMap"},"caveat":"The map layer on the regional district's server is labelled with the earlier Zoning Bylaw No. 1040, so it may not match the new Bylaw No. 1225 (Schedule B).","accessed":"2026-11-08"}},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston's [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (adopted October 6, 2026) divides the District into 12 zones: R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1, C2, C3, M1, M2, P1 and P2. For each zone it sets permitted principal and secondary uses, minimum lot size, lot coverage, density, height, setbacks and accessory building limits. General rules for fences, landscaping, parking, home occupations and shipping containers are in Parts 5 to 7 of the same bylaw.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Open the online map on the District's [Zoning page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/).\n2. Choose \"Search by Address\" in the Search menu and enter the street number and road name.\n3. Turn on the \"Zoning\" layer. You can also download a property report from the Survey Parcels menu.\n4. Find that zone in the Zoning Bylaw to see what is allowed.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The Zoning Map is Schedule B of the bylaw; Schedule A is the text. The Zoning page describes this the other way round. The bylaw governs.\n- The online map link on the page goes to a viewer hosted by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George; we did not open it.\n- The Building Permits page still links an older Zoning Bylaw. That one has been replaced.\n- Contact the Community Development Department: 250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca, 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.json"}},{"title":"Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules","question":"Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Houston?","slug":"secondary-suite","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston a secondary suite is a permitted secondary use in R1, A1 and A2 zones, and in C3 and R3 (within a single detached dwelling). A carriage house is permitted in R1, A1 and A2. Both need a building permit. A development permit may also be needed.","aliases":["secondary suite houston bc","basement suite houston","carriage house houston","legal suite houston"],"cost":"See the building-permit-fees answer for building permit fees.","how_long":"Typically 2 to 4 weeks for a building permit.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/"},{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Houston building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/secondary-suite/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/secondary-suite/"}],"topic":{"title":"Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite/"},"facts":{"suite_allowed":{"label":"Secondary suite allowed","value":"A secondary suite is a permitted secondary use in R1 (Neighbourhood Residential), A1 (Agricultural), A2 (Rural Residential) and C3 (Campground), and in R3 (Manufactured Home Park) within a single detached dwelling.","short":"Yes, in R1, A1, A2, C3 and R3 zones","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Zoning Bylaw ss. 9.1, 9.3, 10.1, 10.2, 11.3","quotes":["(f) Secondary Suite","(a) Secondary Suite in a Single Detached Dwelling","(g) Secondary Suite","(e) Secondary Suite"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Secondary Dwellings\"","quotes":["Carriage Houses and Secondary Suites are a permitted use in the Agricultural, Rural Residential, and Neighbourhood Residential zones."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"detached_allowed":{"label":"Coach house or garden suite allowed","value":"A carriage house is a permitted secondary use in R1, A1 and A2.","short":"Yes, carriage house in R1, A1, A2","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 9.1(3)(c), 10.1(3)(d), 10.2(3)(d)","quotes":["(c) Dwelling, Carriage House","(d) Dwelling, Carriage House"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3 (definition)","quotes":["DWELLING, CARRIAGE HOUSE means a self-contained dwelling unit that is detached","from and clearly secondary to a single detached dwelling."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"One suite per principal dwelling, not joined to it by a breezeway, garage or other unconditioned space, and not strata-subdivided. Carriage house: one per principal dwelling, at least 3.0 m from it, up to 90 m². The District's page says a suite and a carriage house cannot both be on a property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 6.6 and 6.7","quotes":["Not more than one secondary suite shall be permitted per principal dwelling unit.","A secondary suite shall not be connected to the principal dwelling unit via breezeway,","A carriage house dwelling shall have a maximum gross floor area of 90 square metres.","A carriage house dwelling shall not be located less than 3.0 metres from a principal"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Secondary Dwellings\"","quotes":["A Secondary Suite cannot be developed if a Carriage House is present on the property (and vice versa)."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"parking":{"label":"Parking","value":"One space per secondary suite and one per carriage house; these are added to the 2 spaces required for a single detached dwelling.","short":"1 space per suite, plus 2 for the house","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Table 7-3 and s. 7.1(4)","quotes":["Secondary Suite 1 per suite","Dwelling, Carriage House 1 per dwelling unit","Dwelling, Single Detached 2 per dwelling unit","the total number of required parking and loading spaces shall be the sum of the parking and loading requirements for each use calculated separately."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"permits":{"label":"Permits","value":"A building permit is required to create a secondary suite or build a carriage house. A development permit is also needed if the property is in a designated development permit area (Downtown, Highway Corridor, Multi-Family Residential, Wildfire Interface).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","section":"Building Permits and Inspections page, \"Interior Renovations\" and \"Carriage Houses & Secondary Suites\"","quotes":["Creating a secondary suite","Construction of a Carriage House"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Secondary Dwellings\"","quotes":["Units must be built pursuant to the BC Building Code, and building permit applications will be required."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","section":"\"Development Permit\"","quotes":["A Development Permit is required for any proposed development or renovation inside one of four designated development permit areas:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (ss. 6.6, 6.7, Table 7-3) and Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 22.0","quotes":["District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) permits a secondary suite as a secondary use in R1 (Neighbourhood Residential), A1 (Agricultural), A2 (Rural Residential) and C3 (Campground), and in R3 (Manufactured Home Park) within a single detached dwelling. R2 and the other commercial and industrial zones do not list one. A carriage house is permitted in R1, A1 and A2. R1 and A2 allow a maximum of 2 dwelling units per lot.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n2. Check the limits below.\n3. Apply for a building permit (see the building-permit answer).\n4. If your property is in a designated development permit area (Downtown, Highway Corridor, Multi-Family Residential, Wildfire Interface), ask about a development permit too.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- One suite per principal dwelling. It cannot be joined to the dwelling by a breezeway, garage or other unconditioned space, and cannot be strata-subdivided.\n- Carriage house: one per principal dwelling, at least 3.0 m from it, up to 90 m².\n- The District's page says a suite and a carriage house cannot both be on a property.\n- Parking: one space per secondary suite and one per carriage house, in addition to the 2 spaces for a single detached dwelling.\n- We found no suite size limit and no owner-occupancy requirement in the Zoning Bylaw.\n- It is not confirmed whether a suite in an existing home needs a Wildfire development permit. Ask the Community Development Department.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/","title":"Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/","title":"Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.json"}},{"title":"Houston tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Houston?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"The District of Houston's bylaws and website do not set a tree-cutting permit, fee or replacement rule for private property. Trees in a park are protected, and injuring or removing vegetation on a street or public place carries a $200 municipal ticket. Call 250-845-2238 to confirm.","aliases":["tree removal houston bc","cut down tree houston","tree bylaw houston","remove tree permit houston"],"cost":"No tree permit or fee found in the District's bylaws.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/"},{"title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/"},{"title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/"}],"related":[{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fraser-lake","name":"Fraser Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/tree-removal/"}],"topic":{"title":"Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal/"},"facts":{"permit_needed":{"label":"When a permit is needed","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's bylaws set no tree permit for removing a tree on private property.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston"}]},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's bylaws set no tree-cutting exemptions, since there is no tree permit.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston"}]},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's bylaws set no fee for removing a tree.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston"}]},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's bylaws set no replacement planting for removing a tree.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston"}]},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"In a park, no one may cut, remove, damage or deface any tree, shrub or plant (Parks Regulation Bylaw). On streets and public places, injuring or removing vegetation is a ticketable offence under Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982: municipal ticket $200. That bylaw is not posted online.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3.0","quotes":["No person shall cut, break, injure, remove or in any way destroy, damage, mutilate or deface any tree, shrub, plant, turf,"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B8, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982","quotes":["Injure or remove vegetation from street or public place"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":1,"matched":1,"none":4,"unknown":2},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nWe found no tree-cutting rule for private property in Houston. The [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/), the Official Community Plan, the Fees & Charges Bylaw and the District's bylaw library set no tree permit, fee, exemptions or replacement planting for removing a tree. Required landscaping and trees for new development are covered in section 5.8 of the Zoning Bylaw.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238 or email ecdev@houston.ca to confirm no rule applies to your tree.\n2. If the tree is in a park, on a street or on other public land, do not cut it. Ask the District first.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- In a park, no one may cut, remove, damage or deface any tree, shrub or plant ([Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/)).\n- On streets and public places, injuring or removing vegetation is a ticketable offence under Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982: the municipal ticket is $200 ([Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/)). Traffic Bylaw No. 331 is not posted online.\n- The Zoning Bylaw lists four development permit areas (Highway Corridor, Downtown, Multifamily, Wildfire). The Wildfire permit applies to a new building needing a building permit, and land alterations are exempt from it.\n- We found no rule on boulevard or street trees in the documents read.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/","title":"Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 1 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 4 are recorded as not set; 2 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal.json"}},{"title":"Houston garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits","question":"When is garbage collected in Houston, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?","slug":"garbage-collection","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"garbage-and-recycling","name":"Garbage, recycling and waste"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, garbage is collected weekly from a mandatory 240 L Toter cart, up to 60 kg. Check the Garbage Collection Route Maps on the District's garbage page for your day. The 2026 residential garbage fee is $168.13 per unit.","aliases":["garbage pickup houston bc","garbage day houston","toter cart houston","extra garbage tag houston"],"cost":"Residential garbage fee: $168.13 per unit for 2026, rising to $210.16 in 2027. Tag-a-Cart tag for an extra cart: $5 in 2026.","how_long":"Weekly collection.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"online","label":"Garbage page and route maps","value":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/"},{"type":"in_person","label":"RDBN transfer station and recycling depot","value":"8072 Aitken Road","note":"10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, closed statutory holidays"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Garbage, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/"},{"title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Houston backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire/"},{"slug":"water-restrictions","title":"Houston watering restrictions","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/garbage-collection/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/garbage-collection/"}],"topic":{"title":"Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection/"},"facts":{"frequency":{"label":"How often","value":"Garbage is collected weekly (one Toter Cart, up to 60 kg). The District's pages describe no curbside recycling or organics collection. The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako lists a transfer station and recycling depot for Houston at 8072 Aitken Road, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, closed statutory holidays.","short":"Garbage weekly; no curbside recycling","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","section":"Residential Solid Waste Regulations","quotes":["Garbage Collection is restricted to weekly removal of one Toter Cart not exceeding 60 kilograms."]