# Gov Handbook: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Whistler building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/building-permit.md): In Whistler you need a building permit from the Resort Municipality before you build, alter, demolish or move a building or structure, unless the Building Regulation Bylaw exempts the work. Apply in person at the Building Department; emailed applications are not accepted. Many projects need a development permit first.
- [Whistler fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/fence-rules.md): In Whistler the Building Regulation Bylaw does not require a building permit for a fence (except pool fencing), but the Municipality's residential page says fences up to 4 feet need no permit. Zoning limits fences to 1.5 m in front setbacks and 2 m elsewhere in most residential zones.
- [Whistler permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Whistler a shed under 10 m² with no electrical, fuel-burning or plumbing needs no building permit, and neither does a detached deck under 600 mm above ground with no walls or roof. Larger sheds, other decks, garages and carports need a permit.
- [Whistler building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/building-permit-fees.md): From November 1, 2026, a Whistler building permit fee is the Permit Scope Index (PSI) times the total floor area in m². The PSI depends on building type and scope of work. The fee schedule is a scan we could not read, so confirm amounts with the Municipality.
- [Whistler zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/zoning-lookup.md): In Whistler, open the Municipality's Whistler Map, search your civic address and read the zoning at the bottom of the information panel. You can also send a Property Zoning Inquiry for $250 per property, plus $35 for a land title search. Rules are in Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303.
- [Whistler secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/secondary-suite.md): Yes, in many Whistler zones. Where a zone limits a parcel to a detached dwelling, one auxiliary residential dwelling unit is allowed inside the dwelling or in an auxiliary building (carriage house). You need a building permit, and often a development permit first.
- [Whistler tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/tree-removal.md): Usually yes in Whistler, to cut a Significant Tree, a tree within 30 m of a watercourse, or any tree that would leave your lot below its Tree Density Minimum. The bylaw covers trees 15 cm or more across. A permit costs $250 for up to 10 trees, $400 for more.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Whistler garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/garbage-collection.md): Whistler has no curbside pick-up of garbage, recycling or organics. Residents take them to the Function Junction or Nesters depots, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with an attendant. The depots are paid for by a Solid Waste Depot Operations Fee on the property tax notice, $265.03 per unit for a house or duplex in 2026.
- [Whistler yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/yard-waste.md): Whistler has no curbside yard waste pick-up. From April to November, put yard waste in the yard waste bin at the Function Junction or Nesters depots, free of charge. Otherwise, or for large amounts, take it to the Whistler Waste Transfer Station, which charges $43 per tonne unless chipped. Burning yard waste is banned.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Whistler watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/water-restrictions.md): Yes. Whistler's Outdoor Potable Water Usage Bylaw sets three stages: Stage 1 from November 1 to April 30, Stage 2 from May 1 to October 31, and Stage 3 when the General Manager of Infrastructure Services declares it. Check the Municipality's water conservation page for the current stage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Whistler dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/dog-licence.md): In Whistler, dog licences are issued by the Resort Municipality (RMOW). Every dog over 6 months old needs one each calendar year. The fee is $25 for a spayed or neutered dog (with a veterinarian's certificate) and $50 for one that is not.
- [Whistler dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/dog-leash-rules.md): In Whistler, a dog in a public place must be on a leash (2 metres at most) or under the direct care and control of a competent person. Off-leash is allowed only in designated areas: Alpha Lake Park (Arfa Park), Bayly Park, Rainbow Park (Barking Bay) and Lost Lake Park (Canine Cove).
- [Whistler rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/dangerous-dogs.md): Whistler's Animal Responsibility Bylaw has two classes, "aggressive" and "vicious", declared by an animal control officer in writing. Owners must pay an extra licence fee ($100 aggressive, $200 vicious), keep the dog on a short leash, and meet more conditions. Report a dog to Bylaw Services at 604-935-8280.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Whistler](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/how-many-pets.md): In Whistler, you may keep no more than 4 dogs over 8 weeks old and no more than 5 cats over 12 weeks old on any property, and no more than 6 companion animals in total. The fine is $150 by bylaw notice if paid within 14 days, otherwise $250.
- [Whistler backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/backyard-chickens.md): No, not on an ordinary Whistler lot. Chickens, most other birds, goats, horses and other hoofed animals are prohibited animals under the Animal Responsibility Bylaw. The ban does not apply to birds or livestock on land zoned for agricultural use. Whistler has no backyard hen program.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Whistler RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Whistler, no vehicle may stay on a street for more than 72 continuous hours, and a trailer cannot be left on a street or municipal lot unless attached to a vehicle that can tow it. No one may sleep or live in an RV on a street or municipal lot. The bylaws we read set no rule for parking one on your own lot.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Whistler noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/noise-rules.md): Whistler's Noise Regulation Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood at any hour, and specifically bans disturbing noise from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Construction noise is banned from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. on most days. A bylaw notice is $400 if paid within 14 days, otherwise $500. Call 604-935-8280.
- [Whistler unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/unsightly-property.md): In Whistler, report an unsightly property to Bylaw Services at 604-935-8280 or bylawservices@whistler.ca. The Property Maintenance Bylaw covers it, but its text is a scanned PDF we could not read. The bylaw notice is $200 if paid within 14 days, otherwise $250.
- [Whistler backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/backyard-fire.md): In Whistler, a backyard campfire needs a Campfire Permit from Whistler Fire Rescue Service. Other open-air fires are prohibited, and yard waste cannot be burned at any time. Campfires are not allowed when the Fire Danger Rating is high or extreme or a ban is in effect. Email fire@whistler.ca.
- [Whistler fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/fireworks.md): In Whistler, consumer fireworks may be lit only on January 1, October 31, November 1 and December 31, with no permit needed. They are not allowed when the Fire Danger Rating is high or extreme, and not in a park, street or other public outdoor space. High hazard fireworks need a $100 permit.
- [Whistler bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/bylaw-fines.md): Whistler uses two ticket systems. A bylaw notice has a discounted amount if paid within 14 days and a full penalty after that. A municipal ticket carries a set fine. For example, a bylaw notice for a noisy property is $400 if paid within 14 days, otherwise $500.

## Starting and running a business

- [Whistler business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in Whistler needs a Resort Municipality business licence, with a separate licence for each premises and class of business. Apply online. It costs $25 to apply, then $190 a year unless the fee schedule lists another amount.
- [Whistler home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/home-based-business.md): Yes. In Whistler a home occupation is permitted in all zones if the zoning bylaw's conditions are met, and it needs a business licence. Only one non-resident may work in it. Fees are $25 to apply, then $190 a year.

## Housing and renting

- [Whistler short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/short-term-rental.md): In Whistler, only if your property's zoning allows tourist accommodation. You also need a municipal tourist accommodation business licence and provincial short-term rental registration. Residential-zoned homes and employee housing cannot be rented to tourists. Whistler is exempt from the provincial principal-residence rule.

## Zoning

- [All 199 zones in Whistler, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/whistler/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St