# Gov Handbook: Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Port Coquitlam building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit.md): In Port Coquitlam you need a City building permit before you build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure, including decks, carports and pools, and for interior renovations, a secondary suite or finishing a basement. Apply online through eApply or on paper to the Building Division at 604-927-5444.
- [Port Coquitlam fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/fence-rules.md): In Port Coquitlam the Zoning Bylaw limits fences to 1.2 m in the front setback area and 2.5 m behind it, and 1 m near corners. Fences are not listed as needing a building permit, but the City does not say so outright; confirm with the Building Division.
- [Port Coquitlam permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Port Coquitlam a building permit is required to build, add to, repair or roof over a deck, and for a detached garage, carport or shed over 100 square feet or considered a hazard. Even a small shed must meet the Zoning Bylaw size, height and setback rules.
- [Port Coquitlam building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit-fees.md): A Port Coquitlam building permit fee depends on the value of construction. Work up to $5,000 costs $120. Above that, Schedule E of the Fees and Charges Bylaw sets 0.8% of the value plus $20, then lower rates over $50,000. The City pages describe 50% due at application; confirm your total with the Building Division.
- [Port Coquitlam zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/zoning-lookup.md): Look up your lot on PoCoMAP, the City of Port Coquitlam's interactive map, to see its zoning, Official Community Plan land use and flood construction levels. Then read that zone's section of Zoning Bylaw 3630 for permitted uses and building rules. Planning staff can confirm at 604-927-5442.
- [Port Coquitlam secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/secondary-suite.md): Yes. In Port Coquitlam, secondary suites are allowed in the RS1 to RS4 zones (the Zoning Bylaw also lists the A zone), and coach houses or laneway homes (accessory dwelling units) on RS1 to RS4 lots without a duplex or triplex. A suite needs a building permit; a coach house needs a development permit first.
- [Port Coquitlam tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal.md): Yes, usually. Port Coquitlam's Tree Bylaw 4108 requires a $100 permit for each tree at least 5 m tall or at least 15 cm across (measured 1.4 m above ground). There is no charge for a tree the City deems hazardous, and you must plant a replacement. Cutting without a permit is a $500 fine.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Port Coquitlam garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/garbage-collection.md): The City of Port Coquitlam collects grey garbage carts every other week, alternating with blue recycling carts, on a day set by your zone (five zones). Green carts are weekly. Only what fits in the cart with the lid closed is collected; the City lists no extra-bag option.
- [Port Coquitlam yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/yard-waste.md): In Port Coquitlam, yard trimmings go loose in the City's green cart, collected weekly all year. Branches must be 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) thick or less and under 40 inches (about 1 m) long. Yard trimmings are not allowed in the garbage cart.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Port Coquitlam watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/water-restrictions.md): Yes. Port Coquitlam's Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 4045 sets watering restrictions each year from May 1 to October 15. Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1; Metro Vancouver can declare stricter Stages 2 to 4. At Stage 1, residential lawns are watered on Saturdays (even addresses) or Sundays (odd).

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Port Coquitlam dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dog-licence.md): Every dog over six months old in Port Coquitlam needs a City licence each year. The fee is $32 for a spayed or neutered dog and $80 for one that is not, if paid by February 1; it rises to $47 and $95 after that. Apply or renew online or at City Hall.
- [Port Coquitlam dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dog-leash-rules.md): In Port Coquitlam a dog must be on a leash off its owner's property unless it is in an off-leash area. The City has six: three fenced dog parks and three off-leash areas. Owners must pick up their dog's waste, and no one may have more than three dogs in an off-leash area.
- [Port Coquitlam rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dangerous-dogs.md): In Port Coquitlam an Animal Control Officer decides whether a dog is aggressive or dangerous. The owner must then follow strict rules on enclosure, leash, muzzle and identification, keep the dog out of off-leash areas, and pay a higher yearly licence fee: $115 for aggressive, $500 for dangerous.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/how-many-pets.md): In Port Coquitlam you may keep no more than three dogs at a dwelling unit on residential property. Four or more dogs on a parcel is a kennel, which needs a kennel licence. The City sets no limit on cats. The bylaw also limits snakes and rodents.
- [Port Coquitlam backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/backyard-chickens.md): Generally no. Port Coquitlam's Animal Control Bylaw bans chickens and other farm animals in residential zones. The A (agriculture) zone is outside that ban, and large RS3 lots are unclear. Bees are allowed in some zones with up to two hives. Confirm your zone with Bylaw Services.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Port Coquitlam RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Port Coquitlam no vehicle may park on a street for more than 48 hours, and trailers over 6 m total length cannot park on most streets. In residential and agricultural zones you may park one boat up to 8 m and one trailer or RV up to 10 m outside a building, but not on a landscaped area.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Port Coquitlam noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/noise-rules.md): Port Coquitlam's Noise Regulation Bylaw 4273 sets no general quiet period. It bans continuous disturbing noise at any hour, and between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. it also bans amplified music or speech audible outside and animal noise audible outside the property. Construction hours are set separately.
- [Port Coquitlam unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/unsightly-property.md): Report it to Port Coquitlam Bylaw Services by online form, email or 604-927-5440. The Property Standards and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 4190 requires owners and occupiers to keep grass and weeds under 15 centimetres and to clear rubbish, derelict vehicles and noxious weeds.
- [Port Coquitlam backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/backyard-fire.md): No. Port Coquitlam's Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw bans open air fires, campfires and wood-burning fire pits in backyards. Only A-1 Agriculture properties can get a $50 burning permit. Approved propane, natural gas, electric or briquette appliances are allowed on private property.
- [Port Coquitlam fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/fireworks.md): Only with a Fireworks Event Permit from the Fire Chief. In Port Coquitlam, setting off fireworks or firecrackers without a permit is banned, and so is selling them. They may only be set off on private property with the owner's consent, never on City property, roads or parks.
- [Port Coquitlam bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/bylaw-fines.md): Port Coquitlam bylaw notices are set in Schedule A of the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814. Common ones are $150 for a dog at large, $250 to $350 for most noise and property upkeep offences, and $500 for an open air fire. Paying within 30 days cuts many by 30%.

## Starting and running a business

- [Port Coquitlam business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/business-licence.md): Yes. Every business in the City of Port Coquitlam, including home-based, temporary and non-resident ones, needs a City business licence, with a separate licence for each premises. Fill in the form for your type of business and email it to the Business Licensing Division. Licences run January 1 to December 31 and are usually issued within four weeks.
- [Port Coquitlam home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Port Coquitlam you can run an accessory home business if you live in the home, it does not change the home's residential character, and it follows the Zoning Bylaw limits. You need a City business licence, $90 a year. Retail, food preparation, medical services and similar uses are not allowed.

## Housing and renting

- [Port Coquitlam short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/short-term-rental.md): Yes, but only in your principal residence, and only in the A and RS zones. In Port Coquitlam you need a City short-term rental business licence and a Provincial registration number. Rentals are under 90 consecutive days, up to two bedrooms and four guests. Provincial registration is $100 a year, or $450 for a separate unit.

## Zoning

- [All 26 zones in Port Coquitlam, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St