},{"url":"https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/departments/recycling-garbage-andutilities","title":"Recycling, Garbage and Utilities, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako","section":"RDBN Transfer Station and Recycling Depot Hours of Operation","quotes":["RDBN Transfer Station and Recycling Depot Hours of Operation","Houston and Area G (Houston/Granisle Rural) 8072 Aitken Road (located at Knockholt Landfill)","All locations are closed statutory holidays"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"collection_day":{"label":"Finding your day","value":"Use the Garbage Collection Route Maps linked on the District's garbage page. When a statutory holiday falls on a pick-up day the page posts the revised day.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","section":"Garbage Pick Up","quotes":["Information about collection dates and routes can be found here:","Garbage Collection Route Maps"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"carts":{"label":"Carts","value":"Toter Garbage Carts are mandatory. A cart must be 240 L (64 gallons) with a lid. Buy one from a local retailer or online (the bylaw also lets the District sell them). The District does not replace or repair carts or lids that are damaged or lost.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","section":"Residential Solid Waste Regulations","quotes":["Toter Garbage Carts are mandatory for all residential, institutional, and commercial no bin garbage collection.","It must be a 240L (64-gallon) capacity, and","It must have a lid to keep out critters and prevent litter."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/","title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 7.0(c)","quotes":["The Municipality shall not be responsible for the replacement or repair of any containers, carts"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"set_out":{"label":"Setting carts out","value":"Put the cart out by 8:00 a.m. on collection day, accessible and within a metre of the curb. Nothing is collected from private property or driveways.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","section":"Residential Solid Waste Regulations","quotes":["All residential solid waste receptacles must be accessible and within a meter of the curb or curb line.","by 8:00 AM on the designated collection day.","No solid waste will be removed from private property or from driveways on private property."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits and extra garbage","value":"One cart a week, up to 60 kg. For more, buy a Tag-a-Cart tag at the Municipal Office for each extra cart ($5 per tag in 2026; single use). Restricted materials (yard waste, construction waste, tires, batteries, paint, cardboard and others) may be refused.","short":"1 cart, up to 60 kg; extra cart needs $5 tag","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","section":"Residential Solid Waste Regulations; Restricted Materials","quotes":["Tags must be purchased for each additional garbage toter you wish to have picked up","the District of Houston reserves the right to not remove these materials:"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule C-3, 1.(d) Tag-a-Cart","quotes":["(I) Tag~a-Cart (Additional Bins)‘ pertaglbin 5.00 6.25 6,44 6.63 6.83"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/","title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3.0(b)","quotes":["contents of each solid waste receptacle shall not exceed 60 kilograms per receptacle."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Residential garbage fee: $168.13 per unit for 2026, rising to $210.16 in 2027. Billed at the District's choice either quarterly by invoice (due in 30 days) or annually on the property tax notice. Owners in the collection area pay whether or not they use the service.","short":"$168.13 a year (2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule C-3, 1. User Rates - Inside Collection Area","quotes":["a) Residential per unit 168.13 210.16 216.46 222.95 229.64"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/","title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 11.0, 12.0","quotes":["responsible for the payment of all solid waste user fees, whether the service is actually used or not.","quarterly through an invoice in the form provided by the District from time to time and due"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013. Rates: Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1094, 2017, Schedule C-3, as amended (Bylaw No. 1228, 2026).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/","title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as the “Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston collects residential garbage weekly under [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/). The District's pages describe no curbside recycling or organics collection. The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako lists a transfer station and recycling depot for Houston at 8072 Aitken Road, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and closed statutory holidays.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Find your collection day on the Garbage Collection Route Maps linked on the District's garbage page. When a statutory holiday falls on a pick-up day, the page posts the revised day.\n2. Use a Toter Garbage Cart: 240 L (64 gallons) with a lid. Buy one from a local retailer or online. The District does not replace or repair carts or lids that are damaged or lost.\n3. Put the cart out by 8:00 a.m. on collection day, accessible and within a metre of the curb. Nothing is collected from private property or driveways.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Limit:** one cart a week, up to 60 kg. For more, buy a Tag-a-Cart tag at the Municipal Office for each extra cart ($5 per tag in 2026; single use).\n- **Restricted materials** (yard waste, construction waste, tires, batteries, paint, cardboard and others) may be refused.\n- **Billing:** at the District's choice, quarterly by invoice (due in 30 days) or annually on the property tax notice. Owners in the collection area pay whether or not they use the service.\n- No page read says when to bring carts in.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/","title":"Garbage, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/","title":"Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/departments/recycling-garbage-andutilities","title":"Recycling, Garbage and Utilities, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection.json"}},{"title":"Houston watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Houston?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"water-roads-and-snow","name":"Water, sewer, roads and snow"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. In Houston, Stage 1 watering restrictions start automatically on May 1 each year, and Council can declare Stages 2, 3 or 4. Stages 1 and 2 allow lawn watering only on assigned days. All stages end on October 31 unless Council extends them.","aliases":["lawn watering houston","sprinkling restrictions houston bc","water stage houston","new lawn permit houston"],"cost":"New sod, seeded lawn or landscaping permit: application fee $57. Breaking a restriction: $150 bylaw notice (see Good to know).","how_long":"A new lawn permit lasts 21 days, with one extension to at most 42 days.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Water and sewer emergencies (after hours)","value":"250-845-8591"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Water and Sewer, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/"},{"title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/"}],"related":[{"slug":"garbage-collection","title":"Houston garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/water-restrictions/"}],"topic":{"title":"Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions/"},"facts":{"in_effect":{"label":"When restrictions apply","value":"Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1 each year if no stage is in force. Council may declare Stage 2, 3 or 4, which take effect 48 hours after a public announcement. All stages end on October 31 unless Council extends them. Applies to anyone on the municipal water system.","short":"Stage 1 from May 1 to October 31; stricter by Council","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 2.1, 2.3, 3.7","quotes":["forty-eight (48) hours after a public announcement of the declaration is made.","Stage 1 Water","No Water Conservation Measures Stage remains in force after October"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/","title":"Water and Sewer, District of Houston","section":"Watering Restrictions","quotes":["Water restrictions automatically take effect annually on May 1."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":"Stage 1 and 2: lawn watering only on assigned days, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. East of Buck Creek: even calendar days. West of Buck Creek: odd calendar days. Stage 3: no lawn watering. Stage 4: no outdoor watering at all.","short":"Stage 1 and 2: odd/even days, 6 to 10 a.m., 7 to 10 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/","title":"Water and Sewer, District of Houston","section":"Stage 1 Restrictions","quotes":["Even numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 2)","Odd numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 1)","Permitted times: 6:00 am–10:00 am and 7:00 pm–10:00 pm","Lawn watering is prohibited at all times"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3.0, 3.1","quotes":["MAY water on even calendar days between the hours of 6:00 am to 10:00 am","and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ONLY"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":"Stages 1 and 2: flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees are not limited. Stage 3: hand watering of gardens, shrubs and trees with a hose that has an automatic shut-off, no sprinklers or soaker hoses. Drip irrigation is not \"watering\" in Stages 1 to 3. Stage 4 bans all of it, including drip.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 1.0, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5","quotes":["Water or Watering” used as a verb, mean the application or distribution of water","but does not include the method known as drip irrigation.","flower gardens, vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs or trees,","water, or engage in drip irrigation of:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":"Permit from the Director of Engineering for new sod, a seeded lawn or new landscaping; application fee $57 (Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule C-5). Lasts 21 days, with one extension to at most 42 days. Valid in Stages 1 to 3 only, not Stage 4. Display it where it can be seen from the street.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 4, ss. 4.0, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7","quotes":["An application for a permit must be accompanied by an application fee of $50.00.","A permit does not exempt the holder from Stage 4 Water Conservation Measures.","A permit expires and is of no force or effect 21 days after the date of its issue"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule C-5, 3. Water Conservation Exceptions Permit","quotes":["3. Water Conservation Exceptions Permit","Permit Application per application 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 for breaking a Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 restriction ($112.50 within 14 days; $187.50 after 28 days). The bylaw itself says a first offence gets a written warning, a second a $75 municipal ticket, and a third or later a court fine of $100 to $500.","short":"Notice $150 ($112.50 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015","quotes":["Contravention of Stage 1","3.0 Restrictions $150.00 $112.50 $187.50"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.1","quotes":["for a first offense, a written warning will be issued by District staff;","a municipal ticket in the amount of $75.00 will be issued by","not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/","title":"Water and Sewer, District of Houston","section":"Offenses & Penalties","quotes":["you may be liable to a fine between $75.00 and $500.00 depending on the severity of the offense."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 8.0","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as \"Water Conservation"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) applies to anyone on the municipal water system. Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1 each year if no stage is in force. Council may declare Stage 2, 3 or 4, which take effect 48 hours after a public announcement. All stages end on October 31 unless Council extends them. For the current stage, check the notices on the District's website.\n\n## The stages\n\n- **Stages 1 and 2:** lawn watering only on assigned days, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. East of Buck Creek, water on even calendar days. West of Buck Creek, odd calendar days. Flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees are not limited. Stage 2 also bans washing sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces with a hose unless it has a shut-off device and the purpose is allowed.\n- **Stage 3:** no lawn watering. Hand watering of gardens, shrubs and trees is allowed with a hose that has an automatic shut-off, with no sprinklers or soaker hoses.\n- **Stage 4:** no outdoor watering at all, including drip.\n- Drip irrigation is not \"watering\" in Stages 1 to 3.\n\n## New lawns\n\nApply to the Director of Engineering for a permit for new sod, a seeded lawn or new landscaping. The application fee is $57. It lasts 21 days, with one extension to at most 42 days, is valid in Stages 1 to 3 only, and must be displayed where it can be seen from the street.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Some public sports fields, school yards, turf farms and golf course playing surfaces are exempt in Stages 1 to 3. Commercial nurseries and tree farms are exempt in Stage 3.