# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Port Alberni --- title: "Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply" question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit.json" --- # Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply? **Short answer:** In the City of Port Alberni you need a building permit before any stage of work, including excavation or demolition, to build, repair, alter, move or demolish a building or structure. Apply to Development Services at Upper - 4835 Argyle St. with the $100 application fee. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** $100 application fee when you submit; the permit fee is set in Schedule O of the Fees and Charges Bylaw (see the building-permit-fees answer). **How long:** Per the City's page (undated): residential 8 to 10 weeks, commercial and industrial 8 to 11 weeks, plumbing and perimeter drains 3 to 4 weeks. **Where:** - Phone: Building Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Building, building@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Needed for:** Before any stage of work, including excavation or demolition: building, repairing or altering a building or structure (including retaining walls over 1.2 m, swimming pools and hot tubs), moving or demolishing one, plumbing fixtures, and occupying a new building. Secondary suites and signs have their own permits. - Source: [Building Services, Building Services FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "you must obtain the required permit(s)" … "Construct, repair or alter a building or structure, including retaining walls over 1.2 metres in height, swimming pools and hot tubs" … "Demolish a building or structure" … "Use or occupy a newly constructed building" … "Authorize an existing Secondary Suite or build a new Secondary Suite" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not needed for:** Minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of a building. If unsure, ask the Building Inspector. - Source: [Building Services, Building Services FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "Building Permits are not required for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of a building." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Email or bring a complete application to Development Services at Upper - 4835 Argyle St., with the $100 application fee. Only complete applications are accepted. (Sources differ: The older Building Services page still says to pick up forms at the Building Inspector's office at City Hall and pay at the Engineering reception; the newer Standard Permit page gives Upper - 4835 Argyle St.) - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step Two: Submit Application](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Submit your Building Permit application to Development Services via email or in-person" … "Only complete applications will be accepted." … "Pay the $100 Application fee." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What to submit:** A land title search no more than 30 days old, a metric site plan showing buildings and distances to property lines, drawings (floor plans, elevations, wall details), signatures of all owners on title, and a Work Site Fire Safety Plan. Other plans or reports may be required. - Source: [Building Services, How do I apply / General Checklist](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "a current (within 30 days) Land Title search" … "Site plan (to metric scale) showing existing buildings and proposed buildings with distances to property lines." … "Ensure that ALL owners listed on the property Title, and the applicant have signed the application" … "Work Site Fire Safety Plan be prepared and submitted" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Processing time:** Per the City's page: plumbing and perimeter drains 3 to 4 weeks; residential 8 to 10 weeks; commercial and industrial 8 to 11 weeks. - Source: [Building Services, Permit Processing Times](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "Plumbing/Perimeter Drains: 3-4 weeks" … "Residential: 8-10 weeks" … "Commercial/Industrial: 8-11 weeks" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Inspections:** Applicants book inspections by emailing building@portalberni.ca at least 3 business days before the inspection. (Sources differ: The older Building Services page asks for 24 hours' notice through Development Services; the Inspections page and Standard Permit page say 3 business days by email. The Building Bylaw could not be read, so the bylaw's own wording is unchecked.) - Source: [Building Inspections, Requesting an Inspection](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-inspections) - Official wording: "must give at least 3 business days notice to the City when requesting an inspection" … "Inspections can be requested at building@portalberni.ca." - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step Five: Inspections](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Inspections can be booked by Contacting the Building Official at building@portalberni.ca at least 3 business days prior to the inspection." - Source: [Building Services, When are inspections required?](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "We ask that you provide 24 hours notice when requesting an inspection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Building Services (Building Permitting & Inspections), Upper - 4835 Argyle Street. Phone 250-720-2835, email building@portalberni.ca. - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Contact block](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "## Building Services Building Permitting & Inspections Upper - 4835 Argyle Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V9" … "Upper - 4835 Argyle Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V9 #### Telephone 250-720-2835 #### Email building@portalberni.ca" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 5077, 2023 - Source: [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf, Schedule A-4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 5077, 2023" - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step One](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "the City's Building Bylaw No. 5077" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works You need a permit before any stage of work, including excavation or demolition. The City's [Building Services page](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) says this covers building, repairing or altering a building or structure (including retaining walls over 1.2 m, swimming pools and hot tubs), demolishing or moving one, plumbing fixtures, and occupying a new building. Secondary suites and signs have their own permits. The local rules are in Building Bylaw No. 5077, 2023. Minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts of a building do not need a permit. If you are unsure, ask the Building Inspector. ## Steps 1. If your project needs a Development Permit, get it approved first; it must come before the building permit. 2. Email or bring a complete application to Development Services at Upper - 4835 Argyle St., with the $100 application fee. Only complete applications are accepted. 3. Include a land title search no more than 30 days old, a metric site plan, drawings, signatures of all owners on title, and a Work Site Fire Safety Plan. Other plans or reports may be required. 4. Pay the permit fee (plus any development cost charges and securities) before the permit is issued, online or in person by cash, debit or cheque. 5. Book inspections by emailing building@portalberni.ca at least 3 business days ahead. ## Good to know - Electrical and gas work needs a permit from a different agency. - Forms are packaged by project type: new single family, duplex to fourplex, and renovations, additions and accessory buildings. - The City's older Building Services page still says to pick up forms at City Hall, pay at the Engineering reception and give 24 hours' notice for inspections. The newer Standard Permit page says otherwise; confirm with Building Services at 250-720-2835. - The scanned Building Bylaw could not be read for this answer, so confirm any exemption with the Building Inspector. ## What you'll need - Land title search no more than 30 days old - Metric site plan showing buildings and distances to property lines - Drawings (floor plans, elevations, wall details) - Signatures of all owners on title - Work Site Fire Safety Plan ## Official forms and pages - [Building Services (Port Alberni)](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings)](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - [Application Forms for Building and Renovations](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/application-forms-building-and-renovations) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit-fees.md) - [Port Alberni permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/building-permit.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/building-permit.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Services, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Inspections, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-inspections) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni fence rules: permits and height limits" question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fence-rules.json" --- # Port Alberni fence rules: permits and height limits **Question:** Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be? **Short answer:** In Port Alberni, fences may be up to 1.25 m in a required front yard and 1.8 m from the rear of the front yard setback to the back of the lot. No City page or bylaw states a fence permit rule, so ask Building Services at 250-720-2835. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** No fence permit fee is stated. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Permit:** Not confirmed. The bylaw and the City's Building Services page do not state whether a fence needs a permit. - **Height, front yard:** Fences, hedges or walls up to 1.25 m (4.1 ft) in a required front yard. In M (industrial) zones, up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in a front yard. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.7.3, 6.7.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Fences, hedges or walls not greater than 1.25 m (4.1 ft) in height are permitted within a required front yard." … "In M zones, fences or walls not greater than 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in height are permitted in a front yard." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Height, side and rear yards:** Fences or walls up to 1.8 m (6 ft) from the rear of the required front yard setback to the rear of the property. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.7.4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Fences or walls not greater than 1.8 m (6 ft) in height are permitted from the rear of the required front yard setback to the rear of the property." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** On a corner lot, nothing may block the line of sight between 1.25 m and 3.0 m above ground in the triangle formed by points 6 m along each lot line from the corner (3 m at a lane-to-lane corner). All fences, hedges and walls are subject to this. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.5.1, 6.5.2, 6.7.10](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "there shall be no obstruction of the line of vision above a height of 1.25 m (4.1 ft) and below a height of 3.0 m (9.8 ft)" … "lines extending to points 6 m along each lot line from the corner of the lot" … "extending to points 3 m along each lot line from the corner of the lot" … "all fences, hedges and walls are subject to the provisions of Section 6.5." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other rules:** Height is measured from average grade within 1 m of both sides (from the supported side for a fence on a retaining wall). No barbed, razor or electrified wire, except barbed wire in M zones. Chain-link must be coated or screened. Pool fences must be 1.85 m to 2.4 m high. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.7.1 to 6.7.11](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The height of a fence, hedge or wall shall be determined by measurement from ground level at the average grade level within 1 m (3.28 ft) of both sides of such fence or wall." … "No fence in any zone shall be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electrified wire" … "barbed wire fencing is permitted in all M zones for security purposes." … "Where a chain-link fence is constructed on property it must be coated or incorporate screening to render the fence opaque." … "There shall be fencing having a minimum height of 1.85 m (6.0 ft) and a maximum height of 2.4 m (8.0 ft) around open swimming pools." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, sections 6.5 (Visibility at Intersections) and 6.7 (Fences and Hedges) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.5, 6.7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "6.7 Fences and Hedges" … "Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Fence height is set by sections 6.5 and 6.7 of [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf). Fences, hedges or walls may be up to 1.25 m (4.1 ft) in a required front yard (up to 2.5 m in industrial M zones). From the rear of the required front yard setback to the back of the property, they may be up to 1.8 m (6 ft). The bylaw and the City's Building Services page do not state whether a fence needs a permit. Ask Building Services before you build. A retaining wall over 1.2 m needs a building permit. ## Steps 1. Find your property line first. 2. Measure height from the average grade within 1 m of both sides of the fence (from the supported side if the fence sits on a retaining wall). 3. Call Development Services (250-720-2835) to confirm the rules for your lot. ## Good to know - On a corner lot, nothing may block the line of sight between 1.25 m and 3.0 m above ground in the triangle formed by points 6 m along each lot line from the corner (3 m at a lane-to-lane corner). Fences, hedges and walls are all included. - Barbed, razor and electrified wire are not allowed, except barbed wire in M zones. Chain-link must be coated or screened. - Open mesh or chain-link fences may be up to 3.7 m on cemeteries, public playgrounds, parks, playfields, school areas or in any M zone. - Pool fences must be 1.85 m to 2.4 m high. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) - [Port Alberni permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fence-rules.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/fence-rules.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/fence-rules.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fence-rules.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fence-rules.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Services, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Port Alberni permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage? **Short answer:** Port Alberni requires a building permit to construct a building or structure, but no City page states a size or height cutoff for sheds or decks, and none exempts garages or carports. Ask the Building Department at 250-720-2835 before you build. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Permit fee is based on the value of work; see the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** Residential permits take 8 to 10 weeks according to the City's page. **Where:** - Phone: Building Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Building, building@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Sheds:** Not confirmed. No City page states a size or height cutoff for sheds or decks. - **Decks:** Not confirmed. No City page states a size or height cutoff for sheds or decks. - **Garages and carports:** Building Services says a permit is required to construct, repair or alter a building or structure, and the City has a Standard Building Permit package for accessory buildings. No exemption for garages or carports is stated. - Source: [Building Services, Building Services FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "Construct, repair or alter a building or structure" - Source: [Application Forms for Building and Renovations, Application forms](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/application-forms-building-and-renovations) - Official wording: "Standard Building Permit Application - Accessory Building, Renovations, and Additions" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning limits:** In R, RR and RM zones: accessory buildings total at most 90 m², 5.5 m high and one storey; at least 1.0 m from a rear or side lot line; garage or carport off a lane at least 1.5 m from the lane. In A, R, RR and RM zones, no more than two-thirds of the rear yard width or 50% of the lot area behind the house. A zone: 4.5 m high. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.10.3 to 6.10.7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "accessory buildings may be located in required rear and side yards provided that no portion of the building is located within 1.0 m (3.3 ft) of a rear or side lot line." … "located not less than 1.5 m (4.9 ft) from the laneway lot line." … "In R, RR, and RM zones, the total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not exceed 90 m2" … "nor 50% of the lot area to the rear of the principal building of any lot shall be occupied by accessory buildings." … "In the A zone, the total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not exceed 90 m2" … "In A, R, RR, or RM zones, not more than two-thirds of the width of the rear yard nor" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (section 6.10 Accessory Buildings) and Building Bylaw No. 5077 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.10](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "trailer or recreational vehicle for the duration of their stay. 6.10 Accessory Buildings 6.10.1 Accessory buildings shall not be erected unless:" … "Bylaw No. 5105 Bylaw No. 5105" - Source: [Standard Building & Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings) | City of Port Alberni, Step One](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 5077, Zoning Bylaw No. 5105" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City's [Building Services page](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) says you need a permit to construct, repair or alter a building or structure. It lists no size or height cutoff below which a shed or deck needs no permit, and no exemption for garages or carports. The City has an application package for renovations, additions and accessory buildings. Confirm with Building Services before you start. Zoning also limits accessory buildings. In R, RR and RM zones, accessory buildings total at most 90 m², 5.5 m high and one storey, and must sit at least 1.0 m from a rear or side lot line. A garage or carport off a lane must be at least 1.5 m from the lane. In A, R, RR and RM zones, they may take no more than two-thirds of the rear yard width or 50% of the lot area behind the house. In the A zone the height limit is 4.5 m. See [Zoning Bylaw 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) section 6.10. ## Steps 1. Call Building Services (250-720-2835) with the size, height and location of your project. 2. Check your zone's limits in the Zoning Bylaw. 3. Prepare a metric site plan, drawings and a land title search no more than 30 days old. 4. Apply as described in the building permit answer. ## Good to know - An accessory building cannot be used as a dwelling. - In P, C, M, W and RM zones, an accessory building in a required rear yard may be at most 4.5 m high. On corner lots, the main building's side yard setbacks apply. - Retaining walls over 1.2 m need a building permit. - Electrical work needs a permit from a different agency. ## What you'll need - Land title search no more than 30 days old - Metric site plan with distances to property lines - Drawings of the deck, shed or garage ## Official forms and pages - [Application Forms for Building and Renovations](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/application-forms-building-and-renovations) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit.md) - [Port Alberni fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fence-rules.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.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) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Services, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Application Forms for Building and Renovations, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/application-forms-building-and-renovations) (read 2026-11-05) - [Standard Building & Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings) | City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 3 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Port Alberni building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost? **Short answer:** A City of Port Alberni building permit costs a $100 base fee plus $7 for each $1,000 of construction value, or part of $1,000. A $100 application fee is paid when you submit. Other fees apply to plumbing, demolition and retaining walls. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** $100 base fee plus $7 per $1,000 of value (or part of it). Plumbing permit $65 plus $10 per fixture. **How long:** Fees are paid before the permit is issued. **Where:** - In person: Development Services (payments), Upper - 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 (Cash, debit or cheque. You can also pay online.) - Phone: Building Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Building, building@portalberni.ca ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** $100 base fee, plus $7 per $1,000 of construction value (or part of $1,000). - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026), Schedule O, Building Permit](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "BUILDING FEES & CHARGES" … "(a) Base Fee $100.00" … "Plus, per $1,000 of valuation, or portion thereof" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How the fee is worked out:** Base fee $100 plus $7 for each $1,000 of valuation or part of it. If built under a Coordinating Registered Professional, the permit fee is reduced by 10%, up to $500. Lapsed permit renewal: $100 plus $9.50 per $1,000. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Plus, per $1,000 of valuation, or portion thereof" … "the permit fee is reduced by 10% of the fees payable under this Bylaw, up to a maximum reduction of $500.00." … "Renewal of Lapsed Building Permit" … "(b) Plus, per $1,000 of valuation, or portion thereof $9.