# Gov Handbook: full text of all answers for Williams Lake --- title: "Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply" question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.json" --- # Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, most construction needs a City building permit: new buildings, additions, structural renovations, suites, sheds of 10 square metres or more, and decks over 600 mm above the ground. Fences, low patios and routine maintenance do not. Email the application to building@williamslake.ca or bring it to City Hall. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Based on the estimated value of the work; see the building permit fees answer. **How long:** The City does not state a processing time. A permit is valid for two years from issue. **Where:** - Email: Building Inspection, building@williamslake.ca - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Building Inspection, 250-392-8488 - Phone: Inspection bookings (City page), 250-392-1765 (The bylaw requires requests online or in writing.) ## Key facts - **Needed for:** Most construction: new homes and buildings, detached accessory buildings of 10 m² (100 sq ft) or more, decks more than 600 mm (2 ft) above grade, additions and structural renovations, secondary suites, enclosing a carport, porch or sundeck, retaining walls over 1.2 m (4 ft), relocations, demolitions, new plumbing and sprinkler systems. (Sources differ: City page says accessory buildings 'over 10 m²'; the bylaw exempts those 'less than 10 m²' (so exactly 10 m² needs a permit). Value follows the bylaw. Retaining walls over 1.2 m are in Part 11 of the Building Bylaw.) - Source: [Building Inspection, Do I Need a Building Permit?](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Detached accessory buildings over 10 metres squared (100 square feet)" … "Decks more than 600 millimetres (two feet) above grade" … "Secondary suites and finishing previously unfinished spaces" … "Enclosing a carport, porch or sundeck" … "Retaining walls over 1.2 metres (four feet) high" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 5.1, s. 3.3(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "A permit is required if work regulated under this bylaw is to be undertaken." … "an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not needed for:** Fences (except retaining walls); accessory buildings under 10 m²; patios 600 mm (2 ft) or less above grade; trellises, arbours, soil-retaining walls under 1.22 m high, and signs on single-family residential parcels; landscaping and planters; painting and routine maintenance. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 3.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "except as set out in Part 11 [Retaining Walls] of this bylaw, a fence;" … "an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;" … "a trellis, an arbour, a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.22 metres in" … "height, or a sign on a parcel zoned for single-family residential" - Source: [Building Inspection, A Permit is Not Required For](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Patios 600 millimetres (two feet) or less above grade" … "Painting, decorating and routine maintenance" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Submit the Building Permit Application with the supporting documents, by email to building@williamslake.ca or in person at City Hall (450 Mart Street). - Source: [Building Inspection, Apply for a Building Permit](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "By email: building@williamslake.ca" … "In person: City Hall" … "along with the supporting documents identified in the applicable checklist" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What to submit:** Building Permit Application Form (with Site Contamination Declaration), Letter of Authorization (if an agent acts for the owner), Owner's Undertaking, Land Title Authorization Form, Confirmation of Professional Liability, Construction Fire Safety Plan, plus the documents on the applicable checklist. - Source: [Building Inspection, Required Forms & Supporting Documents](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Building Permit Application Form (including Site Contamination Declaration)" … "Letter of Authorization (required if an agent is to represent the owner through the building permit process)" … "Land Title Authorization Form" … "Confirmation of Professional Liability" … "Construction Fire Safety Plan" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The published pages do not say how long a permit takes. - **Inspections:** Request inspections online or in writing, for example by email to building@williamslake.ca (the City page also lists 250-392-1765). Bylaw requires at least 48 hours' notice for simple buildings; the City page asks for 48 business hours. (Sources differ: Web page says 48 business hours; bylaw says 48 hours (complex buildings: 48 hours' online or written notice, s. 10.35). Value follows the bylaw. Fire inspections: 250-392-4321, firedepartment@williamslake.ca.) - Source: [Building Inspection, Inspections](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "To schedule an inspection:" … "Phone: 250-392-1765" … "Email: building@williamslake.ca" … "Please provide a minimum of 48 business hours" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 10.31](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "must give at least 48 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection" … "owner or the owner’s agent has requested the inspection online or in writing" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake: 250-392-8488, building@williamslake.ca (City Hall, 450 Mart Street). - Source: [Adding a Residence, Building Inspection](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) - Official wording: "For questions related to building permits, construction requirements or compliance with the BC Building Code, contact:" … "Phone: 250-392-8488" … "Email: building@williamslake.ca" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Williams Lake issues building permits under [Building Bylaw 2274](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376). Check your zoning first, because zoning rules still apply to work that needs no building permit. **A permit is needed for:** new homes and buildings, detached accessory buildings of 10 m² (100 sq ft) or more, decks more than 600 mm (2 ft) above grade, additions and structural renovations, secondary suites, enclosing a carport, porch or sundeck, retaining walls over 1.2 m (4 ft), relocations, demolitions, and new plumbing and sprinkler systems. **No permit is needed for:** fences (except retaining walls), accessory buildings under 10 m², patios 600 mm or less above grade, trellises, arbours, soil-retaining walls under 1.22 m high and signs on single-family residential parcels, landscaping and planters, and painting and routine maintenance. ## Steps 1. Check your lot's zoning (see the zoning lookup answer). 2. Fill in the Building Permit Application and the other forms on the Building Inspection page. 3. Email it to building@williamslake.ca or bring it to City Hall. 4. Pay the fee and security deposit (see the fees answer). 5. Request each inspection online or in writing, for example by email to building@williamslake.ca. The bylaw asks for at least 48 hours' notice for simple buildings. ## Good to know - The City's page says accessory buildings "over" 10 m² need a permit; the bylaw says those "less than" 10 m² do not. Follow the bylaw, and confirm with Building Inspection if your shed is close to 10 m². - Gas and electrical permits come from Technical Safety BC, not the City. - The City page asks for 48 business hours' notice for inspections; the bylaw says 48 hours. Allow the longer time. - Not sure? Call Building Inspection at 250-392-8488. ## What you'll need - Completed Building Permit Application (includes the Site Contamination Declaration) - Owner's Undertaking - Land Title Authorization Form - Confirmation of Professional Liability - Construction Fire Safety Plan - Letter of Authorization, only if an agent acts for the owner ## Official forms and pages - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - [Building Permit Application Form](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7139/Building-Permit-Application-Form-fill) - [Building Bylaw 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit-fees.md) - [Williams Lake permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) - [Williams Lake secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/secondary-suite.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/building-permit.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/building-permit.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/building-permit.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/building-permit.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/building-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) (read 2026-11-05) - [Adding a Residence, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake fence rules: permits and height limits" question: "Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fence-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fence-rules.json" --- # Williams Lake fence rules: permits and height limits **Question:** Do I need a permit to build a fence, and how high can it be? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake a fence does not need a building permit, but the zoning bylaw limits height. On residential lots it is 1.2 metres (4 feet) in the front or exterior side yard and 2.5 metres (8 feet) in the rear or interior side yard. Retaining walls over 1.2 metres do need a permit. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** No permit fee for a fence. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-392-1765 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@williamslake.ca - Email: Building Inspection, building@williamslake.ca ## Key facts - **Permit:** No building permit is needed for a fence. Retaining walls over 1.2 m (4 ft) high do need a building permit. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 3.3(a)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "except as set out in Part 11 [Retaining Walls] of this bylaw, a fence;" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.1.8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Retaining walls exceeding 1.2m (4ft) in Height must be designed and reviewed" … "by a registered professional engineer and require the issuance of building permit." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Height, front yard:** Front or exterior side yard: residential 1.2 m (4 ft); mixed-use, institutional, park and community use 1.2 m (4 ft); industrial 2.5 m (8 ft). Commercial row reads '1.2m (6ft)', which is inconsistent; ask the City. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Front or Exterior" … "Residential 1.2m (4ft) 2.5m (8ft)" … "Mixed-use, 1.2m (4ft) 2m (6ft)" … "Industrial 2.5m (8ft) 2.5m (8ft)" … "Commercial 1.2m (6ft) 2m (6ft)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Height, side and rear yards:** Rear or interior side yard: residential 2.5 m (8 ft); commercial 2 m (6 ft); industrial 2.5 m (8 ft); mixed-use, institutional, park and community use 2 m (6 ft). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Rear or Int. Side Yard" … "Residential 1.2m (4ft) 2.5m (8ft)" … "Mixed-use, 1.2m (4ft) 2m (6ft)" … "Commercial 1.2m (6ft) 2m (6ft)" … "Industrial 2.5m (8ft) 2.5m (8ft)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Corner lots and sightlines:** On corner parcels, fences must meet the sight triangle: nothing over 1.2 m (4 ft) within the corner visibility triangle, which extends at least 6 m along each parcel line from the corner. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3.3, 3.9.1, 3.9.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "In all zones, fences constructed on corner parcels must conform to the sight" … "No hedge, planting, tree, fence, signs, or other structures shall be erected," … "to a height greater than" … "1.2m (4ft)." … "extending a minimum" … "of 6m boundary along the parcel lines" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other rules:** No barbed, razor or electric wire or similar deterrents in residential, commercial, institutional, community services or park fences. No setback needed. Fence plus retaining wall cannot exceed fence height limit. Residential retaining walls 1.2 m (4 ft) maximum. Pool fencing follows Building Bylaw No. 2274. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3.3, 6.3.4, 6.1.9, 6.1.11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Fences are not subject to required setbacks and may" … "be built to front, side and rear lot lines." … "must not include barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire, ultra-" … "The combined height of a fence and retaining wall shall not exceed maximum" … "may not exceed a height of 1.2m (4ft)" … "Fencing around swimming pools shall be in accordance with City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274, as amended or replaced from time to time." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3 (fencing) and s. 3.9 (sight triangle) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 6.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "a required garbage and recycling room or enclosure. 6.3 FENCING 6.3.1 The maximum fence height is as follows:" … "ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT TABLE List of Amendments to the City of WILLIAMS LAKE ZONING BYLAW NO. 2430, 2025 BYLAW CIVIC ADRESS TYPE /SECTIONS PURPOSE DATE OF" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, title](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "City of Williams Lake | December 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Williams Lake does not require a building permit for a fence, but a retaining wall over 1.2 m (4 ft) does need one ([Building Bylaw 2274](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376), s. 3.3). A fence must still meet [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601), s. 6.3. No setback is needed. Maximum fence heights: - **Front or exterior side yard:** residential 1.2 m (4 ft); mixed-use, institutional, park and community use 1.2 m (4 ft); industrial 2.5 m (8 ft). - **Rear or interior side yard:** residential 2.5 m (8 ft); commercial 2 m (6 ft); industrial 2.5 m (8 ft); mixed-use, institutional, park and community use 2 m (6 ft). ## Steps 1. Confirm your property line before you build (see the property lines answer). 2. Check your zone's height limit above. If you are not sure of your zone, ask Development Services (250-392-1765). 3. If you plan a retaining wall or a pool fence, ask Building Inspection (250-392-8488). ## Good to know - The table's commercial row reads "1.2m (6ft)", which contradicts itself. For a commercial lot, confirm the front-yard limit with the City. - On a corner lot, nothing over 1.2 m (4 ft) may stand within the corner visibility triangle, which extends at least 6 m along each parcel line from the corner. - No barbed, razor or electric wire or similar deterrents in residential, commercial, institutional, community services or park fences. - A fence on top of a retaining wall cannot exceed the fence height limit combined. Residential retaining walls are limited to 1.2 m (4 ft). - Pool fencing follows the Building Bylaw. The zoning bylaw's figure for measuring height is not readable in the text, so ask the City how it measures. - A bylaw notice for a fence over the zoning limit is $100 ($75 if paid early, $150 if late). ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning Bylaw 2430, 2025 (PDF), section 6.3 Fencing](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.md) - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fence-rules.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/fence-rules.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/fence-rules.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/fence-rules.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/fence-rules.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/fence-rules.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/fence-rules.md) ## Sources - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) (read 2026-11-05) - [Adding a Residence, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fence-rules/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages question: "Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit.json" --- # Williams Lake permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages **Question:** Do I need a permit for a deck, shed, carport, or garage? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake you need a City building permit for a detached shed, garage or carport of 10 square metres (100 square feet) or more, and for a deck more than 600 mm (2 feet) above the ground. Enclosing a carport, porch or sundeck also needs one. A patio at or below 600 mm does not. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Based on the value of the work; see the building permit fees answer. Accessory buildings over 25 square metres also pay a $150 security deposit. **Where:** - Email: Building Inspection, building@williamslake.ca - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Building Inspection, 250-392-8488 ## Key facts - **Sheds:** A shed or other detached accessory building needs a building permit at 10 m² (100 sq ft) floor area or more. Under 10 m² it does not, but zoning rules still apply. (Sources differ: City page says 'over 10 m²'; bylaw exempts 'less than 10 m²'. Value follows the bylaw. Accessory buildings over 25 m² also carry a $150 security deposit (Building Bylaw s. 10.8).) - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 3.3(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;" - Source: [Building Inspection, A Permit is Required For](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Detached accessory buildings over 10 metres squared (100 square feet)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Decks:** A deck needs a building permit when it is more than 600 mm (2 ft) above grade. A patio 600 mm or less above grade does not. - Source: [Building Inspection, Do I Need a Building Permit?](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Decks more than 600 millimetres (two feet) above grade" … "Patios 600 millimetres (two feet) or less above grade" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Garages and carports:** A detached garage or carport is an accessory building (the zoning definition of garage includes a carport), so a permit is needed at 10 m² or more. Enclosing a carport needs a permit. An attached garage counts as part of the house. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 2.4.1, s. 3.3.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Examples include covered decks, sunrooms, gazebos, sheds, detached" … "Accessory buildings attached to the principal Building shall be considered part of the principal building." … "GARAGE means an accessory building, portion of a principal building, designed and used primarily for the storage of vehicles and includes a carport." - Source: [Building Inspection, A Permit is Required For](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Enclosing a carport, porch or sundeck" … "New homes and buildings" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning limits:** In R-1 (small-scale residential): accessory buildings may cover 10% of the lot, be 6 m high (1.5 storeys), sit 1.5 m from side and rear lines and 4 m from the front, and be 1.2 m from other buildings. R-3 allows 15% coverage. Other zones differ. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 4A.2, 4C.2, 3.3.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "4A SMALL-SCALE RESIDENTIAL" … "Coverage 50% 10%" … "Maximum Height (m) 11 6" … "Storey 3 1.5" … "Side-Int 1.5 1.5" … "Front 4 4" … "Back 1.5 1.5" … "Minimum Building Separation (m) 2.5 1.2" … "Coverage 40% 15%" … "Accessory buildings and structures are permitted in all zones and shall comply" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019; City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274," - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, title](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "City of Williams Lake | December 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Williams Lake requires a building permit under [Building Bylaw 2274](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) for: - **Sheds and other detached accessory buildings** of 10 m² (100 sq ft) floor area or more. Under 10 m² no building permit is needed, but zoning rules still apply. - **Decks** more than 600 mm (2 ft) above grade. A patio 600 mm or less above grade does not need one. - **Garages and carports.** The zoning definition of garage includes a carport. A detached garage or carport is an accessory building, so a permit is needed at 10 m² or more. Enclosing a carport needs a permit. An attached garage counts as part of the house. ## Steps 1. Check the size and setback rules for your zone in [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601). 2. Apply to Building Inspection by email or at City Hall (see the building permit answer). 3. Request inspections online or in writing. ## Good to know - The City's page says buildings "over" 10 m² need a permit; the bylaw exempts those "less than" 10 m². Follow the bylaw, so exactly 10 m² needs a permit. Confirm with Building Inspection if you are close. - In the R-1 zone (small-scale residential), accessory buildings may cover 10% of the lot, be 6 m high (1.5 storeys), sit 1.5 m from side and rear lines and 4 m from the front, and be 1.2 m from other buildings. R-3 allows 15% coverage. Other zones differ. - The zoning bylaw counts covered decks as accessory buildings. - A bylaw notice for breaking the accessory building rules is $200 ($150 if paid early, $250 if late). - The 600 mm deck threshold is on the City's page but not in the bylaw's exemption list, so confirm for a low deck. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - [Building Permit Application Form](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7139/Building-Permit-Application-Form-fill) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.md) - [Williams Lake building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit-fees.md) - [Williams Lake fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fence-rules.md) - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Deck and shed permit thresholds in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/deck-shed-garage-permit.md) ## Sources - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/deck-shed-garage-permit/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake building permit fees question: "How much does a building permit cost?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit-fees/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit-fees.json" --- # Williams Lake building permit fees **Question:** How much does a building permit cost? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake a building permit costs $80 for work valued up to $1,000, then $80 plus $7 per $1,000 from $1,000 to $10,000, then $6 per $1,000 above $10,000. You also pay a security deposit of $150 to $2,500 when you apply, depending on the project. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** $80 up to $1,000 of value; $80 plus $7 per $1,000 from $1,000 to $10,000; then $6 per $1,000 above $10,000. Plumbing $10 a fixture ($80 minimum). Security deposit $150 to $2,500. **Where:** - Email: Building Inspection, building@williamslake.ca - Phone: Building Inspection, 250-392-8488 - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **Lowest fee:** $80 for work valued up to $1,000. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B, Schedule B, s. 1(a)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "thereof, Building Permit fees shall be based on the estimated value as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction as follows: a) Estimated Value of Construction Fee Up to $1,000.00 $80.00 (One Dollar to One Thousand Dollars) b) $1,000.00 - $10,000.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How the fee is worked out:** Based on the estimated value of construction. $1,000 to $10,000: $80 plus $7 per $1,000. Over $10,000 (up to $10 million): that amount plus $6 per $1,000 above $10,000. Over $10 million: $2.50 per $1,000 above that. Fee is doubled (to a maximum of $10,000) if work starts before the permit. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B, Schedule B, s. 1; s. 10.17](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "Building Permit fees shall be based on the estimated value as determined by the Authority" … "$80.00 plus $7.00 per" … "$6.00 per $1,000.00 value" … "Thereafter $2.50 per" … "is doubled for every permit application if" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Application or plan review fee:** No separate application fee is stated. A security deposit is paid when applying: $150 (house garage/parking structure, pool, or accessory building over 25 m²); $300 (house addition, alteration, renovation or demolition); $1,000 (new house or simple building); $2,500 (complex building). - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B, s. 10.8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "An applicant for a building permit must pay to the City, at the time of the" … "swimming pool or an accessory building greater than" … "25 square metres: $150.00;" … "for a single family dwelling addition, alteration, renovation, demolition:" … "for a new single family dwelling or simple building: $1,000.00; and" … "for a complex building: $2500.00." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees:** Plumbing: $10 per fixture, minimum $80. Sprinkler: $2 per head, minimum $80. Moving permit: $500. Re-inspection: $100 plus GST. Permit renewal: $150 (building), $75 (plumbing). Permit fees double if work starts before the permit. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B, Schedule B, s. 3 to 6, 9](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "For each fixture" … "For each sprinkler head" … "The Moving Permit fee shall be five hundred dollars" … "there shall be a Reinspection fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) plus GST." … "there shall be a renewal fee of $150.00." … "renewal fee of $75.00." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to pay:** The building permit fee is paid to the City before the permit is issued; the security deposit is paid when the application is made. - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B, s. 10.7, s. 10.8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "Before receiving a building permit for a building or structure, the owner must first" … "the building permit fee prescribed in Schedule B; and" … "An applicant for a building permit must pay to the City, at the time of the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019, Schedule B – Fees - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "Schedule B – Fees" … "The fees to be charged for the issuance of a Permit under this Bylaw shall be in conformance with the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Williams Lake sets building permit fees in Schedule B of [Building Bylaw 2274](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376). The fee is based on the estimated value of the construction, which is the City's estimate, not the owner's. - Work valued up to $1,000: $80. - $1,000 to $10,000: $80 plus $7 per $1,000. - Over $10,000 (up to $10 million): that amount plus $6 per $1,000 above $10,000. - Over $10 million: $2.50 per $1,000 above that. The fee is doubled (to a maximum of $10,000) if work starts before the permit is issued. ## Steps 1. Send your application to building@williamslake.ca or bring it to City Hall. 2. Pay the security deposit when you apply. 3. Pay the permit fee before the permit is issued. ## Good to know - No separate application fee is stated. The security deposit is $150 (house garage or parking structure, pool, or accessory building over 25 m²), $300 (house addition, alteration, renovation or demolition), $1,000 (new house or simple building) or $2,500 (complex building). It covers damage to public works or lands and is returned on request when inspections are complete. It is not credited to the permit fee. - Other fees: plumbing $10 per fixture ($80 minimum); sprinklers $2 per head ($80 minimum); moving permit $500; re-inspection $100 plus GST; permit renewal $150 (building) or $75 (plumbing). - Schedule B wording on the $7 rate is ambiguous, so ask Building Inspection for a quote on your project. - Fees are not refundable once construction has started. ## Official forms and pages - [Building Bylaw 2274, 2019, Schedule B Fees (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit-fees.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/building-permit-fees.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/building-permit-fees.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/building-permit-fees.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/building-permit-fees.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/building-permit-fees.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/building-permit-fees.md) ## Sources - [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), Schedule B](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit-fees/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows" question: "How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.json" --- # Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows **Question:** How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, look up your parcel on the City's interactive CityMap or the PDF zoning map, then read your zone in Zoning Bylaw 2430. For anything the map does not answer, contact Development Services at 250-392-1765 or development@williamslake.ca. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** The City does not state a fee for a zoning question. **How long:** The City's page does not state a response time. **Where:** - Online: CityMap (turn on layers, then Land Use/Planning, then Zoning and OCP), https://portal.williamslake.ca/portal - Email: Development Services (Planning), development@williamslake.ca (The Property Information page gives developmentservices@williamslake.ca for the same form. Both are City addresses.) - Phone: Development Services (Planning), 250-392-1765 - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **How to find your zone:** Use the City's CityMap app (portal.williamslake.ca/portal): select the layers icon, turn on layers, choose Land Use/Planning, then Zoning & OCP. A Zoning Map PDF is also linked from the Zoning & Development page. - Source: [Property Information, Interactive City Map](https://www.williamslake.ca/1053/Property-Information) - Official wording: "Explore the CityMap App to determine the current zoning for any property in City Limits." … "ArcGIS Portal Link: https://portal.williamslake.ca/portal" - Source: [Zoning and Development, What is Zoning?](https://www.williamslake.ca/1055/Zoning-Development) - Official wording: "To use the Zoning Map below, click the link, turn on layers (bottom right), click on Land Use/Planning and click on Zoning & OCP." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Zoning bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, document dated December 2025; adopted January 13, 2026. The amendment table in the copy read is empty. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, cover, adoption](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "City of Williams Lake | December 2025" … "RECONSIDERED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th DAY OF January , 2026" … "BYLAW CIVIC ADRESS TYPE /SECTIONS PURPOSE DATE OF" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What the zone controls:** Each property has a zone setting permitted uses and rules such as building size, setbacks, density and siting. Part 4 sets out 19 zones (R-1 to P-2), each with permitted uses and building provisions: units, coverage, height, storeys, floor area ratio, setbacks, minimum lot size and width. - Source: [Zoning and Development, What is Zoning?](https://www.williamslake.ca/1055/Zoning-Development) - Official wording: "identifies permitted uses and establishes regulations such as building size, setbacks, density and siting requirements." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 4.1.2, 4A.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "SECTION ZONE TITLE ZONE" … "Maximum Height (m)" … "Minimum Lot Size (m²)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Contact:** Planning Department (Development Services): 250-392-1765, development@williamslake.ca. Property questions can be sent on the Property Information Inquiry Form. - Source: [Zoning and Development, Pre-Application Meetings](https://www.williamslake.ca/1055/Zoning-Development) - Official wording: "contact the Planning Department at 250-392-1765 or development@williamslake.ca" … "complete and submit a property information request to development@williamslake.ca." - Source: [Property Information, Questions About a Property?](https://www.williamslake.ca/1053/Property-Information) - Official wording: "Forms can be downloaded and emailed to developmentservices@williamslake.ca." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "City of Williams Lake | December 2025" … "ZONING BYLAW" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Every property in Williams Lake has a zone that sets permitted uses and rules such as building size, setbacks, density and siting. The City's [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (document dated December 2025, adopted January 13, 2026) replaces Zoning Bylaw 1825, 2002. Part 4 sets out 19 zones (R-1 to P-2), each with permitted uses and building rules: units, coverage, height, storeys, floor area ratio, setbacks, minimum lot size and width. ## Steps 1. Open CityMap (portal.williamslake.ca/portal), select the layers icon, turn on layers, choose Land Use/Planning, then Zoning & OCP. A Zoning Map PDF is also linked from the Zoning & Development page. 2. Read your zone's section in Part 4 of the bylaw. 3. For anything the map does not answer, email the Property Information Inquiry Form to Development Services, or call 250-392-1765. ## Good to know - The City's pages list two email addresses for the form (development@williamslake.ca and developmentservices@williamslake.ca). Both are City addresses. - Other bylaws may still refer to the old Zoning Bylaw 1825. Use Bylaw 2430. - Zoning is only part of it. Official Community Plan development permit areas can also apply to a property. ## Zones 19 zones are listed from [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (December 2025)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601). Each zone has its own page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning/index.json ## What you'll need - Property address ## Official forms and pages - [Zoning and Development page](https://www.williamslake.ca/1055/Zoning-Development) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - [Zoning Map (PDF)](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7114/251010_WLOCP_ZoningMap) - [Property Information Inquiry Form (PDF)](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7075/Property-Information-Form-v1) ## The same question elsewhere - [Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/zoning-lookup.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/zoning-lookup.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/zoning-lookup.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/zoning-lookup.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/zoning-lookup.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/zoning-lookup.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/zoning-lookup.md) ## Sources - [Zoning and Development, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1055/Zoning-Development) (read 2026-11-05) - [Property Information, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1053/Property-Information) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake secondary suite and carriage house rules question: "Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/secondary-suite/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/secondary-suite.json" --- # Williams Lake secondary suite and carriage house rules **Question:** Can I add a secondary suite or a carriage house? **Short answer:** Yes, in most residential zones. Williams Lake's zoning bylaw permits accessory dwelling units (secondary suites, in-law suites, laneway and carriage homes) in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RR-1 and MU-1. You also need a City building permit. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Building permit fees depend on the value of the work. Each extra unit pays additional water and sewer fees. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services (zoning), 250-392-1765 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@williamslake.ca - Phone: Building Inspection (permits and Building Code), 250-392-8488 - Email: Building Inspection, building@williamslake.ca ## Key facts - **Secondary suite allowed:** Yes. Accessory dwelling units (which include secondary suites and in-law suites) are permitted uses in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RR-1 and MU-1, subject to s. 3.4. Up to four dwelling units are allowed on eligible serviced residential lots without rezoning. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 2.4.1, s. 3.4, Part 4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY means a self-contained dwelling unit that detached" … "suites, in-law suites, laneway homes, and carriage homes." … "4A SMALL-SCALE RESIDENTIAL" … "Dwelling Units, Accessory (a)" … "4H NEIGHBOURHOOD MIXED-USE" - Source: [Infill Development](https://www.williamslake.ca/1057/Infill-Development) - Official wording: "the City has amended its Zoning Bylaw to allow up to four dwelling units on eligible serviced residential properties without requiring a rezoning application." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Coach house or garden suite allowed:** Yes. The zoning definition of an accessory dwelling unit covers units detached from or combined within a building, with examples including laneway homes and carriage homes. Permitted in the same zones as secondary suites (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RR-1, MU-1). - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 2.4.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY means a self-contained dwelling unit that detached" … "or combined within a building on the same parcel" … "suites, in-law suites, laneway homes, and carriage homes." - Source: [Infill Development](https://www.williamslake.ca/1057/Infill-Development) - Official wording: "Detached accessory dwelling units (carriage houses)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** Each unit needs a separate exterior entrance, one cooking facility, bedroom(s) and bathroom(s), a lit 1.2 m path and civic address signage. Units per lot: R-1, R-3, R-4 up to 4; R-2 up to 5 (5+ separate); RR-1 up to 3. Extra water and sewer fees per unit. No size or owner-occupancy rule found. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 3.4.1 to 3.4.5, 4A.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Accessory dwelling units must have separate entrances from the exterior of the" … "a single cooking facility, one or more bedrooms and one or more" … "Accessory dwelling units shall provide a well-lit 1.2m (3.9ft) wide access path" … "Each dwelling unit shall have a clearly identifiable civic addressing signage" … "Additional water and sewer utility fees will be charged for each dwelling unit in" … "Units 1-4" … "Minimum Lot Size (m²) 560" … "Units 1-3 & Structures Coverage 35% 15%" … "Units 1-5 5+ & Structures Coverage 55% 55% 10%" … "Units 1-4 & Structures Coverage 50% 10%" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Parking:** 1 off-street parking space per accessory dwelling unit. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 3.4.4, 5.4.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Off-street parking shall be required in accordance with Part 5 of this bylaw." … "Accessory Dwelling Units 1 space/DU" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permits:** A building permit is required for a secondary suite. A development permit is required first if the property is in an OCP development permit area. Contact Development Services about zoning and servicing; a business licence may be needed for certain rental housing arrangements. - Source: [Building Inspection, A Permit is Required For](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Secondary suites and finishing previously unfinished spaces" - Source: [Adding a Residence](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) - Official wording: "Planning staff can help you understand zoning requirements, servicing requirements and the approvals that may be needed." … "Property owners may also be required to obtain a business license for certain rental housing arrangements." - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 10.1(a)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "the owner must apply for and obtain a development permit if the building or structure is in an area designated by the City’s Official Community Plan as a development permit area;" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (s. 3.4, s. 5.4.1, Part 4); City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, s. 3.4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "3.4 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw No. 2274," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Williams Lake's [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) permits accessory dwelling units, which include secondary suites, in-law suites, laneway homes and carriage homes, in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RR-1 and MU-1, subject to s. 3.4. Detached units are covered too, but must still meet accessory building rules for size, height and setbacks unless the zone sets other standards. Up to four dwelling units are allowed on eligible serviced residential lots without rezoning. R-5, commercial and industrial zones do not list accessory dwelling units. A building permit is required for a secondary suite. If the property is in an Official Community Plan development permit area, a development permit is needed first. ## Steps 1. Confirm your lot's zone and servicing with Development Services (250-392-1765). 2. Check whether the property is in an Official Community Plan development permit area. 3. Apply for a building permit (see the building permit answer). 4. Ask whether your arrangement needs a business licence. ## Good to know - Each unit needs a separate exterior entrance, one cooking facility, bedroom(s) and bathroom(s), a lit 1.2 m path and civic address signage. - Units allowed per lot: up to 4 in R-1, R-3 and R-4; up to 5 in R-2; up to 3 in RR-1. - Parking: 1 off-street space per accessory dwelling unit. - Each unit pays extra water and sewer fees. - The bylaw sets no maximum suite size and no owner-occupancy rule that we found. Ask Development Services if you need certainty. - The Province requires four units on serviced parcels over 280 m² (see the City's Infill Development page). ## Official forms and pages - [Adding a Residence, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) - [Infill Development, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1057/Infill-Development) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430, 2025 (PDF), section 3.4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.md) - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) - [Williams Lake business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Secondary suite and carriage house rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/secondary-suite.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/secondary-suite.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/secondary-suite.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/secondary-suite.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/secondary-suite.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/secondary-suite.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/secondary-suite.md) ## Sources - [Adding a Residence, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) (read 2026-11-05) - [Infill Development, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1057/Infill-Development) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Bylaw No. 2274, 2019 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39376) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/secondary-suite/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake tree removal rules and permits question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Building, renovating and your property owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/tree-removal/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/tree-removal.json" --- # Williams Lake tree removal rules and permits **Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, Tree Protection Bylaw 2404 exempts residential parcels under 1 hectare, but trees on City land always need permission. Steep-slope and wildfire development permit rules in the Official Community Plan may still apply, so confirm with the City before cutting. A permit is $50 for five trees or fewer. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** $50 for a permit for five trees or fewer; $150 for six or more and for developments. No fee for hazardous trees. Replacement trees or $300 per tree may be required. **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-392-1765 - Email: Development Services, developmentservices@williamslake.ca - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ## Key facts - **When a permit is needed:** Cutting a Protected Tree needs a permit: any tree on City land, and elsewhere trees 10 cm DBH or more on sloping terrain or hazard lots, riparian trees, and specimen, heritage or wildlife trees. Parcels under 1 ha zoned Residential are exempt, but a development permit may still apply in OCP hazard areas (DPA 4). - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 3.1, 2.2, 2.1 Protected Tree](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "No person shall Cut, Remove, or move any Protected Tree" … "This Bylaw applies to all land within the City." … "any Tree having a DBH of 10 cm or more on Sloping" … "Terrain and/or within a Lot subject to Geotechnical" … "or Tree in a Riparian Area;" - Source: [Official Community Plan, Schedule 2.4 and 2.5, OCP Schedule 2.4 DPA 4 guidelines; Policy 11.1.