\n- **Fines:** the bylaw notice schedule lists $150 for breaking a Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 restriction ($112.50 within 14 days; $187.50 after 28 days). The bylaw itself and the District's page say a first offence gets a written warning, a second a $75 municipal ticket, and a third or later a court fine of $100 to $500. Confirm with the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/","title":"Water and Sewer, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/","title":"Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions.json"}},{"title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, every dog over 6 months old must be licensed each year. The District of Houston sells licences at the Municipal Office. The 2026 fee is $14 for a spayed or neutered dog and $37.50 for one that is not, if paid before January 31.","aliases":["dog licence houston","dog license houston bc","dog tag houston","renew dog licence houston"],"cost":"2026: $14 spayed or neutered, $37.50 not spayed or neutered, if paid before January 31. After January 31: $17 and $45. Kennel licence (5 or more dogs): $135 before January 31, $169 after. Replacement tag $6; licence transfer $6. Aggressive dog licence $150; dangerous dog licence $250. Fees are not refundable. The fee schedule lists higher fees for 2027 to 2030.","how_long":"A licence is good for the calendar year it is bought in and expires after December 31.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"},{"title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/dog-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence/"},"facts":{"required":{"label":"Licence required","value":"Yes. Every dog over 6 months old kept in the District must be licensed each year. If the owner cannot prove the dog's age, it is treated as over 6 months.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["All dogs over six (6) months of age kept within the District of Houston must be licensed each year."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Amendment s. 1 (replacing Animal Control Bylaw s. 7)","quotes":["If the owner is unable to rovide roof of age the dog will be deemed to be over the age of 6 months."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Amendment s. 4 (replacing s. 24)","quotes":["A person must not possess or have custody of a dog over the age of 6 months which is not licensed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The District of Houston, at the Municipal Office.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["Licenses may be purchased at the District Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$14 a year if paid before January 31; $17 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates).","short":"$14 by January 31 ($17 after January 31)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, a) Spayed/Neutered Dog","quotes":["026 20 7 2028 2029 2030","Discount Rate (lfpald before January 31) annually 14.00 1500 16.00 17.00 18.00","Standard Rate (lipald after January 31) annually 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.00 21.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$37.50 a year if paid before January 31; $45 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates).","short":"$37.50 by January 31 ($45 after January 31)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, b) Unspayed/Unneutered Dog","quotes":["Discount Rate (it paid betore January 31) annually 37.50 39.00 41.00 43.00 4500","Standard Rate (It paid a?er January 31) annually 45.00 4700 49.00 51 .00 53.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Early-payment rate applies if paid before January 31. Kennel licence (5 or more dogs): $135 before January 31, $169 after. Replacement tag $6. Licence transfer $6. Aggressive dog licence $150; dangerous dog licence $250.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences","quotes":["Discount Rate (if paid before January 31) annually 135.00 140.00 145.00 150.00 155.00","Standard Rate (iipald alter January 31) annually 169.00 175.00 181.00 187.00 193.00","d) Replacement Licence Tag per tag 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00","e) Licence Transter Fee per licence 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00","b) Aggressive Dog annually 150.00 155.00 160.00 165.00 170.00","c) Dangerous Dog annually 250.00 258.00 266.00 274.00 263.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 13, 15","quotes":["Any fees paid for a dog license will not be refunded to any person by the District."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"A licence is good for the calendar year it was bought in and expires after December 31 of that year. Renewal is by paying the licence fee again.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, s. 15","quotes":["will be effective for the calendar year it was purchased in;","expires after December 31 of the year it was purchased in;","may be renewed by an owner by paying the applicable license fee specified in the Fees"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"In person at the District Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The application needs a vet certificate of rabies vaccination and, for a sterilized dog, a vet certificate of sterilization.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing; Lost Animals","quotes":["Licenses may be purchased at the District Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street.","regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, s. 10","quotes":["a certificate from a qualified veterinarian confirming that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies; and","a certificate from a qualified veterinarian confirming that the dog has been sterilized."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50.","short":"Notice $150 ($112.50 if paid in 14 days); ticket $50","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Unlicensed Dog","quotes":["UnliceneDog\" $150 00 $112.50 $187.50"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","section":"s. 6(1)(b)","quotes":["Early Payment Discount: A 25% discount applies ifthe penalty is paid within 14 calendar days of issuance"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B10, s. 24","quotes":["Unlicensed Dog 24 $50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022. Fees are in Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1094, 2017, as amended (latest dog fee schedule: Bylaw No. 1228, 2026).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["A bylaw to provide for the control and protection of animals, the licensing of dogs and the operation of impound facilities."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["A bylaw to amend the dog licensing provisions provided under Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":9,"stated":9,"matched":9,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Houston licenses dogs under its [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/), as amended by Bylaw No. 1165. Every dog over 6 months old kept in the District needs a licence each year. If you cannot prove your dog's age, it is treated as over 6 months. Puppies under 6 months may be registered voluntarily. The District will not issue a licence to anyone under 18.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Get a veterinarian's certificate of rabies vaccination. For the lower fee, also get a certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered.\n2. Go to the Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and pay the fee.\n3. Renew each year by paying the fee again, before January 31 for the lower rate.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The District's page says licences \"may be purchased\" at the Municipal Office. It does not mention online or mail-in sales, so call 250-845-2238 to ask.\n- An unlicensed dog can bring a bylaw notice of $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). The older municipal ticket schedule lists $50.\n- Kept more than four dogs? See the how-many-pets answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.json"}},{"title":"Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, a dog must be kept on its owner's property or on a leash. Houston has two fenced off-leash areas: Houston Dog Park and Four Seasons Park. Owners must remove dog feces from public and other private property.","aliases":["dog off leash houston","houston dog park","dog leash bylaw houston","dog at large houston"],"cost":"Bylaw notice for a dog at large $150; dog off leash $100; failing to remove excrement $150. Municipal ticket schedule: dog at large $100; off leash $100; excrement $100.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"online","label":"Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints)","value":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"},{"title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/dog-leash-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules/"},"facts":{"leash_rule":{"label":"Leash rule","value":"A dog must be kept confined to its owner's premises or on a leash when off them. A dog \"at large\" (outside an enclosure and not leashed and under control on a highway, park or other public place) is not allowed, except a police dog or at a permitted event. Parks: dogs only in designated areas, on leash.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 5, ss. 28, 29 and s. 1(7)","quotes":["confined to the premises at which the person resides; or","fixed to a leash when the dog is off the premises at which the person resides.","not leashed and under the control of the owner or another competent person"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Control of Animals in Parks, s. 7.0","quotes":["Dogs shall be permitted to enter a park in designated areas only and only while they are on leash"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's Animal Control Bylaw sets no leash length for ordinary dogs.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston"}]},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":"Two fenced off-leash areas: Houston Dog Park and Four Seasons Park. Owners must carry a leash, keep the dog in view, and leash and remove it at once if it shows aggressive behaviour. Aggressive and dangerous dogs are not allowed off leash.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Off-Leash Areas","quotes":["Fenced, off-leash areas have been designated at these locations:","Houston Dog Park","Four Seasons Park"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 8, ss. 55, 56","quotes":["except for an aggressive dog or a dangerous dog.","carry a leash;","keep the dog in view at all times; and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"In parks, dogs are allowed only in designated areas, and only on leash (off leash only in designated dog run areas).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Control of Animals in Parks, s. 7.0","quotes":["Dogs shall be permitted to enter a park in designated areas only and only while they are on leash","Dogs may be off leash in designated dog run areas only."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"The owner must remove dog feces immediately from any public or private property other than the owner's premises, and must carry something suitable to remove it whenever the dog is off the owner's property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 5, ss. 34, 35","quotes":["the Owner must remove the feces immediately.","An owner of a dog must carry a suitable means of removing dog feces on their person while"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"Bylaw notice: dog at large $150; dog off-leash $100 (early payment $112.50 and $75; after 28 days $187.50 and $125). Municipal ticket schedule: dog at large $100; dog off-leash $100.","short":"Notice $150 at large; $100 off leash","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018","quotes":["Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50","Dog Off-Leash $100.00 $75.00 $125.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B10, ss. 28(1), 29 and 28(2)","quotes":["Dog at Large 28(1 ), 29 $100.00","Dog Off-Leash 28(2) $100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (Parts 5 and 8), and Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 for parks.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Parts 5 and 8","quotes":["Control of Dogs","Dogs may be Off Leash"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 7.0","quotes":["CONTROL OF ANIMALS IN PARKS"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/), a dog must be kept confined to its owner's premises or on a leash when off them. A dog is \"at large\" if it is outside an enclosure and not leashed and under control on a highway, park or other public place. Police dogs and permitted events are excepted. Under the [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/), dogs are allowed in parks only in designated areas, on a leash. They may be off leash only in designated dog run areas.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Off-leash areas:** Houston Dog Park and Four Seasons Park are fenced. Carry a leash, keep your dog in view, and leash it and remove it at once if it shows aggressive behaviour. Aggressive and dangerous dogs are not allowed off leash.\n- **Leash length:** the bylaw sets no length for ordinary dogs. Aggressive and dangerous dogs must be on a leash of no more than one metre, held by someone 18 or older.\n- **Clean up:** you must remove feces immediately from any public property or private property other than your own, and carry something to do it whenever your dog is off your property.\n- **Banned places:** the Animal Control Bylaw has no list of places dogs are banned. Ask the Municipal Office (250-845-2238) which park areas are designated.\n- Bylaw notices have early-payment amounts ($112.50 for a $150 notice) and later amounts ($187.50).","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.json"}},{"title":"Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","question":"What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?","slug":"dangerous-dogs","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, the District's Bylaw Enforcement Officer can deem a dog aggressive or dangerous. Owners must then sterilize and microchip the dog, enclose or muzzle it, keep it on a short leash, and pay an annual licence of $150 (aggressive) or $250 (dangerous).","aliases":["dangerous dog houston","aggressive dog bylaw houston","dog bite houston","report dangerous dog houston"],"cost":"Annual licence (2026): aggressive dog $150; dangerous dog $250, payable within 14 days of the notice of designation.