# Gov Handbook: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Qualicum Beach building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit.md): In Qualicum Beach you need a Town building permit for any new building or structure, additions, alterations, decks, pools, suites, demolition and new accessory buildings over 10 m². Apply in person at Town Hall or by mail. The Town says complete residential applications take three to four weeks.
- [Qualicum Beach fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fence-rules.md): Qualicum Beach's Building Bylaw does not apply to a fence, so no building permit is listed for one. Under the Zoning Bylaw a fence is not a structure if it is under 1.0 m within 5 m of the front lot line and under 2.0 m elsewhere. Pool fences must be at least 1.5 m.
- [Qualicum Beach permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Qualicum Beach you need a building permit for a deck (unless it is uncovered and not more than 0.5 m above grade), a new accessory building such as a shed over 10 m², and a new garage or carport. Zoning limits on size and setbacks apply to every accessory building.
- [Qualicum Beach building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit-fees.md): In Qualicum Beach the building permit fee is $75 for the first $10,000 of construction value, then $10 per $1,000 up to $100,000, $7 per $1,000 up to $500,000 and $5 per $1,000 above that. A plan processing fee of $40, $100 or $300 is paid with the application.
- [Qualicum Beach zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning-lookup.md): In Qualicum Beach, look up your zone on the Town's Public Mapping and GIS web map. The zoning map is also in Schedule 3A of Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, and available at Town Hall. Planning can help at planning@qualicumbeach.com or 250-752-6921.
- [Qualicum Beach secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/secondary-suite.md): Yes. Qualicum Beach's Zoning Bylaw allows an "ancillary dwelling unit", attached or detached, in the R1 and R2 zones and the rural A1 to A4 zones. A building permit is required. In R1 and R2 the limit is 4 dwelling units per parcel in total.
- [Qualicum Beach tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/tree-removal.md): In Qualicum Beach you need a Town permit to cut a "protected tree", which includes any tree 30 cm or more across at breast height. One protected tree per two calendar years on a residential lot with an occupied dwelling is exempt. Fines run $1,500 to $2,500 per municipal ticket.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Qualicum Beach garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection.md): In Qualicum Beach, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) runs curbside collection. Garbage and recycling are collected every two weeks on an alternating cycle, and the food waste cart every week. Put carts out between 5 and 8 a.m. on collection day. Look up your day by address.
- [Qualicum Beach yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/yard-waste.md): In Qualicum Beach, leaves, grass and light trimmings go in the green organics cart, collected weekly by the Regional District of Nanaimo. The Town runs a branch chipping program each spring and fall. Garden waste can also go to the RDN Church Road Transfer Station in Parksville.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Qualicum Beach watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/water-restrictions.md): In Qualicum Beach, from May 15 to September 15 each year, sprinklers may not be used on lawns, gardens or similar landscaping between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Hand watering and drip irrigation are allowed any time. Council can add further limits or a ban during a shortage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Qualicum Beach dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence.md): In Qualicum Beach, every dog over 8 weeks old needs a current-year licence tag from the Town. The fee is $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not. Buy it in person at Town Hall.
- [Qualicum Beach dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-leash-rules.md): In Qualicum Beach, a dog off its owner's property must be on a leash or tether and under a competent person's control, except in designated off-leash areas. Off-leash areas are at Qualicum Beach Community Park and off Garden Road East. A dog at large is a $75 ticket.
- [Qualicum Beach rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dangerous-dogs.md): In Qualicum Beach, the Animal Control Bylaw calls them vicious dogs. Outside the property such a dog must be leashed (two metres at most), muzzled and controlled. At home it must be confined and the entrance signed. Report to Bylaw Enforcement at 250-738-2205.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/how-many-pets.md): In Qualicum Beach, a home can have no more than three dogs and four cats (dogs older than about three months, cats older than about four months). Wild or exotic animals are banned. Too many dogs or cats is a $125 ticket.
- [Qualicum Beach backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens.md): In Qualicum Beach, backyard hens (up to six, chickens and ducks together) are possible only with a Temporary Use Permit, in listed zones, on lots of at least 1,000 m². Roosters are banned. Urban beekeeping is allowed in non-agricultural zones, up to two hives.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Qualicum Beach RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Qualicum Beach, a trailer can be parked on a street only while attached to a vehicle that can tow it, and no vehicle may stay on a street more than 24 continuous hours. Vehicles over 7 metres long may park no more than two hours. No limit on RVs or boats on a residential lot was found.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Qualicum Beach noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/noise-rules.md): In Qualicum Beach, no one may make noise that disturbs the neighbourhood. Amplified sound must not be heard at a neighbour's property from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Construction and power equipment are limited to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays and holidays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $150.
- [Qualicum Beach unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/unsightly-property.md): In Qualicum Beach, report an unsightly property to Bylaw Enforcement at 250-738-2205 or through the Public Inquiry Form. Complaints must be in writing with your name, address and phone. An unsightly property is a $200 ticket; owners get 30 days to comply with an order.
- [Qualicum Beach backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire.md): In Qualicum Beach, an outdoor fireplace (a fire no bigger than 0.5 m across and high) needs no permit from March 15 to November 1. Burning yard waste needs a $45 permit and is limited to larger farm parcels. No fires are allowed during a fire ban. Tickets are $200.
- [Qualicum Beach fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fireworks.md): In Qualicum Beach, fireworks may be set off only on October 31. Firecrackers, including bottle rockets, are banned at all times. Fireworks are not allowed on streets, in parks, on beaches or by anyone under 18. Most offences are a $100 ticket.
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md): Qualicum Beach issues Municipal Ticket Information tickets under Bylaw 626, and each bylaw has its own fine. Examples: $75 for no dog licence, $150 for a noise offence, $200 for an unsightly property or an outdoor burning offence, $100 for most fireworks offences.

## Starting and running a business

- [Qualicum Beach business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone doing business in Qualicum Beach needs a Town business licence, including home-based businesses, contractors from outside the Town, bed and breakfasts and daycares. Most categories cost $110 a year. Apply with payment at Town Hall or by mail.
- [Qualicum Beach home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Qualicum Beach, a home occupation is permitted in the R1 and R2 zones and the rural A1 to A4 zones if a resident runs it, with at most one non-resident employee. You also need a Town business licence. The business licence fee schedule has no home-based category.

## Housing and renting

- [Qualicum Beach short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental.md): Mostly not. Qualicum Beach zoning does not allow short-term rentals (under 30 consecutive days) in residential areas, except licensed Bed and Breakfasts where the owner lives. They are allowed in some resort-condominium zones. A Town licence and Provincial registration are also required.

## Zoning

- [All 51 zones in Qualicum Beach, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St