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) - Official wording: "Removal of vegetation is not permitted unless reviewed and supported by a qualified environmental professional" … "Prohibit re-grading, excavation, or tree removal within designated hazard areas unless supported by qualified professional advice" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exemptions:** No permit for normal pruning, parcels under 1 ha zoned Residential, or trees under 5 m tall and 10 cm DBH. A tree in imminent danger of falling may be cut first but stays on the lot until the Director confirms. In OCP DPA 4 hazard areas, vegetation removal still needs professional review under a development permit. - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 2.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "A Tree Cutting Permit is not required to Cut or Remove a Protected Tree where the" … "Constitutes normal pruning of Trees in accordance with Sound Arboricultural" … "Is located on parcels of land less than 1 hectare (ha) in size and zoned Residential" … "Is less than 5m in height and less than 10cm DBH." … "In the event that a Tree is in imminent danger of falling, the Owner may Cut the Tree" … "The Owner shall not remove the Tree from the Lot until the Director has attended the" - Source: [Official Community Plan, Schedule 2.4 and 2.5, OCP Schedule 2.4 DPA 4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) - Official wording: "Unless an owner obtains a development permit, or an exemption applies, within DPA-4:" … "Removal of vegetation is not permitted unless reviewed and supported by a qualified environmental professional" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** $50 for a permit covering five trees or fewer; $150 for six or more and for developments. Non-refundable. No fee for hazardous trees, trees inside the building envelope needed for an approved building permit, and some utility or subdivision cases. - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 4.4(a), (b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "A non-refundable application fee in the amounts as follows:" … "$50.00 for a permit relating to five Trees or less, and" … "$150.00 for a permit relating to six Trees or greater, and for Developments." … "no permit fee is required where any of the" … "Provided that there shall be no Tree Cutting Permit fee charged in respect of" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Replacement trees:** Standard permit: two replacement trees for each protected tree removed. Development: 30 trees per hectare after completion. A $300 cash security deposit per replacement tree is paid before the permit issues and is released 24 months after planting if the tree is healthy. The Director may accept $300 per tree instead of planting. None required for hazardous trees. - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 5.3 to 5.10](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "Standard Permit – Two Replacement Trees for each Protected Tree Cut or" … "each lot subject to or created by development shall achieve a Development Tree" … "security deposit in the amount of $300 cash for each Replacement Tree to be" … "24 months after planting, provided the Director is satisfied the Tree is in good health." … "payment in lieu in an amount of $300 per Tree into the Tree Planting" … "Replacement Trees are not required for Removal or Cutting of a Hazardous Tree," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **City trees:** Any tree on City land, including parks, boulevards, roads, lanes and rights-of-way, is a Protected Tree. No one may plant a tree or hedge on City lands without the Director's written authorization. - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 3.3, 3.4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "Any Tree on land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the City, including, without" … "is considered a Protected Tree." … "No person shall plant a Tree or Hedge on City lands or cause Trees or Hedges to be" … "planted on City lands without prior written authorization from the Director." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for cutting a protected tree without a permit (s. 3.1): $400, or $300 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late. Other tree offences: $100 to $250. Court alternative: $1,000 to $10,000 plus costs. Each tree is a separate offence. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, Schedule A-24, Tree Removal and Retention Fines](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Tree Removal and Retention Fines (1 Page)" … "$400.00 $300.00 $500.00 No" … "$250.00 $190.00 $315.00 Yes" - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 7.1, 7.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "A fine and/or penalty provided under the Community Charter of not less than" … "$1,000 and not more than $10,000, plus the costs of prosecution" … "a separate offence" … "is committed in respect of each such Tree." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024 - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024, s. 1.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "City of Williams Lake Tree Protection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the City of Williams Lake's [Tree Protection Bylaw 2404](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023), cutting a protected tree needs a permit. Protected trees are: - any tree on City land (parks, boulevards, roads, lanes, rights-of-way); - elsewhere, trees 10 cm diameter or more on sloping terrain (over 20% across 6 m or more) or hazard lots, riparian trees, and specimen, heritage or wildlife trees. **No permit is needed for** normal pruning, parcels under 1 hectare zoned Residential, or trees under 5 m tall and 10 cm diameter. A tree in imminent danger of falling may be cut first but must stay on the lot until the Director confirms it. ## Steps 1. Check your lot's size and zone (see the zoning lookup answer). 2. Before cutting, ask Development Services (250-392-1765) whether a development permit applies. 3. If a permit is needed, apply to Development Services and pay the fee. ## Good to know - The residential exemption does not settle everything. The Official Community Plan's DPA 4 (steep slopes and hazards) requires professional review for vegetation removal, and DPA 5 (wildfire) covers the entire City. Confirm with the City before cutting. - Fee: $50 for five trees or fewer; $150 for six or more and for developments; non-refundable. No fee for hazardous trees. - Replacement: two trees per protected tree removed, with a $300 cash security deposit per replacement tree, released 24 months after planting if the tree is healthy. The Director may accept $300 per tree instead of planting. None for hazardous trees. - No one may plant a tree or hedge on City land without the Director's written authorization. - A bylaw notice for cutting a protected tree without a permit is $400 ($300 if paid within 14 days, $500 late). In court the penalty is $1,000 to $10,000 plus costs, and each tree is a separate offence. ## Official forms and pages - [Tree Protection Bylaw 2404, 2024 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) - [Williams Lake building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/building-permit.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/tree-removal.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/tree-removal.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/tree-removal.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/tree-removal.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/tree-removal.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/tree-removal.md) ## Sources - [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2404, 2024 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/160023) (read 2026-11-05) - [Official Community Plan (PDF), Schedule 2.4 and 2.5](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Adding a Residence, City of Williams Lake (Development Services contact)](https://www.williamslake.ca/1060/Adding-a-Residence) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/tree-removal/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits" question: "When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/garbage-collection/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/garbage-collection.json" --- # Williams Lake garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits **Question:** When is garbage collected, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags? **Short answer:** Williams Lake's contractor collects one garbage cart and one recycling cart per home on the same set weekday (Monday to Thursday, by zone). Find your day on the City's colour-coded map and calendar. Put carts out by 7:00 a.m. The fee is billed on your property tax notice. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Garbage and recycling charges are billed on the annual property tax notice with water and sewer; the amount is not published. Lost or damaged cart: $65 (120 L) or $108.35 plus GST (240 L). **Where:** - Phone: Municipal Services, 250-392-1784 - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **How often:** Garbage and recycling carts go out on the same set weekday (Monday to Thursday, by zone). The City guide refers to 'weekly and holiday collection schedules', but no City page states the recycling frequency in plain words. No curbside organics collection is mentioned. - Source: [https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7001/2026---City-of-Williams-Lake---Trib---City-Page---Garbage-Collection-Schedule---Finalv2, 2026 schedule](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7001/2026---City-of-Williams-Lake---Trib---City-Page---Garbage-Collection-Schedule---Finalv2) - Official wording: "YELLOW: MONDAYS BLUE: TUESDAYS COLOUR CODING FOR GREEN: WEDNESDAYS ORANGE: THURSDAYS COLLECTION DAYS: RED: STATUTORY HOLIDAYS" … "COLOUR CODING FOR GREEN: WEDNESDAYS ORANGE: THURSDAYS COLLECTION DAYS: RED: STATUTORY HOLIDAYS January 2026 February 2026 March 2026" - Source: [Garbage & Recycling, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/201/Garbage-Recycling) - Official wording: "If your regular collection day falls on a statutory holiday, solid waste and recycling will be collected one day later for that week." … "Weekly and holiday collection schedules" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Garbage Collection), Garbage Collection FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "Secondary totes also have a $ 10 month charge for weekly collection." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Finding your day:** Use the City's colour-coded collection map and printable 2026 calendar on the Garbage Collection Schedule page. Questions: Municipal Services, 250-392-1784. - Source: [Garbage Collection Schedule, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/988/Garbage-Collection-Schedule) - Official wording: "Click the appropriate link to download a printable copy of the colour-coded collection schedule map" … "Municipal Services Department at 250-392-1784" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Carts:** One garbage and one recycling cart per home, 240 L or 120 L. A 120 L set needs a Service Level Change application for a permanent physical disability; changing back to 240 L costs $130. Lost, stolen or damaged carts: $65 (120 L) or $108.35 plus GST (240 L), bought at City Hall during business hours. Secondary suites: second set plus $10 a month. - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 7.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "Owners of a dwelling unit, strata lots and manufactured homes are permitted to have only one (1) garbage container provided by the City" - Source: [https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/153/Application-for-Service-Level-Change, application](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/153/Application-for-Service-Level-Change) - Official wording: "permanent physical disability that prevents him/her from moving the 240 litre cart" … "it will cost $130 to change to 240 litre carts" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Garbage Collection), Garbage Collection FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "The cost for each 120 litre cart is $65. A 240 litre cart is $108.35 plus GST." … "Secondary totes also have a $ 10 month charge" - Source: [FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, Garbage FAQ, lost, broken or stolen carts](https://www.williamslake.ca/m/faq?cat=16) - Official wording: "The new carts can be purchased at City Hall during business hours." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Setting carts out:** Put carts out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day and bring them in the same day. Place them with wheels against the curb, 3 to 4 feet apart (edge of the road if there is no curb); keep them clear of snow, debris and parked vehicles. In winter, not on snow banks, and keep lids fully closed. - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 12.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "Owners shall place their garbage containers and recycling containers no later than 7:00 am on the" … "remove their garbage containers and recycling containers the same day as collection" - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 12.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "with wheels against the curb, with spacing between containers of" … "three (3) to four (4) feet" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Garbage Collection), Garbage Collection FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "Sitting on the ground or asphalt, not on a snow bank" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits and extra garbage:** Excess garbage placed beside the cart is not collected, and lids must be completely closed. The homeowner must deal with anything that does not fit. No extra-bag or tag system was found. Not allowed in carts: explosives, liquids, construction waste, trade waste, oversized items, and similar. - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 13.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "excess garbage placed beside container" … "container lid not completely closed" - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 9.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "demolition or construction waste" … "all liquids" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Garbage Collection), Garbage Collection FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "It is the responsibility of the home owner to take care of any excess solid waste that does not fit in to the solid waste carts." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Residential garbage and recycling (utility) charges are billed on the annual property tax notice, together with water and sewer. The amount was not found. - Source: [Financial Services | Williams Lake, BC - Official Website, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/254/Financial-Services) - Official wording: "annual residential utility (water, sewer, garbage/recycling) charges" - Source: [Property Taxes, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/702/Property-Taxes) - Official wording: "Residential billing for water, sewer utility and landfill services are billed on the annual property tax notice." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 - Source: [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) - Official wording: "City of Williams Lake Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City's contractor collects garbage and recycling carts under the [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757). Each home gets one garbage cart and one recycling cart, 240 L or 120 L. Garbage and recycling carts go out on the same set weekday (Monday to Thursday, by zone). The City guide refers to weekly and holiday collection schedules, but no City page states the recycling frequency in plain words, so check the calendar. No curbside organics collection is mentioned; food waste can be dropped off at the Central Cariboo Transfer Station. ## Steps 1. Find your day on the colour-coded collection map and printable calendar on the [Garbage Collection Schedule](https://www.williamslake.ca/988/Garbage-Collection-Schedule) page. Questions: Municipal Services, 250-392-1784. 2. Put carts out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day and bring them in the same day. 3. Place them with wheels against the curb, 3 to 4 feet apart (at the edge of the road if there is no curb). Keep them clear of snow, debris and parked vehicles. 4. In winter, keep carts off snow banks and keep lids fully closed. ## Good to know - If your day falls on a statutory holiday, collection is one day later that week, and all other days that week shift forward one day. - Fee: billed on the annual property tax notice with water and sewer. The City does not publish the amount. - A 120 L set needs a Service Level Change application for a permanent physical disability; changing back to 240 L costs $130. Lost, stolen or damaged carts: $65 (120 L) or $108.35 plus GST (240 L), bought at City Hall during business hours. Secondary suites: a second set of carts plus $10 a month. - Excess garbage placed beside the cart is not collected, and lids must be completely closed. Excess household waste can go to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station. - Not allowed in carts: explosives, liquids, construction waste, trade waste, oversized items and similar. - The City's winter cart advice differs between FAQ answers (1 metre or 2 metres from obstructions such as snow banks); leave plenty of room. - Bylaw notices: $100 for prohibited waste, $50 for carts left out after collection day. - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2016; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## Official forms and pages - [Garbage Collection Schedule page](https://www.williamslake.ca/988/Garbage-Collection-Schedule) - [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw 2115, 2010 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) ## The same question elsewhere - [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/garbage-collection.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/garbage-collection.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/garbage-collection.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/garbage-collection.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/garbage-collection.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/garbage-collection.md) ## Sources - [Garbage & Recycling, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/201/Garbage-Recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Frequently Asked Questions (Garbage Collection), City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) (read 2026-11-05) - [Garbage Collection Schedule, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/988/Garbage-Collection-Schedule) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) (read 2026-11-05) - [Property Taxes, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/702/Property-Taxes) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-16](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7001/2026---City-of-Williams-Lake---Trib---City-Page---Garbage-Collection-Schedule---Finalv2](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7001/2026---City-of-Williams-Lake---Trib---City-Page---Garbage-Collection-Schedule---Finalv2) (read 2026-11-05) - [https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/153/Application-for-Service-Level-Change](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/153/Application-for-Service-Level-Change) (read 2026-11-05) - [FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/m/faq?cat=16) (read 2026-11-05) - [Financial Services | Williams Lake, BC - Official Website](https://www.williamslake.ca/254/Financial-Services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/garbage-collection/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake yard waste collection and drop-off question: "Where does yard waste and brush go?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Garbage, recycling and waste owner: regional owner_body: Cariboo Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/yard-waste/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/yard-waste.json" --- # Williams Lake yard waste collection and drop-off **Question:** Where does yard waste and brush go? **Short answer:** The City of Williams Lake collects only garbage and recycling carts at the curb; no curbside yard-waste collection is mentioned. Take yard waste to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station, 5025 Frizzi Road. Leaves, grass, cones and sawdust (no plastic bags) are free. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Cariboo Regional District, https://www.cariboord.ca) **Cost:** Free: leaves, grass, cones and sawdust (no plastic bags) and noxious weeds (bagged and tied). Clean wood waste: $90 per tonne under the current schedule, rising in 2027. **How long:** Transfer station open daily; see hours. **Where:** - In person: Central Cariboo Transfer Station, 5025 Frizzi Road, Williams Lake (Open daily; March 1 to October 31 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; November 1 to February 28 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) - Phone: CRD Environmental Services, 250-392-3351 ## Key facts - **Curbside collection:** Not confirmed. No City or Cariboo Regional District page read mentions curbside yard-waste collection. - **How to set it out:** Not confirmed. No official text read gives bundle, bag or branch size limits. - **Drop-off:** Central Cariboo Transfer Station, 5025 Frizzi Road, Williams Lake (Cariboo Regional District). Open 7 days: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 1 to October 31; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 1 to February 28. Open statutory holidays except Christmas and New Year's Day. - Source: [Central Cariboo Transfer Station, Cariboo Regional District, page](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/landfills-and-transfer-stations/central-cariboo-transfer-station/) - Official wording: "5025 Frizzi Road, Williams Lake" … "Household garbage, yard and garden waste, clean wood waste" … "7 days a week" … "8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." … "8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m." … "Open statutory holidays with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cost:** No charge for leaves, grass, cones and sawdust (no plastic bags) or noxious weeds (bagged and tied). Clean wood waste: $90 per tonne under the current schedule, rising in 2027. - Source: [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) - Official wording: "Leaves, Grass, Cones and Sawdust" … "No Charge" … "No plastic bags permitted" … "Noxious Weeds" … "Must be bagged and tied" … "Clean Wood Waste" … "$90" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Not accepted:** Plastic bags are not permitted for leaves, grass, cones and sawdust. Yard waste (grass, leaves, branches) does not go in the transfer station's food-waste composting program. - Source: [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) - Official wording: "Leaves, Grass, Cones and Sawdust" … "No plastic bags permitted" - Source: [Earth Flow Composter, Cariboo Regional District, FAQ](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/earth-flow-composter/) - Official wording: "Yard waste (grass, leaves, branches)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Cariboo Regional District Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025 - Source: [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) - Official wording: "Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City collects garbage and recycling carts only under its [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757); none of the City or Cariboo Regional District (CRD) pages read mention curbside yard-waste collection. Yard and garden waste goes to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station, run by the CRD. ## Steps 1. Take it to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station, 5025 Frizzi Road. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 1 to October 31 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 1 to February 28; open statutory holidays except Christmas and New Year's Day. 2. Bring leaves, grass, cones and sawdust loose or in non-plastic containers. Plastic bags are not permitted for them. 3. Bag and tie noxious weeds. 4. Clean wood waste is charged by weight. ## Good to know - Cost: leaves, grass, cones, sawdust and noxious weeds are free. Clean wood waste is $90 per tonne under the current schedule, rising in 2027. Fees are set by [CRD Bylaw 5519](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf). - Yard waste does not go in the transfer station's food-waste composting program. - No official text read gives bundle, bag or branch size limits. Ask CRD Environmental Services, 250-392-3351. - Burning yard waste is not allowed under the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw; see the backyard-fire answer. ## Official forms and pages - [Tipping fees, Bylaw 5519 (PDF)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Yard waste collection in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/yard-waste.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/yard-waste.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/yard-waste.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/yard-waste.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/yard-waste.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/yard-waste.md) - [McBride](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mcbride/yard-waste.md) ## Sources - [Central Cariboo Transfer Station, Cariboo Regional District](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/landfills-and-transfer-stations/central-cariboo-transfer-station/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [Garbage & Recycling, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/201/Garbage-Recycling) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Bylaw No. 2115, 2010 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/78757) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) (read 2026-11-05) - [Earth Flow Composter, Cariboo Regional District](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/earth-flow-composter/) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Cariboo Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/yard-waste/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake watering restrictions question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Water, sewer, roads and snow owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/water-restrictions/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/water-restrictions.json" --- # Williams Lake watering restrictions **Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, lawn watering is limited from April 1 to September 30 each year: 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., on even days for even-numbered addresses and odd days for odd- numbered addresses. Automatic systems may water daily 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. The City may add temporary restrictions. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for lawn watering at unauthorized times. New-lawn watering permit $25 (single- family home or duplex) or $150 (apartments, commercial, industrial or institutional). **How long:** Restrictions apply every year from April 1 to September 30. **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **When restrictions apply:** Every year from April 1 to September 30, landscape irrigation and outdoor cleaning are allowed only as the bylaw permits. The Director of Municipal Services may announce further temporary restrictions in a water shortage. No current stage is stated. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Between April 1st and September 30th, inclusive, in each year, no person shall carry out," - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.5](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "may by public announcement, in the" … "event of a water shortage, impose further temporary water conservation restrictions" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Sprinkling schedule:** Lawn watering is allowed 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on even days for even-numbered addresses and odd days for odd-numbered addresses; both on June 1, August 1 and September 1. Mobile homes in parks water on alternate days by bay number. Automatic systems may water daily 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.2(a)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Lawn watering shall only be permitted during the hours of 12:00 am to 10:00 am" … "and 6:00 pm to 11:59 pm for:" … "properties with even numbered addresses on even numbered days" … "properties with odd numbered addresses on odd numbered days" … "June 1st, August 1st and September 1st" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.2(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "permitted to" … "water daily between the hours of 12:00 am and 4:00 am" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Allowed at any time:** Hand watering of plants at any time with a hose that has a working spring-loaded shut-off nozzle or a hand-held container. The bylaw's definition of 'lawn watering' excludes drip irrigation, hand-held containers and nozzled hand-held hoses. Automatic systems may water daily 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.2(d)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Persons may, at any time, hand-water plants using a hose with a working spring-" … "loaded shut-off nozzle or a hand-held container" … "but does not include drip irrigation or distribution of water by means of hand" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.2(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "All outdoor hand use of hoses for other than filling swimming pools and/or hot" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **New lawns:** A person with a new lawn (sod or seed) or substantial new landscaping may apply for a 21-day watering permit, renewable once for up to 21 days; one permit and one renewal per property per calendar year. Fee $25 for a single-family home or duplex; $150 for apartments, commercial, industrial or institutional property. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "A person who has installed a new lawn, whether by the placement of sod or by seeding," … "Permits issued under Section 7.11.3 of this Bylaw will be issued for a period of" … "21 days" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11.4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "A person may not apply for more than one permit and a renewal thereof for the" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), Schedule J](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Single Family or Duplex Residential" … "$25.00" … "Apartment Complexes" … "$150.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $100 for lawn watering at unauthorized times ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Parked vehicle on 7.10.6 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No Highway impeding snow removal Lawn Watering during 7.11 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes unauthorized times" - Source: [Water Conservation, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/274/Water-Conservation) - Official wording: "Council has authorized a minimum fine of $100.00 for infractions of the sprinkling regulations" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (s. 7.11, Sprinkling Regulations) - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "removal and storage and upon providing proof of ownership to the contractor. 7.11 Sprinkling Regulations 7.11.1 Between April 1st and September 30th, inclusive, in each year, no person shall carry out," … "GOOD NEIGHBOUR BYLAW NO. 2194, 2014" … "Table of Contents" - Source: [Water Conservation, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/274/Water-Conservation) - Official wording: "Sprinkling Regulations - See Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, Section 7.11" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Section 7.11 (Sprinkling Regulations) of the [Good Neighbour Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) limits outdoor watering every year from April 1 to September 30. The Director of Municipal Services may announce further temporary restrictions in a water shortage. No current stage is stated in the bylaw; check the City's [Water Conservation](https://www.williamslake.ca/274/Water-Conservation) page or call City Hall (250-392-2311) for current notices. ## Lawn watering hours - Allowed 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., on even days for even-numbered addresses and odd days for odd-numbered addresses; any address may water on June 1, August 1 and September 1. - Mobile homes in parks water on alternate days by bay number. - Automatic systems may water daily 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. ## What is exempt - Hand watering of plants at any time, with a hose that has a working spring-loaded shut-off nozzle or a hand-held container. The bylaw's definition of lawn watering excludes drip irrigation, hand-held containers and nozzled hand-held hoses. Drip irrigation and food gardens are not specifically mentioned. ## New lawns A person with a new lawn (sod or seed) or substantial new landscaping may apply for a 21-day watering permit, renewable once for up to 21 days; one permit and one renewal per property per calendar year. The fee is $25 for a single-family home or duplex and $150 for apartments, commercial, industrial or institutional property. Display the permit prominently on the property. ## Good to know - Where the fire hazard is rated extreme for three days or more, the Fire Chief may suspend the watering requirements by notice. - Watering at unauthorized times is a $100 bylaw notice ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). ## Official forms and pages - [Water Conservation page](https://www.williamslake.ca/274/Water-Conservation) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw 2194, 2014 (consolidated, PDF); section 7.11 and Schedule J](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) ## The same question elsewhere - [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/water-restrictions.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/water-restrictions.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/water-restrictions.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/water-restrictions.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/water-restrictions.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/water-restrictions.md) ## Sources - [Water Conservation, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/274/Water-Conservation) (read 2026-11-05) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/water-restrictions/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence.json" --- # Williams Lake dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** Every dog over 2 months old in Williams Lake needs a City licence for each licence year (January 1 to December 31). The fee is $10 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $20 for one that is not. Guide dogs, police dogs and dogs of owners 65 or older are free. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** $10 a year if spayed or neutered; $20 if not. Free for guide dogs, police dogs and owners 65 or older (with proof of age). Late fee if applied for after March 31: $10 plus the regular fee. Replacement tag $5. Aggressive-dog licence $200. **How long:** Valid January 1 to December 31; renew every year. **Where:** - In person: City Hall (Finance Department), 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cash, cheque or Interac.) - By mail: Mail a cheque, or leave payment in the drop box at the front door of City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog over 2 months old must have a current licence for the licence year (January 1 to December 31). - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "No person shall own, keep, possess or harbour any dog actually or apparently over the age of two (2) months in the City unless a valid and subsisting license for the current License year has first been obtained" - Source: [Dog Licences, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/659/Dog-Licences) - Official wording: "every dog over the age of 2 months must have a current licence" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Issued by:** The City of Williams Lake (Finance Department, City Hall). The BC SPCA Williams Lake branch is the City's poundkeeper. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "the owner of the dog shall apply to the City for a license" - Source: [Dog Licences, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/659/Dog-Licences) - Official wording: "direct any inquiries to the Finance Department at City Hall, 250-392-2311" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 33](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "The SPCA is hereby appointed as the Poundkeeper" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $10 a year for a spayed or neutered dog. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Spayed or neutered dog" … "$10.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $20 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Unspayed or unneutered dog" … "$20.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees and discounts:** Free for guide dogs, police dogs and dogs whose owners are 65 or older (with proof of age). Late fee if applied for after March 31: $10 plus the regular fee. Replacement tag: $5. Aggressive-dog licence: $200. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 7](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "No license fees shall be charged for Police Dogs, Guide Dogs, or dogs whose owners are 65 years of age and older" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 5](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "If an owner applies for a license after March 31st, that owner shall pay the late fee set out in Schedule "A"" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Late application fee" … "$10.00 plus regular license fee" … "Replacement license tag" … "$5.00" … "Aggressive dog" … "$200.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Every year. A licence is valid only for the licence year, January 1 to December 31, whether or not a renewal notice arrives. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Every license and corresponding license tag issued under this Bylaw is valid only for the License Year for which it was issued." - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: ""LICENSE YEAR" means the period from January 1st to December 31st in any year" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Lost and Found Animals), Lost and Found Animals FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "are responsible for purchasing whether or not you receive a renewal notice" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to get one:** In person at City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (cash, cheque or Interac), or by mailing a cheque or leaving payment in the drop box at the front door. Phone 250-392-2311. - Source: [Dog Licences, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/659/Dog-Licences) - Official wording: "Payment can be made at City Hall Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, by mailing a cheque or leaving payment in the drop box located at the front door. We accept cash, cheque or interact." - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Lost and Found Animals), Lost and Found Animals FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "City Hall 450 Mart Street Williams Lake 250-392-2311" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). (Sources differ: The City's Lost and Found Animals FAQ says an unlicensed dog could receive a '$50.00 fine'; the bylaw schedule says $100 and is followed here. Impound fee for an unlicensed dog starts at $75 (Animal Control Bylaw Schedule B). Early payment is within 14 days of receiving the notice (BNE s. 6(b)).) - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Penalty Penalty Available Unlicensed Dog 3 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes Fail to Affix License 9 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Frequently Asked Questions (Lost and Found Animals), Lost and Found Animals FAQ](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) - Official wording: "you could receive a $50.00 fine" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009 - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375), nobody in Williams Lake may keep a dog over 2 months old without a valid licence for the current licence year, which runs January 1 to December 31. You apply to the City. The City's Finance Department at City Hall issues licences. ## Steps 1. Go to City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (cash, cheque or Interac), or mail a cheque or leave payment in the drop box at the front door. No online purchase option was found on the City pages. 2. Pay $10 for a spayed or neutered dog or $20 for a dog that is not. 3. If you apply after March 31, add the $10 late fee. 4. Renew every year, whether or not a notice arrives. ## Good to know - Free: guide dogs, police dogs and dogs whose owners are 65 or older (bring proof of age). The bylaw also lets the City issue a free licence for a dog spayed or neutered in the 12 months before you apply, with proof. - A replacement tag is $5. - An unlicensed dog is a $100 bylaw notice ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). The City's FAQ says $50; the bylaw schedule says $100, so confirm with the City. Impound fees for an unlicensed dog start at $75. - The City's page says a new permanent tag system means the tag need not be replaced each year; the bylaw says each licence and tag is valid only for its licence year. Ask the City which applies to you. - The BC SPCA Williams Lake branch is the City's poundkeeper. - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## What you'll need - Proof of age if you are 65 or older and claiming the no-fee licence - Proof of spay or neuter for the lower fee ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Licences page](https://www.williamslake.ca/659/Dog-Licences) - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Williams Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/how-many-pets.md) - [Williams Lake dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Williams Lake rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/dog-licence.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/dog-licence.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/dog-licence.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/dog-licence.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/dog-licence.md) - [McBride](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mcbride/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Dog Licences, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/659/Dog-Licences) (read 2026-11-05) - [Frequently Asked Questions (Lost and Found Animals), City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/Faq.aspx) (read 2026-11-05) - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake dog leash rules and off-leash areas question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-leash-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-leash-rules.json" --- # Williams Lake dog leash rules and off-leash areas **Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, a dog in any public place must be on a leash, no longer than 6 feet, under a competent person's control. The bylaw names no off-leash areas and the City lists none, so assume leash on everywhere. A dog at large is a $100 bylaw notice. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for a dog at large or unleashed ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Leash rule:** A dog must be on a leash and under the immediate care and control of a competent person in any public place, and must not be at large. A dog on someone else's property without consent counts as at large unless leashed and controlled. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 18](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "be in a public place unless the dog is kept on a leash and the dog is under the immediate care and control of a competent person" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions, "at large"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "a dog which is not under the immediate and effective control of a person responsible by means of a leash and is upon" … "which has not been designated as an off-leash area" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Maximum leash length:** No more than 183 cm (6 feet) long, made of material strong enough that the dog cannot break it. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions, "leash"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "which does not exceed 183 centimetres (6 feet) in length and is made of material of sufficient strength that the dog to which it is attached cannot break it" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Off-leash areas:** The Official Community Plan lists a dog park in Boitanio Park. The Animal Control Bylaw names no off-leash areas, and no official map or list was found. - Source: [Official Community Plan, OCP, Boitanio Park description](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) - Official wording: "golf course, climbing wall, dog park, and youth play structures." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Places dogs are not allowed:** None set. Neither Williams Lake bylaw bans dogs from named places. - **Cleaning up:** If a dog defecates anywhere other than its owner's property, the person with the dog must immediately remove the excrement and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 19](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "the person having care, custody or control of the dog shall immediately remove the excrement so deposited and dispose of it in a sanitary manner" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Bylaw notice: $100 for a dog at large, and $100 for an unleashed dog ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). In a park, permitting an off-leash dog in an unauthorized area is also $100. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1 and A-11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Excessive Barking 18(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes Dog at Large 18(b) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No Unleashed Dog 18(c) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No" … "Dog at Large 18(b) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No Unleashed Dog 18(c) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No Fail to Remove Feces 19 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1 and A-11, Schedule A-11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Permit Off-Leash Dog within Unauthorized" … "area of Park" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009 - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375), a dog must be on a leash and under the immediate care and control of a competent person in any public place, and must not be at large. A dog on someone else's property without consent counts as at large unless it is leashed and controlled. The [Parks and Public Land Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/168225) also bars off-leash dogs in parks, except as identified in the Animal Control Bylaw. The leash can be no more than 183 cm (6 feet) long and strong enough that the dog cannot break it. ## Good to know - Off-leash areas: the Animal Control Bylaw names none, and no official map or list was found. The City's [Official Community Plan](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) mentions a dog park in Boitanio Park, but does not say it is off-leash. Ask City Hall (250-392-2311) before letting a dog off leash anywhere. - Neither bylaw bans dogs from named places; the Parks bylaw only requires them to be on a leash. - If your dog defecates anywhere other than your own property, you must remove it immediately and dispose of it in a sanitary way. - An unaltered female dog in heat must be confined, or kept on a leash when walked off your property. - Aggressive dogs have stricter rules, including a leash of 1.5 m or less that is not retractable; see the dangerous-dogs answer. - Fines: a bylaw notice is $100 for a dog at large and $100 for an unleashed dog ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). In a park, permitting an off-leash dog in an unauthorized area is also $100. An aggressive dog at large is $200 ($150 early; $250 late). - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - [Parks and Public Land Bylaw 2419, 2024 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/168225) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2196 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence.md) - [Williams Lake rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/dog-leash-rules.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) (read 2026-11-05) - [Parks and Public Land Bylaw 2419, 2024](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/168225) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1 and A-11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Official Community Plan (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/44168/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-leash-rules/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dangerous-dogs/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dangerous-dogs.json" --- # Williams Lake rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs **Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs? **Short answer:** Williams Lake's Animal Control Bylaw requires an aggressive dog to be licensed ($200), kept indoors, in a locked enclosure or on a short leash held by a competent adult, and muzzled in public. Report one in writing to City Bylaw Services. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Aggressive-dog licence $200. Impound fee $200 first, $500 second, $1,000 third and later in a calendar year. Bylaw notice $200 for most offences ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). **Where:** - Online: Bylaw Services complaint link (written complaint with your name and phone number), https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** Aggressive dog: one that has attacked, bitten or injured a person or domestic animal, pursued or harassed anyone, was trained for dog fighting, is a 'dangerous dog', or is judged dangerous or aggressive by the Animal Control Officer. Dangerous dog (Community Charter s. 49): has killed or seriously injured a person or animal, or an officer believes it likely to. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions, "aggressive dog"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "a dog that has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to a person" … "a dog that is considered by the Animal Control Officer to be dangerous or aggressive on" … ""DANGEROUS DOG" has the same meaning as defined in Section 49(1) of the Community Charter" - Source: [Full Multi - Community Charter, Community Charter s. 49(1)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_00_multi) - Official wording: "has killed or seriously injured a person," … "an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or seriously injure a person." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Rules for owners:** Keep the dog at all times either indoors, in a locked enclosure (min. 1.5 m x 3 m x 1.5 m high, 1 m from property line and 5 m from a neighbouring dwelling), or on a leash or tether of 1.5 m or less held by a competent adult; muzzle it in public places. Post 'aggressive dog on the premises' signs and permanently identify the dog (tattoo or similar). Licence it. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 22](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Every owner of an aggressive dog or other aggressive animal must at all times keep the" … "securely confined indoors such that the animal cannot escape" … "no more that 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) in length" … "muzzled while in a public place" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 22(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "minimum dimensions of one and one-half (1.5) metres by three (3) metres and be a minimum one and one-half (1.5) metres in height" … "the enclosure shall not be within one (1) metre of the property line or within five (5) metres of a neighbouring dwelling unit" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 23](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "post warning signs which give clear notice of the dog's or animal's presence" … "ensure that an aggressive dog can be identified by way of a numeric or alphanumeric" … "must obtain an "aggressive dog" license for an aggressive dog" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Licence fee:** $200 aggressive-dog licence. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Kennel license @ 4 or less dogs $50.00 Kennel license @ 5 or more dogs $100.00 Aggressive dog $200.00 BL2174 (24/9/13) Hen Keeping License Fee" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to report:** Make a written complaint to City Bylaw Services with your name and phone number and the address involved (complaint link on the Bylaw Services page, or complaint form at City Hall or the Fire Hall). Phone City Hall at 250-392-2311. - Source: [Bylaw Services, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) - Official wording: "policy that complaints be received in writing" … "The name and phone number of the complainant must be provided" … "If you have an issue which requires more immediate attention, or you have a question, please contact us through the front desk at City Hall:" … "By phone at 250-392-2311" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $200 for an aggressive dog at large, not muzzled, not enclosed, or no warning signs ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). $100 for not permanently identifying the aggressive dog. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Aggressive Dog at Large" … "Aggressive Dog Not Muzzled" … "Failure to enclose aggressive dog" … "Failure to display warning signs for aggressive" … "$200.00" … "$150.00" … "$250.00" … "Failure to permanently identify aggressive" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009 - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) defines an "aggressive dog" as one that has attacked, bitten or injured a person or domestic animal, pursued or harassed anyone, was trained for dog fighting, is a "dangerous dog", or is judged dangerous or aggressive by the Animal Control Officer. A "dangerous dog" under section 49 of the provincial Community Charter is one that has killed or seriously injured a person or animal, or that an officer believes is likely to. A licensed dog that becomes aggressive needs a new aggressive-dog licence within 14 days. ## What the owner must do 1. Keep the dog at all times either indoors, in a locked enclosure (at least 1.5 m by 3 m and 1.5 m high, 1 m from the property line and 5 m from a neighbouring dwelling), or on a leash or tether of 1.5 m or less held by a competent adult. 2. Muzzle the dog in public places. 3. Post "aggressive dog on the premises" signs. 4. Permanently identify the dog (a tattoo or similar). 5. Licence it: $200. ## Good to know - To report an aggressive dog, make a written complaint to City Bylaw Services with your name, phone number and the address involved. Use the complaint link on the Bylaw Services page, or a complaint form at City Hall or the Fire Hall, or phone City Hall at 250-392-2311. Complaints are kept confidential. The City page does not mention emergencies or the RCMP. - Bylaw notices: $200 for an aggressive dog at large, not muzzled, not enclosed or without warning signs ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). $100 for not permanently identifying the dog. - Impound fees for an aggressive dog are $200 the first time, $500 the second and $1,000 the third and later in a calendar year. - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2196 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - [Community Charter, s. 49 (BC Laws)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/0302) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Williams Lake dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/dangerous-dogs.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/dangerous-dogs.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Community Charter, s. 49 (BC Laws)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/0302) (read 2026-11-05) - [Full Multi - Community Charter](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_00_multi) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dangerous-dogs/_ --- --- title: How many dogs or cats you can keep in Williams Lake question: "How many dogs or cats can I keep?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/how-many-pets/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/how-many-pets.json" --- # How many dogs or cats you can keep in Williams Lake **Question:** How many dogs or cats can I keep? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake you may keep no more than two dogs over four months old and no more than two cats over two months old on any parcel. A kennel is the exception for dogs: it needs a kennel licence and zoning that allows it. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Kennel licence $50 for 4 or fewer dogs, $100 for 5 or more. Bylaw notice $100 for more than 2 dogs or more than 2 cats ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Dogs allowed:** No more than two dogs over four months old on any parcel in the City, except kennels. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 17](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "With the exception of kennels, no person shall own, keep, possess or harbour more than two (2) dogs actually or apparently over the age of four (4) months on any parcel in the City." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Cats allowed:** No more than two cats over two months old on any parcel in the City. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 27](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "No person shall own, keep, possess or harbour more than two cats actually or apparently over the age of two months on any parcel in the City." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other animal limits:** Backyard hens: 3 to 6 depending on lot size, with a hen licence. Backyard bees: at most 2 colonies and 2 nucleus colonies per parcel, with a beekeeping licence. Farm animals only in zones that allow them. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "keep at least three (3) and not more than" … "four (4) hens per parcel that is less than 745 sq m (8,019 sq ft)" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.2.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "limited to a maximum of two (2) colonies and two (2) nucleus colonies per parcel" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "No person shall own, keep, possess or harbour any farm animals except in areas designated for that use in the City's Zoning Bylaw" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Exceptions:** A kennel (more than two dogs over four months old) needs a kennel licence and must be permitted by the Zoning Bylaw; the Animal Control Officer may set the number of dogs. Kennel licence: $50 for 4 or fewer dogs, $100 for 5 or more. Dogs under four months and cats under two months are not counted. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 13](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "unless a kennel is permitted under the City's Zoning Bylaw" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 15](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "the number of dogs permitted at the kennel" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Kennel license @ 4 or less dogs" … "$50.00" … "Kennel license @ 5 or more dogs" … "$100.00" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions, "kennel"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "more than two dogs actually or apparently over the age of four months are kept, trained, boarded or bred" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $100 for more than 2 dogs and $100 for more than 2 cats ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "More than 2 dogs" … "17" … "More than 2 cats" … "27" … "$100.00" … "$75.00" … "$125.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009 - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) limits animals per parcel in Williams Lake, not per person or household. ## Limits - Dogs: no more than two over four months old on any parcel, except kennels. - Cats: no more than two over two months old on any parcel. - Hens: 3 to 6 depending on lot size, with a hen licence. Bees: at most 2 colonies and 2 nucleus colonies per parcel, with a beekeeping licence. Farm animals only in zones that allow them. See the backyard-chickens answer. ## Good to know - A kennel (more than two dogs over four months old) needs a kennel licence and must be permitted by the Zoning Bylaw. The Animal Control Officer may set the number of dogs. The licence is $50 for 4 or fewer dogs and $100 for 5 or more. - Dogs under four months and cats under two months do not appear to be counted, based on the bylaw's wording. - Exceeding the limit is a $100 bylaw notice for more than 2 dogs and $100 for more than 2 cats ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/dog-licence.md) - [Williams Lake backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-chickens.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog and cat limits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/how-many-pets.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/how-many-pets.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/how-many-pets.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/how-many-pets.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/how-many-pets.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/how-many-pets.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/how-many-pets.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/how-many-pets/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-chickens/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-chickens.json" --- # Williams Lake backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules **Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock? **Short answer:** Williams Lake allows backyard hens in the R-1, R-3 and RR-1 residential zones with a $15 yearly hen licence: 3 to 4 hens on parcels under 745 m2, 5 under 1,858 m2 and 6 over 1,858 m2. The bylaw does not mention roosters. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Hen licence $15 a year; beekeeping licence $15 a year. Bylaw notice $100 for not meeting the hen rules ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Hens allowed:** Yes. Backyard hen keeping is a permitted use in the R-1 Small-Scale Residential, R-3 South Lakeside Residential and RR-1 Rural Residential zones, with a hen keeping licence. The keeper must own and live at the property or have the owner's written permission. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 4A.1 (R-1)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Dwelling Unit, Multi-plex Home-Based Business (b) Dwelling Units, Accessory (a) Backyard Beekeeping Manufactured Home Backyard Hen Keeping" … "Dwelling Units, Accessory (a) Backyard Beekeeping Manufactured Home Backyard Hen Keeping (a) Dwelling Units, Accessory shall be subject to the requirements of Section 3.4 of" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 4C.1 (R-3)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Dwelling Unit, Single Detached Childcare, Family Dwelling Unit, Accessory (a) Hobby Farm Manufactured Home Backyard Beekeeping" … "Dwelling Units, Accessory (a) Backyard Beekeeping Manufactured Home Backyard Hen Keeping (a) Dwelling Units, Accessory shall be subject to the requirements of Section 3.4 of" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 4F.1 (RR-1)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Dwelling Units, Accessory (a) Backyard Beekeeping Manufactured Home Backyard Hen Keeping (a) Dwelling Units, Accessory shall be subject to the requirements of Section 3.4 of" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "possess a valid backyard hen keeping license" … "be the registered owner of, and reside at, the property where the hens are kept" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Most hens:** At least 3 and no more than 4 hens on a parcel under 745 m², 5 on a parcel under 1,858 m², and 6 on a parcel over 1,858 m². - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.2(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "keep at least three (3) and not more than" … "four (4) hens per parcel that is less than 745 sq m (8,019 sq ft)" … "five (5) hens per parcel that is less than 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft)" … "six (6) hens per parcel that is greater than 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Roosters:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. - **Coop rules:** Run: fully covered, 1.0 m² roofed space per hen, bear-proof electric fencing plus vermin-proof fencing, at least 3.0 m from any property line and from the house, behind the front face of the house. Coop: at least 1.5 m from the property line, 0.5 m² floor per hen, one perch and one nest box per hen, kept clean and checked daily. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.2(d)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "that is covered in a manner that provides at least 1.0 sq m (10.76 sq ft) of" … "electronic fencing suitable to repel bears" … "sited at least 3.0 m (9.84 ft) from any property line and located to the side" … "at least 3.0 m (9.84 ft) from the principal building" … "be kept clean and be monitored for suitable cleanliness daily" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.2(e)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "be sited at least 1.5 m (4.94 ft) from the property line" … "provide each hen with at least 0.5 sq m (5.3 sq ft) of coop floor area" … "one (1) coop that will" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit or registration:** Yes. A backyard hen keeping licence is required. The fee is $15, issued annually. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.1.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Hen Keeping Licenses will be issued annually" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Hen Keeping License Fee" … "$15.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bees:** Yes, with a backyard beekeeping licence ($15 a year) and a BC Beekeeper ID. Maximum 2 colonies and 2 nucleus colonies per parcel. Hives need bear-proof electric fencing, at least 3.0 m from side and rear lot lines and behind the front of the house, plus a flight-path barrier. Permitted in the R-1, R-3 and RR-1 zones. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.2.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "possess a valid backyard beekeeping license" … "have a Beekeeper ID number, issued to them by the B.C. Ministry of" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.2.2(a)(v)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "setback at least 3.0 m (9.84 ft) from all side and rear parcel lines" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29.2.3](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "limited to a maximum of two (2) colonies and two (2) nucleus colonies per parcel" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "Backyard Beekeeping License Fee" … "$15.00" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 4A.1 (R-1)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Dwelling Unit, Multi-plex Home-Based Business (b) Dwelling Units, Accessory (a) Backyard Beekeeping Manufactured Home Backyard Hen Keeping" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other livestock:** Farm animals (horses, cattle, mules, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, alpacas, llamas) are allowed only in areas the Zoning Bylaw designates. Hobby farms are permitted in the R-3 and RR-1 zones, with no more than two horses, cattle, sheep, goats or camelids in total per property. - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), definitions, "farm animal"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: ""FARM ANIMAL" includes horses, cattle, mules, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, alpacas" - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 29](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "No person shall own, keep, possess or harbour any farm animals except in areas designated for that use" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), definitions, "hobby farm"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "no more than two (in total) shall be permitted on an individual property" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 4F.1 (RR-1)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Dwelling Unit, Single Detached Childcare, Family Dwelling Unit, Multi-plex Hobby Farm Dwelling Unit, Accessory(a) Home-Based Business (b)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009 (hens and bees); Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (where allowed). - Source: [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 2102, 2009." - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), definitions](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "BACKYARD HEN KEEPING means the keeping of hens accessory to primary" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) allows backyard hens, with a hen keeping licence, where the [Zoning Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) permits them: the R-1 Small-Scale Residential, R-3 South Lakeside Residential and RR-1 Rural Residential zones. Hen keeping is not listed as a permitted use in the other zones (R-2, R-4, R-5, commercial, industrial and so on). The keeper must own and live at the property or have the owner's written permission. Hens may not be kept in a dwelling house. ## Hens - Number: at least 3 and no more than 4 hens on a parcel under 745 m2, 5 on a parcel under 1,858 m2, and 6 on a parcel over 1,858 m2. The bylaw wording does not say what applies to a parcel of exactly 1,858 m2. - Licence: $15, issued annually. Terms may vary year to year. - Run: fully covered, 1.0 m2 of roofed space per hen, bear-proof electric fencing plus vermin-proof fencing, at least 3.0 m from any property line and from the house, and behind the front face of the house. - Coop: at least 1.5 m from the property line, 0.5 m2 of floor per hen, one perch and one nest box per hen, kept clean and checked daily. - Hens are for personal use only: no selling eggs or meat, and no slaughter in the City except at an authorized facility. - Roosters: the bylaw and zoning bylaw do not mention them, and the bylaw only authorizes hens. Ask Bylaw Services before keeping one. ## Bees A backyard beekeeping licence ($15 a year) and a BC Beekeeper ID are needed. Maximum 2 colonies and 2 nucleus colonies per parcel, in the R-1, R-3 and RR-1 zones. Hives need bear-proof electric fencing, at least 3.0 m from side and rear lot lines and behind the front of the house, plus a flight-path barrier. ## Good to know - Other farm animals (horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and so on) are allowed only where the Zoning Bylaw designates. A hobby farm is permitted in R-3 and RR-1, with no more than two horses, cattle, sheep, goats or camelids in total per property. - Not meeting the hen rules is a $100 bylaw notice ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019. ## Official forms and pages - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Williams Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/how-many-pets.