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"online","label":"Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints)","value":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"},{"title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/dangerous-dogs/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs/"},"facts":{"how_declared":{"label":"How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive","value":"The District (the Bylaw Enforcement Officer) deems a dog aggressive if it has aggressively pursued, attacked or injured an animal, or aggressively pursued a person. A dog is dangerous if it seriously injures or kills an animal, attacks or injures a person, or (if already aggressive) pursues, attacks or causes a minor injury to an animal.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 6, ss. 36, 37, 38","quotes":["A dog will be deemed to be an aggressive dog by the District if such dog has aggressively pursued, attacked, or injured an animal, or aggressively pursued a person.","seriously injures or kills an animal;","attacks or injures a person.","The Bylaw Enforcement Officer must provide written notice to the owner"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"owner_rules":{"label":"Rules for owners","value":"Owner must sterilize and microchip an aggressive dog and keep it inside a building or locked enclosure at least 1.8 m high unless it is muzzled. Outside, it must be muzzled and on a leash of no more than one metre held by someone 18 or older. A dangerous dog has the same rules, plus a \"WARNING DANGEROUS DOG ON PREMISES\" sign at each entrance and $2,000,000 liability insurance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 7, ss. 46 to 52","quotes":["sterilize the aggressive dog;","a securely locked enclosure at least 1.8 metres in height which:","no more than one metre in length;","contains the words \"WARNING DANGEROUS DOG ON PREMISES\";","caused by the dangerous dog in an amount not less than two million ($2,000,000) per"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee":{"label":"Licence fee","value":"Annual licence: aggressive dog $150; dangerous dog $250 (2026 rates). The owner must pay within 14 days of the notice of designation.","short":"Dangerous $250; aggressive $150 (2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences","quotes":["b) Aggressive Dog annually 150.00 155.00 160.00 165.00 170.00","c) Dangerous Dog annually 250.00 258.00 266.00 274.00 263.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 6, s. 40","quotes":["pay the applicable licence fee specified by the Fees & Charges Bylaw."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Submit an Animal Control Request or bylaw complaint through the District's Service Request Portal, or call the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"About","quotes":["Submit an Animal Control Request"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/","title":"Service Requests, District of Houston","section":"About","quotes":["The District of Houston offers an online Service Request Portal for submitting service requests, inquiries, and bylaw complaints.","Your name, address, and contact information as the official complainant,"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","section":"Contact Us","quotes":["Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday","250-845-2238"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 for most aggressive- and dangerous-dog offences ($112.50 early, $187.50 late); $200 ($150 early, $250 late) for failing to enclose, muzzle or leash one, to report one at large, or injury of a person or animal. Municipal ticket schedule: $100 to $500 (for example $500 for not licensing one).","short":"Notice $150 ($112.50 early); $200 for some","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018","quotes":["Aggressive Dog at Large $200.00 $150.00 $250.00","or Aggressive Dog $200.00 $150.00 $250.00","Aggressive or Dangerous Dog $200.00 $150.00 $250.00","lnjury of Person or Animal 5O(4 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B10, s. 45","quotes":["Failure to License Aggressive or Dangerous Dog 45 $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Parts 6 and 7 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Parts 6 and 7","quotes":["PART 6 - IDENTIFICATION OF AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS DOGS","PART 7 CONTROL OF AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS DOGS"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder Parts 6 and 7 of the [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/), the Bylaw Enforcement Officer deems a dog **aggressive** if it has aggressively pursued, attacked or injured an animal, or aggressively pursued a person. A dog is **dangerous** if it seriously injures or kills an animal, attacks or injures a person, or (if already aggressive) pursues, attacks or causes a minor injury to an animal. The owner gets written notice with reasons. Within ten business days the owner can ask the Corporate Officer to reconsider. The Chief Administrative Officer may confirm, reverse or amend the designation.\n\n## Owner rules\n\n- Sterilize and microchip an aggressive dog (microchip within five business days of designation).\n- Keep it inside a building or a locked enclosure at least 1.8 m high unless it is muzzled.\n- Outside, it must be muzzled and on a leash of no more than one metre, held by someone 18 or older.\n- A dangerous dog has the same rules, plus a \"WARNING DANGEROUS DOG ON PREMISES\" sign at each entrance and $2,000,000 liability insurance, arranged within 14 days of designation.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- To report a dog, use the Service Request Portal at houston.ca/community/service-requests/ or call 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The District's pages do not say how to report a bite or give an after-hours number.\n- Fines: a bylaw notice is $150 for most offences ($112.50 early, $187.50 late), or $200 ($150 early, $250 late) for failing to enclose, muzzle or leash one, failing to report one at large, or injury of a person or animal. The municipal ticket schedule lists $100 to $500.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/","title":"Service Requests, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs.json"}},{"title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","question":"How many dogs or cats can I keep?","slug":"how-many-pets","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, no more than four dogs may be kept on any premises. Puppies under six months do not count. The bylaws set no limit on cats. Livestock is allowed only where the zoning rules allow it.","aliases":["how many dogs houston","dog limit houston bc","pet limit houston","how many cats houston"],"cost":"Keeping more than four dogs: bylaw notice $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"},{"title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"backyard-chickens","title":"Houston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/how-many-pets/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/how-many-pets/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets/"},"facts":{"dog_limit":{"label":"Dogs allowed","value":"No more than four dogs on any premises owned or occupied by a person.","short":"Max four dogs","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 5, s. 25","quotes":["A person must not keep, permit or allow more than four dogs on any premises owned or occupied by such person."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["A maximum of four (4) dogs is permitted on any residential property within the District."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"cat_limit":{"label":"Cats allowed","value":null,"status":"none","note":"Houston's Animal Control Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw set no limit on cats.","sources":[]},"other_limits":{"label":"Other animal limits","value":"Livestock may not be owned or kept anywhere in the District except as the zoning rules allow. Under Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, hens are allowed in the R1 zone and poultry, bees, dairy livestock and horses count as \"light agriculture\" in the rural zones.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 9, s. 57","quotes":["A person must not own or have custody of any livestock in any area of the municipality except as provided for by Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013 as amended."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.5 and definitions","quotes":["including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"exceptions":{"label":"Exceptions","value":"Puppies under six months old do not count, because the bylaw defines a dog as six months or older. The limit also does not apply to premises lawfully used, and holding a valid business licence, as a pet shop, vet clinic, groomer, breeder or dog boarding business that has paid the Kennel Licence fee.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Amendment s. 5 (replacing s. 26)","quotes":["Sections 24 and 25 do not apply to any premises lawfully used and holding a valid business license for a","licensed dog boarding business having paid the Kennel Licence fee"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1(12), (24); s. 25","quotes":["Dog means any domesticated animal of the \"canine\" genus which is six months or older irrespective of sex.","Puppy means any domesticated animal of the \"canine\" genus which is under the age of six months."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Keeping More than 4 Dogs","quotes":["Keepngi More than 4 s $150.00 $112.50 $187.50"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B10, s. 25","quotes":["Keeping more than 4 dogs 25 $50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, s. 25 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 5, s. 25","quotes":["Limit of Dog Ownership"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":1,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) says no more than four dogs on any premises owned or occupied by a person. A dog is an animal six months or older, so younger puppies do not count.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The limit does not apply to premises lawfully used, and holding a valid business licence, as a pet shop, veterinary clinic, groomer, breeder or dog boarding business that has paid the Kennel Licence fee.\n- The Animal Control Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw set no limit on cats. Call 250-845-2238 if you need confirmation.\n- Livestock may not be kept anywhere in the District except as the zoning rules allow. Under [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/), hens are allowed in the R1 zone, and poultry, bees, dairy livestock and horses count as \"light agriculture\" in the rural zones. See the backyard-chickens answer.\n- The Animal Control Bylaw still refers to the old Development Bylaw No. 1040, which was repealed in 2026. The Zoning Bylaw replaced it.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/","title":"Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.json"}},{"title":"Houston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Houston?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, hens are allowed as an accessory use to a home in the R1 zone and in zones where agriculture is permitted. The Zoning Bylaw sets no maximum number of hens and does not mention roosters. Livestock is allowed only where zoning permits.","aliases":["chickens houston bc","backyard hens houston","keep bees houston","livestock bylaw houston"],"cost":"No permit, licence or registration for hens is stated in the Zoning Bylaw. Livestock in a restricted area: bylaw notice $150.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Houston unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/backyard-chickens/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens/"},"facts":{"hens_allowed":{"label":"Hens allowed","value":"Yes. Hens are allowed as an accessory use to a home in the R1 (Neighbourhood Residential) zone, and in zones where agriculture is a permitted use (A1 and A2 allow \"Agriculture, Light\", which includes poultry).","short":"Yes, R1 zone and where agriculture is permitted","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.5(1), (3) and R1 secondary uses","quotes":["The keeping of hens is permitted in the R1 Zone, only as an accessory use to a dwelling","Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply or limit the keeping of hens in zones where agriculture","(d) Hen Keeping"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Definitions: Agriculture, Light","quotes":["including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The Zoning Bylaw sets no maximum number of hens.","sources":[]},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":"In the R1 zone: coop at most 6.0 m² and 2.0 m high, in the rear yard, coop and pen at least 2.5 m from the side and rear lot lines, securely fenced against predators and escape. These rules do not limit hens in zones where agriculture is permitted.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.5(2)","quotes":["The maximum size of a coop is 6.0 square metres in gross floor area and 2.0","must be placed at least 2.5 metres from an exterior","The coop and associated pen must be located in a rear yard; and","securely fenced so as to prevent predators","The keeping of hens is permitted in the R1 Zone, only as an accessory use to a dwelling used for residential purposes.","Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply or limit the keeping of hens in zones where agriculture is a permitted use."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":null,"status":"none","note":"The Zoning Bylaw states no permit or registration for hens.","sources":[]},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Beekeeping is not regulated by its own section. The Zoning Bylaw includes \"the keeping of bees\" in \"Agriculture, Light\", a permitted use in the A1 (Rural Agriculture) and A2 (Rural Residential) zones; the R1 secondary-use list does not name bees.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Definitions: Agriculture, Light; ss. 10.1, 10.2","quotes":["including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses","(c) Agriculture, Light","(a) Agriculture, Light"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Livestock may not be kept anywhere in the District except as the zoning rules allow. \"Agriculture, Light\" (poultry, dairy livestock, horses) is allowed in the A1 and A2 rural zones; intensive agriculture only in A1.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 9, s. 57","quotes":["A person must not own or have custody of any livestock in any area of the municipality except as provided for by Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013 as amended."