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Application or plan review fee:** $100 application fee paid when the application is submitted. Schedule O also lists a non-refundable plan check deposit of 15% of the building permit fee (minimum $100), which is deducted from the final permit fee. - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step Two](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Pay the $100 Application fee." - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Plan Check Deposit – Non-Refundable" … "(a) % of building permit fee 15%" … "(b) Minimum fee $100.00" … "This payment will be reduced from the final building permit issuance fees." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees:** Plumbing permit $65 base plus $10 per fixture; demolition $100 plus $500 bond; re-inspection $100 (first inspection free); retaining wall over 1.2 m $150; moving a building $200; $2,000 street-damage bond for single or two family dwellings. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Plumbing Permit – per Fixture" … "(b) Per fixture $10.00" … "Demolishing a Building" … "(b) Bond fee $500.00" … "Re-inspections (first inspection no charge) $100.00" … "Retaining walls – greater than 1.2 meters in height $150.00" … "Moving a building $200.00" … "Single family/two family dwelling – bonding against damage to the city" … "$2,000.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to pay:** Pay the building permit fee (plus any development cost charges and securities) before the permit is issued, online or in person at Upper - 4835 Argyle St. by cash, debit or cheque. - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step Four: Permit Issuance](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Applicants are required to pay the Building Permit Fee as well as any development cost charges, service upgrades, securities for works and services prior to a Building Permit being granted." … "Permit fees can be paid online or in-person at the Planning/Building/Engineering Building at Upper - 4835 Argyle St. (cash, debit, or cheque)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (Development Services Building Fees & Charges) - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025" … "SCHEDULE O" … "BUILDING FEES & CHARGES" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Fees are set in Schedule O of the City's [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf). The permit fee is a $100 base fee plus $7 for each $1,000 of construction value, or part of $1,000. If the work is built under a Coordinating Registered Professional, the fee is reduced by 10%, up to $500. Schedule O says fees increase every year with the consumer price index unless the bylaw is amended. A $100 application fee is paid when you submit. Schedule O also lists a non-refundable plan check deposit of 15% of the permit fee (minimum $100), which is deducted from the final permit fee. No official text says whether the two are the same payment, so ask. ## Steps 1. Submit your complete application with the $100 application fee. 2. Pay the permit fee, plus any development cost charges and securities, before the permit is issued. Pay online or in person at Upper - 4835 Argyle St. by cash, debit or cheque. 3. Ask Building Services (250-720-2835) if you want the fee confirmed first. ## Good to know - Other fees: plumbing permit $65 plus $10 per fixture; demolition $100 plus a $500 bond; retaining wall over 1.2 m $150; moving a building $200; re-inspection $100 (the first inspection is free); $2,000 street-damage bond for single or two family dwellings. - A lapsed permit renewal costs $100 plus $9.50 per $1,000. - Starting work before a permit is issued costs 200% of the permit fee otherwise payable, to a maximum of $10,000. - Development cost charges are not refundable. Permit fees are 85% refundable before construction starts and not refundable after. - The older Building Services page says to confirm the fee with the Building Inspector first and to pay at City Hall; the newer Standard Permit page is followed here. ## Official forms and pages - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings)](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit-fees.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/building-permit-fees.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/building-permit-fees.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit-fees.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit-fees.md) - [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule O (PDF, consolidated to Sept 8, 2026)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Services, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows" question: "How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.json" --- # Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows **Question:** How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it? **Short answer:** In the City of Port Alberni, find your zone on the Zoning Map (Schedule A of Zoning Bylaw 5105, 2024), posted as a PDF on the City's Zoning page and the Municipal Mapping page. Development Services at 250-720-2835 can also confirm a zone. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Where:** - Online: Zoning page, https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning - Online: Municipal mapping, https://www.portalberni.ca/municipal-mapping - Phone: Development Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Development Services, DevelopmentServices@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** The Zoning Map (Schedule A of the Zoning Bylaw) is a PDF on the City's Zoning page and under Land Use Maps on the Municipal Mapping page. Planning staff can also confirm a zone. - Source: [Zoning, Zoning page](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) - Official wording: "ZONING MAP (Schedule A)" - Source: [Municipal Mapping, Municipal Mapping, Land Use Maps](https://www.portalberni.ca/municipal-mapping) - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw (Schedule A Zoning Map)" - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ, How do I find out if I have the right zoning](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "visit Upper - 4835 Argyle St to consult with the Planning Technician" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, adopted by Council on June 10, 2024. The posted copy is the file named "Oct 2026 Update". - Source: [Zoning, Zoning page](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) - Official wording: "The current Zoning Bylaw was adopted by Council on June 10, 2024." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the “Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024”" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What the zone controls:** Each zone lists permitted principal and accessory uses and site rules: minimum lot area and frontage, maximum coverage, front, rear and side setbacks, maximum height and floor area ratio. Parking is set in Section 7. - Source: [Zoning, Zoning page](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) - Official wording: "specifies the uses or activities that can take place on that property as well as other regulations including building size, siting on the property and parking requirements." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 5.7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "5.7.2 Site Development Regulations" … "Minimum Lot Area 2 ha (4.94 ac)" … "Maximum Coverage 40%" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Development Services (Community Planning), Upper - 4835 Argyle Street. Phone 250-720-2835, email DevelopmentServices@portalberni.ca. - Source: [Zoning, Contact block](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) - Official wording: "Upper - 4835 Argyle Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V9 #### Telephone 250-720-2835 #### Email DevelopmentServices@portalberni.ca" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Every lot has a zone. [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) was adopted by Council on June 10, 2024. The posted copy is the file named "Oct 2026 Update". Each zone lists permitted principal and accessory uses and site rules: minimum lot area and frontage, maximum coverage, front, rear and side setbacks, maximum height and floor area ratio. Parking is set in Section 7. ## Steps 1. Open the Zoning Map (Schedule A of the bylaw) from the City's Zoning page, or under Land Use Maps on the Municipal Mapping page, and find your property. 2. Note the zone code and read that zone's section in the bylaw. 3. If you are unsure, call Development Services at 250-720-2835 or email DevelopmentServices@portalberni.ca with your address. ## Good to know - The posted bylaw shows no "current to" date, and the amendments table may lag it, so confirm recent changes with Development Services. - The City's business licensing FAQ gives 250-720-2850 for the Planning Technician; the Zoning page gives 250-720-2835. ## Zones 32 zones are listed from [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning/index.json ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning-lookup.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/zoning-lookup.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/zoning-lookup.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning-lookup.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/zoning-lookup.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Zoning, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) (read 2026-11-05) - [Municipal Mapping, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/municipal-mapping) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licensing FAQ, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite.json" --- # Port Alberni secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house? **Short answer:** Yes, in some zones. Port Alberni's Zoning Bylaw 5105 allows a secondary suite in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, limited to 40% of the habitable floor space, with the main home permanently occupied and one extra parking space. Carriage houses and garden suites are allowed in RR and R zones. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Building permit fees apply; see the building-permit-fees answer. **How long:** Residential permits take 8 to 10 weeks, per the City's Building Services page. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** A secondary suite is a listed accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, inside a principal building. In C9 it is allowed only where a single detached dwelling is the principal use, not with a guest house or bed and breakfast. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 5.7.1, 5.8.1, 5.9.1, 5.10.1, 5.23.3(d), 6.29](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Housing for farm labour Secondary suite" … "Kennel Secondary suite" … "Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite Aviary" … "Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite Bed and Breakfast" … "Secondary suites are only permitted on those lots where a single detached dwelling is the principal use." … "May be located within a principal building on the following conditions:" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Carriage houses and garden suites (accessory dwelling units) are listed as accessory uses in the RR and R zones. A garden suite must be in the rear yard; a carriage house cannot be in the front setback or in front of the house. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 5.9.1, 5.10.1, 6.21](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Semi-detached dwelling Accessory Dwelling Unit Multi-residential dwellings Secondary Suite" … "Is located in a rear yard;" … "Is not located in the required front yard setback area or in front of the principal building;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** Secondary suite: at most 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building, fully inside the single principal residence, and the principal dwelling must be permanently occupied. Carriage house or garden suite: at most 90 m² and 8.5 m high. (Sources differ: The City's Secondary Suites web page (March 2014 bylaw) adds a 90 m2 cap (whichever is less) and says the home must be owner-occupied; the current Bylaw 5105 s. 6.29 has no 90 m2 cap and says 'permanently occupied'. The bylaw is followed. Carriage house floor area excludes a first-storey garage.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.29, 6.21](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "May not exceed 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building;" … "Must be fully contained within the principal residence which is a single real estate entity;" … "The principal dwelling is permanently occupied." … "Does not exceed a maximum height of 8.5 m;" … "Does not contain a gross floor area greater than 90 m2;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Parking:** One extra space for a secondary suite, on top of the house's standard requirement. The parking table lists 1 space per unit for suites or accessory dwelling units, and 1 space per single detached dwelling. (Sources differ: The City's old Secondary Suites web page says three spaces in total (two for the house plus one); under Bylaw 5105 the house needs 1 space, so the suite's extra space makes 2.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.29(c), 7.9](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Must be provided with a parking space additional to the standard parking space" … "Suites or Accessory Dwelling Units 1 space per unit" … "Single detached dwelling 1 space per unit" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permits:** A building permit is needed, with the Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (or the ADU checklist for a carriage house or garden suite). Building Services also lists a Secondary Suite Authorization Permit for existing suites. - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Forms](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (Must also be included with Building Permit Applications for secondary suites)" … "Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pre-Application Checklist (Must also be included with Building Permit Applications for ADU's)" - Source: [Building Services, Building Services FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) - Official wording: "Authorize an existing Secondary Suite or build a new Secondary Suite" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (sections 5, 6.21, 6.29, 7.9) and Building Bylaw No. 5077 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.29](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "applicable zone, or within 3 m of any lot line adjoining an R, RM, or MH zone. 6.29 Secondary Suites May be located within a principal building on the following conditions:" … "Bylaw No. 5105 Bylaw No. 5105" - Source: [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), Step One](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) - Official wording: "Building Bylaw No. 5077, Zoning Bylaw No. 5105" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under [Zoning Bylaw 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf), a secondary suite is a listed accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R and C9 zones, inside the principal building. In C9 it is allowed only where a single detached dwelling is the principal use, not with a guest house or bed and breakfast. RM, MH and commercial zones list no secondary suite. A suite may take at most 40% of the habitable floor space of the principal building, must be fully inside the single principal residence, and the principal dwelling must be permanently occupied. It needs one extra parking space on top of the house's requirement. Carriage houses and garden suites (accessory dwelling units) are listed in the RR and R zones. They may be at most 90 m² and 8.5 m high. A garden suite must be in the rear yard; a carriage house cannot be in the front setback or in front of the house. Without direct street access, a path of at least 1.0 m is needed. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone with Development Services (see the zoning lookup answer). 2. Apply for a building permit with the Secondary Suite Pre-Application Checklist (or the ADU checklist for a carriage house or garden suite). 3. For an existing suite, Building Services also lists a Secondary Suite Authorization Permit. 4. Pass inspections before anyone occupies the suite. ## Good to know - A development permit may also be needed if the lot is in a Development Permit Area; ask Development Services. - The City's older Secondary Suites web page, written for the 2014 bylaw, says the home must be owner-occupied, suites are not allowed in duplexes, and the suite is capped at 90 m2 or 40%, whichever is less, with three parking spaces in total. The current bylaw is followed here; confirm with the City. ## Official forms and pages - [Secondary Suites](https://www.portalberni.ca/secondary-suites) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - [Building Services](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/secondary-suite.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/secondary-suite.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/secondary-suite.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/secondary-suite.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/secondary-suite.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Services, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/building-services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Standard Building and Plumbing Permits (Part 9 Buildings), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/standard-building-plumbing-permits-part-9-buildings) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/tree-removal.json" --- # Port Alberni tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property? **Short answer:** Port Alberni has no general permit for cutting trees on private land, but clearing or land alteration needs a development permit, unless exempt, on land shown on OCP Maps 8, 9 and 10. Trees on a street or boulevard need written City permission. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Development permit application fee $800 where one is required. No tree-cutting permit fee was found. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-720-2835 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** No general permit for cutting trees on private land was found. Clearing or land alteration needs a development permit, unless exempt, on land in the OCP Natural Environment area (Map 8) or Hazardous Conditions areas (Maps 9 and 10). Trees on a street or boulevard need written City permission. - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 2, Natural Environment, DPA 2, s. 1.2](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) - Official wording: "Unless exempted, a development permit addressing the following guidelines must be approved for all properties" … "Land alteration, including but not limited to clearing, grading, blasting" - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 3, Hazardous Conditions, DPA 3, s. 2.2](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf) - Official wording: "Alteration of land, including but not limited to clearing, grading, blasting" - Source: [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869, s. 8](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "It shall be unlawful for any person to plant, remove or otherwise deal with any tree upon or within any highway or boulevard in the City without first obtaining and subsequently complying with permission in writing from the Administrator." - Source: [https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/DP%20Instruction%20Page_0.pdf, Development Permit Instruction Sheet](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/DP%20Instruction%20Page_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Altering land within an area designated for protection of the natural environment;" … "Review Maps 8, 9, and 10 to check whether your property is located within an Environmental or" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exemptions:** Hazardous trees certified by a Certified Arborist or professional forester are exempt from a Natural Environment development permit if they present an immediate danger or are likely to damage property; the Hazardous Conditions DPA exempts removal of hazardous trees by a Certified Arborist or professional forester. Normal farm practices are also exempt. - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 2, Natural Environment, DPA 2, s. 1.5](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) - Official wording: "Removal of hazardous trees that present an immediate danger to the safety of persons or are likely to damage public or private property as determined by a Certified Arborist or professional forester." … "relates solely to normal farm practices" - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 3, Hazardous Conditions, DPA 3, s. 2.5](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf) - Official wording: "Removal of hazardous trees by a Certified Arborist or professional forester." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Development Permit application fee $800 where one is required. No tree-cutting permit fee was found. On a boulevard, the applicant pays the estimated planting cost plus the tree's value before removal is allowed. - Source: [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf, Land use and development fees](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "c) Development Permit (DP) $800.00" - Source: [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869, s. 10(b)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "in the case of removal of a tree that the applicant has paid to the City the estimated cost of planting plus the value of the tree as determined by the Administrator" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Replacement trees:** For development permit areas, site design "will consider" retaining trees and replacing those removed where feasible. For a boulevard tree the applicant pays the cost of planting a replacement plus the tree's value. - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 2, Natural Environment, DPA 2 guidelines, s. 1.6(b)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) - Official wording: "Site design will consider the retention of trees and vegetation, and replacements for those removed where feasible." - Source: [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869, s. 10(b)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "the applicant has paid to the City the estimated cost of planting plus the value of the tree" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **City trees:** It is unlawful to plant, remove or deal with a tree on a highway or boulevard without written permission from the Administrator, or to wilfully damage one. Council may remove any such tree at any time without notice. Owners must trim branches over a roadway to 3.0 m and over a sidewalk to 2.5 m. - Source: [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869, ss. 6, 7, 8, 12](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully damage any boulevard or any tree upon or within any highway or boulevard." … "The Council by its employees or others may at any time without notice remove any tree" … "3.0 metres above the street level" … "2.5 metres above the sidewalk level" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for planting or removing a boulevard or street tree without permission: $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). Damaging a tree: $200 ($150 early, $250 late). No fine for cutting a private-land tree was found. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025, Schedule A-3 (Bylaw 3869)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Damage trees $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "Plant or remove trees $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw No. 3869 (street and boulevard trees); Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5155, Development Permit Areas 2 and 3 (private land) - Source: [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as the Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw." - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 2, Natural Environment, DPA 2](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) - Official wording: "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA" - Source: [OCP Development Permit Area 3, Hazardous Conditions, DPA 3](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf) - Official wording: "HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA" - Source: [Official Community Plan | City of Port Alberni, OCP page](https://www.portalberni.ca/official-community-plan) - Official wording: "OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW 5155" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Port Alberni has no general permit for cutting a tree on private land. But the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 5155) sets two development permit areas. Clearing or land alteration needs a development permit, unless exempt, on land in the Natural Environment area ([DPA 2](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf), OCP Map 8) or the Hazardous Conditions areas ([DPA 3](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf), Maps 9 and 10). The development permit application fee is $800. Trees on a highway or boulevard are covered by the [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf). It is unlawful to plant, remove or deal with such a tree without written permission from the Administrator, or to wilfully damage one. ## Steps 1. Work out whose tree it is. If it is on a street or boulevard, do not cut it; ask the City for written permission. 2. Ask Development Services (250-720-2835) whether your lot is on OCP Maps 8, 9 or 10. 3. If it is, apply for a development permit unless an exemption applies. ## Good to know - Hazardous trees certified by a Certified Arborist or professional forester are exempt from the Natural Environment permit if they present an immediate danger or are likely to damage property. The Hazardous Conditions area exempts removal of hazardous trees by a Certified Arborist or professional forester. Normal farm practices are also exempt. - For a boulevard tree, the applicant pays the estimated planting cost plus the tree's value before removal is allowed. Council may remove such trees without notice. Owners must trim branches over a roadway to 3.0 m and over a sidewalk to 2.5 m. - A bylaw notice for planting or removing a boulevard tree without permission is $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). Damaging one is the same. No fine for cutting a private-land tree was found. - In the development permit areas, site design "will consider" retaining trees and replacing those removed where feasible. No fixed replacement ratio was found. ## Official forms and pages - [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) - [DPA 2 Natural Environment Development Permit Area (PDF)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) - [DPA 3 Hazardous Conditions Development Permit Area (PDF)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/tree-removal.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/tree-removal.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/tree-removal.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/tree-removal.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [OCP Development Permit Area 2, Natural Environment (PDF)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA2_ENVIRO.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [OCP Development Permit Area 3, Hazardous Conditions (PDF)](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/PortAlberni_OCP_DPA3_HAZARD.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Boulevard and Tree Care Maintenance Bylaw 3869 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/3869_Boulevard-Electronic%20Version%20for%20Convenience%20only_tf.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/DP%20Instruction%20Page_0.pdf](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/DP%20Instruction%20Page_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Official Community Plan | City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/official-community-plan) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/tree-removal/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits" question: "When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection.json" --- # Port Alberni garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits **Question:** When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags? **Short answer:** The City of Port Alberni collects organics every week and garbage and recycling each every two weeks, on alternating weeks, on your regular collection day. Put carts out by 7 a.m.; crews start at 7 a.m. The lid must close; overflow and bags outside the cart are not collected. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Annual curbside fee by garbage cart size, from Sept. 1, 2026: 80 L $200; 120 L $210; 240 L $470, billed three times a year on the City utility bill. Extra pickup $10 (80 or 120 L) or $20 (240 L), with 48 hours' notice. Excess waste ticket $150. **How long:** Garbage and recycling alternate every two weeks; organics are weekly. **Where:** - Phone: Public Works (Operations Clerk, missed collection, carts), 250-720-2840 (4150 6th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4M9) - Online: Sort'nGo app and desktop version (schedule and alerts), https://www.acrd.bc.ca/stayintheknow ## Key facts - **How often:** Organics (green cart) weekly; garbage (black) and recycling (blue) each every two weeks, on alternating weeks, on the same day. Schedules can change for statutory holidays, operations or extreme weather. Curbside service is for single family homes and is mandatory. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), ss. 6.2-6.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Organics – kitchen and yard waste – weekly;" … "Recyclable materials – acceptable materials – every two weeks;" … "Participation" … "due to statutory holidays, operational issues and extreme weather conditions" - Source: [Organics, Recycling and Garbage Collection](https://www.portalberni.ca/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "Organics are now picked up weekly, with garbage and recycling alternating on bi-weekly (every two weeks) frequencies" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Finding your day:** Your pickup day is the same day each collection; look it up and sign up for alerts in the ACRD Sort'nGo app (a desktop version is also offered). Missed collection or cart questions: Public Works, 250-720-2840. - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) - Official wording: "City residents can keep track of collection schedules, sign up for alerts and check which cart" - Source: [Organics, Recycling and Garbage Collection](https://www.portalberni.ca/garbage-recycling) - Official wording: "For those unable to download the Sort'nGo app to a mobile device, we have a desktop version available:" … "Telephone" - Source: [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Get the app](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) - Official wording: "Keep track of collection schedules" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Carts:** Garbage (black): 80 L, 120 L or 240 L (360 L is commercial only). Organics (green): 120 L or 240 L. Recycling (blue): 240 L. Owner may ask in writing to change the garbage cart size ($50 per request). Lost or stolen carts are replaced at the owner's cost. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule E; s. 6.6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "80L Black 30 Kilograms (66 lbs)" … "240L Blue 90 Kilograms (198 lbs)" … "360L Black 135 Kilograms (298 lbs) Available upon request Commercial Only" … "An owner may apply to change the size of the standard container by submitting a written" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule M](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Request to change garbage cart size by owner." … "$50.00 per request" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) - Official wording: "Cart size options are available for garbage cart only." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Setting carts out:** Put carts at the curb (or road shoulder) on collection day, not before 7 a.m. and ready for emptying between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; unlatch animal-resistant locks by 7 a.m.; remove carts from the street by 11:59 p.m. Leave at least 1 m from other objects. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), s. 11.1(h)-(k)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "collectors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the specified day of" … "No standard container can be put out for collection prior to 7:00 a.m. on" … "the street or lane from which collection service is provided by 11:59 p.m. on day of" … "Carts must be placed at least one metre away from all other objects" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits and extra garbage:** Lid must close; overflow and bags outside the cart are not collected. Maximum weights: 80 L garbage 30 kg; 120 L 45 kg; 240 L 90 kg. An extra pickup of a cart needs 48 hours' notice and costs $10 (80 or 120 L garbage) or $20 (240 L). Excess waste ticket: $150. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), ss. 10.1-10.2, 13.1; Schedule E](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "shall not place out a volume of waste product of more than can be contained in the closed lid" … "such extra pickup can be arranged by provision of 48 hours notice to the City" … "120L Black 45 Kilograms (99 lbs)" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule M, 2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Requested Additional Curbside Pick-Up" … "Request by Owner" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-24](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Excess waste $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Annual curbside fee by garbage cart size, effective Sept. 1, 2026: 80 L $200; 120 L $210; 240 L $470. Billed three times a year on the City utility bill. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule M, 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Eligible Residence – Curbside Collection Annual Fee" … "80 L 1.0 $200.00" … "120 L 1.5 $210.00" … "240 L 3.0 $470.00" … "Waste collection fees are included 3 times per year on your City of Port Alberni utility bill." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (rules); fees are set in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule M. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120," - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule M](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL CHARGES" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Curbside service is for single family homes and is mandatory under the [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120](). Organics (green cart) are collected weekly; garbage (black) and recycling (blue) are each collected every two weeks, on alternating weeks, on the same day. Schedules can change for statutory holidays, operations or extreme weather. Look up your pickup day, and sign up for alerts, in the ACRD Sort'nGo app (a desktop version is also offered). ## Steps 1. Put your carts at the curb (or road shoulder) on collection day, not before 7 a.m., and ready for emptying between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 2. Unlatch animal-resistant locks by 7 a.m. and leave at least 1 m between the cart and other objects. The City FAQ also asks for 3 m of clear space overhead. 3. Take the carts off the street by 11:59 p.m. ## Good to know - Garbage carts are 80 L, 120 L or 240 L (360 L is commercial only); organics carts are 120 L or 240 L; recycling carts are 240 L. Changing the garbage cart size by written request costs $50 per request. Lost or stolen carts are replaced at the owner's cost. - The lid must close. Overflow and bags outside the cart are not collected. Maximum weights: 80 L garbage 30 kg; 120 L 45 kg; 240 L 90 kg. - Fees are in the [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125](), Schedule M. An extra pickup of a cart needs 48 hours' notice. - An excess waste ticket is $150 under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). - Missed collection or cart questions: Public Works, 250-720-2840. ## Official forms and pages - [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - [Organics, Recycling and Garbage Collection, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/garbage-recycling) - [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/garbage-collection.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/garbage-collection.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/garbage-collection.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/garbage-collection.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Organics, Recycling and Garbage Collection, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/garbage-recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni yard waste collection and drop-off question: "Where does yard waste and brush go?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/yard-waste/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/yard-waste.json" --- # Port Alberni yard waste collection and drop-off **Question:** Where does yard waste and brush go? **Short answer:** In Port Alberni, grass clippings, tree trimmings and garden waste go in the green organics cart, collected every week. Branches must be no longer than 24 inches (2 feet) and no thicker than 2 inches. Larger loads can go to the Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre; residential branches are $10 per load. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Green cart: included in the annual curbside fee. At the Sort'nGo Centre (from Oct. 1, 2026): residential branches $10 per load; organics $115 per tonne ($5 minimum, or $5 per 20 L bucket). **How long:** Organics are collected every week. **Where:** - Phone: Public Works (Operations Clerk), 250-720-2840 - In person: Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre, 7080 Landfill Road, Port Alberni (Summer (April 16 to Oct. 15): Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winter (Oct. 16 to April 15): Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed statutory holidays.) ## Key facts - **Curbside collection:** Yes. Yard waste (grass clippings, tree trimmings, garden waste) goes in the green organics cart, collected every week. Cart lid must close. - Source: [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) - Official wording: "you can dispose of grass clippings, tree trimmings and garden waste at the roadside" … "Organics are collected every week." - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), s. 6.3(a)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Organics – kitchen and yard waste – weekly;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to set it out:** Branches in the cart: no longer than 24 inches (2 ft) and no thicker than 2 inches in diameter. Lid must close; maximum cart weights are 45 kg (120 L) or 90 kg (240 L). Only paper bags or newspaper as liners, no plastic bags. - Source: [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) - Official wording: "the maximum length for branches in the cart is 24 inches, or two feet, with a two-inch diameter" - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule E 1.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "120L Green 45 Kilograms (99 lbs)" … "240L Green 90 Kilograms (198 lbs)" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) - Official wording: "Only paper bags and newspaper can be used to line the green cart" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Drop-off:** Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre, 7080 Landfill Road. Summer (April 16 to Oct. 15): Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Winter (Oct. 16 to April 15): Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed statutory holidays. - Source: [Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Centre information](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/avsortngocentre) - Official wording: "7080 Landfill Road" … "SUMMER HOURS" … "Monday to Friday" … "8 am to 5:30 pm" … "Note: Landfill is closed on Statutory Holidays." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cost:** Curbside is included in the annual collection fee. At the Sort'nGo Centre: residential branches $10 per load; organics $115 per tonne ($5 minimum, or $5 per 20 L bucket), effective Oct. 1, 2026. - Source: [ACRD Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026, Schedule A](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) - Official wording: "Organics $115.00 per tonne $5 minimum. $5 per 20L bucket Residential Branches $10.00 per load Controlled Waste Tipping Fee Other Charges Construction/Demolition Waste $185.00 per tonne $15.00 minimum" … "Mattresses - Commercial, Other $45.00 each Organics $115.00 per tonne $5 minimum. $5 per 20L bucket" - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), s. 14.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "The fees imposed for the Curbside Collection Services under the terms of this Bylaw" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not accepted:** In the green cart: branches over 2 ft long or 2 in. thick; invasive species such as knotweed and blackberry (put in garbage); plastic bags, including compostable ones; pet feces; foil. Construction refuse, including earth, rocks, trees and stumps from an excavation, may not go in any cart. - Source: [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) - Official wording: "Invasive species, such as Knotweeds or blackberry bushes, can not be included in the green cart" - Source: [Sort'nGo Sorting Guide (updated August 2023), ACRD, What Stays Out](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/environmental-services/solid-waste-management/2023-avl/sortngo_sorting_guide_2023.pdf) - Official wording: "Plastic bags – even those labeled" … "OVERSIZED BRANCHES" … "PET FECES" - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), ss. 5.1, 12.1(f)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "all debris, abandoned or discarded material resulting from the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including without limitation, earth, rocks, trees and stumps resulting from an excavation" … "no person shall deposit in any standard container any: (i) obnoxious matter; (ii) construction refuse;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (curbside); drop-off charges are set by the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Bylaw R1029, amended by R1029-10, 2026. - Source: [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120," - Source: [ACRD Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026, s. 2](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) - Official wording: "Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. R1029-10, 2026" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Yard waste goes in the green organics cart, collected every week under the [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120](). The cart lid must close. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) runs the landfill and drop-off centre, and sets drop-off charges in its Bylaw R1029. ## Steps 1. Put grass clippings, tree trimmings and garden waste in the green cart. 2. Cut branches to no more than 24 inches (2 feet) long and 2 inches thick. 3. Maximum cart weights are 45 kg (120 L) or 90 kg (240 L). Use only paper bags or newspaper as liners. 4. For larger loads, take them to the Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre at 7080 Landfill Road and pay the fee in [ACRD Bylaw R1029-10](), Schedule A. ## Good to know - Not for the green cart: branches over 2 ft long or 2 in. thick; invasive species such as knotweed and blackberry (put them in the garbage); plastic bags, including compostable ones; pet feces; foil. - Construction refuse, including earth, rocks, trees and stumps from an excavation, may not go in any cart. - Sort'nGo Centre hours are in the contact details above; the ACRD page lists them as closed on statutory holidays. - Burning yard waste is prohibited; see the backyard fire answer. ## Official forms and pages - [ACRD Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) - [Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre, ACRD](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/avsortngocentre) - [Sort'nGo Sorting Guide (PDF)](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/environmental-services/solid-waste-management/2023-avl/sortngo_sorting_guide_2023.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/yard-waste.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/yard-waste.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/yard-waste.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/yard-waste.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/yard-waste.