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/backyard-chickens.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/backyard-chickens.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/backyard-chickens.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/backyard-chickens.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-chickens.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/backyard-chickens.md) ## Sources - [Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 2102, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/39375) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-chickens/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake RV, boat and trailer parking rules question: "Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Parking, tickets and driving owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/rv-boat-trailer-parking/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/rv-boat-trailer-parking.json" --- # Williams Lake RV, boat and trailer parking rules **Question:** Can I park an RV, boat, or trailer on the street or in my yard? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake no vehicle, including an RV, may stay parked on a street for more than 48 hours, and a trailer must be hitched to a vehicle that can pull it. On a lot under 1,700 m2 you may park one RV per dwelling unit outdoors; living in an RV is a prohibited use in all zones. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for parking on a street over 48 hours, an unattached trailer, an RV on a boulevard or more than one RV per dwelling unit. **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **On the street:** No vehicle, including an RV, may be parked on a highway for more than 48 hours continuously. A trailer may not be parked on a highway unless attached to a vehicle that can pull it. Parking on a boulevard needs a permit. The 6 m length limit and 5,500 kg weight limit do not apply to recreational vehicles. - Source: [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated), s. 5.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - Official wording: "no person shall park a vehicle" … "on any highway or a public off-street parking facility for more than 48 hours" … "continuously" - Source: [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated), s. 5.7](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - Official wording: "No person shall park any trailer upon any highway unless said trailer is attached to a" - Source: [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated), s. 5.12](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - Official wording: "No person shall park a vehicle, except a recreational vehicle, in excess of 6 meters" - Source: [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated), definitions](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - Official wording: "RECREATIONAL VEHICLE means a chassis mounted camper, motor home," … "holiday trailer or boat trailer intended exclusively for recreational use" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.9.1(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "No person shall park a Motor Vehicle or Recreational Vehicle on a Boulevard" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **On your property:** In residential zones on lots under 1,700 m², no more than one recreation vehicle may be parked per dwelling unit; extra ones must be fully inside a building. On lots over 1,700 m², two per dwelling unit, with the second behind the front face of the house and meeting setbacks. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.4.1(h)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "no more than one (1) recreation vehicle may be parked per dwelling" … "For Owners with lot sizes over 1700 square metres, no more than two (2)" … "The second recreation vehicle must be stored in the rear of the front face" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Living in an RV:** No. Using a tent, recreation vehicle, travel trailer or passenger vehicle for habitation is a prohibited use in all zones. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 3.1.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "The following Uses are prohibited in all zones:" … "the use of a tent, recreation vehicle, travel trailer, or passenger vehicle used" - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025), s. 3.1.1(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "(c) the use of a tent, recreation vehicle, travel trailer, or passenger vehicle used for habitation. 3.1.2 The outdoor storage of vehicles (including parts thereof) which are in a state of" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: parked on a highway more than 48 hours, or trailer unattached: $100 ($25 early, $125 late for 48 hours; $75 early for unattached trailer). More than one RV per dwelling unit: $100 ($75 early; $125 late). RV on boulevard: $100. Use contrary to zoning: $200 ($150 early; $250 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-17](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Parked on highway or public off-" … "street parking facility for more than" … "48 hours continuously" … "$100.00" … "$25.00" … "$125.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-17](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Parked trailer unattached to a" … "$75.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Accumulation of more" … "than one RV parked per" … "Park Vehicle/RV on" … "boulevard" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-19](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Use Of Land, Buildings Or Structures" … "Contrary To Zoning" … "$200.00" … "$150.00" … "$250.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009; Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014; Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 - Source: [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated), title](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 2093-con PAGE 2 PART 1 - DEFINITIONS 1.1 In this Bylaw the expressions and definitions contained within the Motor Vehicle Act," - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as "City of Williams Lake Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Traffic Control Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) governs the street, and the [Good Neighbour Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) limits how many RVs and unlicensed vehicles a property may hold. In the Traffic bylaw, "recreational vehicle" includes boat trailers. ## On the street - No vehicle, including an RV, may be parked on a street for more than 48 hours continuously. - A trailer may not be parked on a street unless it is attached to a vehicle that can pull it. - Parking on a boulevard needs a permit. Residential boulevard parking can be allowed through an approved application; ask the City. - The 6 m length limit and 5,500 kg weight limit do not apply to recreational vehicles. ## On your property - Residential lots under 1,700 m2: no more than one recreation vehicle per dwelling unit; extra ones must be fully inside a building. - Lots over 1,700 m2: two per dwelling unit, with the second behind the front face of the house and meeting setbacks. - Living in one: using a tent, recreation vehicle, travel trailer or passenger vehicle for habitation is a prohibited use in all zones under the [Zoning Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601). ## Good to know - Bylaw notices: parked on a street more than 48 hours or a trailer unattached: $100 ($25 if paid within 14 days and $125 if paid late for the 48-hour offence; $75 early for an unattached trailer). More than one RV per dwelling unit: $100 ($75 early; $125 late). RV on a boulevard: $100. Use contrary to zoning: $200 ($150 early; $250 late). - To report a problem, contact City Hall at 250-392-2311. ## Official forms and pages - [Good Neighbour Bylaw 2194, 2014 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - [Traffic Control Bylaw 2093, 2009 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430, 2025 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) ## The same question elsewhere - [RV, boat and trailer parking rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md) ## Sources - [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) (read 2026-11-05) - [Traffic Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2009 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/2494) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (December 2025)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/rv-boat-trailer-parking/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines" question: "What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Williams Lake?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/noise-rules/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/noise-rules.json" --- # Williams Lake noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines **Question:** What are the noise rules and quiet hours in Williams Lake? **Short answer:** Williams Lake's Good Neighbour Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the quiet, peace or comfort of people nearby, at any hour. It sets no general fixed quiet hours; it sets hours only for lawn and garden equipment (10 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays) and construction (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $100 for noise that tends to disturb ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late). Excessive noise $500; construction noise outside hours $150. **Where:** - Online: Bylaw complaint form, https://williamslake.civicweb.net/items/Item/public.aspx?TypeID=17 - In person: Bylaw Services office, 230 Hodgson Rd, Williams Lake (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: City Hall front desk, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **General rule:** No one may make or allow noise on a highway or public place, or from property they own or occupy, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of people nearby. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.5.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "No person shall make or cause, or permit to be made or caused, any noise in or on a" … "disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet," - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.5.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "No person being the owner, occupier or tenant of Real Property shall allow or permit" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Quiet hours:** None set. Williams Lake's Good Neighbour Bylaw sets no fixed quiet hours for ordinary noise. - **Construction hours:** Construction, repair, demolition, excavation or fill work that causes disturbing noise is not allowed before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on any day. The Senior Building Inspector may grant an exemption for necessary work at set hours. (Sources differ: The City's Good Neighbour Bylaw web page says 'Construction for gain on Sunday would be allowed between 8 AM and 10 PM.' The bylaw text sets 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on every day, with no separate Sunday rule; the bylaw is followed here.) - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.6(e)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "no person in the City shall, on any day before 7:00 am or after 10:00 pm, construct, erect, reconstruct, alter, repair or demolish any" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.3.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "the Senior Building Inspector may grant an exemption to carry out work that is found to be necessary" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other limits:** Lawn and garden equipment may not run 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday to Friday, or 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Also covered: amplified sound disturbing neighbours, animals or birds whose cries unduly disturb, mobile public address systems, boat exhausts. No decibel limits. Exempt: emergency work, farm operations, household equipment, licensed trades in commercial or industrial zones. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.6(d)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am Monday to Friday and between the hours of 10:00 pm" … "and 8:00 am on Saturday or Sunday, or a Statutory/Civic Holiday" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.6(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "no person shall own, keep or harbour any" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.2.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Performing works of an emergency nature for the preservation or protection of" … "Farm operations conducted in accordance with normal farm practices" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 6.6(a)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "No person shall play or operate any radio, stereophonic equipment or other" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, business hours:** City Bylaw Services: phone the City Hall front desk at 250-392-2311, or visit the office at 230 Hodgson Rd, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The City asks for complaints in writing with your name, phone number and the address. - Source: [Bylaw Services, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) - Official wording: "By phone at 250-392-2311" … "Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m." … "The name and phone number of the complainant must be provided" … "In person at our offices at 230 Hodgson Rd., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Who to call, after hours:** Not confirmed. The City does not state an after-hours noise contact. - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $100 for noise that tends to disturb ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 late). $500 for excessive noise ($450 early; $550 late). Construction noise outside permitted hours: $150 ($115 early; $190 late). Lawn equipment outside hours: $100. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20, Schedule A-20 / Noise offences, bylaw notice amounts](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Noise which tends to" … "disturb" … "$100.00" … "Excessive Noise which" … "$500.00" … "$450.00" … "$550.00" … "in public Noise Regulations Failure to meet 6.4 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No conditions of operating a public mobile address system Noise which tends to 6.5 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No disturb BL2239 Excessive Noise which 6.5.3 $500.00 $450.00 $550.00 No" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "prior to or after permitted hours Construction noise 6.6.1(e) $150.00 $115.00 $190.00 No outside of permitted hours" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as "City of Williams Lake Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Part 6 of the [Good Neighbour Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) says no one may make or allow noise, on a street, in a public place or from property they own or occupy, that disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of people nearby. A higher-penalty offence applies where a bylaw officer or RCMP member deems the noise excessive. There are no decibel limits. ## Hours - No general quiet hours: the bylaw sets no fixed hours for ordinary noise. - Lawn and garden equipment: not allowed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday to Friday, or 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. - Construction, repair, demolition, excavation or fill work that causes disturbing noise: not allowed before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on any day. The Senior Building Inspector may grant an exemption for necessary work at set hours. - Also covered: amplified sound that disturbs neighbours, animals or birds whose cries unduly disturb, mobile public address systems and boat exhausts. - Exempt: emergency work, farm operations, household equipment and licensed trades in commercial or industrial zones. ## Steps 1. If it is safe, ask the neighbour first. 2. Otherwise phone City Hall at 250-392-2311 or visit the Bylaw Services office at 230 Hodgson Rd, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The City asks for complaints in writing with your name, phone number and the address. 3. The City does not state an after-hours noise contact. ## Good to know - The City's web page on the bylaw says the restriction runs 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday to Friday and 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The bylaw text applies those hours to lawn and garden equipment, not all noise. - The same page says construction for gain on Sunday is allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The bylaw sets 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, so check with the City. - Bylaw notices: $100 for noise that tends to disturb ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid late); $500 for excessive noise ($450 early; $550 late); $150 for construction noise outside permitted hours ($115 early; $190 late); $100 for lawn equipment outside the hours. ## Official forms and pages - [Good Neighbour Bylaw page](https://www.williamslake.ca/647/Good-Neighbour-Bylaw) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw 2194, 2014 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines.md) - [Williams Lake unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/unsightly-property.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Noise bylaws in British Columbia: quiet hours, construction hours and fines by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/noise-rules.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/noise-rules.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/noise-rules.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/noise-rules.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/noise-rules.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/noise-rules.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/noise-rules.md) ## Sources - [Good Neighbour Bylaw, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/647/Good-Neighbour-Bylaw) (read 2026-11-05) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/noise-rules/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake unsightly property rules and how to report question: "How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Williams Lake?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/unsightly-property/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/unsightly-property.json" --- # Williams Lake unsightly property rules and how to report **Question:** How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Williams Lake? **Short answer:** Williams Lake's Good Neighbour Bylaw makes owners keep their property from becoming unsightly: rubbish, dead grass and weeds, unlicensed vehicles, graffiti and more. Report it in writing to Bylaw Services. The bylaw notice is $200. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Bylaw notice $200 for permitting property to become unsightly ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Specific items such as rubbish, weeds, firewood, vehicle parts or graffiti: $100. **Where:** - Online: Bylaw complaint form, https://williamslake.civicweb.net/items/Item/public.aspx?TypeID=17 - In person: City Hall or the Fire Hall (paper complaint form), 450 Mart Street or 230 Hodgson Rd, Williams Lake - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **What counts:** Owners must not let property become unsightly: accumulated rubbish, garbage or discarded material, offensive matter, stagnant water, unsightly or dead grass, weeds and vegetation, graffiti, building materials, firewood not in open stacked rows, vehicle parts, more than one unlicensed vehicle (lots under 1,700 m²), and more than one RV per dwelling unit outdoors (lots under 1,700 m²). - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.4.