# Gov Handbook: Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Vernon building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit.md): Yes, in the City of Vernon you need a building permit to construct, alter, repair, add to, demolish or relocate a building or structure, including renovations and secondary suites. Apply online through the City's portal or on paper at 3001 32 Avenue. Digital PDF plans are required.
- [Vernon fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/fence-rules.md): In the City of Vernon a fence does not need a building permit, but Zoning Bylaw 6000 limits its height. In housing zones a fence can be 1.2 m high at the street setback and up to 2.0 m behind it or along side and rear lot lines. Retaining walls and pool enclosures have their own rules.
- [Vernon permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In the City of Vernon, a shed under 10 m² and a deck within 600 mm of the ground all round need no building permit. A shed of 10 m² or more needs one, and so does a garage or carport. Zoning rules on size and placement apply either way.
- [Vernon building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit-fees.md): A City of Vernon building permit has a non-refundable application fee of $150 (simple building) or $250 (complex), plus a permit fee of $11.50 per $1,000 of permit value up to $500,000, and a refundable security deposit. Fees are set in Fees and Charges Bylaw 3909.
- [Vernon zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/zoning-lookup.md): Look up your lot on the City of Vernon's online interactive map, then read your zone's section in Zoning Bylaw 6000. The bylaw sets what can be built where and how big. For help, email planning@vernon.ca or call 250-550-3634.
- [Vernon secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/secondary-suite.md): Often, depending on your zone and lot. In the City of Vernon, Zoning Bylaw 6000 allows a secondary suite (inside a house) in several zones, and a detached accessory dwelling unit (coach house, garden suite) in some. You need a building permit. Confirm your lot with Planning.
- [Vernon tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/tree-removal.md): Often yes. Under the City of Vernon's Tree Protection Bylaw 4152, you need a permit to damage, destroy or remove a tree with a stem over 8 cm across at 1 m above the ground, unless an exemption applies. The small-lot exemption uses old zone names, so ask the City first.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Vernon garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/garbage-collection.md): The City of Vernon collects garbage every second week and organics every week, on the same weekday. Find your day by searching your address on the City's collection map. Carts go out between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Extra bags need a $2.50 Tag-a-Bag sticker.
- [Vernon yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/yard-waste.md): In the City of Vernon, yard waste goes in the weekly organics cart. The City also runs spring curbside chipping, a fall leaf pick-up and a Christmas tree drop-off, paid from the organics cart charge. Residents can also take yard and garden waste free to the Greater Vernon Landfill.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Vernon watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/water-restrictions.md): Yes. Greater Vernon Water, run by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), sets watering rules for the City of Vernon at all times. A "Normal" stage applies by default, and Stages 1 to 4 are imposed when drought requires. Check rdno.ca/waterrestrictions for the current stage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Vernon dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/dog-licence.md): In the City of Vernon, dog licences are issued by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), not the City. Every dog three months or older needs one. The fee is $25 for one year, with no separate rate for spayed or neutered dogs. Apply or renew online at rdno.docupet.com.
- [Vernon dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/dog-leash-rules.md): In the City of Vernon, a dog off its owner's property must be in a vehicle or on a leash of 2 metres or less held by a person able to restrain it. Dogs may be off leash only in signed dog parks. The rules are in the Regional District of North Okanagan's Dog Control Bylaw.
- [Vernon rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/dangerous-dogs.md): In the City of Vernon, aggressive and dangerous dogs are regulated by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Dog Control Bylaw No. 2881. Such a dog must be in a secure fence or enclosure at home and muzzled on a leash of 1 metre or less in public. Report a dog at 250-541-3647.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Vernon](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/how-many-pets.md): In the City of Vernon, you may keep up to three dogs per lot under the Regional District of North Okanagan's Dog Control Bylaw. The City's Bylaw 5252 limits companion animals such as cats to "three total of any species" per lot, but the wording is unclear, so ask Bylaw Compliance.
- [Vernon backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/backyard-chickens.md): Yes, in the City of Vernon. Under Animal Regulation and Animal Pound Bylaw 5252 you may keep up to four urban hens if you register with the City ($5 per hen per year). Roosters are not allowed on ordinary residential lots. Beehives and other livestock have their own limits.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Vernon RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In the City of Vernon, no vehicle, including an RV or boat trailer, may stay on a street longer than 48 consecutive hours. On a lot in a housing zone, Zoning Bylaw 6000 allows one RV, not over 30 feet long unless it is inside a fully enclosed permanent building.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Vernon noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/noise-rules.md): The City of Vernon's Good Neighbour Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours. It bans noise that disturbs neighbours at any time. Construction noise is not allowed before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and motorized lawn and garden equipment is banned from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Report noise to 250-550-3505.
- [Vernon unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/unsightly-property.md): In the City of Vernon, call Bylaw Compliance at 250-550-3505, use its online form or the VernonConnect app to report rubbish, weeds or an unsightly property. Under the Good Neighbour Bylaw, an officer can order the owner to fix it within 14 days.
- [Vernon backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/backyard-fire.md): In the City of Vernon, campfires and CSA-certified outdoor fireplaces are allowed under the bylaws with size and distance limits. Burning yard waste or other residential waste in the open is not allowed. Check BC Wildfire Service for fire bans before lighting.
- [Vernon fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/fireworks.md): No. Under the City of Vernon's Fire Services Bylaw, no one may store, sell, possess or discharge fireworks in the City unless authorized by a permit. The only permit the bylaw describes is for Display Fireworks, issued by the Director of Fire Rescue Services.
- [Vernon bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/bylaw-fines.md): The City of Vernon uses two ticket systems. Bylaw notices (Bylaw 6048) carry lower fixed amounts, with a lower amount if paid within 14 days. Municipal ticket information (Bylaw 6049) tickets carry higher fines. Dog and water offences are ticketed by the Regional District of North Okanagan.

## Starting and running a business

- [Vernon business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/business-licence.md): Yes. The City of Vernon requires a business licence to carry on a business, with a separate licence for each business and premises. You pay a $100 application fee plus a yearly fee set by floor area, from $115. Apply online or at the Community Services Building.
- [Vernon home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/home-based-business.md): Yes, in the City of Vernon, with a home occupation business licence ($50 application plus $90 a year). You must live there, work inside the home or one accessory building, have no more than two clients on site at once, and use no more than 30% of the floor area, up to 50 m².

## Housing and renting

- [Vernon short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/short-term-rental.md): Yes, in the City of Vernon, with a City business licence. Stays must be under 90 consecutive days and only at your principal residence. The licence is $400 a year plus a $150 application fee, and you must also register with the Province.

## Zoning

- [All 18 zones in Vernon, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St