# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Houston --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.json" --- # 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? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Needed 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). - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Building Permit Requirements"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 3.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "A permit is required whenever work regulated under this Bylaw is to be undertaken." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Not needed for:** 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. - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 4.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 1.10 (definition of "structure")](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures not supporting an occupancy" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** Complete the Building Permit Application Form, available online or from the District office. Staff encourage a meeting before applying. Questions: 250-845-2238. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Building Permit Application Guide, "Building Permit Process"](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "Application forms are available online or from the District office." … "Applicants are encouraged to meet with Staff before submitting their application" - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Forms & Guides"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "If you are unsure about needing a Building Permit, please contact 250-845-2238." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What to submit:** 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. - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Building Permit Requirements"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "Copies of the current state of title certificate and documents for registered charges on title;" … "Site layout, elevation, and building plans;" - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, Building Permit Application Checklist](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "TWO sets of plans at a suitable scale of the design" … "Energy Code Compliance report required for new dwellings." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Processing time:** Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how complete and complex the application is. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, "Building Permit Process"](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "Typically, the processing time for a BP application is 2-4 weeks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Inspections:** 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. - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, "Building Inspections"](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 15.3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "shall give at least twenty-four (24) hours notice to the District of Houston when requesting an inspection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** 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. - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "250-845-2238 ecdev@houston.ca" … "Building Inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako’s Building Inspection department." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, amended by Bylaw No. 960, 2007 and Bylaw No. 1178, 2023. - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 22.0 (title)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005" - Source: [Bylaws & Policies, Bylaws & Policies page](https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/) - Official wording: "Bylaw Archive – Numerical Order" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. The [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. ## Steps 1. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238. Staff encourage a meeting before you apply. 2. Complete the Building Permit Application Form, available online or from the District office. 3. 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. 4. Pay the permit fee in full before the permit is issued. 5. 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. ## Good to know - An application is cancelled if the permit is not issued and paid for within 180 days of written notice that it is ready. - All fees must be paid before you request inspections. - The District's page says building inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (Burns Lake, 250-692-3195). - The pages we read do not describe an online portal or say how to pay (in person, online, cheque). Ask the office. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) ## Related questions - [Houston building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.md) - [Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/building-permit.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/building-permit.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/building-permit.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/building-permit.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/building-permit.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit/_ --- --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.json" --- # 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? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **Cost:** No fence permit is listed in the bylaws or pages read. **How long:** Not applicable for a fence. **Where:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Permit:** 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. - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 1.10](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures not supporting an occupancy" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 3 (definition of "structure")](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "the following shall not be Structures: • a fence;" - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Accessory Buildings & Structures"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "Building retaining walls over 1.22 meters (4.0 feet) in height" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Height, front yard:** 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. (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.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.6(2)(a) and 5.6(3)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(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" - Source: [Zoning, "Fencing, Screening and Landscaping"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "For Residential properties, the front yard fence has a maximum height of 1.2 meters." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Height, side and rear yards:** 1.8 m in a rear or side yard. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.6(2)(b)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(b) 1.8 metres when located within a rear or side yard." - Source: [Zoning, "Fencing, Screening and Landscaping"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "Fences may not exceed 1.8 meters in height on any property inside the District." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other rules:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.6(1), 5.6(4) and 5.8.3(4)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.6 (fences and retaining walls) and s. 5.7 (visual clearance at intersections). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1, 5.6, 5.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" … "5.6 FENCES AND RETAINING WALLS" … "5.7 VISUAL CLEARANCE AT INTERSECTIONS" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Fences 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. ## Steps 1. Check the height limits below for your yard. 2. If your lot is on a corner, check the visibility triangle. 3. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238 if you are unsure. ## Good to know - 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. - Rear or side yard: 1.8 m. - 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. - 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. - 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. - We found no rule on barbed wire, electric fences or swimming pool fences. Ask the Community Development Department. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) ## Related questions - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/fence-rules.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/fence-rules.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/fence-rules.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/fence-rules.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/fence-rules.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Sheds:** Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 m² (108 sq ft) needs a building permit. - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Accessory Buildings & Structures"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square" - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, "When is a Building Permit Required?"](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10" … "square metres (108 square feet)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Decks:** A porch or balcony, and enclosing a sundeck or porch, need a building permit. The District's pages state no deck height threshold. - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Exterior Renovations & Additions"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "A porch or balcony" … "Enclosing a sundeck or porch" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Garages and carports:** 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. - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square" … "Change of use (i.e., converting a garage into a living space)" - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, Schedule B-2, item 3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "Garage per square foot 34.00" … "Carport per square foot 22.