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/yard-waste.md) ## Sources - [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) (read 2026-11-05) - [Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/avsortngocentre) (read 2026-11-05) - [ACRD Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Sort'nGo Sorting Guide (updated August 2023), ACRD (PDF)](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/environmental-services/solid-waste-management/2023-avl/sortngo_sorting_guide_2023.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 5120, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/5120_5120-1_Solid_Waste_Collection_and_Disposal_Bylaw_No_5120_2025_Consolidated_tf.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Frequently Asked Questions (curbside collection), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/frequently-asked-questions) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/yard-waste/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/water-restrictions.json" --- # Port Alberni watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** Yes. The City of Port Alberni brings in Stage 1 water restrictions every year, typically July 1 to September 30, and can tighten them if hot weather persists. Under Stage 1, even-numbered addresses sprinkle on even-numbered days and odd on odd, 6 to 9 a.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. Check the current stage. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** A bylaw notice for using water contrary to the restrictions is $25 ($18.75 if paid within 14 days; $31.25 if paid late). **How long:** Stage 1 is typically July 1 to September 30. The City announces the current stage. **Where:** - Phone: Public Works, 250-720-2840 - Email: Public Works, citypa@portalberni.ca ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** The City brings in Stage 1 every year, typically July 1 to September 30, and may trigger further stages (up to Stage 4) if hot weather persists. The current stage is announced by the City. - Source: [Water Restrictions](https://www.portalberni.ca/water-restrictions) - Official wording: "the City implements annual Stage 1 Water Restrictions. These restrictions are typically in place from July 1 - September 30." … "if hot weather persists, the City will trigger further restrictions." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Sprinkling schedule:** Stage 1: even-numbered addresses sprinkle on even-numbered calendar days, odd on odd, 6-9 a.m. or 6-9 p.m. Per the City's 2018 summary: Stage 2, even addresses Wednesdays and Saturdays, odd Thursdays and Sundays; Stage 3, even Saturdays, odd Sundays, same hours; Stage 4, none. - Source: [Water Restrictions At a Glance (2018), Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/Water%20Restrictions%20At%20a%20Glance%202018_0.pdf) - Official wording: "STAGE 1: EVEN-numbered addresses can sprinkle on EVEN-numbered calen-" … "STAGE 2: EVEN-numbered addresses can sprinkle on Wednesdays &" … "STAGE 3: EVEN-numbered address can sprinkle on Saturdays, 6-9 am or 6-9" … "STAGE 4: All forms of watering using treated drinking water are prohibited." - Source: [City returns to Stage 1 water restrictions (August 27, 2025)](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-returns-stage-1-water-restrictions) - Official wording: "Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered calendar days, and even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days, between 6–9 a.m. and 6–9 p.m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Allowed at any time:** Stage 1: vegetable and food gardens may be watered any day, up to two hours, using drip or micro irrigation or by hand (spring-loaded nozzle or bucket). Vehicle and outdoor surface washing allowed any day with a spring-loaded nozzle or bucket. Filling pools, hot tubs, ponds and fountains allowed. - Source: [City returns to Stage 1 water restrictions (August 27, 2025)](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-returns-stage-1-water-restrictions) - Official wording: "Residents can continue watering their vegetable/food gardens using drip/micro irrigation or hand watering" … "Vehicle and outdoor surface washing is permitted any day, provided a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail/bucket is used." … "Filling pools, hot tubs, ponds, or fountains is permitted." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **New lawns:** Not confirmed. No residential new-lawn rule could be read in the City's materials. - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $25 for use of water contrary to water restrictions ($18.75 if paid within 14 days; $31.25 if paid late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-26, s. 5(10)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Use of water contrary to water restrictions $25.00 $18.75 $31.25" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Waterworks Bylaw No. 4494, 2001 (s. 5(10), per the ticket schedule); the City's bylaw list now shows Waterworks Bylaw No. 5131, 2025 (Sources differ: Could not confirm which bylaw now sets the stages: Waterworks Bylaw No. 5131 (2025) PDF has no text layer, and the ticket schedule still cites No. 4494.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Waterworks Bylaw, 2001 Bylaw No. 4494" - Source: [City Bylaws, Bylaw list](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-bylaws) - Official wording: "| 2025 | Waterworks Bylaw A bylaw to regulate the waterworks system of the City including the Distribution System, reservoirs, treatment-facilities, pumpstations, dams and intakes." … "A Bylaw created pursuant to Section 165 of the Community Charter that authorizes the expenditure of funds for the municipality. | | 5131 | 2025 | Waterworks Bylaw" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City brings in Stage 1 water restrictions every year, typically July 1 to September 30, and will trigger further restrictions if hot weather persists. The City announces the current stage; this answer does not say which one is in force. The Waterworks Bylaw No. 5131 on the City's site has no readable text, so the stages below come from the City's notices and its 2018 "At a Glance" summary. ## Good to know - Stage 1 (confirmed by the City's August 27, 2025 notice): lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers can be sprinkled on even-numbered calendar days at even-numbered addresses and odd-numbered days at odd-numbered addresses, 6 to 9 a.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. - Stage 1: vegetable and food gardens may be watered any day, up to two hours, using drip or micro irrigation or by hand (spring-loaded nozzle or bucket). Vehicles and outdoor surfaces may be washed any day with a spring-loaded nozzle or bucket. Filling pools, hot tubs, ponds and fountains is allowed. - Per the City's 2018 summary (confirm with the City before relying on it): Stage 2, even addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays, odd on Thursdays and Sundays; Stage 3, even addresses on Saturdays, odd on Sundays, same hours; Stage 4, no sprinkling. - The 2018 summary also has a permit row for commercial and new lawns ("Contact the City directly for details"); no residential new-lawn rule could be read. Ask Public Works. - A bylaw notice is $25 ($18.75 if paid within 14 days, $31.25 if paid late) under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). The schedule cites the older Waterworks Bylaw No. 4494 (2001), while the City's bylaw list shows Waterworks Bylaw No. 5131, 2025. - To find the current stage, check portalberni.ca or call Public Works at 250-720-2840. ## Official forms and pages - [Water Restrictions, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/water-restrictions) - [Water Restrictions At a Glance, Stages 1 to 4 (2018) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/Water%20Restrictions%20At%20a%20Glance%202018_0.pdf) - [City returns to Stage 1 water restrictions (August 27, 2025)](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-returns-stage-1-water-restrictions) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/water-restrictions.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/water-restrictions.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/water-restrictions.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/water-restrictions.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/water-restrictions.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Water Restrictions, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/water-restrictions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Water Restrictions At a Glance (2018) (PDF), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/Water%20Restrictions%20At%20a%20Glance%202018_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [City returns to Stage 1 water restrictions (August 27, 2025), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-returns-stage-1-water-restrictions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [City Bylaws, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-bylaws) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.json" --- # Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** Every dog over six months old in Port Alberni needs a City licence for each calendar year. The fee is $30 for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not. Email the application, then pay in person or online. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** $30 spayed or neutered; $45 not spayed or neutered; $30 if a veterinarian certifies the dog is medically unfit to be spayed or neutered. Replacement tag or transfer $5. Half price if you apply on or after August 1. Fee set in Fees and Charges Bylaw 5125, Schedule H. **How long:** Licences run January 1 to December 31 and are renewed each year. Renewal notices are mailed by December. **Where:** - Email: Send the completed application to, doglicences@portalberni.ca - In person: Public Safety Building (pay here), 3075 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2A4 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - In person: City Hall (pay here), 4850 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V8 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Pay online, https://www.portalberni.ca - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 ## Key facts - **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog over six months old in the City needs a valid licence for the current calendar year. Not required for a dog kept in the City under one month in a calendar year that is not allowed to be at large. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), ss. 3-4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "No person shall own, keep, possess or harbour any dog over the age of six months in the City unless a valid and subsisting licence for the current calendar year has first been obtained for the dog under this Bylaw." … "does not apply to a dog that is kept in the City for less than" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Issued by:** The City of Port Alberni. Buy the licence at City Hall, at the Public Safety Building (3075 3rd Ave) or online at portalberni.ca. Animal control enforcement is contracted to Coastal Animal Control Services. - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Dog licence](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "Your dog licence must be purchased at City Hall." … "Pay for your dog licence in-person at the Public Safety Building - 3075 3rd Avenue), at City Hall or online at portalberni.ca" … "Enforcement of the animal control policies and regulations for the City has been contracted to Coastal Animal Control Services." - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "the owner of the dog shall apply to the City for a licence on the prescribed form provided by the City" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $30 a year for a spayed or neutered dog. A veterinarian's certificate (or the bylaw's Schedule A certificate) must accompany the application. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule H, A.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Spayed or neutered dog" … "$30.00" - Source: [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, Licensing fees](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) - Official wording: "Spayed or Neutered Dog | $30.00" - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 11](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "the application shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a qualified veterinarian indicating that the dog has been neutered or spayed" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $45 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule H, A.2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Unspayed or unneutered dog" … "$45.00" - Source: [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, Licensing fees](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) - Official wording: "Unspayed or Unneutered Dog | $45.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees and discounts:** Fees are cut by half for a licence applied for on or after August 1. Replacement tag or transfer: $5. A dog a vet certifies is medically unfit to be spayed or neutered: $30. Impound fees are separate. No senior discount found. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), ss. 6-7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "shall be reduced by one-half in respect of an application for a licence made on or after August 1st" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule H, A.3-4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Replacement or transfer of dog licence" … "$5.00" … "confirming that the dog is medically unfit to be spayed or neutered" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** The licence year is January 1 to December 31 and licences are renewed annually. Renewal notices are mailed by December each year; renewals can be done online with Visa or Mastercard. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2, s. 5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "means the period from January 1 to December 31 in any year" … "to be renewed annually" - Source: [Dog Licence Application Form (fillable PDF), Form notes](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Dog%20Licence%20Application%20Form%20-%202025%20fillable.pdf) - Official wording: "Annual renewal notices will be sent to your address by December of each year." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to get one:** Email the completed Dog Licence Application (fillable PDF) to doglicences@portalberni.ca, then pay in person at the Public Safety Building (3075 3rd Ave) or City Hall, or online. The tag is mailed to you. - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Applying for a dog Licence](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "email file as attachments to the City of Port Alberni Public Safety Building at: doglicences@portalberni.ca" … "Pay for your dog licence in-person at the Public Safety Building - 3075 3rd Avenue), at City Hall or online at portalberni.ca" - Source: [Dog Licence Application Form (fillable PDF), Payment Methods](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Dog%20Licence%20Application%20Form%20-%202025%20fillable.pdf) - Official wording: "will be mailed to you" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Failing to display the licence tag: $50. The City's web fines table says $50 for an unlicensed dog. (Sources differ: The Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128 (consolidated to Aug. 10, 2026) sets the amount; Animal Control Bylaw Schedule B was deleted and fines moved there. The web page appears out of date.) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-2, s. 3](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Unlicensed dog $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" … "Fail to display dog licence $50.00 $37.50 $62.50" - Source: [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, Fines and Tickets](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) - Official wording: "Unlicensed Dog | 3 | $50.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025 (requires the licence); fees are set in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025, Schedule H. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025" - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule H](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) - Official wording: "SCHEDULE H ANIMAL CONTROL FEES" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126](), nobody may keep a dog over six months old in Port Alberni without a licence for the current calendar year. The City sells the licence; animal control enforcement is contracted to Coastal Animal Control Services. Fees are set in the [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125](), Schedule H. ## Steps 1. Download the Dog Licence Application (fillable PDF), complete it and email it to doglicences@portalberni.ca. 2. Pay at the Public Safety Building, at City Hall, or online with Visa or Mastercard. 3. For the lower fee, include a veterinarian's certificate (or the bylaw's Schedule A certificate) showing the dog is spayed or neutered. 4. The tag is mailed to you. Renewal notices are mailed by December each year. ## Good to know - A dog kept in the City for less than one month in a calendar year, and not allowed to be at large, does not need a licence. - A licence applied for on or after August 1 costs half the fee. No senior or early-payment discount was found. - A bylaw notice for an unlicensed dog is $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days, $125 if paid late) under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). Failing to display the tag is $50. The City's web fines table still says $50 for an unlicensed dog, so confirm with Bylaw Services. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831. ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Licence Application Form (fillable PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Dog%20Licence%20Application%20Form%20-%202025%20fillable.pdf) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules.md) - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets.md) - [Port Alberni rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/dog-licence.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dog-licence.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-licence.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence.md) - [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Dog Licence Application Form (fillable PDF), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Dog%20Licence%20Application%20Form%20-%202025%20fillable.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Port Alberni dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules? **Short answer:** In Port Alberni, a dog in a public place must be on a leash, chain or tether no longer than 183 cm (6 feet) and under a competent person's control. The City names one off-leash park, on Beaver Creek Road. A dog at large or off leash is a $100 bylaw notice. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for a dog at large and $100 for a dog off leash ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@portalberni.ca ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** In a public place (highways and City property) a dog must be on a leash, chain or tether and under the immediate care and control of a competent person. A dog must not be at large. The City page exempts the off-leash park on Beaver Creek Road. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 17(b)-(c)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "be in a public place unless the dog is kept on a leash, chain or tether not exceeding 183 centimetres (six feet) in length and the dog is under the immediate care and control of a competent person" … "be at large in the City" - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "in or upon a highway or public place" - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Dog rules](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "except in the off-leash park located on Beaver Creek Road" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Maximum leash length:** 183 cm (6 feet) at most. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 17(c)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "not exceeding 183 centimetres (six feet) in length" - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Dog rules](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "not exceeding 183 cm (6ft) in length" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Off-leash areas:** The off-leash park on Beaver Creek Road, per the City's Animal Control page. - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Dog rules](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "except in the off-leash park located on Beaver Creek Road" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Places dogs are not allowed:** Not confirmed. Park rules may be in the Parks Bylaw, which has no readable text. - **Cleaning up:** The person with care or control of the animal must immediately remove its excrement from a highway or public place and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 20](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "the person having care, custody, or control of the animal shall immediately remove the excrement so deposited and dispose of it in a sanitary manner" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Bylaw notice: $100 for a dog at large and $100 for a dog off leash ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-2, s. 17(b)-(c)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Dog at large $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" … "Dog off-leash $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" - Source: [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, Fines and Tickets](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) - Official wording: "Dog at large | 17b | $100.