# Gov Handbook: Houston, British Columbia, Canada

> 22 answers about local government in Houston. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/llms-full.txt

## Building, renovating and your property

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

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Houston garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/garbage-collection.md): 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.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

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

## Pets, animals and wildlife

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

## Parking, tickets and driving

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

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Houston unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/unsightly-property.md): 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.
- [Houston backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/backyard-fire.md): 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.
- [Houston fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/fireworks.md): 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.
- [Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines.md): 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.

## Starting and running a business

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

## Housing and renting

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

## Zoning

- [All 12 zones in Houston, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St