# Gov Handbook: Kent, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Kent building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/building-permit.md): In the District of Kent you need a building permit before new construction, alterations, demolition or changing a building's occupancy. Apply to the Building Department at Municipal Hall in Agassiz with the application form and two copies of plans. The District posts no processing time.
- [Kent fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/fence-rules.md): In the District of Kent a fence can be up to 1.8 m high in the front setback and 2.4 m elsewhere on the lot. The Homeowner Guide says an ordinary fence needs no building permit, but a pool fence does. Near corners, nothing may exceed 1 m in the sight triangle.
- [Kent permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In the District of Kent decks, garages and carports need a building permit. The Homeowner Guide says one shed under 10 m² needs none, but the fee schedule lists a $150 permit for buildings under 14 m², so confirm with the Building Department.
- [Kent building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/building-permit-fees.md): In the District of Kent a building permit costs $150 for work up to $2,000, then $11 per additional $1,000 (or part) up to $100,000, with lower rates above that. A $150 plan review application fee is paid first and applied to the permit.
- [Kent zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/zoning-lookup.md): In the District of Kent, look up your zone on the Kent Web Map (ArcGIS) on the District's Mapping and GIS page, or in the Zoning Reference Maps. The maps are not legal surveys, so confirm with Development Services at 604-796-2235.
- [Kent secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/secondary-suite.md): Yes, in many zones. In the District of Kent a secondary suite is permitted in the RS1 and Agricultural zones, and RS1 also allows a detached suite or coach house. You need a building permit, one extra parking space, and possibly a development permit.
- [Kent tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/tree-removal.md): In the District of Kent no general permit to cut a tree on private land was found. Tree Bylaw 1700 applies only with a development application. In the Hillside and Mount Woodside development permit areas, site clearing needs a development permit.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Kent garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/garbage-collection.md): The District of Kent does not collect residential garbage. Residents must use a private waste disposal contractor, who sets the collection day.
- [Kent yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/yard-waste.md): In Kent there is no curbside yard waste pickup. Take it year-round to the District's Green Waste Bin at the Agassiz Recycling & Bottle Depot, 7689 Industrial Way, or to Kent Recycling. Kent Recycling is free with local ID for a bag, car load or truck load.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Kent watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/water-restrictions.md): In Kent, the Water Regulation and Rates Bylaw lets Council restrict water use when supply is short. Stages apply only when restrictions are implemented. Under Stage 2, sprinkling is limited to set days and hours between May 1 and September 30. Check with the District for current status.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Kent dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/dog-licence.md): In Kent, dog licences are issued by the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), not the District. Every dog four months or older needs a licence each calendar year. The fee is $33 for a spayed or neutered dog and $83 for one that is not.
- [Kent dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/dog-leash-rules.md): In Kent, a dog in a public place must be on a leash and under a competent person's control, except in an off-leash area. The District's parks page lists two off-leash areas, Pixley Lane and Morrow Road. A dog at large is a $100 FVRD bylaw notice.
- [Kent rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/dangerous-dogs.md): In Kent, the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) decides if a dog is aggressive and sets the owner's duties. The dog must be securely confined, or on a leash of 3 m or less with a competent person and a muzzle. The licence is $295 a year if spayed or neutered, $354 if not.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Kent](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/how-many-pets.md): In Kent, a property can have no more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over four months old, within a combined limit of 5 pets. The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) sets this rule. Zoning can allow more, such as a licensed kennel.
- [Kent backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/backyard-chickens.md): In Kent, hens are allowed as a "light agricultural" use in the Rural Residential 1, 2 and 3 zones and in the Agricultural zone, but not in other residential zones. Roosters are excluded. The Zoning Bylaw allows up to 24 poultry per 0.2 ha (0.5 acre), on lots of at least that size.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Kent RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Kent, a boat, utility or house trailer may not be parked on a street unless attached to a vehicle that can move it. Overnight street parking of recreational vehicles under 4,500 kg (10,000 lb) is prohibited. No rule on keeping an RV or boat on a residential lot was found.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Kent noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/noise-rules.md): In Kent, noise that disturbs the neighbourhood is banned at any hour. There are no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise, but loud radios and stereos are banned from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Construction that disturbs neighbours is not allowed before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
- [Kent unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/unsightly-property.md): In Kent, report an unsightly property with the online Report a Concern form or by calling District Hall at 604-796-2235. An officer can order the owner to clean up, and if it is not done the District can do it and charge the owner.
- [Kent backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/backyard-fire.md): In Kent, there is no open burning in the Agassiz townsite or Harrison Highlands. Elsewhere you need an annual burning permit from the District: $25 for a campfire, $60 for a yard clean-up pile, $150 for land clearing. No burning from the third week of May to September 30.
- [Kent fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/fireworks.md): No. In Kent, no one may set off consumer fireworks or firecrackers anywhere in the District, and selling them is prohibited. Only display fireworks under a permit are allowed.
- [Kent bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/bylaw-fines.md): In Kent, the only posted ticket amounts are the Fraser Valley Regional District's bylaw notices for animal control, such as $200 for an unlicensed dog and $100 for a dog at large. Kent's own bylaws give court penalties only. Its ticket bylaws are referred to but not posted.

## Starting and running a business

- [Kent business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the District of Kent needs a licence, renewed each year by December 31. Most businesses pay $125 a year. Apply with the form and fee to the Licence Inspector at Municipal Hall in Agassiz.
- [Kent home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/home-based-business.md): Yes, in most zones in the District of Kent. Home occupations are an auxiliary use and you need a business licence. Only one home occupation is allowed, and size, staff and vehicle limits depend on your zone and business type.

## Housing and renting

- [Kent short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/short-term-rental.md): Yes, in the District of Kent with a business licence. You may rent your principal residence for 28 days or less. The licence is $125 a year for a Guest Unit or $500 for a Principal Residence. You must also register with the Province.

## Zoning

- [All 31 zones in Kent, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St