# Gov Handbook: Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Sechelt building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/building-permit.md): In Sechelt you need a District building permit before new construction, additions, alterations, decks, pools, demolitions, structural repair and most accessory buildings. Fences and some small structures are exempt. Apply online through Cloudpermit; the District says a permit can take 2 to 6 weeks.
- [Sechelt fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/fence-rules.md): In Sechelt a fence does not need a building permit, but the Zoning Bylaw limits height: 1.2 m within a front yard setback and 2.0 m elsewhere. Pool fences must be at least 1.5 m high.
- [Sechelt permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Sechelt a deck needs a building permit unless it is free-standing and under 0.6 m (2 ft) above the ground at every point. A shed under 10 m² (107 sq. ft.) may not need one. Garages and carports are not named, so confirm with the Building Department.
- [Sechelt building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/building-permit-fees.md): In Sechelt a building permit fee is based on the value of the work, starting at $210 for work up to $1,000. A non-refundable application fee is paid when you apply and credited to the permit fee. Rates are in Schedule F of the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
- [Sechelt zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/zoning-lookup.md): To find your zoning in Sechelt, enter your address in the District's online Sechelt Explorer map and zoom in until the zoning labels show. The rules are in Zoning Bylaw 580. Call Planning at 604-740-8459 with questions.
- [Sechelt secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/secondary-suite.md): Sechelt permits secondary suites in all residential and rural zones, though not automatically on every property. Zoning allows one suite per dwelling unit in a single-detached or two-unit dwelling. Detached units such as carriage houses are allowed in some zones. A building permit is required.
- [Sechelt tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal.md): In Sechelt you need a District permit to cut a Protected Tree (60 cm diameter or larger, nesting, covenant or marked to be retained) on lots of 1.0 ha or more, near creeks or the ocean, and any tree on slopes over 30%. The fee is $50 per tree for the first three.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Sechelt garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/garbage-collection.md): In Sechelt, garbage is picked up biweekly and yard waste weekly, with recycling in the alternate weeks. Find your day on the District's Waste Wizard, Sechelt Citizen App or collection schedule. Put bins out no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on collection day. The annual charge is $303.
- [Sechelt yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/yard-waste.md): In Sechelt, yard waste goes out weekly in paper yard waste bags, up to three bags of 20 kg each, set out by 8 a.m. Extra can be taken to Salish Soils, 5646 Schetxwen Rd, which the District says is free. The Sechelt Landfill does not accept yard waste.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Sechelt watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/water-restrictions.md): In Sechelt, water comes from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), which sets the restrictions. Stage 1 applies every year from May 1 to September 30, and SCRD can change the stage at any time up to Stage 4, a complete outdoor ban. Check SCRD for the current stage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Sechelt dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/dog-licence.md): In Sechelt, dogs must be licensed with the District each year, and the tag worn on the collar. The fee is $25 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for one that is not. Owners 65 or older pay $10 and $30. Apply online or at Municipal Hall.
- [Sechelt dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/dog-leash-rules.md): In Sechelt, a dog must be on a leash whenever it is off the owner's property, and a dog running free can be impounded. Owners must clean up after their dog. The District lists off-leash dog parks, including Jane Bowers Dog Park.
- [Sechelt rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/dangerous-dogs.md): In Sechelt, a dog deemed dangerous is not allowed in the District and must be removed humanely. Report a dangerous dog right away to Bylaw Enforcement (604-885-1986 ext. 2) or the RCMP. Aggressive and nuisance dogs carry higher licence fees of $450 and $250.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/how-many-pets.md): In Sechelt, keeping more than 3 dogs is an offence under the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw. No limit on cats was found. Urban hens and rabbits together are capped by lot size, from 6 on lots under 2,000 m² to unlimited over 1 hectare.
- [Sechelt backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/backyard-chickens.md): Yes. In Sechelt, hens and rabbits together are allowed in residential zones other than RM1 and RM2: up to 6 on lots under 2,000 m², 12 on lots over 2,000 m² up to 1 hectare, and unlimited over 1 hectare. No District permit or fee is mentioned.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Sechelt RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Sechelt, an RV may not park on a street for more than eight hours, and unattached boat, utility or recreational trailers may not park on a street at all. Living in an RV is not allowed unless a zone permits it. Parking on your own lot is not clearly set out.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Sechelt noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/noise-rules.md): In Sechelt, noise that unreasonably disturbs others is not allowed at any time. Sleep-disturbing noise is barred before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and before 9 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. Construction noise has its own hours.
- [Sechelt unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/unsightly-property.md): In Sechelt, owners and tenants must not let their property become unsightly, unsanitary or hazardous, for example with accumulated garbage, noxious weeds or graffiti. Report a problem through the District's online complaint form or Bylaw Enforcement. Bylaw notices run from $100 to $450.
- [Sechelt backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/backyard-fire.md): In Sechelt, campfires are allowed if they burn only clean, dry wood, are no more than 1 m wide and 1 m high, and are in a fire pit or approved incinerator tended by someone 18 or older. Burning yard waste, garbage and construction waste is prohibited. No campfire permit is mentioned.
- [Sechelt fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/fireworks.md): No. In Sechelt, setting off fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited, except a public display approved by the Fire Chief. Selling or giving fireworks is also prohibited. A bylaw notice is $300, and a municipal ticket is $250.
- [Sechelt bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/bylaw-fines.md): Sechelt uses two ticket systems. Most bylaw offences get a bylaw notice with one set penalty, which you pay or dispute within 14 days. A few, such as fireworks, can also get a municipal ticket, which is disputed in Provincial Court. There is no early-payment discount.

## Starting and running a business

- [Sechelt business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the District of Sechelt needs a valid District business licence for each business. A regular licence is $150 a year. Apply with the online application form; staff review it and contact you to pay.
- [Sechelt home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Sechelt a home business is a permitted accessory use in any dwelling unit if it follows the Zoning Bylaw conditions, and it needs a business licence ($150 a year). It may use no more than 30% of the floor area or 90 m², whichever is less.

## Housing and renting

- [Sechelt short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/short-term-rental.md): In Sechelt you can rent short-term only if you live on the property during guest stays and hold a District business licence. Type 1 covers up to three bedrooms in your home ($500 a year); Type 2 covers a self-contained suite ($900 a year). A one-time $200 application fee applies.

## Zoning

- [All 27 zones in Sechelt, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St