# Gov Handbook: White Rock, British Columbia, Canada

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

## Building, renovating and your property

- [White Rock building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit.md): In the City of White Rock you need a building permit before you build, repair, alter or change the use of a building or structure. To apply, book an intake appointment with a Building Official at Planning and Development Services by calling 604-541-2149. Fences need no building permit.
- [White Rock fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/fence-rules.md): In the City of White Rock a fence does not need a building permit, because the Building Bylaw's definition of "structure" excludes fences. The Zoning Bylaw limits a fence to 2.0 m (6.56 ft) high, and to 1.0 m (3.28 ft) within 4.5 m of an exterior lot corner.
- [White Rock permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In the City of White Rock a deck, shed, garage or carport may need a building permit, and the City's two guides differ on small sheds. One says sheds over 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m²); the other lists every new accessory building. Call the Building Department at 604-541-2149 before you build.
- [White Rock building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit-fees.md): In the City of White Rock a building permit has a non-refundable application fee ($227 for an addition or alteration to a home, $840 for a new single-family or small-scale multi-unit home) plus a permit fee based on construction value, starting at $234. The 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 sets them.
- [White Rock zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/zoning-lookup.md): The City of White Rock shows zoning on its online mapping system (WROMS) and on nine PDF zone map sheets. Find your zone, then read that zone's rules in Zoning Bylaw 2506. Planning and Development Services can confirm at 604-541-2136 or planning@whiterockcity.ca.
- [White Rock secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/secondary-suite.md): Yes, in the City of White Rock's small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) zones. One registered secondary suite per lot is allowed inside the house, up to 90 m² and two bedrooms, with one extra parking space. A detached suite (coach house or garden suite) is allowed only where the zone specifically permits it.
- [White Rock tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal.md): Usually yes. In the City of White Rock you need a Tree Management Permit to cut or remove a protected tree on any private land: a trunk 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground), or any Arbutus, Garry Oak or Pacific Dogwood of any size. A tree permit is also needed with any building or demolition permit.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [White Rock garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/garbage-collection.md): The City of White Rock collects garbage every second week, but only from properties zoned One, Two or Three Unit Residential. You supply your own bin (up to 110 litres and 22 kg, two per unit) and set it out by 7 a.m. Find your day on the City's Service Zone map and calendar.
- [White Rock yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/yard-waste.md): In White Rock, yard trimmings are organics. The City collects them weekly in the Green Can (up to two) plus up to eight kraft paper bags, and the bylaw also allows tied bundles of twigs and small branches. Only properties zoned One, Two or Three Unit Residential are served. Extra goes to depots in Surrey.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [White Rock watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/water-restrictions.md): Yes. The City of White Rock applies watering restrictions each year from May 1 to October 15, starting with Stage 1 on May 1. In Stage 1, residential lawns may be watered one day a week: even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered on Sundays. Check the Water Conservation page for the current stage.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [White Rock dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/dog-licence.md): Every dog over four months old in White Rock needs a City of White Rock licence each calendar year. Apply or renew online with Dogs eApply or at City Hall. The fee is $25 for a spayed or neutered dog and $40 for one that is not.
- [White Rock dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/dog-leash-rules.md): In White Rock a dog in a public place must be on a leash and under a competent person's control. The leash may be up to 3 metres. The City's only off-leash area is the fenced dog park in Ruth Johnson Park, 14600 North Bluff Road. Dogs are not allowed on the pier.
- [White Rock rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/dangerous-dogs.md): In White Rock, the City can classify a dog as aggressive after an incident under its Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw. The owner must confine it, keep it leashed and muzzled in public, and pay a $200 yearly licence. A dog deemed dangerous cannot be kept in the city.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in White Rock](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/how-many-pets.md): White Rock's Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw allows no more than three dogs on any property, and no kennels. It sets no limit on cats. Exotic animals, livestock and poultry are banned.
- [White Rock backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/backyard-chickens.md): No. White Rock's Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw bans livestock, poultry (including hens, roosters, ducks and geese) and aviaries on any property. Bees are allowed under a 1992 bylaw, but only on lots zoned RS1 or RS4, which the 2024 Zoning Bylaw no longer uses.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [White Rock RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In White Rock, no vehicle may stay on a street over 72 hours, and a motor home or other accommodation vehicle needs a City Engineer permit to stay longer. An unattached trailer may not be parked on a street. On your own lot, an RV, boat or trailer over 7.7 m long must be hidden from the street.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [White Rock noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/noise-rules.md): White Rock's Noise Control Bylaw is a scanned image the City publishes without readable text, so we could not confirm its rules. The City's 2026 Good Neighbour Guide gives construction hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Confirm all noise rules with the City.
- [White Rock unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/unsightly-property.md): In White Rock, submit a Request for Service online, email bylaw@whiterockcity.ca or call Bylaw Enforcement at 604-541-2146. Under the Unsightly Premises and Graffiti Abatement Bylaw, a ticket for most unsightly conditions is $250, and $2,000 for a nuisance property.
- [White Rock backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/backyard-fire.md): No. White Rock bans open-air fires of any kind, including wood campfires and fire pits. The only exception is an approved portable appliance fuelled by propane, natural gas or charcoal. Burning yard waste or household waste is never allowed. The ticket is $150.
- [White Rock fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/fireworks.md): No, not for residents. In White Rock only a certified Fireworks Supervisor holding a permit from the Fire Chief may set off fireworks, for special events or festivals. Selling fireworks is banned. The ticket for setting them off without a permit is $100.
- [White Rock bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/bylaw-fines.md): White Rock enforces its bylaws with municipal tickets under its Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw 1929; it does not use bylaw notices. A first ticket is $150 for a dog at large, $200 for disturbing noise, $250 for unsightly property and $300 for an unlicensed dog. Repeat offences cost more.

## Starting and running a business

- [White Rock business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the City of White Rock needs a valid City business licence: any activity for gain or profit, including professional or personal services, registered not-for-profits and residential rentals. Apply online through the MyWhiteRock portal; the licence is emailed once approved.
- [White Rock home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/home-based-business.md): Yes. In White Rock an accessory home occupation is permitted in all zones that allow a residential use, if it meets the Zoning Bylaw's section 5.3 conditions and has a City business licence. It must be fully inside the home, use no more than 40% of the floor area, and sell no goods from the dwelling.

## Housing and renting

- [White Rock short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/short-term-rental.md): In White Rock a short-term rental (90 days or less) is allowed only from a registered secondary suite that meets the Building Code, run by the owner or an immediate family member who lives full-time in the home. It needs a City business licence and registration with the Province.

## Zoning

- [All 21 zones in White Rock, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St