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Definitions: Agriculture, Light; s. 10.1","quotes":["including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses","(b) Agriculture, Intensive"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.5 Hen Keeping); Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 9 (livestock).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title and s. 6.5","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”","6.5 HEN KEEPING"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/","title":"Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":2,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (section 6.5) allows hens as an accessory use to a home in the R1 (Neighbourhood Residential) zone. The A1 (Rural Agriculture) and A2 (Rural Residential) zones allow \"Agriculture, Light\", which includes poultry.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **R1 coop rules:** coop at most 6.0 m² and 2.0 m high, in the rear yard, and the coop and pen at least 2.5 m from the side and rear lot lines. It must be securely fenced against predators and escape. These coop rules do not limit hens in zones where agriculture is permitted.\n- **Number of hens, roosters, permits:** the Zoning Bylaw sets no maximum number of hens, does not mention roosters, and states no permit or registration. Ask Community Development at 250-845-2238.\n- **Bees:** the Zoning Bylaw includes \"the keeping of bees\" in Agriculture, Light, a permitted use in A1 and A2. R1 does not name bees. It sets no hive count or setback.\n- **Other livestock:** it may not be kept anywhere in the District except as the zoning rules allow. Horses and dairy livestock count as Agriculture, Light in A1 and A2; intensive agriculture is allowed only in A1. Livestock in a restricted area is a $150 bylaw notice offence.\n- The Animal Control Bylaw still cites Development Bylaw No. 1040, which [Repeal Bylaw No. 1238](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/) repealed. Zoning Bylaw 1225 replaced it.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/","title":"Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 2 are recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens.json"}},{"title":"Houston RV, boat and trailer parking rules","question":"Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard in Houston?","slug":"rv-boat-trailer-parking","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"parking-and-driving","name":"Parking, tickets and driving"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, a Residential Zone lot may have only one recreational vehicle or trailer parked or stored on it. Living in an RV, trailer or boat is prohibited in all zones. The street rules (Traffic Bylaw No. 331) are not posted online, so call the District.","aliases":["rv parking houston","park trailer on street houston","boat storage yard houston","live in rv houston bc"],"cost":"Zoning offences carry a court penalty of up to $50,000. The Zoning Bylaw sets no ticket amount, and none was found for RV storage. Heavy vehicle over 5,000 kg parked overnight in a residential zone: bylaw notice $100 ($75 early, $125 late).","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Houston unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"}],"topic":{"title":"RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking/"},"facts":{"on_street":{"label":"On the street","value":"Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 is not posted online, so street rules could not be read. The bylaw notice schedule lists one relevant offence: parking a vehicle over 5,000 kg for over two hours in a residential zone between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.","short":"Bylaw text not readable online","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982, Part IV s. 3(j)","quotes":["Parking vehicle over 5,000 kg overtwo hours in residential IV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"on_property":{"label":"On your property","value":"In a Residential Zone, only one recreational vehicle or trailer may be parked or stored on a lot. No dismantled or wrecked vehicle, and no commercial vehicle over 4,000 kg gross weight, may be kept. Boats are not mentioned.","short":"1 RV or trailer only; boats not mentioned","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.2(2)","quotes":["No commercial vehicle, truck, bus, dismantled or wrecked vehicle, trailer, recreational","one commercial vehicle or truck not exceeding 4,000 kg gross vehicle weight or a","(b) one recreational vehicle or trailer;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"living_in":{"label":"Living in an RV","value":"No. Using a trailer, RV, camper, boat or similar vehicle or vessel as a residence is prohibited in all zones, even if connected to services. Exception: Council may issue a Temporary Use Permit for living in an RV on the same lot during construction of a home.","short":"No, except Temporary Use Permit during construction","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.2(1); s. 14.1(1)(c)","quotes":["camper, boat, houseboat, tent, or other vehicle and/or vessel as a residence, irrespective","the temporary use of a recreational vehicle as a residence on the same lot during"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Zoning offences carry a court penalty up to $50,000 and may be enforced by municipal ticket or bylaw notice; the zoning bylaw sets no ticket amount, and no current ticket amount for RV storage was found. Heavy-vehicle night parking: bylaw notice $100 ($75 early, $125 late).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 2.5, 2.6","quotes":["a penalty not exceeding $50,000.00 and the costs of prosecution.","(a) municipal ticketing information system;"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982","quotes":["Parking vehicle over 5,000 kg overtwo hours in residential IV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 (amounts)","quotes":["aver two hours in residential lV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and 100.00 75.00 125.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (ss. 5.2, 14.1); Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 (text not posted).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## On your property\n\nUnder section 5.2 of the [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/), in a Residential Zone (R1, R2 and R3) only one recreational vehicle or trailer may be parked or stored on a lot. No dismantled or wrecked vehicle, and no commercial vehicle over 4,000 kg gross weight, may be kept. Boats are not mentioned, and no size limit or yard location rule was found.\n\n## Living in an RV\n\nUsing a trailer, RV, camper, boat or similar vehicle or vessel as a residence is prohibited in all zones, even if connected to services. Council may issue a Temporary Use Permit for living in an RV on the same lot while a home is being built. The Campground (C3) zone is a separate zone for tents, trailers and RVs used for recreation.\n\n## On the street\n\nTraffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 is not posted online, so we could not read the street rules. The bylaw notice schedule lists one relevant offence: parking a vehicle over 5,000 kg for over two hours in a residential zone between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Other street limits may exist. Call the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The Zoning Bylaw can be enforced by municipal ticket or bylaw notice, but sets no ticket amount.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json"}},{"title":"Houston unsightly property rules and how to report","question":"How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Houston?","slug":"unsightly-property","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, report an unsightly property through the District's online Service Request Portal. The Nuisance Bylaw covers unsightly premises such as discarded materials, landscape, construction materials, graffiti and derelict fences. The bylaw notice is $150.","aliases":["unsightly property houston","messy yard bylaw houston","overgrown lot houston","report neighbour property houston"],"cost":"Bylaw notice: $150 for each unsightly-premises offence; $112.50 if paid within 14 days; $187.50 after 28 days.","how_long":"Not stated on the District's pages. The Bylaw Enforcement Officer decides whether a complaint is investigated.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"online","label":"Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints)","value":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/"},{"title":"Service Requests, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/unsightly-property/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fraser-lake","name":"Fraser Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/unsightly-property/"}],"topic":{"title":"Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property/"},"facts":{"what_counts":{"label":"What counts","value":"The bylaw notice schedule lists these unsightly-premises offences under Nuisance Bylaw s. 10: discarded materials, landscape, construction materials, graffiti on property and derelict fences. It also lists air contamination (s. 11) and public nuisances such as littering and placing graffiti (s. 13).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, s. 10","quotes":["Nuisance Bylaw No.1114, 2 - Unsightly Premises Discarded 10 (1 Materials $150.00 $112.50 $187.50 Yes 7","Landscape $150-00 $112.50 $187.50 Yes 7 Unsightl Premises Construction Materials 5150-00 $112.50 $187.50 Yes - Graf?ti on nUstigth Premiss","Residential/Commercial $150.00 - - Public Nuisances Smoking 13 (1 $150.00 $112.50 $187.50 Yes H 7 V"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Submit a bylaw complaint through the District's online Service Request Portal. Include your name, address and contact information, your relationship to the property, and the location and description of the issue.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/","title":"Service Requests, District of Houston","section":"About; What to Include in Your Complaint","quotes":["The District of Houston offers an online Service Request Portal for submitting service requests, inquiries, and bylaw complaints.","Your name, address, and contact information as the official complainant,","The location and description of the issue."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"process":{"label":"What happens next","value":"The Nuisance Bylaw lets the District charge the owner for nuisance abatement: $50 per staff attendance plus actual cost, vehicle use at actual cost plus 10%, and $30 for a repeat service call.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/","title":"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 5, s. 41","quotes":["a) Nuisance Abatement per staff attendance $50.00 + Actual Cost","b) Repeat Service Call per attendance $30.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 for each unsightly-premises offence; $112.50 if paid within 14 days; $187.50 after 28 days.","short":"Notice $150 ($112.50 within 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Nuisance Bylaw, s. 10(1) to (5)","quotes":["Unsightly Premises Discarded 10 (1 Materials $150.00 $112.50 $187.50","10 (4 Property $150.00 $112.50 $187.50"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021, s. 10 (unsightly premises).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/","title":"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"PART 5, Citation","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as \"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021\"."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnsightly premises are covered by section 10 of the [Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/). The District's bylaw notice schedule lists these offences: discarded materials, landscape, construction materials, graffiti on property and derelict fences. It also lists air contamination and public nuisances such as littering and placing graffiti. The exact wording of section 10 and the time an owner has to comply were not readable in our copy, so ask the Municipal Office.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Submit a bylaw complaint through the Service Request Portal at houston.ca/community/service-requests/.\n2. Include your name, address and contact information, your relationship to the property, and the location and description of the issue.\n3. Or call the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The Bylaw Enforcement Officer decides whether a complaint is investigated. The District says the officer seeks compliance by education and communication first, then tickets or other action.\n- The Nuisance Bylaw lets the District charge the owner for abatement: $50 per staff attendance plus actual cost, vehicle use at actual cost plus 10%, and $30 for a repeat service call.\n- Standards of Maintenance Bylaw No. 1234, 2026 covers the condition of dwellings and rental units, not yards.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/","title":"Service Requests, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/","title":"Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.json"}},{"title":"Houston backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Houston?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, recreational fires are allowed in a permanent fireplace, barbecue or fire pit up to 90 cm across, except during burning bans, provincial restrictions or an air quality advisory. Open burning is not allowed on lots under 1 hectare, and larger lots need a free Fire Chief permit.","aliases":["backyard fire houston","burning permit houston bc","campfire bylaw houston","burn yard waste houston"],"cost":"No fee for the open burning permit (the fee schedule lists it at $0). Court fine of $50 to $500 per offence; a person who starts a fire without a valid permit also pays the cost of putting it out.","how_long":"Apply online; the form page does not state a processing time.