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025 - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126]() says a dog in a public place (a highway or City property) must be on a leash, chain or tether not longer than 183 cm (6 feet) and under the immediate care and control of a competent person. A dog must not be "at large". The only off-leash area the City's Animal Control page names is the off-leash park on Beaver Creek Road; the bylaw text itself has no off-leash exception. ## Good to know - Whoever has care or control of the dog must immediately remove its excrement from a highway or public place and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. - A bylaw notice is $100 for a dog at large and $100 for a dog off leash ($75 if paid within 14 days, $125 if paid late), under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). - The City page gives no park name, map, fencing or hours for the off-leash park. - The Animal Control and Pound Bylaw does not list places where dogs are banned. Park-specific rules may be in the Parks Bylaw No. 5121, whose text could not be read; ask Bylaw Services at 250-720-2831. - Questions or complaints: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.md) - [Port Alberni rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges - Animal Control and Licensing, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/fees-and-charges-animal-control-and-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Port Alberni rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs? **Short answer:** Port Alberni's Animal Control and Pound Bylaw regulates "vicious dogs". An owner must keep one confined indoors, in a child-proof enclosed pen, or muzzled and leashed with a skilled handler. A bylaw notice for failing to do so is $500. Report to Coastal Animal Control Services. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $500 for each failure to confine, enclose or muzzle a vicious dog ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late). No special licence fee is listed. **Where:** - Phone: Coastal Animal Control Services, 250-748-3395 (Toll-free 1-888-754-1397) - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 - Phone: RCMP non-emergency, 250-723-2424 ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** A 'vicious dog' has, by City or Poundkeeper records or the owner's knowledge, killed or injured an animal or human or aggressively chased or threatened a human without provocation; was bred for fighting; or has a known tendency to attack. 'Dangerous dog' means a dog in a provincial destruction-order process. The bylaw names no decider. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2, Vicious Dog](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "according to the records of the City or the Poundkeeper, has killed or injured an animal or a human" … "a dog specifically bred for fighting or training purposes" … "a dog with a known tendency, propensity or disposition to attack animals or humans without provocation" … "a dog that is or may be subject to a dangerous dog or destruction-order process under provincial law" … "includes a dog identified as a Vicious Dog under this Bylaw where applicable" - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2, Dangerous Dog (added by 5126-2)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "a dog that is or may be subject to a dangerous dog or destruction-order process under provincial law" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Rules for owners:** The owner must always keep a vicious dog either securely confined indoors, or in an enclosed pen that keeps children under 12 out and the dog in, or muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person skilled in animal control. - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 23](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "securely confined indoors such that the dog cannot escape" … "prevents the entry into the pen or enclosure of children under 12 years old" … "muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Licence fee:** None set. Port Alberni's Fees and Charges Bylaw lists no special licence fee for a dangerous or vicious dog. - **How to report:** Call Coastal Animal Control Services at 250-748-3395 (toll free 1-888-754-1397) for dangerous or aggressive dogs. For matters needing police, call the RCMP at 250.723.2424. - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Contact](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "Residents who require animal control assistance can contact Coastal Animal Control by: Phone: 250-748-3395 Toll Free: 1-888-754-1397 Email: info@coastalanimalservices.com ## Frequently Asked Questions" - Source: [Bylaw Services Department](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "For any matters requiring Police attention, please contact the local RCMP office at 250.723.2424." - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "Dangerous dog response and management, and the pickup and care of stray animals." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $500 each for failing to confine, enclose or muzzle a vicious dog ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-2, s. 23](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Fail to confine vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" … "Fail to enclose vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" … "Fail to muzzle vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025 - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126]() defines a "vicious dog" as one that, by City or Poundkeeper records or the owner's knowledge, has killed or injured an animal or person, or aggressively chased or threatened a person without provocation; was bred for fighting; or has a known tendency to attack. A "dangerous dog" is a dog in a provincial destruction-order process. The bylaw does not say who decides a dog is vicious or how to challenge that. ## Good to know - The owner of a vicious dog must always keep it securely confined indoors, or in an enclosed pen that keeps children under 12 out and the dog in, or muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person skilled in animal control. - Failing to do so is a $500 bylaw notice for each offence ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late), under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). - No special licence fee for a dangerous or vicious dog is listed in the [Fees and Charges Bylaw](), Schedule H. It lists a boarding fee of $25 a day for a vicious dog housed awaiting a destruction order, plus actual veterinary costs. - To report a dangerous or aggressive dog, call Coastal Animal Control Services at 250-748-3395 (toll-free 1-888-754-1397). For matters needing police, call the RCMP at 250-723-2424. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5125_5125-1_5125-2_5125-3_5125-4_Fees_and_Charges_Bylaw_No._5125_2025_Consolidated_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control Services Quick Guide (effective March 1, 2026), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Animal%20Control%20Services%20Quick%20Guide.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Port Alberni question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Port Alberni **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep? **Short answer:** Port Alberni's bylaws set no limit on how many dogs or cats a household may keep. Each dog over six months needs a licence. Hens and bees are limited by lot size. A kennel (3 or more dogs or cats) is a separate zoned use. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@portalberni.ca - Phone: Development Services (zoning questions), 250-720-2835 ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** None set. Port Alberni's bylaws set no limit on how many dogs or cats a household may keep. - **Cats allowed:** None set. Port Alberni's bylaws set no limit on how many dogs or cats a household may keep. - **Other animal limits:** Hens and bees are limited by lot size in single detached residential zones: up to 4 hens on lots 350 to 450 m², up to 6 on lots over 450 m² and under 2,000 m²; up to 2 hives on lots of 600 to 929 m², up to 4 hives on larger lots. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23.2-6.23.3, 6.23.7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The keeping of female poultry is prohibited on lots less than 350 m2" … "no more than four (4) female poultry may be kept" … "a maximum of 2 hives of bees on lots between" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exceptions:** No per-home pet limit is stated. The Zoning Bylaw defines a 'kennel' as a place where 3 or more dogs or cats are kept for any purpose (or 2 or more dogs for breeding); kennel is a separate zoned use. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), Definitions, KENNEL](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "in which 3 or more dogs or cats are or are intended to be trained, cared for," … "in which 2 or more dogs are kept for breeding" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **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 Neither the [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126]() nor the City's Animal Control page sets a limit on the number of dogs or cats at a home. The [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105]() defines a "kennel" as a place where 3 or more dogs or cats are kept for any purpose (or 2 or more dogs for breeding), and a kennel is a separate zoned use. That is a definition, not a stated limit on pets at a home, so ask Development Services if you plan to keep several animals. ## Good to know - Hens and bees are limited by lot size in single detached residential zones: up to 4 hens on lots of 350 to 450 m2, up to 6 on lots over 450 m2 and under 2,000 m2; up to 2 hives on lots of 600 to 929 m2, up to 4 on larger lots. See the backyard chickens answer. - Each dog over six months old needs a licence each year. - The Zoning Bylaw's animal section still names the old Animal Control Bylaw No. 4593, which Bylaw 5126 repealed. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831, or Development Services, 250-720-2835. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.md) - [Port Alberni backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/how-many-pets.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/how-many-pets.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/how-many-pets.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/how-many-pets.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/how-many-pets.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 2 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 are recorded as not set; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Port Alberni backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock? **Short answer:** Yes, within limits. In Port Alberni, hens are allowed in single detached residential zones on lots of 350 m2 or more: up to 4 on lots under 450 m2, up to 6 on lots over 450 m2 and under 2,000 m2. Bees need a lot of at least 600 m2. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** No permit, licence or registration for hens is mentioned in the bylaw or on the City's pages. Beehives must be registered with the Province. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services (Community Planning), 250-720-2835 (Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9) - Email: Development Services, DevelopmentServices@portalberni.ca - Online: Register beehives with the Province, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-production/bees ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** Yes. Female poultry (hens) are allowed in single detached residential zones on lots of 350 m² or more; prohibited on smaller lots. Not applicable to properties with farm status under the BC Assessment Act. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23, 6.23.2, 6.23.12](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The keeping of female poultry is prohibited on lots less than 350 m2" … "These regulations do not apply to properties with farm status classification under" - Source: [Animal Control and Wildlife, Chickens](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) - Official wording: "The keeping of female poultry is prohibited on lots less than 350 m2" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Most hens:** Up to 4 hens on lots under 450 m². Up to 6 hens, in enclosed runs, on lots over 450 m² and under 2,000 m². The bylaw states no limit for lots of 2,000 m² or more. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23.3](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The keeping of up to six (6) female poultry in enclosed runs is permitted on lots less" … "no more than four (4) female poultry may be kept" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Roosters:** No. Male poultry are prohibited, except on ALR land or parcels over 2,000 m² (21,528 sq ft). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The keeping of male poultry is prohibited, except on ALR lands or on parcels greater" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Coop rules:** Residential zones: runs at least 0.8 m² (8.5 sq ft) and coops at least 0.2 m² (2 sq ft) per bird; poultry building not in the front yard and at least 3 m (10 ft) from any lot line. Agriculture zone: poultry buildings 25 m from all lot lines. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23.4-6.23.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Runs shall provide at least 0.8 m2 (8.5 ft2) of space per bird" … "must not be located in the front yard and must be located at least 3 m (10 ft) from any lot line" … "shall be located not less than 25 m (82 ft) from all lot lines" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit or registration:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Bees:** Allowed in single detached residential zones. Banned on lots under 600 m²; up to 2 hives on lots 600 to 929 m², up to 4 on larger lots. Rear yard only, 7.5 m from the neighbouring lot line, entrance facing away behind a 1.8 m solid fence or hedge. Must register with the Province. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.23.6-6.23.11](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The keeping of bees on lots less than 600 m2 (6,458 ft2) in area is prohibited." … "Beehives are restricted to rear yards." … "A beehive will be located a minimum of 7.5 m (25 feet) away" … "All persons wishing to keep bees must be registered with the BC Ministry of" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other livestock:** In the Agriculture, Future Development and Rural Residential zones, lots under 0.4 ha (1 acre) may not keep cows, goats, horses, pigeons or other animals (apart from the hens and bees allowed by s. 6.23), and each horse, cow, goat or sheep needs at least 0.2 ha (0.5 acre). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), ss. 5.7.3, 5.8.3, 5.9.x](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Lots less than 0.4 ha (1 ac) in area shall not be used for the keeping of cows," … "An area of not less than 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) shall be made available for the keeping" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (s. 6.23, Animals in Single Detached Residential Zones) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024" … "Animals in Single Detached Residential Zones" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Section 6.23 of the [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105]() allows backyard hens and bees in single detached residential zones, with limits by lot size. The hen and bee rules do not apply to properties with farm status under the BC Assessment Act. The City's pages mention no permit, licence or registration for hens. ## Good to know - Hens: not allowed on lots under 350 m2; up to 4 on lots under 450 m2; up to 6, in enclosed runs, on lots over 450 m2 and under 2,000 m2. The bylaw states no limit for lots of 2,000 m2 or more. - Roosters (male poultry) are prohibited, except on Agricultural Land Reserve land or parcels over 2,000 m2 (21,528 sq ft). - In residential zones, runs must be at least 0.8 m2 (8.5 sq ft) and coops at least 0.2 m2 (2 sq ft) per bird. A poultry building cannot be in the front yard and must be at least 3 m (10 ft) from any lot line. In the Agriculture zone, poultry buildings must be 25 m from all lot lines. - Bees: banned on lots under 600 m2; up to 2 hives on lots of 600 to 929 m2; up to 4 on larger lots. Hives go in the rear yard, 7.5 m from the neighbouring lot line, with the entrance facing away behind a 1.8 m solid fence or hedge. Hives must be registered with the Province. - In the Agriculture, Future Development and Rural Residential zones, lots under 0.4 ha (1 acre) may not keep cows, goats, horses, pigeons or other animals (apart from the hens and bees s. 6.23 allows), and each horse, cow, goat or sheep needs at least 0.2 ha (0.5 acre). - The bylaw sets no other livestock rule for ordinary single detached residential zones. Ask Development Services at 250-720-2835. ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/how-many-pets.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/backyard-chickens.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/backyard-chickens.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-chickens.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-chickens.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/animal-control-and-wildlife) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni RV, boat and trailer parking rules question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # Port Alberni RV, boat and trailer parking rules **Question:** Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard? **Short answer:** Not for storage. In Port Alberni you cannot store a boat or trailer on a street, and no vehicle may stay in one spot on a street more than 96 hours. On your own lot in R, RR and RM zones, one boat up to 9 m and one trailer or RV may be kept outside. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $48 for parking for storing, camping, or parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard ($36 if paid within 14 days; $60 if paid late). Over 96 hours: $40 ($30 early; $50 late). **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 - Email: Bylaw Services, bylaw@portalberni.ca - Phone: Development Services (zoning questions), 250-720-2835 ## Key facts - **On the street:** A vehicle may not be parked on a street for the principal purpose of storing it, and no one may use a street to store a boat or trailer. A vehicle may not stay in one spot on a street more than 96 hours. No parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard. A trailer unhitched from its tow vehicle counts as stored. - Source: [Traffic Regulation Bylaw 2009, No. 4670, consolidated, ss. 4.1(f), 4.1(m), 4.2(d), 9.3(c)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4670_TrafficRegulationBylawConsolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "On a sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard;" … "for the principal purpose of advertising, washing, greasing," … "no vehicle shall be parked on any highway continuously in one location for more than 96 hours" … "No person shall use any street for the purpose of advertising washing," - Source: [RV Parking flyer, Flyer](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/RV-Parking-Flyer.pdf) - Official wording: "(A trailer disconnected from the tow vehicle is considered stored)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **On your property:** In R, RR and RM zones, boats, trailers and RVs may not be parked or stored in the open except: one boat up to 9 m (29.5 ft) and one trailer or RV, in any yard. In the front yard, only one trailer or RV (which may include a boat on a trailer), on a hard or gravelled surface. (Sources differ: The City's RV flyer cites old Zoning Bylaw #4832 and says one boat OR one RV may be in the front setback; current Zoning Bylaw No. 5105 s. 6.9.4 says one trailer or RV (a boat on a trailer included). The bylaw is followed. Zoning defines recreational vehicle to include boats.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.9.1-6.9.4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "shall be parked or stored in the open on property in any R, RR, or RM" … "One boat or vessel not exceeding a length of 9 m (29.5 ft); and" … "One trailer or recreational vehicle." … "is permitted in the front yard only on a hard or gravelled surface" - Source: [RV Parking flyer, Flyer, Zoning Bylaw #4832](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/RV-Parking-Flyer.pdf) - Official wording: "One boat OR one RV may be stored on your property in front, in your setback, on" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Living in an RV:** No. No one may park on a street or highway and use the vehicle for camping (living, sleeping or resting). On a lot, a trailer or RV may be used as a dwelling only on a transitory basis and only in a campground. - Source: [Traffic Regulation Bylaw 2009, No. 4670, consolidated, ss. 1, 4.1(v)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4670_TrafficRegulationBylawConsolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "On any street or highway and use the said vehicle for camping." … "for living accommodations, or for sleeping, resting or camping purposes" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 6.11.2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "A trailer or recreational vehicle may be used as a dwelling only on a transitory basis" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: parking for storing $48, camping $48, parking on sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard $48 ($36 within 14 days; $60 late); over 96 hours $40 ($30; $50 late). On a lot, zoning is ticketed as "Contravene Uses Permitted" $200 ($150 early; $250 late), not clearly for s. 6.9. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-25](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Park for the purpose of storing $48.00 $36.00 $60.00" … "Camping $48.00 $36.00 $60.00" … "Exceed 96 hours $40.00 $30.00 $50.00" … "Park on sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard $48.00 $36.00 $60.00" … "Contravene Uses Permitted $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2009, Bylaw No. 4670 (street rules); Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.9 (on a lot) - Source: [Traffic Regulation Bylaw 2009, No. 4670, consolidated, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4670_TrafficRegulationBylawConsolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2009, Bylaw" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works On streets, the [Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 4670]() says a vehicle may not be parked on a street for the principal purpose of storing it, and no one may use a street to store a boat or trailer. A vehicle may not stay in one spot on a street more than 96 hours. Parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard is not allowed. The City's RV flyer treats a trailer unhitched from its tow vehicle as stored. On your own lot, [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105]() s. 6.9 applies. ## Good to know - On a lot in R, RR and RM zones, boats, trailers and RVs may not be parked or stored in the open except one boat up to 9 m (29.5 ft) and one trailer or RV, in any yard. In the front yard, only one trailer or RV (which may include a boat on a trailer) is allowed, on a hard or gravelled surface. - The City's RV flyer cites the old Zoning Bylaw No. 4832 and says one boat or one RV may be in the front setback. The current zoning bylaw says one trailer or RV, including a boat on a trailer, so confirm with Development Services at 250-720-2835. - Living in a vehicle: no one may park on a street or highway and use the vehicle for camping (living, sleeping or resting). On a lot, a trailer or RV may be used as a dwelling only on a transitory basis and only in a campground. - Bylaw notices under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128]() are $48 for parking for storing, camping, or parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk or boulevard ($36 if paid within 14 days, $60 if paid late), and $40 for over 96 hours ($30 early, $50 late). Zoning breaches on a lot fall under a general item at $200 ($150 early, $250 late); the text read does not say whether it covers storage on a lot. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831. ## Official forms and pages - [Traffic Regulation Bylaw No. 4670, consolidated (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4670_TrafficRegulationBylawConsolidated.pdf) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - [RV Parking flyer (PDF), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/RV-Parking-Flyer.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.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) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Traffic Regulation Bylaw 2009, No. 4670, consolidated (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4670_TrafficRegulationBylawConsolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [RV Parking flyer (PDF), City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/RV-Parking-Flyer.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/zoning) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines" question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/noise-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/noise-rules.json" --- # Port Alberni noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines **Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** Port Alberni has no single set of quiet hours. Under the Noise Control Bylaw, amplified sound heard in a neighbouring home is banned before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m., and building or repair work before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Any noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days; $187.50 if paid late). On court conviction the bylaw sets $1,000 to $10,000. **Where:** - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Bylaw Services complaint form, https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-complaint-form - In person: Public Safety Building, 3075 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2A4 ## Key facts - **General rule:** No person may make, cause or permit any noise in a public or private place that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, s. 3](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "No person shall make or cause, or permit to be made or caused, any noise in or on a public or private place which disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Quiet hours:** No single set of quiet hours. Amplified sound heard inside a neighbouring dwelling is banned before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m.; motorized lawn and yard equipment before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; loading or handling refuse and materials before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. (Sources differ: The City's Bylaw Services page says amplified sound is banned from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m.; the bylaw says 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The bylaw is followed. Consolidation is to Oct. 9, 2012, the latest listed.) - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, s. 4(a), (d), (g)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "before 8:00 AM or after 11:00 PM at a volume that may be heard inside a neighboring dwelling" … "Operate any motorized lawn or yard maintenance equipment before 7:00 AM" … "or otherwise handle any containers products, materials, or refuse before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 PM" - Source: [Bylaw Services Department, Noise](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "From 11:00pm - 9:00am: Amplification of sound, including radios and stereophonic equipment is not permitted." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Construction hours:** Building, repair or demolition work and motorized construction equipment are banned before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. The bylaw sets no separate Sunday or holiday rule. The City Engineer may issue a permit for unavoidable extraordinary noise. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, s. 4(f), s. 6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "or operate any motorized construction equipment before 7:00 AM" … "a permit may be issued by the City Engineer or his or her designate" - Source: [Bylaw Services Department, Noise](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "From 10:00pm - 7:00am: Noise due to construction is not permitted." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other limits:** No decibel limits. Also banned: noisy animals or birds, faulty mufflers, idling over 15 minutes (diesel engines, trucks, buses or low-restriction-muffler vehicles), unmonitored alarms, engine brakes, public address systems, persistent shouting. Exempt: emergency services, government and utility work, permitted events, organized sports, school events. - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, ss. 4-5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "Harbor or keep any animal or bird that persistently squawks, whines, howls," … "Operate or use an engine braking device within the City;" … "Idle or continuously run a diesel engine, truck, bus, or any vehicle with a low" … "Emergency services personnel and equipment engaged in a duty related" … "Usual and reasonable noise or sound associated to an organized sporting" … "Idle or continuously run a diesel engine, truck, bus, or any vehicle with a low restriction muffler for more than 15 minutes in a general area" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, business hours:** Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831, Public Safety Building (3075 3rd Ave), Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Source: [Bylaw Services Department, Contact](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "Call 250-720-2831" … "At present the office hours for the building are Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, after hours:** Not confirmed. No after-hours noise complaint line is stated. - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days; $187.50 if paid late). The Noise Bylaw's own ticket schedule also lists $150. On court conviction the bylaw sets $1,000 to $10,000. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-15](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Causing disturbing noise $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" … "Construction outside permitted hours $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, s. 8(a), Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "a fine of not less than $1000.00" … "and not more than $10,000" … "Cause disturbing noise 3. $150" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718 - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Noise Control Bylaw No. 4718]() prohibits any noise, in a public or private place, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person. It sets no decibel limits and no single quiet-hours window; it bans specific noises at set times. ## Steps 1. Note the date, time, address and what you heard. A noise log form is available from the City. 2. Complain to Bylaw Services online, by phone at 250-720-2831 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or in writing at the Public Safety Building. Your name is required; anonymous complaints are not accepted. 3. For noise outside police hours that needs police attention, the City's page says to call the RCMP at 250-723-2424. No after-hours noise complaint line is stated. ## Good to know - Amplified sound heard inside a neighbouring dwelling: banned before 8 a.m. and after 11 p.m. The City's Bylaw Services page says 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., so confirm with Bylaw Services. - Motorized lawn and yard equipment: banned before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m. - Building, repair or demolition work and motorized construction equipment: banned before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. The bylaw sets no separate Sunday or holiday rule. Loading or handling refuse and materials is banned before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. - The City Engineer may issue a permit for unavoidable extraordinary noise. - Also banned: noisy animals or birds, faulty mufflers, idling over 15 minutes (diesel engines, trucks, buses or low-restriction-muffler vehicles), unmonitored alarms, engine brakes, public address systems and persistent shouting. Exempt: emergency services, government and utility work, permitted events, organized sports and school events. - A bylaw notice is $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 if paid late) under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](); the Noise Bylaw's own ticket schedule also lists $150. ## Official forms and pages - [Noise Control Bylaw 4718, consolidated with 4804 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - [Noise Complaint Log (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Noise%20Log%20%282018%29.pdf) - [Noise Permit (fillable PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/users/tfeltrin/Noise%20Permit_Fillable.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/noise-rules.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/noise-rules.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/noise-rules.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/noise-rules.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/noise-rules.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/noise-rules.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) - [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated with No. 4804 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/noise-rules/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/unsightly-property.json" --- # Port Alberni unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** Report it to Port Alberni's Bylaw Services by online form or by phone at 250-720-2831. Owners and occupiers must not let property become unsightly or unsanitary, for example through rubbish, overgrown grass or weeds, standing water or a derelict vehicle. A bylaw notice is $200. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $200 for Property Maintenance Bylaw offences ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Nuisance Abatement Bylaw: $500 for a nuisance on real property; $175 in a public place. **Where:** - Online: Bylaw Services complaint form, https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-complaint-form - Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831 - In person: Public Safety Building, 3075 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2A4 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - By mail: City Hall, 4850 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V8 ## Key facts - **What counts:** Owners and occupiers must not let property become unsightly or unsanitary through filth, rubbish, standing water, overgrown grass, weeds or trees, or pests. 'Unsightly' also includes graffiti, untidy building materials where no construction is under way, dead or overgrown vegetation, a derelict structure, or a derelict vehicle unless inside a fully enclosed permanent building. - Source: [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, 2008, consolidated to 4705-3, s. 2, s. 3(3)(a)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "allow any real property they own or occupy to become or remain unsightly or" … "hazardous or overgrown grass, weeds, or trees" … "the presence of graffiti or visible storage, accumulation, or location of filth, discarded" … "a derelict vehicle on the property, unless it is inside a fully enclosed permanent" … "the untidy storage of building materials on a site where no construction is taking place" … "a derelict vehicle on the property, unless it is inside a fully enclosed permanent building" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to report:** Use the online Bylaw Services complaint form (preferred), drop a written complaint at the Public Safety Building (3075 3rd Ave), mail City Hall (4850 Argyle St), or call 250-720-2831. Your name is required; anonymous complaints are not accepted. - Source: [Bylaw Services Department, Complaint Process](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "Complete and submit the online form (preferred)" … "Submit a written complaint to the Public Safety Building @ 3075 3rd Ave" … "Call 250-720-2831" … "Anonymous complaints will not be accepted." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What happens next:** The City first seeks voluntary compliance. Under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, if the person fails to comply with a direction from Council, the City may abate the nuisance itself after giving the owner a chance to be heard by Council, and can recover the cost from the person, occupier or owner like a debt or property taxes. - Source: [Bylaw Services Department](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) - Official wording: "The City seeks to obtain voluntary compliance on most issues through education and constructive, respectful dialogue." - Source: [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, 2008, consolidated to 4705-3, ss. 4-5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "failed to comply with a direction from Council to abate the nuisance" … "the owner or occupier must be" … "Section 258 of the Community Charter, in the same manner as property taxes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice, Property Maintenance Bylaw offences (refuse, derelict vehicle, weeds, unsightly growth and so on): $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Nuisance Abatement Bylaw: $500 for a nuisance on real property; $175 in a public place. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedules A-18, A-16](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Accumulate refuse $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "Unsightly growth $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "Cause/permit nuisance on real" … "$500.00 $375.00 $500.00" - Source: [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, 2008, consolidated to 4705-3, Schedule B](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "Cause/permit nuisance on 3(1) & 3(3) $500.00 real property Cause/permit nuisance in 3(2) & 3(3) $175.00 public" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Property Maintenance Bylaw 2009, Bylaw No. 4712, and City of Port Alberni Nuisance Abatement 2008, Bylaw No. 4705 - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Property Maintenance Bylaw 2009, Bylaw No. 4712" - Source: [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, 2008, consolidated to 4705-3, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "City of Port Alberni Nuisance" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City's Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 4712 is the main bylaw on untidy property, but its copy on the City's site has no readable text, so this answer cannot quote it. The [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705]() says owners and occupiers must not let property become unsightly or unsanitary through filth, rubbish, standing water, overgrown grass, weeds or trees, or pests. "Unsightly" also includes graffiti, untidy building materials where no construction is under way, dead or overgrown vegetation, a derelict structure, or a derelict vehicle unless inside a fully enclosed permanent building. ## Steps 1. Note the address and what you see. 2. Use the online Bylaw Services complaint form (preferred), drop a written complaint at the Public Safety Building, mail City Hall, or call 250-720-2831. Your name is required; anonymous complaints are not accepted. 3. The City first seeks voluntary compliance. ## Good to know - Under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, if the person fails to comply with a direction from Council, the City may abate the nuisance itself after giving the owner a chance to be heard by Council, and can recover the cost from the person, occupier or owner like a debt or property taxes. - The Property Maintenance Bylaw's own notice and time-to-comply steps could not be read. The bylaw notice schedule lists accumulating refuse, derelict vehicles, construction material, noxious weeds, unsightly growth, standing water, ground openings, insects, rats, graffiti and depositing refuse. - A bylaw notice for those offences is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days, $250 if paid late) under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). The Nuisance Abatement Bylaw's ticket schedule is $500 for a nuisance on real property and $175 in a public place. ## Official forms and pages - [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, consolidated (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/unsightly-property.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/unsightly-property.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/unsightly-property.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/unsightly-property.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/unsightly-property.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) - [Nuisance Abatement Bylaw No. 4705, 2008, consolidated to 4705-3 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4705_4969_4705-2_4705-3_Nuisance%20Abatement_Consolidated_ao.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire.json" --- # Port Alberni backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** Yes, small campfires are allowed in Port Alberni year-round unless the Fire Chief suspends outdoor burning. A campfire must be no bigger than 0.5 m high and wide and kept 3 m from anything that burns. Burning yard waste and other open burning is prohibited. Check for a suspension first. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** No burning permit or fee found for campfires. Bylaw notice $250 for most breaches; $500 for a fire that escapes, prohibited burning, or burning during a suspension. **Where:** - Phone: Port Alberni Fire Department (non-emergency), 250-724-1351 - In person: Fire Hall, 3699 10th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4W3 ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** Campfires are allowed year-round unless the Fire Chief suspends outdoor burning: a small contained fire no bigger than 0.5 m high and 0.5 m wide, 3 m from grass, shrubs, fences, combustibles and buildings. A competent adult must stay with it, with 8 litres of water or a hose. Dry firewood, branches and stems only; no burn barrels. - Source: [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024, s. 2, s. 16.1(b)-(g)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - Official wording: "not exceeding 0.5 metres in height" … "Campfires are allowed throughout the year" … "open air burning must not take place within 3 metres of any grass, shrubbery, or" … "a competent adult person shall remain in charge at the site of such fire at all times" … "Permissible Campfire fuels include dry firewood, branches and stems" … "including burn barrels" … "the Fire Chief may, at their discretion, suspend any or all outdoor burning" - Source: [Outdoor Burning Regulations](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/outdoor-burning-regulations) - Official wording: "Burning must take place during daylight hours only." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Burning yard waste:** No. Burning yard waste, grass cuttings, leaves, vegetable matter, manufactured material (including lumber), land-clearing debris, construction waste or demolition materials is prohibited. The Fire Chief can authorize burning to reduce hazardous conditions, for fire training or for the good of the City. - Source: [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024, s. 16.1(f), (h), 16.2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - Official wording: "no person shall burn in the open air any manufactured material, including" … "open air burning is prohibited for land clearing debris, wastes from construction, and" … "open air burning is allowed where authorized by the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** None set. The bylaw and the City's pages describe no permit or fee for a campfire. - **Fire bans:** The Fire Chief may suspend any or all outdoor burning for public nuisance or safety, including air quality and fire spread risk; during a suspension no one may carry on open burning in the City. Check the City's Burning Regulations page or call the Fire Department at 250-724-1351. - Source: [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024, s. 16.3](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - Official wording: "the Fire Chief may, at their discretion, suspend any or" … "in such event no person shall carry on open" - Source: [Burning Regulations, Contact](https://www.portalberni.ca/burning-regulations) - Official wording: "Non-Emergency Contact Fire Hall, 3699 10th Avenue Port Alberni BC V9Y 4W3 #### Telephone Direct: 250-724-1351" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Instead of burning:** Yard waste goes in the green organics cart collected weekly (branches up to 2 ft long and 2 in. thick), or can be taken to the Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre (residential branches $10 per load). The City also suggests recycling, shredding or composting. - Source: [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) - Official wording: "Yard waste is accepted too." - Source: [Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026, Schedule A](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) - Official wording: "Organics $115.00 per tonne $5 minimum. $5 per 20L bucket Residential Branches $10.00 per load Controlled Waste Tipping Fee Other Charges Construction/Demolition Waste $185.00 per tonne $15.00 minimum" - Source: [Burning Regulations](https://www.portalberni.ca/burning-regulations) - Official wording: "The best practice is to explore other options such as recycling, shredding or composting." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $250 for most breaches (no authorization, campfire over 0.5 m, location, no competent adult, banned material or appliance; $187.50 early, $312.50 late); $500 for a fire escaping, prohibited burning or burning during a suspension ($375 early; $500 late). The bylaw's own ticket schedule lists the same amounts. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-10](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Outdoor fire without authorization $250.00 $187.50 $312.50" … "Prohibited burning $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" … "Outdoor burning during suspension $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" - Source: [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024, Schedule of fines](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Outdoor fire without authorization 16.1 (a) $250" … "Outdoor burning during suspension 16.3 $500" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024 (s. 16, Outdoor Burning) - Source: [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - Official wording: "Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under s. 16 of the [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122](), campfires are allowed year-round unless the Fire Chief suspends outdoor burning. A campfire must be a small contained fire no bigger than 0.5 m high and 0.5 m wide, 3 m from grass, shrubs, fences, combustibles and buildings. A competent adult must stay with it, with 8 litres of water or a hose at hand. Burn only dry firewood, branches and stems; burn barrels are not allowed. The bylaw and the City's pages describe no permit or fee for a campfire. ## Steps 1. Before you light anything, check the City's Burning Regulations page or call the Fire Department at 250-724-1351 to see whether outdoor burning is suspended. A suspension has been used (one began May 7, 2026), and it covers campfires. 2. If burning is allowed, follow the size, distance and supervision rules above. ## Good to know - Open burning of yard waste, grass cuttings, leaves, vegetable matter, manufactured material (including lumber), land-clearing debris, construction waste or demolition materials is prohibited. The Fire Chief can authorize burning to reduce hazardous conditions, for fire training or for the good of the City. - The Fire Chief may suspend any or all outdoor burning for public nuisance or safety, including air quality and fire spread risk. During a suspension no one may carry on open burning in the City. - The City's web summary also mentions daylight hours for campfires; the bylaw text does not, so confirm with the Fire Department. - Instead of burning, put yard waste in the green organics cart (collected weekly; branches up to 2 ft long and 2 in. thick), or take it to the Alberni Valley Sort'nGo Centre (residential branches $10 per load). - A bylaw notice is $250 for most breaches ($187.50 if paid within 14 days, $312.50 if paid late), or $500 for a fire that escapes, prohibited burning, or burning during a suspension ($375 early, $500 late), under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). The Fire Control Bylaw's own schedule lists the same amounts. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) - [Burning Regulations, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/burning-regulations) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/yard-waste.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/backyard-fire.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/backyard-fire.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-fire.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/backyard-fire.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire Control Bylaw No. 5122, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5122_Fire%20Control%20Bylaw%20No%205122_2024_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Burning Regulations, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/burning-regulations) (read 2026-11-05) - [Outdoor Burning Regulations, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/outdoor-burning-regulations) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Organics, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/organics) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw R1029-10, Alberni Valley Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Amendment, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.acrd.bc.ca/dms/documents/bylaws/landfill-bylaws/r1029-10_av_landfill_tipping_fee.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fireworks.json" --- # Port Alberni fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** No. Port Alberni's Fireworks Regulation Bylaw prohibits holding, storing, selling or setting off consumer fireworks and firecrackers at any time. Display fireworks need a Fireworks Event Permit from the Fire Chief, applied for in writing at least 30 days ahead. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** The City's page lists no permit fee. Bylaw notice $100 for consumer fireworks or firecrackers; $200 for selling fireworks, prohibited fireworks, no permit, or display fireworks contrary to a permit. **Where:** - Phone: Port Alberni Fire Department (non-emergency), 250-724-1351 - In person: Fire Hall, 3699 10th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4W3 - Phone: Chief Fire Prevention Officer, 250-720-2542 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** No. No one may hold, possess, store or discharge consumer fireworks at any time, nor firecrackers. Display fireworks need a Fireworks Event Permit; events must end before 11 p.m. and may not start before 8 a.m. Under-18s may not use any fireworks. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, ss. 3.3-3.5, 4.8](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "No person may hold, possess, store, discharge or otherwise use consumer fireworks at" … "No person may buy, sell, hold, possess, store, discharge, or otherwise use firecrackers." … "No person under the age of eighteen (18) years may hold, possess, store, discharge, or" … "Fireworks Events shall end prior to 11:00 p.m. and may not start prior to 8:00 a.m. on" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Selling fireworks:** No. No person may sell fireworks. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, s. 3.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "No person may sell fireworks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What counts as fireworks:** 'Consumer fireworks' (Class 7.2.1/F.1) include fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles and volcanoes, but not Christmas crackers, sparklers or caps for toy guns. Firecrackers, display fireworks, pyrotechnic special effects and a list of prohibited fireworks are separate categories. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, s. 2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "includes fireworks showers, fountains," … "does not include Christmas crackers, sparklers and caps for toy guns" … "Prohibited Firework" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** Only for display fireworks. Apply in writing to the City at least 30 days ahead; the applicant must hold a current Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Supervisor or Pyrotechnics card, carry the required insurance and have the property owner's written agreement. The Fire Chief issues the permit. The City page lists no fee. - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, s. 4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Every application for a fireworks event permit must be submitted to the municipality at" … "shall hold a current and valid Fireworks" … "shall be issued by the Fire Chief" - Source: [Fireworks, Fireworks Event Permit Fee](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/fireworks) - Official wording: "Fireworks Event Permit Fee | No Cost" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $100 for consumer fireworks or firecrackers ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late); $200 for selling fireworks, prohibited fireworks, no permit or display fireworks contrary to a permit. On court conviction, $100 to $10,000. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-11](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Sell fireworks $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "Buy, hold or discharge consumer" … "Buy, hold, or discharge firecrackers $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" … "Fail to obtain fireworks permit $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, s. 5.4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "of not less than $100.00 and not more than $10,000.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, 2013, No. 4819 - Source: [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013, s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - Official wording: "Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, 2013, No. 4819" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819]() bans anyone from holding, possessing, storing or discharging consumer fireworks at any time, and bans firecrackers and selling fireworks. "Consumer fireworks" include fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles and volcanoes, but not Christmas crackers, sparklers or caps for toy guns. Anyone under 18 may not use any fireworks. ## Steps 1. For a display, apply in writing to the City for a Fireworks Event Permit at least 30 days ahead. The Fire Chief issues the permit. 2. You must hold a current Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Supervisor or Pyrotechnics card, carry the required insurance and have the property owner's written agreement. 3. Events must end before 11 p.m. and may not start before 8 a.m. ## Good to know - The City's page lists no permit fee; ask the Fire Department at 250-724-1351. - A bylaw notice is $100 for consumer fireworks or firecrackers ($75 if paid within 14 days, $125 if paid late) and $200 for selling fireworks, prohibited fireworks, no permit, or display fireworks contrary to a permit, under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). On court conviction the fireworks bylaw sets $100 to $10,000. - Outdoor burning may also be suspended; see the backyard fire answer. - To report fireworks being set off, call Bylaw Services at 250-720-2831; in an emergency call 9-1-1. ## Official forms and pages - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) - [Fireworks, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/fireworks) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire.md) - [Port Alberni bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fireworks.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/fireworks.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/fireworks.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fireworks.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/fireworks.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4819, 2013 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4819_Fireworks%20Regulation_tf.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fireworks, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/fireworks) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Port Alberni, and how do I pay or dispute one?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Port Alberni bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Port Alberni, and how do I pay or dispute one? **Short answer:** Port Alberni issues bylaw notices under its Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, whose Schedule A lists each offence and amount. Pay within 14 days for 25% off; pay after 28 days and a 25% surcharge applies. To dispute, file the form within 14 days. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Amounts vary by offence. Examples: parking contrary to a sign $48; unlicensed dog $100; dog at large $100; noise $150; unsightly property $200; excess garbage $150; outdoor burning during a ban $500; water restriction breach $25. **How long:** Pay within 14 days of receiving the notice for 25% off. Dispute within 14 days of receiving it. **Where:** - Online: Pay online, https://online.portalberni.ca/WebApps/ecom/SelectPayableItem.aspx - In person: Public Safety Building (pay or file a dispute), 3075 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2A4 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - By mail: Mail a cheque or money order to City Hall, 4850 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V8 (Payable to City of Port Alberni; there is also a mail slot at City Hall.) ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** The City uses bylaw notices under its Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, whose Schedule A lists each offence and amount; bylaw enforcement officers and RCMP issue them, animal control officers for animal bylaws. Older bylaws such as the Noise Bylaw also carry their own ticket schedules. No separate Municipal Ticket Information bylaw was found. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), s. 4](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "The bylaw contraventions designated in “Schedule A” may be dealt with by bylaw notice." - Source: [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated, s. 2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) - Official wording: "Enforcement Officer means a person appointed by the Municipal Council as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police" … "This Bylaw is designated, pursuant to section 264 of the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, c.26, as a Bylaw that may be enforced by means of a ticket in the prescribed form" - Source: [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated), s. 43](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Animal Control Officers and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Common fines:** Bylaw notices: parking contrary to a sign $48; unlicensed dog $100; dog at large $100; noise $150; unsightly property (refuse, weeds) $200; excess garbage $150; outdoor burning during a ban $500; water restriction breach $25. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedules A-25, A-2, A-15, A-18, A-24, A-10, A-26](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Park contrary to sign $48.00 $36.00 $60.00" … "Unlicensed dog $100.00 $75.00 $125.00" … "Causing disturbing noise $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" … "Accumulate refuse $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "Excess waste $150.00 $112.50 $187.50" … "Outdoor burning during suspension $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" … "Use of water contrary to water restrictions $25.00 $18.75 $31.25" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying early:** A 25% discount if the City's registry receives payment within 14 days of receiving (or being presumed to have received) the notice. The early amount is printed in Schedule A. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), ss. 5.2, Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "If received by the Registry within 14 days of the person receiving or being" … "include a twenty five percent" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying late:** A 25% surcharge applies if payment is made more than 28 days after receiving or being presumed to receive the notice. Some $500 penalties stay at $500 when late, so check the Schedule A amount. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), s. 5.3, Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "If more than 28 days after the person received or is presumed to have received" … "additional surcharge for late payment on the Penalty Fee" … "Fail to enclose vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Disputing a ticket:** Within 14 days of receiving the notice, complete the dispute form and deliver it in writing to the Registry at the Public Safety Building, 3075 3rd Ave. A Screening Officer reviews it; if upheld you pay or request an adjudication hearing. An unsuccessful adjudication adds a $25 fee. Late disputes are not allowed. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), ss. 6-7](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Request dispute adjudication by completing the form on the reverse side of the" … "no person may dispute the bylaw notice after 14 days of receiving the bylaw notice" … "must pay the City an additional fee of $25" - Source: [Tickets and Fines, Disputing](https://www.portalberni.ca/tickets-and-fines) - Official wording: "In writing at the Public Safety Building (3075 3rd Ave.) using the Bylaw Notice Ticket Dispute Form." … "a Screening Officer will contact you to discuss the alleged violation." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), s. 1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City issues bylaw notices under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128](). Its Schedule A lists each offence and the amount. Bylaw enforcement officers and the RCMP issue them, and animal control officers issue them for animal bylaws. Some older bylaws, such as the Noise Bylaw, also carry their own ticket schedules alongside it. No separate Municipal Ticket Information bylaw was found on the City's bylaw list. ## Steps 1. To pay, use the City's online payment page, mail a cheque or money order to City Hall, drop it in the City Hall mail slot, or pay in person at the Public Safety Building. 2. To dispute, fill in the Bylaw Notice Ticket Dispute Form and deliver it in writing to the Registry at the Public Safety Building within 14 days of receiving the notice. Late disputes are not allowed. 3. A Screening Officer reviews it and decides whether to uphold or cancel the ticket. 4. If upheld, pay the fine or request an adjudication hearing. An unsuccessful adjudication adds a $25 fee. ## Good to know - Early payment: a 25% discount if the City's registry receives payment within 14 days of the date you received (or are presumed to have received) the notice. The early amount is printed in Schedule A. - Late payment: a 25% surcharge applies if payment is made more than 28 days after you received or are presumed to have received the notice. Some $500 penalties stay at $500 when late, so check Schedule A. - Where bylaws also say court fines apply on conviction, the Schedule A amount is only the ticket. - Questions: Bylaw Services, 250-720-2831. ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - [Tickets and Fines, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/tickets-and-fines) - [Bylaw Notice Ticket Dispute Form (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/Dispute%20Form%202025.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.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) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/bylaw-fines.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/bylaw-fines.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/bylaw-fines.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/bylaw-fines.md) - [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Tickets and Fines, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/tickets-and-fines) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [City Bylaws, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/city-bylaws) (read 2026-11-05) - [Noise Control Bylaw 2009, No. 4718, consolidated (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4718_4804NoiseBylaw_Consolidated_jmac.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5126_5126-1_5126-2_Animal%20Control%20and%20Pound%20Bylaw%20No.%205126%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bylaw-services-department) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- title: "Port Alberni business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply" question: "Do I need a business licence in Port Alberni, and how do I get one?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence.json" --- # Port Alberni business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a business licence in Port Alberni, and how do I get one? **Short answer:** Yes. Every business carried on in the City of Port Alberni needs a licence for each business location, including mobile businesses. Email the application to bus_licence@portalberni.ca or take it to Development Services, Upper - 4835 Argyle St. Most businesses pay $132 a year. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** $132 a year for most businesses (Service); financial institutions and pawnbrokers $550; liquor outlets $220; escort services $2,200; cannabis stores $2,500 ($220 renewal). New businesses applying after July 1 may pay half. **How long:** Applications needing inspections usually take 15 to 30 working days. **Where:** - Email: Business Licensing, bus_licence@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 - Phone: Business Licensing, 250-720-2835 ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** Every business carried on in the City needs a licence for each business location, including mobile businesses. The bylaw excludes activities of government, its agencies and government-owned corporations. - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025), ss. 2, 3.1, 3.2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on a business within the City of Port Alberni unless a valid and subsisting licence has been issued for the Business." … "shall obtain a licence under this Bylaw for each business location." … "but does not include an activity carried on by the government, its agencies or government owned corporations." - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "a business Licence is required by every business operating in the City of Port Alberni, whether mobile or stationary." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Annual fee by category (Schedule A): $132 for most businesses (Service); financial institutions and pawnbrokers $550; liquor outlets $220; escort services $2,200; cannabis stores $2,500 ($220 renewal). New businesses applying after July 1 may pay half. - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025), Schedule A, s. 5.3](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "CATEGORY: 1. Service FEE: $132.00" … "CATEGORY: 3. Financial Institutions FEE: $550.00" … "CATEGORY: 7. Cannabis Outlets FEE: $2,500.00" … "the fee may be reduced to one-half the annual fee." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Email the application to bus_licence@portalberni.ca, or deliver or mail it to Development Services, Upper - 4835 Argyle St. Applications needing inspections usually take 15 to 30 working days. Zoning, building and fire compliance is checked; some businesses also need Island Health approval. - Source: [Business Licensing, Applying for a Business License](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/business-licensing) - Official wording: "Email to: bus_licence@portalberni.ca" … "In Person at: Development Services, Upper - 4835 Argyle St." - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "usually takes 15-30 working days to process" … "Most non-approvals are due to building, fire, or zoning non-compliance." - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025), s. 7.