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Zoning limits:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 9.1(4) and (6) (R1)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(c) Maximum Lot Coverage 45%" … "(6) Accessory Buildings and Structures (a) Maximum Height 5.1 m" … "ii. Interior Side Lot Line 1.5 m" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 10.2(6) (A2)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(b) Maximum Height 6.4 m" … "No single building will be greater than 200.0 m²" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (permits) and Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (accessory building limits). - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 22.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. Separately, 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. ## Steps 1. Look up your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. Check the zone limits below. 3. Call 250-845-2238 to confirm whether your project needs a permit. 4. If it does, follow the building-permit steps. ## Good to know - 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 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. - 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. - Lot coverage counts accessory structures of 10 m² or more. - The fee schedule lists a sundeck value, which suggests permits are issued for decks, but we found no height or size cut-off. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) ## Related questions - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) - [Houston building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Houston building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Houston building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** $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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, Schedule B-2, item 1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "Application Fee - Estimated Value under $25,000 50.00 50.00" … "Permit Fee $7 per $1,000 of estimated value" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How the fee is worked out:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, Schedule B-2, items 1 and 3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Application or plan review fee:** $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). (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.) - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, Schedule B-2, item 1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 11.1 and s. 11.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, Schedule A (2005 text), item 3 and application fee](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "$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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other fees:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, Schedule B-2, item 2](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to pay:** 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. - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 11.0 and s. 11.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Building Permit Application Guide, "Building Inspections", note 2](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) - Official wording: "All fees must be paid prior to any inspections being requested." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees, s. 1 and Schedule B-2](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. ## Steps 1. 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. 2. Pay the permit fee in full before the permit is issued. 3. Pay all fees before you request inspections. ## Good to know - 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. - Deposits: paving $2 per sq ft; landscaping equal to an acceptable contractor quote. - Work done without a permit is charged at double the normal rate. - 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/)). - 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). - Inspections requested outside office hours are charged for time spent including travel (s. 11.6); the schedule lists no amount. - 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. - No text we read says whether the application fee counts toward the permit fee. Ask the office. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) ## Related questions - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) - [Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/building-permit-fees.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/building-permit-fees.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/building-permit-fees.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/building-permit-fees.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/building-permit-fees.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw No. 1182, 2023 (PDF), Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule B-2 Building Permit Fees](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.json" --- # 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? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **Cost:** Free to look up online. **How long:** Immediate online; call for questions. **Where:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Community Development Department, 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** 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. (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.) - Source: [Zoning, "Find your Zone"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 3.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "3.1.2. Schedule B – Zoning Bylaw Map" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Zoning bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026. Schedule A (text) adopted October 6, 2026, updated: N/A. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Schedule A cover page](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "Adopted: October 6, 2026 Updated: N/A" … "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What the zone controls:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Table 8-1 and Parts 9 to 13](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(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" - Source: [Zoning, "What local governments may regulate through zoning"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "Siting, size, and dimensions of buildings and structures (i.e. setbacks, height, and parcel coverage)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Contact:** Community Development Department: 250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca, 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0. - Source: [Zoning, Page footer](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "community development department Community Development Department 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370 Houston, BC, V0J 1Z0 250-845-2238 ecdev@houston.ca" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. ## Steps 1. Open the online map on the District's [Zoning page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/). 2. Choose "Search by Address" in the Search menu and enter the street number and road name. 3. Turn on the "Zoning" layer. You can also download a property report from the Survey Parcels menu. 4. Find that zone in the Zoning Bylaw to see what is allowed. ## Good to know - 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. - 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. - The Building Permits page still links an older Zoning Bylaw. That one has been replaced. - Contact the Community Development Department: 250-845-2238, ecdev@houston.ca, 3367 12th Street, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0. ## Zones 12 zones are listed from [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (adopted October 6, 2026)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/index.json Look up the zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) ## Related questions - [Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.md) - [Houston fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fence-rules.md) - [Houston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Houston home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.md) - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/zoning-lookup.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/zoning-lookup.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/zoning-lookup.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/zoning-lookup.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/zoning-lookup.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.json" --- # Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **Cost:** See the building-permit-fees answer for building permit fees. **How long:** Typically 2 to 4 weeks for a building permit. **Where:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Zoning Bylaw ss. 9.1, 9.3, 10.1, 10.2, 11.3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(f) Secondary Suite" … "(a) Secondary Suite in a Single Detached Dwelling" … "(g) Secondary Suite" … "(e) Secondary Suite" - Source: [Zoning, "Secondary Dwellings"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "Carriage Houses and Secondary Suites are a permitted use in the Agricultural, Rural Residential, and Neighbourhood Residential zones." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** A carriage house is a permitted secondary use in R1, A1 and A2. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, ss. 9.1(3)(c), 10.1(3)(d), 10.2(3)(d)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "(c) Dwelling, Carriage House" … "(d) Dwelling, Carriage House" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 3 (definition)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "DWELLING, CARRIAGE HOUSE means a self-contained dwelling unit that is detached" … "from and clearly secondary to a single detached dwelling." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, ss. 6.6 and 6.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Zoning, "Secondary Dwellings"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "A Secondary Suite cannot be developed if a Carriage House is present on the property (and vice versa)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Parking:** One space per secondary suite and one per carriage house; these are added to the 2 spaces required for a single detached dwelling. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Table 7-3 and s. 7.1(4)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permits:** 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). - Source: [Building Permits and Inspections, Building Permits and Inspections page, "Interior Renovations" and "Carriage Houses & Secondary Suites"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) - Official wording: "Creating a secondary suite" … "Construction of a Carriage House" - Source: [Zoning, "Secondary Dwellings"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "Units must be built pursuant to the BC Building Code, and building permit applications will be required." - Source: [Licences and Permits, "Development Permit"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - Official wording: "A Development Permit is required for any proposed development or renovation inside one of four designated development permit areas:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (ss. 6.6, 6.7, Table 7-3) and Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Source: [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005, s. 22.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) - Official wording: "District of Houston Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. ## Steps 1. Find your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. Check the limits below. 3. Apply for a building permit (see the building-permit answer). 4. If your property is in a designated development permit area (Downtown, Highway Corridor, Multi-Family Residential, Wildfire Interface), ask about a development permit too. ## Good to know - 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. - 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. - Parking: one space per secondary suite and one per carriage house, in addition to the 2 spaces for a single detached dwelling. - We found no suite size limit and no owner-occupancy requirement in the Zoning Bylaw. - It is not confirmed whether a suite in an existing home needs a Wildfire development permit. Ask the Community Development Department. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) ## Related questions - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit-fees.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/secondary-suite.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/secondary-suite.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/secondary-suite.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/secondary-suite.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/secondary-suite.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permits and Inspections, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/permits-and-inspections/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Regulations Bylaw No. 906, 2005 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145127/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149531/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Houston tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal.json" --- # Houston tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **Cost:** No tree permit or fee found in the District's bylaws. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** None set. Houston's bylaws set no tree permit for removing a tree on private property. - **Exemptions:** None set. Houston's bylaws set no tree-cutting exemptions, since there is no tree permit. - **Fee:** None set. Houston's bylaws set no fee for removing a tree. - **Replacement trees:** None set. Houston's bylaws set no replacement planting for removing a tree. - **City trees:** 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. - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013, s. 3.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) - Official wording: "No person shall cut, break, injure, remove or in any way destroy, damage, mutilate or deface any tree, shrub, plant, turf," - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, Schedule B8, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) - Official wording: "Injure or remove vegetation from street or public place" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Bylaw:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. ## How it works We 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. ## Steps 1. Call the Community Development Department at 250-845-2238 or email ecdev@houston.ca to confirm no rule applies to your tree. 2. If the tree is in a park, on a street or on other public land, do not cut it. Ask the District first. ## Good to know - 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/)). - 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. - 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. - We found no rule on boulevard or street trees in the documents read. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) - [Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/) ## Related questions - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/tree-removal.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/tree-removal.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/tree-removal.md) - [Fraser Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/tree-removal.md) - [Fort St James](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/tree-removal.md) - [Vanderhoof](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaws & Policies, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/our-government/bylaws/) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/tree-removal/_ --- --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection.json" --- # 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? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Garbage page and route maps, https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/ - In person: RDBN transfer station and recycling depot, 8072 Aitken Road (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, closed statutory holidays) ## Key facts - **How often:** 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. - Source: [Garbage, Residential Solid Waste Regulations](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - Official wording: "Garbage Collection is restricted to weekly removal of one Toter Cart not exceeding 60 kilograms." - Source: [Recycling, Garbage and Utilities, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, RDBN Transfer Station and Recycling Depot Hours of Operation](https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/departments/recycling-garbage-andutilities) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Finding your day:** 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. - Source: [Garbage, Garbage Pick Up](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - Official wording: "Information about collection dates and routes can be found here:" … "Garbage Collection Route Maps" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Carts:** 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. - Source: [Garbage, Residential Solid Waste Regulations](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated, s. 7.0(c)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) - Official wording: "The Municipality shall not be responsible for the replacement or repair of any containers, carts" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Setting carts out:** 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. - Source: [Garbage, Residential Solid Waste Regulations](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits and extra garbage:** 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. - Source: [Garbage, Residential Solid Waste Regulations; Restricted Materials](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - Official wording: "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:" - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule C-3, 1.(d) Tag-a-Cart](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "(I) Tag~a-Cart (Additional Bins)‘ pertaglbin 5.00 6.25 6,44 6.63 6.83" - Source: [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated, s. 3.0(b)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) - Official wording: "contents of each solid waste receptacle shall not exceed 60 kilograms per receptacle." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** 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. - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule C-3, 1. User Rates - Inside Collection Area](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "a) Residential per unit 168.13 210.16 216.46 222.95 229.64" - Source: [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated, ss. 11.0, 12.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** 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). - Source: [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated, title](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as the “Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. ## Steps 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. ## Good to know - **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). - **Restricted materials** (yard waste, construction waste, tires, batteries, paint, cardboard and others) may be refused. - **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. - No page read says when to bring carts in. ## Official forms and pages - [Garbage, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) - [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) ## Related questions - [Houston backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.md) - [Houston watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/garbage-collection.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/garbage-collection.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/garbage-collection.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/garbage-collection.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/garbage-collection.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Garbage, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/garbage/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Solid Waste Regulations & Rates Bylaw No. 1044, 2013, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145791/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Recycling, Garbage and Utilities, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako](https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/departments/recycling-garbage-andutilities) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Houston watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions.json" --- # Houston watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Water and sewer emergencies (after hours), 250-845-8591 ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** 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. - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, ss. 2.1, 2.3, 3.