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Burning Permit Application","value":"https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/"},{"type":"phone","label":"Houston Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency)","value":"250-845-2250"},{"type":"phone","label":"Emergencies","value":"911"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Fire Department, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/"},{"title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/"},{"title":"Burning Permit Application, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/"}],"related":[{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Houston fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/backyard-fire/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire/"},"facts":{"campfires":{"label":"Backyard campfires","value":"Yes, in a permanent outdoor fireplace, barbecue or fire pit not larger than 90 cm across that is built to confine the fire. Not allowed during burning bans, provincial restrictions or an air quality advisory, or if smoke harms or unreasonably bothers others. No garbage or noxious material.","short":"Yes, in a pit up to 90 cm across","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/","title":"Fire Department, District of Houston","section":"Open Burning, Recreational Fires","quotes":["Recreational fires are allowed in outdoor fireplaces, barbecues, or fire pits not larger than 90 cm (35.5 inches) in diameter","Recreational fires are not permitted during burning bans or prohibitions","must comply with the District’s Open Burning Bylaw as well as provincial restrictions in effect"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 1 definitions; ss. 3.2, 3.4, 3.5","quotes":["not larger than 90 centimetres in diameter that is designed","No person shall conduct open burning or ignite or maintain any recreational fire if an air quality advisory has been issued."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"Possible conflict: s. 3.7 says no person shall start \"a fire of any kind whatsoever in the open air\" without a written permit from the Fire Chief (except under s. 3.8), while the District's Fire Department page says recreational fires are allowed. The page is read here as the District's own reading of the bylaw; confirm with the Fire Department (250-845-2250)."},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"Not allowed on lots under 1 hectare. On larger lots only with a Fire Chief special permit: 30 m from any building or forest, only prunings, dry piled debris, weeds, needles or leaves from the same lot, piles at most 5 m across and 3 m high, 7 a.m. to sunset, and only if the venting index is 55 or higher.","short":"No on lots under 1 hectare; larger lots need a permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, ss. 3.1, 3.8, 3.10","quotes":["No person shall conduct open burning on any lot less than 1 hectare in area within the","allow open burning on lots greater than one","a minimum separation of thirty (30) metres can be","No pile of burning material shall exceed 5 meters in diameter or 3 meters in height.","All burning shall be conducted and concluded between 7:00 a.m. (0700 hours) and sunset of the same day","no burning shall take place unless the venting index is fifty-five (55) or greater when the fire is started"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/","title":"Fire Department, District of Houston","section":"Open Burning","quotes":["Open burning may only be conducted with a permit issued by the Fire Department on lots which are larger than one hectare in area."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"A written burning permit from the Fire Chief is required for open burning (lots over 1 hectare). Apply online on the District's Burning Permit Application form. No fee: the fee schedule lists the open burning permit at $0.","short":"Yes, for lots over 1 hectare; $0","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, ss. 3.7, 3.8","quotes":["without first having obtained a written permit to do so from the Fire Chief."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/","title":"Burning Permit Application, District of Houston","section":"Burning Permit Application","quotes":["I understand that submitting this application does not constitute approval of a Burning Permit."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 3. Open Burning - Bylaw No. 947","quotes":["a) Open Burning Permit per permit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"The Fire Chief may suspend, cancel or restrict permits in hazardous or adverse weather conditions. Recreational fires are not allowed during burning bans or provincial restrictions. Open burning and recreational fires are also banned during an air quality advisory. The District links to the Province's fire bans and restrictions page.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, ss. 3.2, 3.13","quotes":["Where the Fire Chief considers that hazardous conditions or adverse weather conditions","No person shall conduct open burning or ignite or maintain any recreational fire if an air quality advisory has been issued."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/","title":"Fire Department, District of Houston","section":"Open Burning","quotes":["Recreational fires are not permitted during burning bans or prohibitions and must comply with the District's Open Burning Bylaw as well as provincial restrictions in effect at the time.","Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"No yard waste drop-off was found on the District pages.","sources":[]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Court fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500 for each offence on summary conviction. The ticket schedules read do not list an open burning offence. A person who starts a fire without a valid permit also pays the cost of putting it out.","short":"$50 to $500 on conviction","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 4, s. 4.1; s. 3.12","quotes":["is liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine of not less than $50.00 and not more than $500.00 for each offence.","shall be responsible for the costs of"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006 (consolidated 2011, with Amendment Bylaw No. 1006, 2011).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["A Bylaw to regulate open burning and enhance air quality within the District of Houston."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) and the District's Fire Department page set the rules.\n\n**Recreational fires** are allowed only in a permanent outdoor fireplace, barbecue or fire pit not larger than 90 cm across that is built to confine the fire. They are not allowed during burning bans, provincial restrictions or an air quality advisory, or if smoke harms or unreasonably bothers others. No garbage or noxious material.\n\n**Open burning** is not allowed on lots under 1 hectare. On larger lots it needs a Fire Chief permit and these conditions: 30 m from any building or forest, only prunings, dry piled debris, weeds, needles or leaves from the same lot, piles at most 5 m across and 3 m high, 7 a.m. to sunset, and only if the venting index is 55 or higher.\n\n## Steps (open burning permit)\n\n1. Apply on the online Burning Permit Application form.\n2. Before each burn, notify the Fire Department at 250-845-2250. Call 1-888-281-2992 for venting information.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Backyard incinerators are prohibited, and so is burning garbage or noxious material.\n- The Fire Chief may suspend, cancel or restrict permits in hazardous weather. Check the current bans on the BC Wildfire Service page the District links to.\n- The bylaw's wording requires a permit for any open-air fire, while the Fire Department page says recreational fires are allowed. Confirm with the Fire Department.\n- The bylaw notice and municipal ticket schedules we read do not list an open burning offence.\n- No yard waste drop-off was found on the District pages. See the yard-waste answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/","title":"Fire Department, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/","title":"Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/","title":"Burning Permit Application, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.json"}},{"title":"Houston fireworks rules","question":"Are fireworks allowed in Houston?","slug":"fireworks","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"No. In Houston, throwing, lighting, setting off or possessing fireworks of any kind is prohibited, and firecrackers are banned outright. The bylaw allows only permitted retail sale and public displays. Minors (under 19) may not possess or set off fireworks.","aliases":["fireworks houston bc","fireworks bylaw houston","sell fireworks houston","fireworks permit houston"],"cost":"Fireworks Sale Permit: $125 per permit. Bylaw notice for unlawful sale or disposal: $200 ($150 early, $250 late). Municipal ticket schedule: unlawful sale or disposal $100; unlawful discharge $100. Court: up to $2,000 or six months.","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Houston Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency)","value":"250-845-2250"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/"}],"related":[{"slug":"backyard-fire","title":"Houston backyard fire and burning rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/fireworks/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-edward","name":"Port Edward","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-edward/fireworks/"}],"topic":{"title":"Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks/"},"facts":{"use":{"label":"Setting off fireworks","value":"No. Throwing, lighting, firing, setting off, discharging or possessing fireworks of any kind is prohibited in the District except as the bylaw provides, and the bylaw provides only for permitted retail sale and public displays. Firecrackers are banned outright. Minors may not possess or set off fireworks.","short":"No, except permitted displays","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 5.0","quotes":["The sale and use of firecrackers are hereby prohibited in the District of Houston.","is hereby prohibited in the District of","No minor shall be in possession, ignite or explode fireworks or fire crackers."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"sale":{"label":"Selling fireworks","value":"Selling fireworks is prohibited except by permit; selling firecrackers is prohibited. Retail sale must be from a permitted, restricted-access display. No sale to minors (under 19).","short":"Only with a permit; none to under 19","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3.2, 3.3, 4.0, 5.0","quotes":["The sale of fireworks of every nature or kind are hereby prohibited in the District of","No person shall sell, give or furnish ?reworks or fire crackers to a minor.","with restricted access,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"what_counts":{"label":"What counts as fireworks","value":"\"Fireworks\" are low-hazard fireworks for recreation (Class 7.2.1), including fountains, Roman candles, pinwheels, volcanoes and sparklers. \"Firecrackers\" are small noisemaker fireworks such as bottle rockets and screechers.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 2.0 definitions","quotes":["such as but not limited to, fireworks showers, fountains, golden","rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, Roman candles, volcanoes and sparklers.","includes bottle rockets, screechers, screecharoos"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"No permit lets residents set off fireworks. The Fire Chief issues a Fireworks Sale Permit for a retail display with restricted access; the fee is set in the Fees & Charges Bylaw: $125 per permit. The applicant must be a registered owner of the business or have the owner's written consent. Not transferable.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 5.0, 5.2; Schedule A","quotes":["may be purchased from the District of Houston for a fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).","a registered owner of the business is the person seeking the permit or","APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145036/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw, Schedule A-5 Fireworks (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-5, 1. Fireworks - Bylaw No. 1050","quotes":["a) Fireworks Sale Permit per permit 125.00 125.00 125.00 125.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: unlawful sale or disposal of fireworks $200 ($150 early, $250 late). Municipal ticket schedule: unlawful sale or disposal $100; unlawful discharge $100. Court: up to $2,000 or six months.","short":"Ticket $100; notice $200 (sale)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, s. 5.0","quotes":["or Disposalof UnlawfulSale 5.0 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B9","quotes":["Unlawful Sale or disposal of fireworks 5.0 $100.00","Unlawful Discharge of fireworks"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 7.0","quotes":["liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or to imprisonment for not more than six (6) months"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.0","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as \"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014\"."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) prohibits throwing, lighting, firing, setting off, discharging or possessing fireworks of any kind in the District, except as the bylaw provides. The bylaw provides only for permitted retail sale and public displays. It sets no dates or hours for consumer use because it allows none.\n\n\"Fireworks\" means low-hazard fireworks for recreation (Class 7.2.1), including fountains, Roman candles, pinwheels, volcanoes and sparklers. \"Firecrackers\" are small noisemaker fireworks such as bottle rockets and screechers.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Selling:** fireworks may be sold only by permit, from a permitted, restricted-access retail display, and not to minors (under 19). Selling firecrackers is prohibited.\n- **Permit:** the Fire Chief issues a Fireworks Sale Permit for $125. The applicant must be a registered owner of the business or have the owner's written consent. The permit is not transferable, and the Fire Chief may add conditions or cancel it in hazardous fire conditions.\n- **Public displays** need a Fire Chief permit and must meet the bylaw's distance and safety rules.\n- Both a bylaw notice and a municipal ticket exist for these offences; see the amounts above.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/","title":"Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145036/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw, Schedule A-5 Fireworks (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.json"}},{"title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","question":"What are the common bylaw fines in Houston?","slug":"bylaw-fines","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"Houston has two ticket systems side by side: bylaw notices and municipal tickets. A bylaw notice for common offences such as an unlicensed dog, a dog at large, quiet-hours noise or unsightly premises is $150. Pay within 14 days for 25% off.","aliases":["bylaw fines houston","bylaw ticket houston bc","dispute bylaw notice houston","pay bylaw ticket houston"],"cost":"Bylaw notice examples: unlicensed dog $150; dog at large $150; excessive barking $150; quiet-hours noise $150; unsightly premises $150; water restriction breach $150; unlawful sale of fireworks $200; parking a vehicle over 5,000 kg in a residential zone overnight $100. Municipal ticket examples: unlicensed dog $50, dog at large $100, barking $200. 