# Gov Handbook: Princeton, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Princeton building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/building-permit.md): In Princeton, most construction needs a building permit from the Town's Building Department: new buildings, accessory structures over 10 m², renovations, pools and demolitions. Apply in writing on the Town's application form, signed by the owner. For smaller projects the Town's guide says processing usually takes 7 working days.
- [Princeton fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/fence-rules.md): In Princeton, a fence does not need a building permit, but retaining walls do. Zoning limits fence height to 1.2 m (4 ft) in front yard setback areas and 1.8 m (6 ft) in side and rear yard setback areas. Near intersections, nothing may be higher than 1 m within the vision-clearance area.
- [Princeton permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Princeton, a shed, garage or carport over 10 m² needs a building permit. An unroofed residential deck 600 mm (24 in) or less above the ground does not. Zoning limits on size, height and placement still apply.
- [Princeton building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/building-permit-fees.md): A Princeton building permit costs a $195 plan processing fee plus $13.20 for each $1,000 of permit value (rates as at September 1, 2026). The value comes from a per-square-metre table in the Town's fee schedule. Some work also needs a security deposit.
- [Princeton zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/zoning-lookup.md): Use the Town of Princeton's Public Parcel Viewer, an online map run by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, to search by address or legal description. For a PDF zoning map, email planning@princeton.ca. The Zoning Bylaw lists what each zone allows.
- [Princeton secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/secondary-suite.md): Yes, in Princeton. A secondary suite is allowed inside a single detached dwelling or half duplex in the FG, RC, RS1, RS2, RD, RM2 and RM3 zones. A carriage house is allowed in FG, RC, RS1, RS2 and RM2. You need a building permit and the suite must meet the BC Building Code.
- [Princeton tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/tree-removal.md): Princeton has no stand-alone tree bylaw in its posted bylaws. Tree cutting is controlled through development permit areas in the Official Community Plan: removing vegetation in a riparian (streamside) area needs a development permit. Ask Planning whether your lot is affected.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Princeton garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/garbage-collection.md): In Princeton, the Town contracts curbside garbage and recycling for homes and businesses inside town limits. The Town posts a 2026 Curbside Pickup Schedule and a map, but no frequency is stated in text. The limit is two bags or cans of garbage per collection week.
- [Princeton yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/yard-waste.md): In Princeton, no general curbside yard waste collection was found. Take it to the Princeton and District Landfill: compostable waste under 250 kg is free each day. The FireSmart program picks up branches and leaves from the curb by appointment.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Princeton watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/water-restrictions.md): In Princeton, sprinkling regulations apply every year from May 15 to September 30, in four stages set by Council. Stage 1 starts May 15 unless Council declares a stricter stage. Stage 1 limits watering to set days by address and bans it from noon to 6:00 p.m.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Princeton dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/dog-licence.md): In Princeton, every dog over eight weeks old needs a licence each year. The fee is $15 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $40 for one that is not. Buy it at Town Hall, Everything Pets or Cascade Veterinary Clinic.
- [Princeton dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/dog-leash-rules.md): In Princeton, a dog in a public place must be on a leash, chain or tether no longer than 2 m and under the care of a competent person. A dog at large is an offence. The Town does not name any off-leash areas.
- [Princeton rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/dangerous-dogs.md): In Princeton, the Animal Control Bylaw covers "vicious dogs". A vicious dog must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 2 m in public, and securely confined at home. The licence is $375 a year, and the ticket for a breach is $500.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Princeton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/how-many-pets.md): In Princeton, you may keep no more than two dogs over eight weeks old on a property, unless you hold a business licence as a veterinarian, animal breeder, animal shelter or animal clinic. The bylaw sets no limit on cats.
- [Princeton backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/backyard-chickens.md): In Princeton, backyard hens are allowed in the RC (Country Residential) zone, up to four, with no roosters. They are not listed as a permitted use in the other residential zones. Schedule H lists a $15 annual poultry charge.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Princeton RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Princeton, no general limit on keeping an RV, boat or trailer on a residential lot was found. Camper parking on Town land can be ticketed $500 under the Property Maintenance Bylaw. For street parking limits, check the Traffic and Highways Regulation Bylaw with the Town.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Princeton unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/unsightly-property.md): In Princeton, the Property Maintenance Bylaw bars unsightly property, such as rubbish, derelict vehicles and grass or weeds over 30 cm. Report it with the Town's online complaint form or to Bylaw Services at 778-720-6114 or 250-295-3135. A ticket is $200 or more.
- [Princeton backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/backyard-fire.md): In Princeton, a backyard campfire for warmth or cooking is allowed if it follows the rules in Fire Bylaw 997: a pit no bigger than 0.5 m by 0.5 m, 5 m clear of buildings and trees, and attended. Burning yard waste is not allowed. Check for a fire ban first.
- [Princeton bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/bylaw-fines.md): Princeton has no single ticket bylaw; each bylaw carries its own fine schedule. Examples: unlicensed dog $75, dog at large $100, unsightly property $200 ($100 if paid within 30 days), burning prohibited materials $125.

## Starting and running a business

- [Princeton business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/business-licence.md): Princeton businesses get a licence from the Town. The resident or non-resident licence is $90 a year (September 1, 2026 rate). Complete the Business Licence Application and email it to spalmar@princeton.ca, or drop it off at the Annex, 231 Bridge Street.
- [Princeton home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/home-based-business.md): Yes, in Princeton, if your zone allows it. Major home occupations are permitted in the RC, RS1, RD, RM2 and C1 zones; minor ones in RS2, RSM, RD, RM2 and RM3. The Town's business licence form has a Home Based option; the basic fee is $90 a year.

## Housing and renting

- [Princeton short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/short-term-rental.md): Princeton's Zoning Bylaw has no short-term rental use. It does allow a bed and breakfast in a single detached dwelling in the FG, RC and RS1 zones. Hosts in communities under 10,000 people, including Princeton, must still register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry.

## Zoning

- [All 20 zones in Princeton, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St