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "complied with the requirements of this bylaw, and with the bylaws of the City of Port Alberni regulating building, zoning, health, sanitation and business" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Licences are for the calendar year and expire December 31. Renew and pay before January 31; a 25% penalty is added to unpaid licences at January 31. An invoice is usually sent 4 to 6 weeks before the new year; pay online, in person, by mail or at a financial institution. - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025), ss. 5.2, 6.1, 9.2](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "shall expire on December 31 of each year." … "A penalty of 25% will be added to each unpaid business licence as at January 31st in each year" … "paying the annual fee prior to January 31" - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "Business Licences are automatically renewed upon receipt of your annual payment." … "You would typically receive an invoice 4-6 weeks before the New Year" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Inter-community licence:** Yes. An Inter-Community Business Licence costs an additional $150 a year on top of the regular Port Alberni licence and covers 12 participating municipalities: Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, North Cowichan, Lake Cowichan and Duncan. - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is an additional $150.00 per year." … "allows businesses to conduct business in any of the 12 participating municipalities." … "City of Campbell River" … "Town of Lake Cowichan" … "City of Duncan" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for carrying on business without a licence: $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). The City's fee page shows these amounts per day. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025, Schedule A-6, s. 3.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "3.1 Carry on a business without a licence $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025), ss. 13.3, 13.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "liable upon summary conviction of a fine of not less than $1000.00 and not more than $10,000" … "Each day a person is in contravention of this Bylaw constitutes a separate offence." - Source: [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - Official wording: "You could be subject to a fine of $200 per day." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025, Schedule A-6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf), every business carried on in the City needs a licence for each location, including mobile businesses. The bylaw excludes activities of government, its agencies and government-owned corporations. Annual fees are set by category in Schedule A. Special events cost $220 per day for-profit and $75 per day non-profit. ## Steps 1. Confirm the zoning of your location with Development Services. 2. Email the application to bus_licence@portalberni.ca, or deliver or mail it to Development Services, Upper - 4835 Argyle St. 3. The City checks zoning, building and fire compliance; some businesses also need Island Health approval. Applications needing inspections usually take 15 to 30 working days. 4. Pay the fee. Licences are for the calendar year and expire December 31. ## Good to know - Renew and pay before January 31; a 25% penalty is added to unpaid licences at January 31. An invoice usually arrives 4 to 6 weeks before the new year. Pay online, in person, by mail or at a financial institution. The City's FAQ says payment is due January 1. - An Inter-Community Business Licence costs an additional $150 a year on top of the regular licence and covers 12 participating municipalities: Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, North Cowichan, Lake Cowichan and Duncan. This is from the City's FAQ. - Carrying on business without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). The bylaw also sets a court fine of $1,000 to $10,000. - The City's fee page still shows an older special-event fee ($220 per day, maximum $2,200 per event); the bylaw is followed here. ## What you'll need - Completed Business Licence Application (City form) - Island Health approval, if your business needs it ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licensing page](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/business-licensing) - [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/business-licence.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/business-licence.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licensing, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/content/business-licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licensing FAQ, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated to April 14, 2025)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Port Alberni sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business.json" --- # Port Alberni home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home? **Short answer:** Yes. In Port Alberni a home occupation is allowed in many zones if a permanent resident runs it entirely inside the dwelling, within the limits of section 6.15 of Zoning Bylaw 5105. It needs a City business licence, generally $132 a year. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Alberni, https://www.portalberni.ca) **Cost:** Business licence $132 a year (the general Service category). **How long:** Business licence applications that need inspections usually take 15 to 30 working days. **Where:** - Phone: Business Licensing, 250-720-2835 - Email: Business Licensing, bus_licence@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes. Home occupation is a listed accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R, RM1, RM2, RM3, MH1, TH1, C2, C7 and CD2 to CD5 zones. It must be run by a permanent resident and entirely inside the dwelling unit. In multi-unit residential zones only office space is allowed. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 5.7 to 5.14, 6.15](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "A Home Occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit." … "A Home Occupation must be licenced to and conducted by a permanent" … "In multi-unit residential zones, home occupation as a permitted use is restricted to office space." … "Single detached dwelling Home occupation" … "Community care facility Home occupation" … "Modular home Home occupation" … "6.15.1 A Home Occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit." … "Multiple family dwellings Home occupation" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes. All home occupations must hold a City business licence. Schedule A lists a general Service fee of $132 a year for businesses not in the special categories. - Source: [Home-based business, Home Based Business page](https://www.portalberni.ca/home-based-business) - Official wording: "All Home Occupations must obtain a City of Port Alberni Business Licence." - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated), Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "CATEGORY: 1. Service FEE: $132.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** In R, RR and A zones: up to 40 m², one non-illuminated sign up to 0.2 m², one customer at a time. In RM and MH zones: up to 19 m², no sign, no customers. At most one non-resident employee; no traffic 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.; no outdoor storage; tutoring limited to 8 students. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.15.3, 6.15.6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "the Home Occupation maximum floor area must not exceed 40 m2 (430.6 ft2);" … "One non-illuminated fascia sign, up to 0.2 m2 (2.15 ft2) in area, is permitted;" … "One customer receiving service at any one time on the lot;" … "A maximum floor area not to exceed 19 m2 (204 ft2) per dwelling unit;" … "No signage pertaining to a Home Occupation shall be permitted;" … "No customer service shall be permitted in the residence" … "A maximum of one non-resident employee;" … "Traffic related to the Home Occupation use is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 pm and 8:00 am" … "limited to a maximum of eight (8) students at any one time" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Businesses not allowed:** Manufacturing, welding, vehicle or machinery repair or any other light industrial use. The home may not be used as a warehouse or retail store. No noise, smoke, dust, odour or traffic congestion beyond what is normal for a home. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.15.4, 6.15.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Specifically prohibited activities include manufacturing, welding, vehicle or machinery repair or any other light industrial use." … "The dwelling unit must not be used as a warehouse or retail store." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (section 6.15 Home Occupations) and Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.15](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "residential uses. 6.15 Home Occupations 6.15.1 A Home Occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit." … "Bylaw No. 5105 Bylaw No. 5105" - Source: [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf, Schedule A-6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works [Zoning Bylaw 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) s. 6.15 lists home occupation as an accessory use in the A1, FD, RR, R, RM1, RM2, RM3, MH1, TH1, C2, C7 and CD2 to CD5 zones. It must be run by a permanent resident and entirely inside the dwelling unit. In multi-unit residential zones only office space is allowed. Limits: - R, RR and A zones: up to 40 m², one non-illuminated sign up to 0.2 m², one customer at a time. - RM and MH zones: up to 19 m², no sign, no customers. - At most one non-resident employee; no traffic from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.; no outdoor storage; tutoring limited to 8 students. Not allowed: manufacturing, welding, vehicle or machinery repair or any other light industrial use. The home may not be a warehouse or retail store, and there may be no noise, smoke, dust, odour or traffic congestion beyond what is normal for a home. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone allows it (see the zoning lookup answer). 2. Apply for a City business licence: all home occupations must hold one. 3. Email the application to bus_licence@portalberni.ca or deliver it to Development Services. ## Good to know - The fee is the general Service category, $132 a year; no separate home-occupation fee is listed. - Exceptions apply for Community Care Facility Act uses. - No exterior indication of the business, including storage of materials, is allowed. ## Official forms and pages - [Home-based business, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/home-based-business) - [Business Licensing FAQ](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) - [Port Alberni short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/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) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/home-based-business.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/home-based-business.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/home-based-business.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/home-based-business.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/home-based-business.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Home-based business, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/home-based-business) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licensing FAQ, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/business-licensing-faq) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _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 City of Port Alberni. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Port Alberni short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Port Alberni?" place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/short-term-rental.json" --- # Port Alberni short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Port Alberni? **Short answer:** Only in limited cases. In Port Alberni a short-term rental is allowed as a bed and breakfast in a single detached dwelling lived in by its permanent residents (up to 2 bedrooms), in a legal secondary suite in the R or RR zones, or as a guest house in the C9 zone. A City licence and provincial registration are required. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** No separate B&B fee is listed; the general Service licence category is $132 a year. **Where:** - Phone: Provincial short-term rental line (Service BC), 1-833-828-2240 - Email: Provincial registry, STRregistry@sbc.gov.bc.ca - Phone: City business licensing, 250-720-2835 - Email: City business licensing, bus_licence@portalberni.ca - In person: Development Services, Upper, 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V9 ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Only in a single detached dwelling lived in by its permanent residents (B&B, up to 2 bedrooms), in a legal secondary suite in the R or RR zones, or as a guest house in the C9 zone (up to 8 sleeping units). Provincial rules also apply. - Source: [Bed and Breakfast, Bed and Breakfast page](https://www.portalberni.ca/bed-and-breakfast) - Official wording: "Zoning Bylaw 5105 only allows Short Term Rental (STR) within a permanent resident occupied single-detached dwelling or guest house" … "Short-term rentals are currently permitted in Port Alberni within a single-detached home, legal secondary suite, or a guest house operation." … "Up to two bedrooms may be used as a short-term rental." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.14](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "Bed and breakfast operations shall have a maximum of two (2) bedrooms" - Source: [Short Term Rental FAQ, Short Term Rental FAQ, page 2](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/B%26B%20Short-Term%20Pamphlet%202025_0.pdf) - Official wording: "A single-detached home with a legal secondary suite (R or RR" … "A guest house operation (C9 zoning)." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes. A City Bed & Breakfast Business Licence is required. Schedule A has no separate B&B fee; the general Service category is $132 a year. - Source: [Bed and Breakfast, Bed and Breakfast page](https://www.portalberni.ca/bed-and-breakfast) - Official wording: "Short-term rental owners must obtain a City of Port Alberni Bed & Breakfast Business Licence." - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated), Schedule A](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "CATEGORY: 1. Service FEE: $132.00" … "All businesses except those identified in Categories 2-7 of this schedule." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Provincial registration:** Yes. Short-term rental hosts must register with the Province and pay annual fees; unregistered listings are removed. Port Alberni is on the Province's list of communities where the principal residence requirement applies. - Source: [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia, BC short-term rentals page](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) - Official wording: "Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees." - Source: [Short-term rental registration - Province of British Columbia, Failure to register](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) - Official wording: "Your listings will no longer be advertised," - Source: [B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia, List of communities](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) - Official wording: "Port Alberni Port Coquitlam Port Moody" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Operating rules:** Run by the permanent residents of a single detached dwelling; at most 2 bedrooms with no more than 2 guests per room; breakfast only; one off-street space per bedroom used plus the house's own space. The business licence must be posted. Building and Fire departments inspect first. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.14](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "The operation must be conducted by permanent residents of the dwelling." … "with not more than two (2) guests per room." … "Breakfast shall be the only meal permitted to be served to guests." … "One (1) off-street parking space for each bedroom used for the operation must be provided." - Source: [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated), s. 7.5](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) - Official wording: "shall post and maintain in a conspicuous place on the business premises" - Source: [Bed and Breakfast, Bed and Breakfast page](https://www.portalberni.ca/bed-and-breakfast) - Official wording: "The Building and Fire departments will perform a site visit/inspection of the property" - Source: [Short Term Rental FAQ, Short Term Rental FAQ, page 1](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/B%26B%20Short-Term%20Pamphlet%202025_0.pdf) - Official wording: "One (1) off-street parking space for each bedroom used by the business must be provided plus 1 for each unit in the SFD." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Operating without a business licence: bylaw notice $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). Using land against the Zoning Bylaw permitted uses: $200 ($150 early, $250 late). No fine specific to short-term rentals was found. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025, Schedule A-6, s. 3.1](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "3.1 Carry on a business without a licence $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "3.1 Carry on a business without a licence $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" … "3.5 Contravene Uses Permitted $200.00 $150.00 $250.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (s. 6.14 Bed and Breakfast and Guest House Operations); Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017; and the Province's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024, s. 6.14](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) - Official wording: "6.14 Bed and Breakfast and Guest House Operations" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025, Schedule A-6](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) - Official wording: "Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017" - Source: [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia, BC page](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) - Official wording: "Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Port Alberni's [Zoning Bylaw 5105](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (s. 6.14) allows short-term rental only: - as a bed and breakfast in a single detached dwelling lived in by its permanent residents (up to 2 bedrooms), - in a legal secondary suite in the R or RR zones, or - as a guest house in the C9 zone (up to 8 sleeping units). Unauthorized suites may not be used. Provincial rules also apply: hosts must register with the Province and pay annual fees, and unregistered listings are removed. Port Alberni is on the Province's list of communities where the principal residence requirement applies, which limits rentals to your usual home plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property. ## Steps 1. Confirm your zone and the rules with Development Services (250-720-2835). 2. Building and Fire departments inspect first. 3. Apply for a City Bed & Breakfast Business Licence at bus_licence@portalberni.ca. Post the licence. 4. Register with the Province before you list. ## Good to know - B&B rules: at most 2 bedrooms with no more than 2 guests per room; breakfast only; one off-street space per bedroom used plus the house's own space. Guest house rules differ: up to 8 sleeping units and 16 guests. - The $132 a year is the general Service category; no official page lists a separate B&B fee. - Operating without a business licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 late). Using land against the Zoning Bylaw is the same amount. The business licence bylaw also sets a court fine of $1,000 to $10,000. ## Official forms and pages - [Bed and Breakfast, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bed-and-breakfast) - [Provincial short-term rental registration](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) - [Provincial principal residence requirement](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) ## Related questions - [Port Alberni business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence.md) - [Port Alberni zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning-lookup.md) - [Port Alberni secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/secondary-suite.md) - [Port Alberni home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/home-based-business.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental.md) - [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/short-term-rental.md) - [Cumberland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/short-term-rental.md) - [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/short-term-rental.md) - [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/short-term-rental.md) - [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Bed and Breakfast, City of Port Alberni](https://www.portalberni.ca/bed-and-breakfast) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short Term Rental FAQ (PDF), City of Port Alberni](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/pages/B%26B%20Short-Term%20Pamphlet%202025_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No. 4951, 2017 (PDF, consolidated)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/4951_4951-1_4951-2_4951-3_Business%20Licence%20Regulation%20Bylaw_Consolidated_ao.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (PDF)](https://www.portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/5128%2C%205128-1_Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20No.%205128%2C%202025_Consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short-term rentals, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short-term rental registration - Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) (read 2026-11-05) - [B.C.'s 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 2026-11-05) _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/port-alberni/short-term-rental/_