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Water and Sewer, Watering Restrictions](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/) - Official wording: "Water restrictions automatically take effect annually on May 1." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Sprinkling schedule:** 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. - Source: [Water and Sewer, Stage 1 Restrictions](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, ss. 3.0, 3.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Allowed at any time:** 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. - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, ss. 1.0, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **New lawns:** 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. - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, Part 4, ss. 4.0, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2, Schedule C-5, 3. Water Conservation Exceptions Permit](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "3. Water Conservation Exceptions Permit" … "Permit Application per application 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Contravention of Stage 1" … "3.0 Restrictions $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, s. 6.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Water and Sewer, Offenses & Penalties](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/) - Official wording: "you may be liable to a fine between $75.00 and $500.00 depending on the severity of the offense." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015. - Source: [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015, s. 8.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Water Conservation" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. ## The stages - **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. - **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. - **Stage 4:** no outdoor watering at all, including drip. - Drip irrigation is not "watering" in Stages 1 to 3. ## New lawns Apply 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. ## Good to know - 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. - **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. ## Official forms and pages - [Water and Sewer, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/) - [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) ## Related questions - [Houston garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/water-restrictions.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/water-restrictions.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/water-restrictions.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/water-restrictions.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/water-restrictions.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Water and Sewer, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/public-works-and-operations/water-and-sewer/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064, 2015 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145102/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.json" --- # Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Licence required:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control, Dog Licensing](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "All dogs over six (6) months of age kept within the District of Houston must be licensed each year." - Source: [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022, Amendment s. 1 (replacing Animal Control Bylaw s. 7)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) - Official wording: "If the owner is unable to rovide roof of age the dog will be deemed to be over the age of 6 months." - Source: [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022, Amendment s. 4 (replacing s. 24)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) - Official wording: "A person must not possess or have custody of a dog over the age of 6 months which is not licensed." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Issued by:** The District of Houston, at the Municipal Office. - Source: [Animal Control, Dog Licensing](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "Licenses may be purchased at the District Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $14 a year if paid before January 31; $17 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates). - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, a) Spayed/Neutered Dog](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $37.50 a year if paid before January 31; $45 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates). - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, b) Unspayed/Unneutered Dog](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other fees and discounts:** 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. - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, ss. 13, 15](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "Any fees paid for a dog license will not be refunded to any person by the District." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 3, s. 15](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to get one:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control, Dog Licensing; Lost Animals](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 3, s. 10](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Unlicensed Dog](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "UnliceneDog" $150 00 $112.50 $187.50" - Source: [https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/, s. 6(1)(b)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) - Official wording: "Early Payment Discount: A 25% discount applies ifthe penalty is paid within 14 calendar days of issuance" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019, Schedule B10, s. 24](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) - Official wording: "Unlicensed Dog 24 $50.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** 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). - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, title](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "A bylaw to provide for the control and protection of animals, the licensing of dogs and the operation of impound facilities." - Source: [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022, title](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) - Official wording: "A bylaw to amend the dog licensing provisions provided under Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The 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. ## Steps 1. Get a veterinarian's certificate of rabies vaccination. For the lower fee, also get a certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered. 2. Go to the Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and pay the fee. 3. Renew each year by paying the fee again, before January 31 for the lower rate. ## Good to know - 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. - 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. - Kept more than four dogs? See the how-many-pets answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) ## Related questions - [Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.md) - [Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dog-licence.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dog-licence.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dog-licence.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/dog-licence.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dog-licence.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) (read 2026-11-08) - [https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints), https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/ ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 5, ss. 28, 29 and s. 1(7)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013, Control of Animals in Parks, s. 7.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) - Official wording: "Dogs shall be permitted to enter a park in designated areas only and only while they are on leash" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Maximum leash length:** None set. Houston's Animal Control Bylaw sets no leash length for ordinary dogs. - **Off-leash areas:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control, Off-Leash Areas](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "Fenced, off-leash areas have been designated at these locations:" … "Houston Dog Park" … "Four Seasons Park" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 8, ss. 55, 56](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "except for an aggressive dog or a dangerous dog." … "carry a leash;" … "keep the dog in view at all times; and" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Places dogs are not allowed:** In parks, dogs are allowed only in designated areas, and only on leash (off leash only in designated dog run areas). - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013, Control of Animals in Parks, s. 7.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cleaning up:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 5, ss. 34, 35](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50" … "Dog Off-Leash $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019, Schedule B10, ss. 28(1), 29 and 28(2)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) - Official wording: "Dog at Large 28(1 ), 29 $100.00" … "Dog Off-Leash 28(2) $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (Parts 5 and 8), and Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 for parks. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Parts 5 and 8](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "Control of Dogs" … "Dogs may be Off Leash" - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013, s. 7.