25% off if paid within 14 days; 25% added after 28 days (maximum $500).","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/"},{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/"},{"title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Houston unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/"},{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Houston fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks/"},{"slug":"water-restrictions","title":"Houston watering restrictions","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fraser-lake","name":"Fraser Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kitimat","name":"Kitimat","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/bylaw-fines/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/bylaw-fines/"}],"topic":{"title":"Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines/"},"facts":{"how_tickets_work":{"label":"How tickets work","value":"Two systems. Bylaw notices (Bylaw No. 1216, 2025) are issued by Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP officers, the Director of Planning, Building Inspector or Fire Chief; disputes go to a Screening Officer, then adjudication. Municipal tickets (Bylaw No. 1060, 2014) are issued by the officers in its Schedule A (Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP, and for some bylaws the Building or Licence Inspector); disputes go to Provincial Court.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3, 4, 7, 8","quotes":["The bylaws listed in the ”Designated Bylaws\" column of Schedule A to this Bylaw may be","RCMP Officers;","Fire Chief;","Confirm the bylaw notice and refer the dispute to adjudication; or"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 4.0 and Schedule A","quotes":["may be enforced by means of a ticket in the form prescribed for the purpose of","RCMP Police Officer","The persons who act in the job positions or titles listed in Column 2 of Schedule “A”to this bylaw are designated Bylaw Enforcement Officers for the purpose of enforcing the bylaws listed in Column 1 of Schedule “A”opposite the respective job position."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3(6)","quotes":["refer disputed tickets to the Provincial Court of British Columbia; or"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"example_fines":{"label":"Common fines","value":"Bylaw notice: unlicensed dog $150; dog at large $150; excessive barking $150; quiet-hours noise $150; unsightly premises $150; water restriction breach $150; unlawful sale of fireworks $200; parking a vehicle over 5,000 kg in a residential zone overnight $100.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50","Excessive Barking $150.00 $112.50 $187.50","Contravention of Stage 1","3.0 Restrictions $150.00 $112.50 $187.50","or Disposalof UnlawfulSale 5.0 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"early_payment":{"label":"Paying early","value":"25% off if paid within 14 calendar days of issuance (for example $150 becomes $112.50).","short":"25% off if paid in 14 days","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 replacing s. 6(1)","quotes":["Early Payment Discount: A 25% discount applies ifthe penalty is paid within 14 calendar days of issuance"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"late_payment":{"label":"Paying late","value":"25% added (up to a maximum of $500) if unpaid after 14 calendar days; the schedule shows the late amount as applying \"after 28 days\" (for example $150 becomes $187.50).","short":"25% added (max $500) after 14 days","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 replacing s. 6(1)","quotes":["Late Payment Surcharge: A 25% surcharge applies (to a maximum of $500) if"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A column A3","quotes":["After 28 Days","Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"The bylaw text (14 days) and the schedule heading (28 days) differ; Bylaw 1233 amended the text only."},"dispute":{"label":"Disputing a ticket","value":"Follow the dispute instructions on the notice. The bylaw gives 14 days to pay unless you dispute; the provincial Act requires at least 14 days after you receive the notice (7th day after mailing, if mailed). A Screening Officer can cancel it, reduce the penalty, or send it to adjudication (RDBN registry, Burns Lake). An unsuccessful disputant pays $25.","short":"See notice; $25 if unsuccessful","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 7, 8, 10","quotes":["A person who disputes a bylaw notice and is unsuccessful must pay an adjudication fee","Cancel a bylaw notice if issued in error;","Reduce the penalty amount under extenuating circumstances.","A person must pay a penalty within 14 days, unless disputing the bylaw notice."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025, as amended by Bylaws No. 1230 and 1233, 2026; and Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, as amended by Bylaw No. 1129, 2019.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as the \"District of Houston Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025.\""]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 2.0","quotes":["Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThere are two systems. **Bylaw notices** ([Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/), as amended by Bylaws 1230 and 1233, 2026) are issued by Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP officers, the Director of Planning, the Building Inspector or the Fire Chief. Disputes go to a Screening Officer, then adjudication. **Municipal tickets** ([Bylaw No. 1060, 2014](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/)) are issued by the officers listed in its Schedule A. Disputes go to Provincial Court. Check which system lists the offence: older schedules from repealed bylaws (Development Bylaw 1040, Noise, Standards of Maintenance 1051, Garbage 938) no longer match a current bylaw.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Early payment:** 25% off if paid within 14 calendar days of issuance (a $150 notice is $112.50). [Bylaw No. 1233, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) changed the early-payment deadline.\n- **Late payment:** 25% is added (up to a maximum of $500) if unpaid after 14 calendar days. The schedule shows the late amount as applying \"after 28 days\" (a $150 notice is $187.50). The bylaw text and the schedule differ, so confirm with the Municipal Office.\n- **Disputing a bylaw notice:** follow the dispute instructions on the notice. A Screening Officer can cancel it, reduce the penalty, or send it to adjudication (RDBN registry, Burns Lake). An unsuccessful disputant pays $25. Municipal tickets are disputed in Provincial Court.\n- **Questions:** Municipal Office, 250-845-2238, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/","title":"Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.json"}},{"title":"Houston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Houston, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the District of Houston needs a business licence, including home-based, mobile and rental-accommodation businesses. Apply online through the PSD Citywide portal. The general licence is $125 a year (2026 to 2028).","aliases":["business licence houston bc","business license houston","apply business licence houston","renew business licence houston"],"cost":"Per year (2026 to 2028): general $125; restaurant or retail $250; personal services $180; automotive $325; industrial $400; cannabis or liquor $600; artisan $60; mobile vendor or contractor $250 (or $30 a month); rental accommodation $20 per unit.","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licence email","value":"doh@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/"},{"title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/"},{"title":"Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/"},{"title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/"},{"title":"Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Houston home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/terrace","name":"Terrace","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fraser-lake","name":"Fraser Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/business-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence/"},"facts":{"who_needs":{"label":"Who needs one","value":"Anyone carrying on a business in the District, including home-based, mobile and rental-accommodation businesses; one licence per location and per trade name or type. Exempt: governments, garage sales, registered non-profits, buskers, and vendors at a farmers' or flea market.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3.1 to 3.3","quotes":["A person must not carry on any business within the municipality without a valid licence issued by the business licence inspector.","a separate business licence for each: (1) location in the District from which the business is carried on; and","buskers or street entertainers; and","a person who sells or advertises goods, products or services as part of a Farmers' Market or a flea market."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","section":"\"Business Licence\"","quotes":["regardless of your business’s “home” location, you are required to obtain a business licence."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Per year (2026 to 2028): general $125; restaurant or retail $250; personal services $180; automotive $325; industrial $400; cannabis or liquor $600; artisan $60; mobile vendor or contractor $250 (or $30 a month); rental accommodation $20 per unit.","short":"By type: general $125; restaurant or retail $250","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","section":"Schedule A-3 (Business Licenses), effective January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028","quotes":["General License Fee Per year $125.00 $125.00 $125.00","Restaurant License Fee Per year $250.00 $250.00 $250.00","Personal Services (Health Per year $180.00 $180.00 $180.00","Industrial License Fee Per year $400.00 $400.00 $400.00","Artisan License Fee Per year $60.00 $60.00 $60.00","Mobile Vendor Fee Per year or $250.00/year or"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online through the PSD Citywide portal. Staff review the application; a business in a building must show the zoning permits the use and give a fire inspection report if none in the last six months. Health permits, insurance or provincial approvals may also be needed.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/","title":"Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Business Licensing User Guide, p. 2","quotes":["This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a business licence online","using the PSD Citywide portal."]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","section":"\"Business Licence\"","quotes":["must demonstrate that the Zoning is permitted for the proposed use and must provide a Fire Inspection Report if one has not been completed within the last six months."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 3.4","quotes":["A person may apply for a licence by submitting a completed application to the Inspector"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences are valid for the calendar year (or the period set for a temporary or seasonal business). The licensee must renew each year; renewals submitted after February 28 pay a $25 late fee. Renew through the portal with \"Request Renewal\".","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 3.13, 3.15 and late renewal","quotes":["the year in which it is obtained unless is cancelled or suspended; or","a Licensee is responsible for renewing the","submitted after February 28 of the applicable calendar year is subject to the non-refundable late application fee"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","section":"Schedule A-3","quotes":["Late Renewal Fee Per occurrence $25.00 $25.00 $25.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/","title":"Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston","section":"p. 3, note","quotes":["Open the applicable licence application you want to renew from your Licences Dashboard to “Request Renewal”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_found","sources":[]},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for failing to obtain a licence (s. 3.2): $200, or $150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late. On conviction the bylaw allows a fine of up to $50,000.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts","section":"Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025","quotes":["Failure to Obtain License","3.2 $ 200.00 $ 150.00 5 250.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 5.7","quotes":["A person who commits an offence is liable for a fine not exceeding $50,000 and the costs of prosecution."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (in force January 1, 2026; replaces Bylaw No. 1085, 2016).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 6.1, 6.4, 6.5","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as \"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025\".","District of Houston Business Licence","Bylaw No. 1085, 2016 and all amendments thereto are repealed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) (in force January 1, 2026) requires a licence for anyone carrying on a business in the District, including home-based, mobile and rental-accommodation businesses. You need one licence per location and per trade name or type. Exempt: governments, garage sales, registered non-profits and charities (with proof of registration), buskers, vendors at a farmers' or flea market, and fundraising by educational organizations, sports teams or community associations.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Apply online through the PSD Citywide portal. See the [Licences and Permits page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/).\n2. If your business is in a building, show that the zoning permits the use, and give a fire inspection report if there has been none in the last six months.\n3. Staff review the application. The Inspector may approve, refuse, suspend, cancel or impose conditions on a licence.\n4. Health permits, insurance or provincial approvals may also be needed.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Fees per year (2026 to 2028): general $125; restaurant or retail $250; personal services $180; automotive $325; industrial $400; cannabis or liquor $600; artisan $60; mobile vendor or contractor $250 (or $30 a month); rental accommodation $20 per unit.