# Gov Handbook: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada > 20 answers about local government in Vancouver. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/llms-full.txt ## Building, renovating and your property - [Vancouver building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/building-permit.md): Use Vancouver’s building permit application process for construction or a change of land use or occupancy. Check the requirements before submitting. You can track the application and make payments through the City’s permit service. - [Vancouver fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/fence-rules.md): In Vancouver, a fence in a required front yard in an R or C-1 district may be up to 1.2 m. The general required-yard limit is 1.9 m. A boundary retaining wall can lower the permitted height. Ask Planning about an over-height proposal. - [Vancouver permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): Vancouver lists building or altering a garage, shed or deck among work that generally needs a permit. Give the Development and Building Services Centre your plans to confirm the approvals before you start. - [Vancouver building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/building-permit-fees.md): Under Vancouver’s standard 2026 building fee schedule, the first $5,000 of estimated construction costs $217 in permit fees. Additional amounts are charged in bands. Some project types have separate fees or exemptions. - [Vancouver zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/zoning-lookup.md): Find your Vancouver property on the City’s Digital Zoning Map and note its district. Check the corresponding zoning rules before designing a project. The map is a snapshot, so confirm recent changes with the City. - [Vancouver secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/secondary-suite.md): Apply to Vancouver to create a new suite or legalize one built without permits. A secondary suite has its own kitchen, living area and external access. The City’s guide explains how to submit the application package. - [Vancouver tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/tree-removal.md): In Vancouver, get a permit before removing a private tree at least 20 centimetres in diameter, measured 1.4 metres above ground. Smaller trees may be protected if they are replacement trees or part of a development landscape plan. ## Garbage, recycling and waste - [Vancouver garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/garbage-collection.md): Enter your Vancouver address on the City’s waste collection schedule. You can print a property-specific calendar and sign up for reminders by phone, email or the VanCollect app. - [Vancouver yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/yard-waste.md): Vancouver accepts excess yard waste for composting at the transfer station or landfill for a fee. Check the receiving facility’s size limits and charges before taking branches, roots or stumps. ## Water, sewer, roads and snow - [Vancouver watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/water-restrictions.md): Vancouver has seasonal watering restrictions under Metro Vancouver’s plan. Check the current stage for lawn sprinkling. Hoses used for watering or washing require an automatic shut-off device year-round. ## Pets, animals and wildlife - [Vancouver dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dog-licence.md): In Vancouver, dogs over three months old, including service dogs, must be licensed annually. The standard fee is $68 per dog. Qualifying service dogs can be licensed free. Apply through the City’s dog licensing page. - [Vancouver dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dog-leash-rules.md): In Vancouver, keep your dog leashed in public except in designated off-leash areas. Even there, the dog must remain under control and have a valid licence. - [Vancouver rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dangerous-dogs.md): Vancouver’s animal bylaw covers dogs that show unprovoked aggression or bite. It includes hostile pursuit of a person or domestic animal. The bylaw sets muzzling and private-property confinement rules for aggressive dogs. - [Vancouver backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/backyard-chickens.md): Vancouver allows up to four hens per lot. They must be at least four months old. Roosters are prohibited. Register the hens and renew the free permit each year. ## Bylaws, noise and complaints - [Vancouver noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/noise-rules.md): On private property in Vancouver, noisy construction normally runs 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Sundays and holidays require an exception permit. City streets, lanes and boulevards have different hours. - [Vancouver backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/backyard-fire.md): Vancouver prohibits wood-burning appliances such as fire pits and chimineas on both public and private property. The City’s outdoor fire page describes the separate permit process for open burning. - [Vancouver fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/fireworks.md): Personal fireworks are prohibited in Vancouver. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services reiterated the prohibition in its October 2026 guidance. - [Vancouver bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/bylaw-fines.md): For a Vancouver bylaw notice, pay or request dispute adjudication within 14 days of receipt or presumed receipt. Follow the instructions printed on the notice. The bylaw describes when mailed notices and notices left on vehicles count as received. ## Starting and running a business - [Vancouver business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/business-licence.md): Vancouver requires businesses to hold a licence. Start on the City’s application page, choose your business type and follow its specific steps. If you apply online, you can track progress through your account. ## Housing and renting - [Vancouver short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/short-term-rental.md): Vancouver requires a short-term rental licence for stays under 90 consecutive days in your principal residence. Each person can hold one licence. Get any required landlord or strata approval and show the licence number in every online listing. ## Zoning - [All 69 zones in Vancouver, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/zoning/index.json) - Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St