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) - Official wording: "CONTROL OF ANIMALS IN PARKS" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under 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. ## Good to know - **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. - **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. - **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. - **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. - Bylaw notices have early-payment amounts ($112.50 for a $150 notice) and later amounts ($187.50). ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) ## Related questions - [Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md) - [Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dog-leash-rules.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1034, 2013 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145461/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs? **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). **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **Cost:** Annual licence (2026): aggressive dog $150; dangerous dog $250, payable within 14 days of the notice of designation. **How long:** Not applicable. **Where:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints), https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/ ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 6, ss. 36, 37, 38](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Rules for owners:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 7, ss. 46 to 52](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Licence fee:** Annual licence: aggressive dog $150; dangerous dog $250 (2026 rates). The owner must pay within 14 days of the notice of designation. - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026, Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 6, s. 40](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "pay the applicable licence fee specified by the Fees & Charges Bylaw." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to report:** 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.). - Source: [Animal Control, About](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "Submit an Animal Control Request" - Source: [Service Requests, About](https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/) - Official wording: "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," - Source: [Contact Us](https://houston.ca/contact/) - Official wording: "Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday" … "250-845-2238" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** 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). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019, Schedule B10, s. 45](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) - Official wording: "Failure to License Aggressive or Dangerous Dog 45 $500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Parts 6 and 7 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022). - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Parts 6 and 7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "PART 6 - IDENTIFICATION OF AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS DOGS" … "PART 7 CONTROL OF AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS DOGS" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Under 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. ## Owner rules - Sterilize and microchip an aggressive dog (microchip within five business days of designation). - Keep it inside a building or a 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, arranged within 14 days of designation. ## Good to know - 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. - 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. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) ## Related questions - [Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md) - [Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dangerous-dogs.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Service Requests, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** No more than four dogs on any premises owned or occupied by a person. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 5, s. 25](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "A person must not keep, permit or allow more than four dogs on any premises owned or occupied by such person." - Source: [Animal Control, Dog Licensing](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - Official wording: "A maximum of four (4) dogs is permitted on any residential property within the District." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Cats allowed:** None set. Houston's Animal Control Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw set no limit on cats. - **Other animal limits:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 9, s. 57](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.5 and definitions](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Exceptions:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022, Amendment s. 5 (replacing s. 26)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, s. 1(12), (24); s. 25](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Keeping More than 4 Dogs](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Keepngi More than 4 s $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019, Schedule B10, s. 25](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) - Official wording: "Keeping more than 4 dogs 25 $50.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, s. 25 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022). - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 5, s. 25](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "Limit of Dog Ownership" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. ## Good to know - 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. - The Animal Control Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw set no limit on cats. Call 250-845-2238 if you need confirmation. - 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. - The Animal Control Bylaw still refers to the old Development Bylaw No. 1040, which was repealed in 2026. The Zoning Bylaw replaced it. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) ## Related questions - [Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md) - [Houston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens.md) - [Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/how-many-pets.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/how-many-pets.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/how-many-pets.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/how-many-pets.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/how-many-pets.md) - [Fort St James](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Houston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Houston backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** 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). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.5(1), (3) and R1 secondary uses](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Definitions: Agriculture, Light](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Most hens:** None set. The Zoning Bylaw sets no maximum number of hens. - **Roosters:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Coop rules:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.5(2)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit or registration:** None set. The Zoning Bylaw states no permit or registration for hens. - **Bees:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Definitions: Agriculture, Light; ss. 10.1, 10.2](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses" … "(c) Agriculture, Light" … "(a) Agriculture, Light" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Other livestock:** 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. - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 9, s. 57](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, Definitions: Agriculture, Light; s. 10.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "including but not limited to farming, horticulture, or the keeping of bees, poultry, dairy livestock, and horses" … "(b) Agriculture, Intensive" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.5 Hen Keeping); Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Part 9 (livestock). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, title and s. 6.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" … "6.5 HEN KEEPING" - Source: [Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026, s. 1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/) - Official wording: "Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works [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. ## Good to know - **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. - **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. - **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. - **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. - 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. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets.md) - [Houston unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/backyard-chickens.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/backyard-chickens.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/backyard-chickens.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/backyard-chickens.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/backyard-chickens.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Development Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 1238, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149517/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # 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? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **On the street:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982, Part IV s. 3(j)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Parking vehicle over 5,000 kg overtwo hours in residential IV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **On your property:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.2(2)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Living in an RV:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 5.2(1); s. 14.1(1)(c)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** 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). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, ss. 2.5, 2.6](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "a penalty not exceeding $50,000.00 and the costs of prosecution." … "(a) municipal ticketing information system;" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Parking vehicle over 5,000 kg overtwo hours in residential IV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025, Schedule A, Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 (amounts)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) - Official wording: "aver two hours in residential lV, 3(j) zone between 7:00pm and 100.00 75.00 125.00 Yes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (ss. 5.2, 14.1); Traffic Bylaw No. 331, 1982 (text not posted). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, title](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## On your property Under 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. ## Living in an RV Using 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. ## On the street Traffic 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. ## Good to know - The Zoning Bylaw can be enforced by municipal ticket or bylaw notice, but sets no ticket amount. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) ## Related questions - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) - [Houston unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: Houston unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.json" --- # Houston unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Service Request Portal (bylaw complaints), https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/ ## Key facts - **What counts:** 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). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, s. 10](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to report:** 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. - Source: [Service Requests, About; What to Include in Your Complaint](https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What happens next:** 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. - Source: [Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021, Part 5, s. 41](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/) - Official wording: "a) Nuisance Abatement per staff attendance $50.00 + Actual Cost" … "b) Repeat Service Call per attendance $30.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $150 for each unsightly-premises offence; $112.50 if paid within 14 days; $187.50 after 28 days. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Nuisance Bylaw, s. 10(1) to (5)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Unsightly Premises Discarded 10 (1 Materials $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" … "10 (4 Property $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021, s. 10 (unsightly premises). - Source: [Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021, PART 5, Citation](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021"." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Unsightly 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. ## Steps 1. Submit a bylaw complaint through the Service Request Portal at houston.ca/community/service-requests/. 2. Include your name, address and contact information, your relationship to the property, and the location and description of the issue. 3. Or call the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238. ## Good to know - 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. - 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. - Standards of Maintenance Bylaw No. 1234, 2026 covers the condition of dwellings and rental units, not yards. ## Official forms and pages - [Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/) - [Service Requests, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/) ## Related questions - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/unsightly-property.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/unsightly-property.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/unsightly-property.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/unsightly-property.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/unsightly-property.md) - [Fraser Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Service Requests, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/service-requests/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Nuisance Bylaw No. 1114, 2021 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145078/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Houston backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.json" --- # Houston backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Online: Burning Permit Application, https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/ - Phone: Houston Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency), 250-845-2250 - Phone: Emergencies, 911 ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** 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. (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).) - Source: [Fire Department, Open Burning, Recreational Fires](https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, Part 1 definitions; ss. 3.2, 3.4, 3.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Burning yard waste:** 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. - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, Part 3, ss. 3.1, 3.8, 3.10](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Fire Department, Open Burning](https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** 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. - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, Part 3, ss. 3.7, 3.8](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "without first having obtained a written permit to do so from the Fire Chief." - Source: [Burning Permit Application](https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/) - Official wording: "I understand that submitting this application does not constitute approval of a Burning Permit." - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2, Schedule A-2, 3. Open Burning - Bylaw No. 947](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) - Official wording: "a) Open Burning Permit per permit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fire bans:** 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. - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, Part 3, ss. 3.2, 3.13](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Fire Department, Open Burning](https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Instead of burning:** Not confirmed. No yard waste drop-off was found on the District pages. - **Fine:** 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. - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, Part 4, s. 4.1; s. 3.12](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006 (consolidated 2011, with Amendment Bylaw No. 1006, 2011). - Source: [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated, title](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - Official wording: "A Bylaw to regulate open burning and enhance air quality within the District of Houston." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) and the District's Fire Department page set the rules. **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. **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. ## Steps (open burning permit) 1. Apply on the online Burning Permit Application form. 2. Before each burn, notify the Fire Department at 250-845-2250. Call 1-888-281-2992 for venting information. ## Good to know - Backyard incinerators are prohibited, and so is burning garbage or noxious material. - 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. - 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. - The bylaw notice and municipal ticket schedules we read do not list an open burning offence. - No yard waste drop-off was found on the District pages. See the yard-waste answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire Department, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/) - [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) - [Burning Permit Application, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/) ## Related questions - [Houston fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/backyard-fire.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/backyard-fire.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/backyard-fire.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/backyard-fire.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/backyard-fire.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire Department, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/fire-department/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw No. 947, 2006, consolidated (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145790/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Burning Permit Application, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/forms/burning-permit/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1182, 2023, Schedule A-2 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145026/) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Houston fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.json" --- # Houston fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Houston Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency), 250-845-2250 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** 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. - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, ss. 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 5.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Selling fireworks:** 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). - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, ss. 3.2, 3.3, 4.0, 5.