# Gov Handbook: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Tofino building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/building-permit.md): In Tofino you need a District building permit for most construction: new buildings, additions, renovations, secondary suites, accessory buildings over 10 m², decks over 600 mm high, retaining walls and demolition. Apply online through the District's permit portal, or by email or on paper at Municipal Hall.
- [Tofino fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/fence-rules.md): In Tofino a fence does not need a building permit, but it must meet the Zoning Bylaw's height limits. In most zones a fence may be 1 m (3.3 feet) high in a front yard and 1.8 m (6 feet) in a side or rear yard. Retaining walls are the exception and need a permit.
- [Tofino permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Tofino a shed or other accessory building under 10 m² needs no building permit, but a larger one does. A deck or raised platform over 600 mm (about 2 feet) high needs a permit, as does any deck at a principal entrance. Zoning limits on size and location still apply.
- [Tofino building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/building-permit-fees.md): In Tofino a building permit costs $9 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) of construction value, with a $120 minimum. A $120 processing fee is due when you apply and is credited to the permit fee if approved. Fees are in Schedule A of the Building Bylaw.
- [Tofino zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/zoning-lookup.md): In Tofino, use the District's interactive GIS Portal, the printable Zoning Map, or the Civic Address Map, all linked from its Maps & Zoning page. Then read your zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 770 for permitted uses and building rules.
- [Tofino secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/secondary-suite.md): In Tofino a secondary suite inside a house is a permitted use in the R1 and R2 residential zones and several others, and needs a building permit. The Zoning Bylaw does not name carriage houses or garden suites. Check your zone first.
- [Tofino tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/tree-removal.md): In Tofino, no general permit for cutting trees on private land was found. The Significant Tree Bylaw protects only three Council-designated trees, and a development permit is needed to remove vegetation or soil in certain development permit areas such as riparian (within 30 m of a stream or wetland) and foreshore.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Tofino garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/garbage-collection.md): In Tofino, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) runs the Sort'nGo curbside service for homes of four or fewer units: organics every week, and garbage and recycling every two weeks. Use the collection schedule tool on the District's garbage page to find your dates.
- [Tofino yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/yard-waste.md): In Tofino, yard waste goes in the green organics cart, collected every week by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) for homes of four or fewer units. Branches may be up to 24 inches long and 2 inches thick. Other yard waste can go to the West Coast Landfill.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Tofino watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/water-restrictions.md): In Tofino, the Water Use and Conservation Bylaw sets three watering stages that start when the District gives notice. Wasting water is banned at all times. Check tofino.ca for the current stage before you water.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Tofino dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/dog-licence.md): In Tofino, every dog over four months old needs a District of Tofino licence and tag. The fee is $15 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $40 for one that is not. Pay at the District Administration Office.
- [Tofino dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/dog-leash-rules.md): In Tofino, a dog must be leashed, tethered or inside a vehicle, and under its owner's control, anywhere in the District. No official page names an off-leash area. Owners must pick up their dog's feces right away.
- [Tofino rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/dangerous-dogs.md): In Tofino, the animal bylaw defines "dangerous" and "vicious" dogs. A vicious dog must be muzzled in public or kept indoors or in a locked enclosure. To report a dog, contact Bylaw Services at 250-725-3229 ext. 706. For immediate danger call 911.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Tofino](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/how-many-pets.md): In Tofino, the animal bylaw sets no flat cap on dogs: an owner of more than two dogs needs a kennel licence ($100 a year). It sets no limit on cats. Other animals are allowed only where the Zoning Bylaw permits.
- [Tofino backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/backyard-chickens.md): In Tofino, no bylaw we read says whether backyard hens or bees are allowed, or sets a limit. If you keep chickens or bees, the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw requires them to be enclosed by electric fencing built to WildSafeBC guidelines. Ask the District about zoning first.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Tofino RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Tofino, a trailer may not be parked on a street, boulevard or parking lot unless it is attached to a motor vehicle, and no vehicle may be used for camping or sleeping on a street. The bylaws we read set no other rule for keeping an RV, boat or trailer on your own lot.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Tofino noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/noise-rules.md): In Tofino, loud, objectionable or unnecessary noise that disturbs the neighbourhood is banned between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Continuous sound that disturbs others is banned at any hour, except construction-type work between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Report noise to Bylaw Services at 250-725-3229 ext. 706.
- [Tofino unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/unsightly-property.md): In Tofino, owners and occupiers must not let their property become unsightly or let rubbish pile up. Report a property with the online Report a Bylaw Violation form (anonymous complaints are not accepted) or call Bylaw Services at 250-725-3229 ext. 706.
- [Tofino backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/backyard-fire.md): In Tofino, campfires and BBQ cooking fires are allowed under the Outdoor Burning Bylaw, with limits, and no burning permit is set. Burning household or yard waste in the open is prohibited. No outdoor fires are allowed during a fire ban, so check current bans first.
- [Tofino fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/fireworks.md): In Tofino, fireworks are banned except that people 18 or older may use consumer fireworks from 5:00 p.m. to midnight on January 1, July 1, July 4, October 31 and December 31. Selling or giving away fireworks is not allowed. Fireworks are not allowed on the beaches.
- [Tofino bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/bylaw-fines.md): Tofino uses two ticket systems. A bylaw notice (Bylaw No. 1107) has set amounts with early and late payment amounts. A municipal ticket (Bylaw No. 1088) is issued under the Community Charter. Common examples are a $200 bylaw notice for noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and $300 for an illegal fire.

## Starting and running a business

- [Tofino business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on business in the District of Tofino needs a licence, with a separate one for each premises and each type of business there. Apply online through the District's business licence portal. Licences run January 1 to December 31.
- [Tofino home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/home-based-business.md): In Tofino you can run a home occupation as an accessory use if the zone allows it and a Permanent Resident lives on the lot. It still needs a business licence. It may use at most 40% of the main dwelling and have at most one non-resident employee.

## Housing and renting

- [Tofino short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/short-term-rental.md): In Tofino, yes with conditions. Short-term rental is allowed only in a caretaker's cottage, single-family dwelling or suite in one, on a lot where a Permanent Resident lives in the other unit. Limit 3 bedrooms and 6 guests. You need a District business licence and the Province's host registration.

## Zoning

- [All 36 zones in Tofino, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St