# Gov Handbook: Lake Country, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Lake Country building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/building-permit.md): In Lake Country you need a building permit for any construction, addition, alteration, change of use or demolition of a building or structure. Apply with the District's application form at Municipal Hall, 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road. Call the Building Department at 250-766-6675.
- [Lake Country fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/fence-rules.md): In Lake Country an ordinary fence generally does not need a building permit. In residential and rural residential zones a fence can be 2.0 m high (2.4 m next to agricultural or commercial zones). Pool fences do need a permit and must be at least 1.22 m high.
- [Lake Country permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Lake Country a shed under 10 m² generally needs no building permit, and neither does a detached deck under 600 mm above the ground with no walls or roof. Larger sheds, higher or attached decks, and garages need a permit. Confirm carports with the Building Department.
- [Lake Country building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/building-permit-fees.md): In Lake Country a building permit costs 1.2% of the construction value plus a flat amount: $100 under $22,000, $200 from $22,000 to $100,000, and $500 above $100,000. A rebate of the flat amount applies if the permit is completed within 24 months. Starting work without a permit doubles the fee.
- [Lake Country zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/zoning-lookup.md): To find your zoning in Lake Country, search your address on the District's online GIS map. The zoning designation is set out in Zoning Bylaw 561. For questions, call the Planning Department at 250-766-6674.
- [Lake Country secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/secondary-suite.md): In Lake Country a secondary suite is allowed in zones that list it as a use, including RU1, RU2, RU-6, RR1, RR2, RR3, RLP and A1. A detached "accessory suite" (such as a coach house) is allowed in certain zones. Either needs a building permit. Check your zone first.
- [Lake Country tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/tree-removal.md): Lake Country has no tree-cutting bylaw. But in a development permit area, destroying trees or vegetation counts as "land alteration" and needs a development permit under Bylaw 1227 unless the District confirms an exemption. Ask Planning at 250-766-6674 before cutting.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Lake Country garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/garbage-collection.md): In Lake Country, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) collects garbage weekly from single-family homes, on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday depending on location. Recycling and yard waste alternate weeks. The fee is $174 a year for garbage and recycling collection.
- [Lake Country yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/yard-waste.md): In Lake Country, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) empties a 240 L yard waste cart every other week for single-family homes, from the beginning of March to the end of November under Bylaw 708. Or take yard waste to the Glenmore Landfill or the Asquith Road Transfer Station.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Lake Country watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/water-restrictions.md): Lake Country's Water Regulation Bylaw sets no fixed watering schedule. In a shortage the Director may set days and hours when watering is not allowed. Check the District's Water Conservation page for the current stage and schedule.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Lake Country dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/dog-licence.md): In Lake Country, dog licences are issued by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), not the District. Every dog three months or older needs one each year. The fee is $40 for a spayed or neutered dog and $80 for one that is not, and each is $20 less if bought by the end of February.
- [Lake Country dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/dog-leash-rules.md): In Lake Country a dog must be on a secure leash of 2 metres or less on any highway, public place or other people's property. In District parks, dogs are allowed only in parks designated Dog Walking (leashed) or Dog Off-Leash. Confirm the current park list with the District.
- [Lake Country rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/dangerous-dogs.md): In Lake Country, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Dog Control handles aggressive and dangerous dogs. An Animal Control Officer decides how a dog is classed. Report a dog at 250-469-6284. Owners face strict rules on leashing, enclosures, signs and higher fees.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Lake Country](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/how-many-pets.md): In Lake Country you may keep no more than 3 dogs over 3 months old in a house or dwelling unit, unless you run a licensed hobby or service kennel, vet clinic or similar business. No limit on cats or other pets was found in the bylaws read.
- [Lake Country backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/backyard-chickens.md): In Lake Country you may keep up to 5 hens, no roosters, on lots zoned RR3 or RU1 that are over 500 m² with no more than 2 dwelling units. You need an annual District permit, and the District says registration is free. Bees are not covered in the bylaws read.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Lake Country RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Lake Country, no vehicle may stay on a street more than 24 hours in a row, and an RV or trailer that needs a tow vehicle may not be parked there unhitched. On a residential lot you may keep no more than two recreational vehicles outdoors, none over 5,500 kg.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Lake Country noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/noise-rules.md): Lake Country's Nuisance Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood at any time, but sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. Noisy construction is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on any day. Report noise to Bylaw Services at 250-766-6673.
- [Lake Country unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/unsightly-property.md): In Lake Country, report an unsightly property to Bylaw Services at 250-766-6673, by email or with the online Bylaw Service Request. Enforcement is complaint based and anonymous complaints are not accepted. The Nuisance Bylaw bans rubbish, stagnant water, graffiti and a visual nuisance.
- [Lake Country backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/backyard-fire.md): In Lake Country, campfires are allowed with the owner's permission if they are no bigger than 1 m across and 1 m high, but not when fire hazard is rated high. Burning yard waste is not allowed except dry prunings and branches, with a $20 permit, on 1 hectare or more, October 1 to April 30.
- [Lake Country fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/fireworks.md): No. Lake Country's Fire Prevention Bylaw bans setting off fireworks in the District, except at a public display with written permission from the CAO (or designate) and the Fire Chief and an approved permit. Selling them is also banned.
- [Lake Country bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/bylaw-fines.md): Lake Country uses two ticket systems. A bylaw notice is for first-time or minor offences, with fines up to $500. A municipal ticket is for repeat or serious offences, up to $1,000. Dog tickets are issued by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).

## Starting and running a business

- [Lake Country business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on business in the District of Lake Country needs a licence for each business and premises. A standard licence is $125 a year plus a $30 non-refundable application fee. Apply online at MyLakeCountry. Licences are issued once you pay, typically within 2 to 3 weeks.
- [Lake Country home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/home-based-business.md): In Lake Country you can run a home-based business as a secondary use in agricultural, residential and rural zones, with a District business licence: $65, or $125 if clients or customers come to your home, plus a $30 application fee. Size, staff and sign limits depend on whether your lot is residential, country residential or rural.

## Housing and renting

- [Lake Country short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/short-term-rental.md): In Lake Country you can run a short-term rental only in your principal residence, in a zone that allows it, with a District business licence ($100 application fee, then $350 a year). You must also register with the Province if you list on a platform such as Airbnb.

## Zoning

- [All 36 zones in Lake Country, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St