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **What counts as fireworks:** "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. - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, s. 2.0 definitions](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Permit:** 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. - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, ss. 5.0, 5.2; Schedule A](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw, Schedule A-5 Fireworks, Schedule A-5, 1. Fireworks - Bylaw No. 1050](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145036/) - Official wording: "a) Fireworks Sale Permit per permit 125.00 125.00 125.00 125.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A, Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, s. 5.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "or Disposalof UnlawfulSale 5.0 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, Schedule B9](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) - Official wording: "Unlawful Sale or disposal of fireworks 5.0 $100.00" … "Unlawful Discharge of fireworks" - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, s. 7.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or to imprisonment for not more than six (6) months" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014. - Source: [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014, s. 1.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014"." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. "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. ## Good to know - **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. - **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. - **Public displays** need a Fire Chief permit and must meet the bylaw's distance and safety rules. - Both a bylaw notice and a municipal ticket exist for these offences; see the amounts above. ## Official forms and pages - [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) ## Related questions - [Houston backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/fireworks.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/fireworks.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/fireworks.md) - [Fort St James](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/fireworks.md) - [Vanderhoof](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/fireworks.md) - [Port Edward](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-edward/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Fireworks Bylaw No. 1050, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145108/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw, Schedule A-5 Fireworks (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145036/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays) - Phone: Municipal Office, 250-845-2238 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025, ss. 3, 4, 7, 8](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, s. 4.0 and Schedule A](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, s. 3(6)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) - Official wording: "refer disputed tickets to the Provincial Court of British Columbia; or" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Common fines:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying early:** 25% off if paid within 14 calendar days of issuance (for example $150 becomes $112.50). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026, Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 replacing s. 6(1)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) - Official wording: "Early Payment Discount: A 25% discount applies ifthe penalty is paid within 14 calendar days of issuance" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Paying late:** 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). (Sources differ: The bylaw text (14 days) and the schedule heading (28 days) differ; Bylaw 1233 amended the text only.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026, Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 replacing s. 6(1)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) - Official wording: "Late Payment Surcharge: A 25% surcharge applies (to a maximum of $500) if" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Schedule A column A3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "After 28 Days" … "Dog at Large $150.0 $112.50 $187.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Disputing a ticket:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025, ss. 7, 8, 10](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025, s. 1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the "District of Houston Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025."" - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, s. 2.0](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) - Official wording: "Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works There 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. ## Good to know - **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. - **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. - **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. - **Questions:** Municipal Office, 250-845-2238, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) - [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) ## Related questions - [Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md) - [Houston unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.md) - [Houston fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.md) - [Houston watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/water-restrictions.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/bylaw-fines.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/bylaw-fines.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/bylaw-fines.md) - [Fraser Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/bylaw-fines.md) - [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/bylaw-fines.md) - [Vanderhoof](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1216, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144938/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1233, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticketing Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145104/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Contact Us, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- 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?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.json" --- # 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? **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). **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Business licence email, doh@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** 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. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, ss. 3.1 to 3.3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Licences and Permits, "Business Licence"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - Official wording: "regardless of your business’s “home” location, you are required to obtain a business licence." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fee:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025, Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3, Schedule A-3 (Business Licenses), effective January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **How to apply:** 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. - Source: [Business Licensing User Guide, Business Licensing User Guide, p. 2](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/) - Official wording: "This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a business licence online" … "using the PSD Citywide portal." - Source: [Licences and Permits, "Business Licence"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, s. 3.4](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "A person may apply for a licence by submitting a completed application to the Inspector" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Renewal:** 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". - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, ss. 3.13, 3.15 and late renewal](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "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" - Source: [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025, Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - Official wording: "Late Renewal Fee Per occurrence $25.00 $25.00 $25.00" - Source: [Business Licensing User Guide, p. 3, note](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/) - Official wording: "Open the applicable licence application you want to renew from your Licences Dashboard to “Request Renewal”." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Inter-community licence:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Fine:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts, Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Failure to Obtain License" … "3.2 $ 200.00 $ 150.00 5 250.00 Yes" - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, s. 5.7](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "A person who commits an offence is liable for a fine not exceeding $50,000 and the costs of prosecution." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (in force January 1, 2026; replaces Bylaw No. 1085, 2016). - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, ss. 6.1, 6.4, 6.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. ## Steps 1. Apply online through the PSD Citywide portal. See the [Licences and Permits page](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/). 2. 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. 3. Staff review the application. The Inspector may approve, refuse, suspend, cancel or impose conditions on a licence. 4. Health permits, insurance or provincial approvals may also be needed. ## Good to know - 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. - New liquor or cannabis application $900, amendment $400, transfer $10. - 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. - 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. - We found no inter-community business licence for Houston. - Questions: 250-845-2238 or doh@houston.ca. ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - [Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - [Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) ## Related questions - [Houston home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.md) - [Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/business-licence.