\n- New liquor or cannabis application $900, amendment $400, transfer $10.\n- Licences are valid for the calendar year. Renew through the portal with \"Request Renewal\". Renewals submitted after February 28 pay a $25 late fee. The Inspector may send an invoice before December 31 but is not required to.\n- Operating without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200, or $150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late. Failure to renew or transfer is $150, and failure to post a licence is $100. On conviction a fine of up to $50,000 is possible.\n- We found no inter-community business licence for Houston.\n- Questions: 250-845-2238 or doh@houston.ca.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/","title":"Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.json"}},{"title":"Houston home-based business rules","question":"Can I run a business from my home in Houston?","slug":"home-based-business","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Houston permits standard home occupations in zones R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1 and C2, with a business licence. Limits include one non-resident employee and up to 30% of the home's floor area (maximum 70 m²). The District's page says one home occupation per property in Rural and Residential zones.","aliases":["home business houston bc","home occupation houston","run a business from home houston","home based business licence houston"],"cost":"District business licence: general $125 a year; artisan (handmade goods, home baking) $60 a year. The fee schedule has no separate home-based class.","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/"},{"title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/"},{"title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Houston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/home-based-business/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/home-based-business/"}],"topic":{"title":"Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"Yes. Standard home occupations are permitted in zones R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1 and C2; industry home occupations only in A1 and A2, on lots over one hectare. The District's page says one home occupation per property in Rural and Residential zones.","short":"Yes, in R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1 and C2","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 6.4(1), 6.4(4)(a) and zone lists","quotes":["Standard Home Occupation","only be permitted on lots larger than one hectare"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","section":"\"Home Occupations\"","quotes":["One Home Occupation per property is permitted in all Rural and Residential zones;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Required. Fee depends on the licence class: general licence $125 a year; artisan (handmade goods, home baking) $60 a year. The fee schedule has no separate home-based class.","short":"Yes: $125 a year ($60 for artisan)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.4(2)(a)","quotes":["All home-based businesses shall hold a valid business licence from the District of Houston."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","section":"Schedule A-3","quotes":["General License Fee Per year $125.00 $125.00 $125.00","Artisan License Fee Per year $60.00 $60.00 $60.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","section":"\"Business Licence\"","quotes":["regardless of your business’s “home” location, you are required to obtain a business licence."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"limits":{"label":"Limits","value":"Standard: operated by a resident of the home; one non-resident employee at most; up to 30% of the dwelling floor area, maximum 70 m²; no light industrial use or outdoor storage; one commercial vehicle up to 1,000 kg. Goods displayed or sold must be made on-site or directly related.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.4(2) and (3)","quotes":["employ a maximum of one on-site, non-resident employee;","not occupy more than thirty percent (30%) of the gross floor area of the dwelling","not involve a light industrial use or outdoor storage use;","is no larger than 1,000 kilograms gross vehicle weight","In no instance shall the display and sale of a good be the primary purpose of any home occupation."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"not_allowed":{"label":"Businesses not allowed","value":"Heavy industrial, equipment services, wrecking yards, and cannabis production, distribution or retail. A standard home occupation also cannot involve light industrial use or outdoor storage.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.4(2)(d) and 6.4(3)(d)","quotes":["In no instance shall a home occupation involve a heavy industrial, equipment","services, wrecking yard, cannabis production, cannabis distribution, or cannabis retail use.","not involve a light industrial use or outdoor storage use;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.4, home occupations) and Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.5","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as \"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025\"."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":5,"stated":5,"matched":5,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) permits standard home occupations in R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, C1 and C2. Industry home occupations are permitted only in A1 and A2 on lots over one hectare, and are capped at three non-resident employees. A home occupation must hold a District business licence.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone allows a home occupation (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n2. Apply for a business licence through the District's online portal (see the business-licence answer).\n3. If you will prepare food at home, ask Northern Health about a health permit, which is required for most home-based kitchens.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Standard home occupation limits: operated by a resident of the home; one non-resident employee at most; up to 30% of the dwelling floor area, maximum 70 m²; one commercial vehicle up to 1,000 kg; no light industrial use or outdoor storage. Goods displayed or sold must be made on-site or directly related.\n- Parking: 1 space per home occupation.\n- Not allowed: heavy industrial, equipment services, wrecking yards, and cannabis production, distribution or retail.\n- Licence fees: general $125 a year; artisan $60 a year. Which class applies is for the District to decide.\n- Signs are covered by Sign Bylaw No. 1224, 2026, which we did not read.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/","title":"Licences and Permits, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/","title":"Zoning, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.json"}},{"title":"Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Houston?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"housing-and-renting","name":"Housing and renting"},"owner":"shared","owner_label":"More than one level of government","owner_body":null,"short_answer":"In Houston, a vacation rental is a permitted home occupation in zones R1, R2, A1, A2 and C1, and a bed and breakfast in R1, A1 and A2. You need a District business licence ($20 per unit per year) and provincial registration. Houston is exempt from the provincial principal residence rule.","aliases":["airbnb houston bc","short term rental houston","vacation rental houston bc","bed and breakfast houston"],"cost":"District licence: Accommodation Rental Fee $20 per unit per year (2026 to 2028). Provincial registry: $100 a year (principal residence) or $450 (secondary unit) per unit.","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Community Development Department","value":"250-845-2238"},{"type":"email","label":"Community Development email","value":"ecdev@houston.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/"},{"title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/"},{"title":"Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Houston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence/"},{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Houston home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/short-term-rental/"}],"topic":{"title":"Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"Vacation rental is a permitted home occupation in zones R1, R2, A1, A2 and C1 (one accommodation home occupation per lot); bed and breakfast in R1, A1 and A2. Houston is on the Province's exempt list, so the provincial principal residence requirement does not apply.","short":"Yes, home occupation in R1, R2, A1, A2, C1","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 6.4(1) and zone lists (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1)","quotes":["Vacation Rental Accommodation Home Occupation","Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Home Occupation"]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"\"List of exempt communities\", Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement","quotes":["Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement","Hope Houston Hudson’s Hope"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"Houston is on the Province's exempt list (not the list where the rule applies); list as of June 1, 2026. The Zoning page says vacation rentals are permitted in R1 and both Rural zones only; the bylaw also lists R2 and C1, and the bylaw governs. R3 allows only standard home occupations."},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes. Anyone supplying short-term, long-term or tourist accommodation must have a District business licence. Accommodation Rental Fee: $20 per unit per year (2026 to 2028), for accommodation rented for less than 30 days.","short":"Yes, $20 per unit a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 4.14","quotes":["A person who supplies residential or temporary rental accommodations must obtain a business licence from the District of Houston."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","section":"Schedule A-3, fee table and definitions","quotes":["Per year $20. 00/unit $20.00/unit $20.00/unit","Accommodation Rental Fee means a residential or temporary rental accommodation rented for less than 30 days"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. Hosts must register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry for stays under 90 consecutive days, even in communities exempt from the principal residence requirement. Fee per unit: $100 a year (principal residence), $450 (secondary unit).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"\"Business licence exemptions\", \"Types of exemptions\" and fee sections","quotes":["Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days, regardless of whether a local business licence is required.","must register with the Short-Term Rental Registry, but are exempt from the principal residence requirement:","Municipalities with populations under 10,000 and not within 15 km of a larger municipality (listed below)","Fee: $100 annually","Fee: $450 annually"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"One accommodation home occupation per lot. Vacation rental: one dwelling unit per lot. Bed and breakfast: host's single detached home, two guests per sleeping unit, up to three sleeping units, stays up to 31 consecutive days, no non-resident employees. Licence application must name the property manager if not the applicant (s. 4.15).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.4(5) and (6)","quotes":["occupy no more than one dwelling unit per lot.","be limited to two guests per sleeping unit, up to a maximum of three sleeping units,","for periods of up to 31 consecutive days;","not employ any on-site, non-resident employees."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, s. 4.15","quotes":["name and contact information of the property manager if different from the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating without a business licence (Business Licence Bylaw s. 3.2): $200, or $150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts","section":"Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025","quotes":["Failure to Obtain License","3.2 $ 200.00 $ 150.00 5 250.00 Yes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.4, home occupations) and Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (s. 4.14).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"s. 6.5","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as \"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025\"."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nHouston treats short-term rentals as home occupations under the [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/). A vacation rental (one dwelling unit per lot) is permitted in R1, R2, A1, A2 and C1; a bed and breakfast is permitted in R1, A1 and A2. Only one accommodation home occupation is allowed per lot, and R3 allows standard home occupations only.\n\nHouston is on the Province's list of communities exempt from the provincial principal residence requirement (list as of June 1, 2026), so that rule does not apply here.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Confirm your zone allows your type of rental (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n2. Get a District business licence. Anyone supplying short-term, long-term or tourist accommodation needs one ([Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/)). Name the property manager on the application if it is not you.\n3. Register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry for stays under 90 consecutive days, even in exempt communities. The fee is $100 a year per unit for a principal residence and $450 for a secondary unit.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Bed and breakfast: your own single detached home, two guests per sleeping unit, up to three sleeping units, stays up to 31 consecutive days, no non-resident employees. Parking is 1 space per sleeping unit.\n- The licence must be posted in a prominent place at the premises. Late renewals after February 28 pay a $25 late fee.\n- Operating without a business licence: a bylaw notice is $200, or $150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late. On conviction a fine of up to $50,000 is possible.\n- The District's Zoning page lists fewer zones for vacation rentals than the bylaw does. The bylaw governs; confirm with the District.\n- We found no rule on guest numbers for vacation rentals, or on posting a licence number or local contact.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/","title":"Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental.json"}}]}