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/business-licence.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/business-licence.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/business-licence.md) - [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/business-licence.md) - [Fraser Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licensing User Guide (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/146200/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) _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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Houston home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: District of Houston sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.json" --- # Houston home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Houston, https://houston.ca) **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Allowed:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, ss. 6.4(1), 6.4(4)(a) and zone lists](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "Standard Home Occupation" … "only be permitted on lots larger than one hectare" - Source: [Zoning, "Home Occupations"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) - Official wording: "One Home Occupation per property is permitted in all Rural and Residential zones;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.4(2)(a)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "All home-based businesses shall hold a valid business licence from the District of Houston." - Source: [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025, Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - Official wording: "General License Fee Per year $125.00 $125.00 $125.00" … "Artisan License Fee Per year $60.00 $60.00 $60.00" - Source: [Licences and Permits, "Business Licence"](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) - Official wording: "regardless of your business’s “home” location, you are required to obtain a business licence." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Limits:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.4(2) and (3)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Businesses not allowed:** 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. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.4(2)(d) and 6.4(3)(d)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.4, home occupations) and Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, s. 6.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as "Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025"." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works The [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. ## Steps 1. Check your zone allows a home occupation (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. Apply for a business licence through the District's online portal (see the business-licence answer). 3. If you will prepare food at home, ask Northern Health about a health permit, which is required for most home-based kitchens. ## Good to know - 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. - Parking: 1 space per home occupation. - Not allowed: heavy industrial, equipment services, wrecking yards, and cannabis production, distribution or retail. - Licence fees: general $125 a year; artisan $60 a year. Which class applies is for the District to decide. - Signs are covered by Sign Bylaw No. 1224, 2026, which we did not read. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) ## Related questions - [Houston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) - [Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/home-based-business.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/home-based-business.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/home-based-business.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/home-based-business.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/home-based-business.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Licences and Permits, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/licences-and-permits/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Zoning, District of Houston](https://houston.ca/community/planning-and-development/zoning/) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Houston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Houston?" place: Houston, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/houston category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-08 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental.json" --- # Houston short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Houston? **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. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **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:** - Phone: Community Development Department, 250-845-2238 - Email: Community Development email, ecdev@houston.ca - In person: Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Allowed:** 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. (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.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, ss. 6.4(1) and zone lists (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "Vacation Rental Accommodation Home Occupation" … "Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Home Occupation" - Source: [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia, "List of exempt communities", Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement" … "Hope Houston Hudson’s Hope" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Business licence:** 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. - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, s. 4.14](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "A person who supplies residential or temporary rental accommodations must obtain a business licence from the District of Houston." - Source: [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025, Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3, Schedule A-3, fee table and definitions](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Provincial registration:** 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). - Source: [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia, "Business licence exemptions", "Types of exemptions" and fee sections](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days, 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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Operating rules:** 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). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 6.4(5) and (6)](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "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." - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, s. 4.15](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "name and contact information of the property manager if different from the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Fine:** 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. - Source: [Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts, Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) - Official wording: "Failure to Obtain License" … "3.2 $ 200.00 $ 150.00 5 250.00 Yes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (s. 6.4, home occupations) and Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (s. 4.14). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026, s. 1.1](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) - Official wording: "This Bylaw will be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026.”" - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025, s. 6.5](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as "Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025"." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 ## How it works Houston 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. Houston 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. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone allows your type of rental (see the zoning-lookup answer). 2. 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. 3. 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. ## Good to know - 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. - The licence must be posted in a prominent place at the premises. Late renewals after February 28 pay a $25 late fee. - 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. - The District's Zoning page lists fewer zones for vacation rentals than the bylaw does. The bylaw governs; confirm with the District. - We found no rule on guest numbers for vacation rentals, or on posting a licence number or local contact. ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) - [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) ## Related questions - [Houston business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.md) - [Houston home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/home-based-business.md) - [Houston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/secondary-suite.md) - [Houston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/short-term-rental.md) - [Smithers](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/short-term-rental.md) - [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/short-term-rental.md) - [Burns Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/short-term-rental.md) - [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/short-term-rental.md) - [Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 1225, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/149520/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220, 2025 (PDF), District of Houston](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144934/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1221, 2025 (PDF), Business Licence Fees, Schedule A-3](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145046/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Bylaw No. 1230, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, Business Licence Bylaw No. 1220 bylaw notice amounts](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/) (read 2026-11-08) - [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-08) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/short-term-rental/_