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Rubbish, Garbage and Discarded Material: All Owners shall not permit the" … "No owner of Premises shall allow grass or weeds on the Premises to" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.4.1(g)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "Owners shall not permit more than one (1) motor vehicle that is not registered, licensed and insured" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 7.4.1(h)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "no more than one (1) recreation vehicle may be parked per dwelling" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), definitions, "unsightly"](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "“UNSIGHTLY” means any Property which, because of deposits of rubbish, Litter, garbage, Weeds, or lack" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to report:** Send a written complaint with your name and phone number and the property address (a complaint link on the Bylaw Services page, or a complaint form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall). Questions: City Hall 250-392-2311, 230 Hodgson Rd, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Complaints are confidential. - Source: [Bylaw Services, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) - Official wording: "complete a written complaint form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall" … "The name and phone number of the complainant must be provided" … "providing the address is essential" … "Complaint information is considered confidential by the City of Williams Lake" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What happens next:** A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue a compliance order giving a time to fix it; the notice states a deadline of 14 days (24 hours for snow and ice on a sidewalk). If not done, the City may do the work and charge the owner; unpaid costs after 30 days may be sued for or added to the property tax bill. - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 9.2.2(d)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "must be remedied within fourteen (14) days of the date of delivery of the" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 9.2.4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "the City, by its workers or others, may at all reasonable times and in a reasonable" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 9.2.5](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "or direct that the amount of the cost be added to the real property tax roll as a" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $200 for permitting property to become unsightly ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 late). Specific items such as rubbish, weeds, firewood, vehicle parts or graffiti: $100 ($75 early; $125 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "above water Property Maintenance Permit property to 7.2 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes become unsightly Accumulation of rubbish 7.4.1(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Permit property to 7.2 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes become unsightly Accumulation of rubbish 7.4.1(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes or discarded material within the City" … "become unsightly Accumulation of rubbish 7.4.1(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes or discarded material within the City Accumulation of 7.4.1(b) $100.00 $75.00 $112.00 Yes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as "City of Williams Lake Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194," - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Part 7 of the [Good Neighbour Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) makes owners responsible for keeping their property from becoming unsightly. Part 7 does not apply to farm operations under the Right to Farm Act in farm-designated zones, or to orderly outdoor storage permitted by the Zoning Bylaw. ## What counts - Accumulated rubbish, garbage or discarded material, offensive matter, and stagnant water. - Unsightly or dead grass, weeds and vegetation. - Graffiti, building materials, vehicle parts, and firewood not in open stacked rows. - More than one unlicensed vehicle, and more than one RV per dwelling unit outdoors, on lots under 1,700 m2. Larger lots may keep two vehicles or two RVs. ## Steps 1. Note the address and what is wrong. 2. Send a written complaint with your name, phone number and the property address, using the complaint link on the Bylaw Services page or a form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall. Questions: City Hall, 250-392-2311. Complaints are confidential. 3. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue a compliance order. The notice states a deadline of 14 days (24 hours for snow and ice on a sidewalk). If it is not done, the City may do the work and charge the owner. Unpaid costs after 30 days may be sued for or added to the property tax bill. ## Good to know - Graffiti has its own periods: 14 days, or 48 hours if it is hateful or gang-related. Fences in disrepair get 30 days' notice. - Bylaw notices: $200 for permitting property to become unsightly ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Specific items such as rubbish, weeds, firewood, vehicle parts or graffiti are $100 ($75 early; $125 late). ## Official forms and pages - [Good Neighbour Bylaw page](https://www.williamslake.ca/647/Good-Neighbour-Bylaw) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw 2194, 2014 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines.md) - [Williams Lake noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/noise-rules.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/unsightly-property.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/unsightly-property.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/unsightly-property.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/unsightly-property.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/unsightly-property.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/unsightly-property.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/unsightly-property.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/647/Good-Neighbour-Bylaw) (read 2026-11-05) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/unsightly-property/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake backyard fire and burning rules question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Williams Lake?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire.json" --- # Williams Lake backyard fire and burning rules **Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Williams Lake? **Short answer:** Williams Lake's Fire Protection and Control Bylaw bans open fires. Allowed: contained cooking fires burning only briquettes and factory-made fire pits listed for backyard use, out by 11 p.m. and at least 20 feet from buildings and property lines. Burning yard waste is not allowed. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** No fee for the special-occasion burning permit is listed in the bylaw. Fines are $250 or more. **Where:** - Phone: Fire Department office, 250-392-4321 - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Backyard campfires:** Open fires are banned except contained outdoor cooking fires burning only briquettes, and factory-made fire pits listed for backyard use. Fire pit rules: 20 ft from property lines and buildings, 10 ft from combustibles, on a level non-combustible surface, hose or water at hand, attended by an adult, clean dry wood no thicker than 3 inches, out by 11 p.m. - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 501](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "No person shall light, ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started" … "outdoor cooking fires provided the fire is contained in a device or fixture designed for" … "factory made fire pits listed for use in a backyard shall be permitted" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule F](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "the fire pit must be located at least 20 feet from any property lines and buildings and 10 feet" … "only clean dry wood with a maximum thickness of 3 inches is permitted to be burned" … "the fire must be extinguished by 11:00 PM" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Burning yard waste:** No. Burning yard waste, garden waste or debris is not allowed; open fires are banned except the listed exceptions, and backyard fire pits and special-occasion fires may not burn residential waste including yard material. - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 501](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "No person shall light, ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule F](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "the fire must not be used to burn residential waste, including yard material, garden" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** Fire Department officers may issue a special-occasion burning permit (Schedule D) for a fire in a masonry, rock or metal pit no more than 24 inches across, 20 ft from property lines and buildings. No fee for it is listed in the bylaw's fee schedule. Fire Department office 250-392-4321. - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 502](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "Officers may issue a burning permit as set out in Schedule “D”, for special occasion burning." … "the fire must be contained in a masonry, rock or metal pit not to exceed 24 inches in" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule D](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "Office: (250) 392- 4321" … "SPECIAL OCCASION BURNING PERMIT" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fire bans:** An Officer may cancel or suspend a burning permit or add conditions because of hazardous conditions, and no one may light a fire contrary to an order. Inside city limits, BC Wildfire Service orders usually do not apply and the City sets its own bans, so check with the City (Fire Department 250-392-4321). - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 503](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "An Officer may, due to hazardous conditions, cancel or suspend for such time as is" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 504](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "No person shall light, ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started or maintained, any fire contrary to an order." - Source: [Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions - Province of British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service, Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions, within municipal boundaries](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions) - Official wording: "Municipalities typically implement their own open fire prohibitions that may follow or vary from BCWS prohibitions." … "Even if there are no provincial open fire prohibitions in place, always check with local government authorities for any other open fire restrictions." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Instead of burning:** Yard and garden waste is accepted at the Central Cariboo Transfer Station, 5025 Frizzi Road, Williams Lake. Leaves, grass, cones and sawdust are free (no plastic bags). Open daily: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 1 to October 31; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 1 to February 28. - Source: [Central Cariboo Transfer Station, Cariboo Regional District, page](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/landfills-and-transfer-stations/central-cariboo-transfer-station/) - Official wording: "5025 Frizzi Road, Williams Lake" … "Household garbage, yard and garden waste, clean wood waste" … "March 1st - October 31st" … "8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." … "November 1st - Feb 28th" … "8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m." - Source: [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) - Official wording: "Leaves, Grass, Cones and Sawdust" … "No plastic bags permitted" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $250 for burning contrary to the bylaw ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 late); $250 for burning contrary to a permit's conditions; $450 for burning contrary to an order ($340 early; $565 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Burning contrary to an order" … "Burning contrary to this Bylaw" … "$450.00" … "$340.00" … "$565.00" … "$250.00" … "$190.00" … "$315.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), s. 501](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "No person shall light, ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Section 501 of the [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) bans open fires in the City, with a few exceptions. Burning yard waste, garden waste or debris is not allowed. Backyard fire pits and special-occasion fires may not burn residential waste, including yard material. ## What is allowed - A contained outdoor cooking fire burning only briquettes. - A factory-made fire pit listed for backyard use, following these rules: 20 feet from property lines and buildings and 10 feet from combustibles; on a level non-combustible surface; a hose or water at hand; attended by an adult; clean dry wood no thicker than 3 inches; no heavy smoke or noxious odours; no burning in strong winds; out by 11 p.m. - A special-occasion burning permit, which a Fire Department officer may issue, for a fire in a masonry, rock or metal pit no more than 24 inches across, 20 feet from property lines and buildings. No fee for it is listed in the bylaw's fee schedule. Ask the Fire Department office, 250-392-4321. A fire pit that meets the rules above needs no permit. ## Fire bans An officer may cancel or suspend a burning permit or add conditions because of hazardous conditions, and no one may light a fire contrary to an order. Inside city limits, BC Wildfire Service orders usually do not apply and the City sets its own bans, so check with the City (Fire Department, 250-392-4321) before lighting any fire. ## Good to know - Yard and garden waste can go to the Central Cariboo Transfer Station instead; see the yard-waste answer. - Bylaw notices: $250 for burning contrary to the bylaw ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 if paid late); $250 for burning contrary to a permit's conditions; $450 for burning contrary to an order ($340 early; $565 late). A fire in a park or on public land is $250. - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw 2189 (consolidated PDF, Schedules D and F)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fireworks.md) - [Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/backyard-fire.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/backyard-fire.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/backyard-fire.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/backyard-fire.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/backyard-fire.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/backyard-fire.md) ## Sources - [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions, BC Wildfire Service](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention) (read 2026-11-05) - [Central Cariboo Transfer Station, Cariboo Regional District](https://www.cariboord.ca/living-here/garbage-and-recycling/landfills-and-transfer-stations/central-cariboo-transfer-station/) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions - Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions) (read 2026-11-05) - [Solid Waste Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5519, 2025, Schedule A and D (Cariboo Regional District)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/cariboord-015-ca/media/0miopcve/ccts-tipping-fees-2025_2027_2029.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake fireworks rules question: "Are fireworks allowed in Williams Lake?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fireworks/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fireworks.json" --- # Williams Lake fireworks rules **Question:** Are fireworks allowed in Williams Lake? **Short answer:** In Williams Lake, fireworks may be set off only from October 24 to November 1, under the provincial Fireworks Act, which the City's Fire Bylaw makes part of itself. Using them at other times needs Fire Chief permission. The bylaw and the Act disagree on sale dates. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Fireworks sales permit $200 (retailers). Bylaw notice $250 for selling without a permit ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 if paid late). **Where:** - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **Setting off fireworks:** Under the Fireworks Act, which the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw makes part of itself (s. 601), no one may fire or set off fireworks except from October 24 to November 1. The Fire Chief may permit fireworks to be discharged at other times if safe (s. 604). - Source: [Fireworks Act, Fireworks Act s. 3, with s. 2(a)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96146_01) - Official wording: "Except between October 24 and November 1 in any year, a person must not sell, give, fire or set off fireworks." … "a municipality that, by bylaw, declares that this Act applies" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Selling fireworks:** Selling needs a fireworks sales permit and a valid business licence. The bylaw allows sales from October 24 to November 1 and December 19 to January 1 unless the Fire Chief permits other times, but the Fireworks Act, which the bylaw makes part of itself, allows selling only October 24 to November 1. (Sources differ: Fire Chief may allow sale or discharge at any other time of year (s. 604).) - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, s. 602](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "No person shall possess, sell, or offer for sale any fireworks within the City, unless the" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, s. 603](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "the fireworks will be sold only between October 24 to November 1 and" … "from December 19 to January 1" - Source: [Fireworks Act, Fireworks Act s. 3](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96146_01) - Official wording: "Except between October 24 and November 1 in any year, a person must not sell, give, fire or set off fireworks." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **What counts as fireworks:** The Fire Bylaw uses the Fireworks Act meaning, which includes cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, Roman candles, skyrockets, squibs, torpedoes and any other explosive designated by regulation. Sparklers are not named. - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, definitions](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "has the same meaning as under the Fireworks Act." - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, s. 601](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "The Fireworks Act, R.S.B.C. c. 146 forms part of this bylaw." - Source: [Fireworks Act, Fireworks Act s. 1](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96146_01) - Official wording: "includes cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, Roman candles, skyrockets, squibs, torpedoes and any other explosive designated by regulation as a firework" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Permit:** Setting off: no permit process for residents is stated; the Fire Chief may permit fireworks to be discharged at other times if safe (s. 604), and public displays need the local authority's written permission (Fireworks Act s. 5). Selling: sales permit from the Fire Chief to a business-licensed retailer, $200. - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, s. 603](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "The Fire Chief or LAFC is authorized to issue a fireworks sales permit to any person for the" … "The person holds a valid business licence to carry on the business of retail sales of" … "the Fire Chief may permit fireworks to be sold or discharged at any time during the" - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "DIVISION SIX - FIREWORKS Fireworks Sales Permits 601. The Fireworks Act, R.S.B.C. c. 146 forms part of this bylaw." … "Removal of Combustible Material by City Crew 428 Actual Cost Fireworks Sales Permits 601 200.00 More Than 1 Re-Inspection 701 150.00/Inspection" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $250 for selling fireworks without a sales permit ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Selling fireworks without a" … "Fireworks Sales Permit" … "$250.00" … "$190.00" … "$315.00" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (Division Six, Fireworks) - Source: [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six, s. 601](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - Official wording: "The Fireworks Act, R.S.B.C. c. 146 forms part of this bylaw." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) (Division Six) makes the provincial [Fireworks Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/9614) part of itself (s. 601). Under the Act, no one may fire or set off fireworks except from October 24 to November 1. The Fire Chief may permit fireworks to be discharged at other times if it is safe (s. 604). The bylaw uses the Fireworks Act meaning of fireworks, which includes cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, Roman candles, skyrockets, squibs, torpedoes and any other explosive designated by regulation. Sparklers are not named. ## Setting off fireworks - No permit process for residents is stated. Outside October 24 to November 1, ask the Fire Chief through City Hall (250-392-2311) before setting any off. - Public displays need the local authority's written permission (Fireworks Act s. 5). - No ticket for setting off fireworks was found in the City's fine schedule. ## Selling fireworks Selling needs a fireworks sales permit from the Fire Chief ($200) and a valid business licence. The sale dates differ between the sources: the bylaw allows sales from October 24 to November 1 and December 19 to January 1 unless the Fire Chief permits other times, but the Fireworks Act, which the bylaw makes part of itself, allows selling only from October 24 to November 1. Ask the City which applies. ## Good to know - Selling without a permit is a $250 bylaw notice ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 if paid late). - The City's copy of the bylaw is dated 2019; later changes, if any, were not seen. A 2016 amendment changed the sale dates. ## Official forms and pages - [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw 2189 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) - [Fireworks Act (BC Laws)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/9614) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire.md) - [Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/fireworks.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/fireworks.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/fireworks.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/fireworks.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/fireworks.md) - [Logan Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/logan-lake/fireworks.md) ## Sources - [Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2189, 2013 (consolidated), Division Six](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/58244) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fireworks Act (BC Laws)](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/9614) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Services, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/270/Bylaw-Services) (read 2026-11-05) - [Fireworks Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96146_01) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/fireworks/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work question: "What are the common bylaw fines in Williams Lake, and how do I pay or dispute one?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Bylaws, noise and complaints owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines.json" --- # Williams Lake bylaw fines and how tickets work **Question:** What are the common bylaw fines in Williams Lake, and how do I pay or dispute one? **Short answer:** Williams Lake bylaw officers issue Bylaw Notices under the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw. Pay within 14 days of receiving a notice for the reduced amount (for example $75 on a $100 notice), or dispute it within 14 days. Pay at City Hall, by mail or by Interac e-Transfer. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Typical Bylaw Notice amounts are $100 (for example $75 if paid within 14 days; $125 if paid later than 28 days). $25 fee if you lose an adjudication. **How long:** Pay or dispute within 14 days of receiving the notice. **Where:** - Online: Pay by Interac e-Transfer, pay@williamslake.ca (Put the ticket number in the message. Security question "What am I paying?", answer "Ticket".) - In person: City Hall cashier, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; cash, cheque, credit or Interac) - By mail: Mail payment or dispute, City of Williams Lake, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Payments by cheque or money order, no cash. Mark "Finance (Violation Payment)".) - Phone: City Hall, 250-392-2311 ## Key facts - **How tickets work:** Bylaw officers issue bylaw notices under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act; the City's Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw lists the offences and amounts. Officers include bylaw enforcement officers, animal control officers, building inspectors and RCMP members. Several bylaws also allow Municipal Ticket Information under the Community Charter. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 5](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "The bylaw contraventions designated in Schedule “A”, attached hereto and forming" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 18](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Bylaw Enforcement Officers, licensing inspectors, building inspectors, animal control officers or other persons acting in" - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated), s. 10.2.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) - Official wording: "to a fine as imposed by means of a Municipal Ticket Information under" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Common fines:** Bylaw notice amounts: unlicensed dog $100; dog at large $100; noise that tends to disturb $100; excessive noise $500; unsightly property $200; parking over 48 hours $100; parked on sidewalk $100; sprinkling at unauthorized times $100. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Penalty Penalty Available Unlicensed Dog 3 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes Fail to Affix License 9 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Noise which tends to 6.5 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No disturb BL2239 Excessive Noise which 6.5.3 $500.00 $450.00 $550.00 No (01/12/15) tends to disturb" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "above water Property Maintenance Permit property to 7.2 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes become unsightly Accumulation of rubbish 7.4.1(a) $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-17](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Parked upon a sidewalk, walkway," … "$100.00" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), Schedule A-20](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Parked vehicle on 7.10.6 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No Highway impeding snow removal Lawn Watering during 7.11 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes unauthorized times" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying early:** Pay within 14 days of receiving the notice to get the early payment amount shown in the schedule (for example $75 on a $100 notice; $25 on most parking notices). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 6(b)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "If received by the City within 14 days of the person receiving or being" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Paying late:** If paid more than 28 days after receiving the notice, the late payment amount applies (for example $125 on a $100 notice). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 6(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "If more than 28 days after the person received or is presumed to have received" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Disputing a ticket:** Within 14 days of receiving the notice, either pay it or request dispute adjudication using the dispute form attached to the notice, delivered in person or by mail to City Hall, Bylaw Services, 450 Mart Street. After 14 days a notice cannot be disputed. A screening officer may offer a compliance agreement (for some offences). An unsuccessful dispute adds a $25 fee. - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 7](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "within 14 days of the date on which the" … "Request dispute adjudication" - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 8](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "no person may dispute the notice after 14 days of receiving the Bylaw Notice." - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 12](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "must pay the City an additional fee of $25 for the purpose of the City" - Source: [Bylaw Adjudication, page](https://www.williamslake.ca/506/Bylaw-Adjudication) - Official wording: "You have 14 calendar days upon receipt of the Bylaw Notice to dispute it." … "City of Williams Lake - Bylaw Services" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “City Of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Bylaw officers (bylaw enforcement officers, animal control officers, building inspectors and RCMP members) issue bylaw notices under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act. The City's [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) lists the offences and amounts. Several bylaws also allow Municipal Ticket Information under the Community Charter. The City's Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw was not found on its bylaw list, so those amounts could not be read; ask City Hall. ## Common bylaw notice amounts - Unlicensed dog: $100. Dog at large: $100. - Noise that tends to disturb: $100. Excessive noise: $500. - Unsightly property: $200. - Parking over 48 hours: $100. Parked on a sidewalk: $100. - Sprinkling at unauthorized times: $100. ## Paying and disputing 1. Pay within 14 days of receiving the notice to get the early-payment amount (for example $75 on a $100 notice; $25 on most parking notices). Between 14 and 28 days the full penalty applies. More than 28 days after receiving the notice, the late amount applies (for example $125 on a $100 notice). 2. To pay, use Interac e-Transfer to pay@williamslake.ca with the ticket number, or pay at City Hall (cash, cheque, credit or Interac), or mail a cheque or money order (no cash). 3. To dispute, within 14 days of receiving the notice, use the dispute form attached to it. Deliver it in person or by mail to City Hall, Bylaw Services, 450 Mart Street, or fax 250-392-1798. After 14 days a notice cannot be disputed. 4. The Screening Officer can cancel the notice, offer a compliance agreement with a reduced penalty (for some offences), or uphold it. If upheld, you may ask for an adjudication hearing; attending is not mandatory. ## Good to know - If the adjudicator finds the offence occurred, you pay the full penalty plus a $25 fee. - The amounts above are the bylaw notice amounts only. ## What you'll need - Your Bylaw Notice (the dispute form is attached to it) ## Official forms and pages - [Bylaw Adjudication](https://www.williamslake.ca/506/Bylaw-Adjudication) - [Online Ticket Payment](https://www.williamslake.ca/711/Online-Ticket-Payment) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2196 (consolidated, PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/noise-rules.md) - [Williams Lake unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/unsightly-property.md) - [Williams Lake backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/backyard-fire.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Bylaw tickets in British Columbia: early payment, late payment and disputes by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bylaw-fines.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/bylaw-fines.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/bylaw-fines.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/bylaw-fines.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/bylaw-fines.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/bylaw-fines.md) - [Barriere](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/bylaw-fines.md) ## Sources - [Bylaw Adjudication, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/506/Bylaw-Adjudication) (read 2026-11-05) - [Online Ticket Payment, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/711/Online-Ticket-Payment) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194, 2014 (consolidated)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/67409) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/bylaw-fines/_ --- --- title: "Williams Lake business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply" question: "Do I need a business licence in Williams Lake, and how do I get one?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence.json" --- # Williams Lake business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply **Question:** Do I need a business licence in Williams Lake, and how do I get one? **Short answer:** Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the City of Williams Lake needs a City business licence, and contractors must hold one before starting work. Fill in the application and email it to development@williamslake.ca or bring it to City Hall, 450 Mart Street. The fee depends on the type of business. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** Set by business category; for example $50 (non-profit) to $150 (contractors). See the fees answer. Fees are non-refundable. **How long:** The City does not state a processing time. Licences expire December 31. **Where:** - Email: Development Services, development@williamslake.ca - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Phone: Development Services, 250-392-1765 ## Key facts - **Who needs one:** Anyone carrying on a business in the City. The bylaw bars carrying on a business without a valid licence. The City says most businesses need one. Contractors working in Williams Lake must hold a City licence before starting. Government bodies are not 'business'. - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 10, s. 7](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "No person shall carry on a business within the City without having obtained a" … "valid business license." … "but does not include an activity carried on by a Municipal," - Source: [Business Licensing](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) - Official wording: "A business license is required for most businesses operating within the City of Williams Lake." - Source: [Building Inspection, Contractor Business Licenses](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) - Official wording: "Contractors performing work within Williams Lake must hold a valid City of Williams Lake Business License before commencing construction." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee:** Set by business category in Schedule A, for example: business services $100; food services $120; small retail (under 200 m²) $120; contractors $150; professional services $100 per agent; hairstylists $80 per person; non-profit $50; temporary business $75. Fees are non-refundable. - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), Schedule A; s. 15](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "BUSINESS SERVICES $100.00" … "FOOD SERVICES $120.00" … "RETAIL SALES – SMALL $120.00" … "CONTRACTORS $150.00" … "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $100/agent" … "HAIRSTYLIST/ AESTHETICIAN $80/person" … "NON – FOR – PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS $50.00" … "TEMPORARY BUSINESS $75.00" … "may be prorated accordingly within a minimum fee of Fifty dollars." - Source: [Business Licensing, Fees & Renewals](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) - Official wording: "Please note that business license fees are non-refundable." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to apply:** Complete the application form and email it to development@williamslake.ca or deliver it to City Hall, 450 Mart Street. Planning (zoning), Building Inspection and Fire Services may review it, and Interior Health may too. Premises must be approved by the licence, health, fire prevention and building inspectors before a licence is granted. - Source: [Business Licensing, Apply for a Business License](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) - Official wording: "Submitted by email to development@williamslake.ca" … "Delivered in person at City Hall (450 Mart Street)" … "applications may be reviewed by several City departments, including Planning, Building Inspection and Fire Services." … "Applications may also be reviewed by Interior Health." - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 24](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "shall, before any such license is granted, be approved by" … "the License Inspector, Medical-Health Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer, Building" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Licences are valid for the calendar year and expire every December 31. Renew each year. - Source: [Business Licensing, Fees & Renewals](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) - Official wording: "Business licenses are valid for the calendar year and expire annually on December 31." - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 13](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "every license issued under this Bylaw shall" … "terminate on the 31st day of December of the year in which it was issued." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Inter-community licence:** None set. Williams Lake has no inter-community licence. - **Fine:** Bylaw notice for carrying on business without a licence: $250, or $190 if paid within 14 days; $315 if paid late. Failure to display the licence: $100 ($75 early, $125 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, Schedule A-4, Business Licensing Fines](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Carry on Business without 10. $250.00 $190.00 $315.00 Yes" … "Fail to Display current Business 12. $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 Yes" - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 62](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "All penalties relevant to contraventions of this Bylaw being addressed" … "are contained in Schedule A-4 of the City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The [Business License Bylaw 2365](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) bars anyone from carrying on a business in the City of Williams Lake without a valid licence. The City says most businesses need one, and contractors working in Williams Lake must hold a City licence before starting. Government bodies are not counted as a business. A separate licence is needed for each premises and each business category at the same premises. Williams Lake has no inter-community licence. ## Steps 1. Complete the Business License Application Form. 2. Email it to development@williamslake.ca or deliver it to City Hall, 450 Mart Street. 3. Planning (zoning), Building Inspection and Fire Services review it, and Interior Health may too. The licence, health, fire prevention and building inspectors must approve the premises first. 4. Pay the fee before the licence is issued. 5. Renew every year. Licences expire December 31. ## Good to know - Fees follow Schedule A. For example: business services $100; food services $120; small retail (under 200 m²) $120; contractors $150; professional services $100 per agent; hairstylists $80 per person; non-profit $50; temporary business $75. - New businesses starting after Mar 1, Jun 1 or Sep 1 may be prorated, with a minimum of $50. - A change of location, name or ownership needs a new application and a $35 administrative fee. - Operating without a licence: bylaw notice $250 ($190 if paid within 14 days; $315 late). Not displaying the licence: $100 ($75 early, $125 late). - The bylaw still refers to the old Zoning Bylaw 1825, 2002, which was repealed and replaced by Zoning Bylaw 2430. ## What you'll need - Completed Business License Application Form - Two emergency contacts, and trade qualification numbers where the form asks for them - Proof of liability insurance and Interior Health approval for mobile food vendors ## Official forms and pages - [Business Licensing page](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) - [Business License Application Form](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4968/Bus-Lic-Appln--June2023) - [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/home-based-business.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/business-licence.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/business-licence.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/business-licence.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/business-licence.md) - [Lillooet](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lillooet/business-licence.md) - [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/business-licence.md) ## Sources - [Business Licensing, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1068/Business-Licensing) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) (read 2026-11-05) - [Building Inspection, City of Williams Lake (contractor business licences)](https://www.williamslake.ca/1067/Building-Inspection) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake home-based business rules question: "Can I run a business from my home?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Starting and running a business owner: municipal owner_body: City of Williams Lake sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/home-based-business/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/home-based-business.json" --- # Williams Lake home-based business rules **Question:** Can I run a business from my home? **Short answer:** Yes. In Williams Lake a resident can run a home-based business in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1 under the Zoning Bylaw rules, such as using no more than 25 per cent of the floor area. Every home-based business must also hold a City business licence. **Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Williams Lake, https://www.williamslake.ca) **Cost:** There is no separate home-based fee; the licence fee follows your business category (for example $100 for business services, $120 for small retail). **Where:** - Phone: Development Services, 250-392-1765 - Email: Development Services, development@williamslake.ca ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes. A home-based business, run by a resident of the dwelling unit, is a permitted use in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1, subject to the conditions in Zoning s. 3.12. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 2.4.1, 3.12.1, Part 4](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "HOME-BASED BUSINESS means a commercial occupation or profession carried" … "on by a resident of the dwelling unit which is clearly incidental and accessory to" … "A home-based business may only be conducted in a zone in which it is" … "Home-Based Business (b)" … "Home-Based Business (a)" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes. Every home-based business must be licensed under the category matching the business. There is no separate home-based fee; the fee follows the category (for example business services $100, small retail $120, professional services $100 per agent). (Sources differ: City page says a home-based business 'may require' a licence; the bylaw says every one 'shall be licensed'. Value follows the bylaw. The Business License Bylaw still points to Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002, which Bylaw No. 2430 repealed.) - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 32, Schedule A](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "Every person operating a Home-based business shall be licensed under the" … "classification which reflects the nature of the business." … "BUSINESS SERVICES $100.00" … "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $100/agent" - Source: [Home-Based Businesses](https://www.williamslake.ca/1069/Home-Based-Businesses) - Official wording: "may require a business license before commencing operation" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Limits:** Use, including storage, may take at most 25% of the floor area of the home and accessory buildings; all activity inside buildings or rear yards; at most one full-time or two part-time employees on the premises; no on-street parking; one extra parking space if customers visit; one business vehicle; signs under Sign Bylaw 2360. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "shall occupy no more than 25%" … "of the floor area of the principal building and accessory buildings." … "All activities shall be conducted entirely within the principal building or" … "employment of more than one full-time or two" … "part-time employees on the premises." … "shall not use on-street" … "one additional parking space must be provided, over and above" … "no more than one vehicle" … "Sign Bylaw No. 2360" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Businesses not allowed:** No automobile, boat or heavy machinery servicing or repair as a home-based business. Outdoor storage is limited by the rule that all activity is inside buildings or rear yards. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12.1(c)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "No automobile, boat, or heavy machinery servicing or repair is permitted as a" … "home-based business use." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (s. 3.12); City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (s. 32) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "building that complies with the BC Building Code requirements for life and safety. 3.12 HOME-BASED BUSINESS 3.12.1 A home-based business may only be conducted in a zone in which it is" … "ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT TABLE List of Amendments to the City of WILLIAMS LAKE ZONING BYLAW NO. 2430, 2025 BYLAW CIVIC ADRESS TYPE /SECTIONS PURPOSE DATE OF" … "3.11.2 Short-term rental accommodation must have a valid license issued under City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, as amended or replaced from time to time." - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 32](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "Every person operating a Home-based business shall be licensed under the" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works In the City of Williams Lake, a home-based business run by a resident of the dwelling unit is a permitted use in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1, subject to s. 3.12 of [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601). Mixed-use, commercial and other zones do not list it. The business must follow these limits: - Use, including storage, takes at most 25% of the floor area of the home and accessory buildings. - All activity is inside buildings or rear yards. - At most one full-time or two part-time employees on the premises. - No on-street parking, and one extra parking space if customers visit. - One business vehicle. - Signs follow Sign Bylaw 2360. - No automobile, boat or heavy machinery servicing or repair. - It must follow the Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194. ## Steps 1. Check your zone (see the zoning lookup answer). 2. Apply for a City business licence in the category that matches your business (see the business licence answer). 3. Ask Development Services (250-392-1765) if you are unsure. ## Good to know - The City's page says a home-based business "may require" a licence. The [Business License Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) (s. 32) says every one "shall be licensed". Follow the bylaw. - The licence may need Interior Health approval. - The Business License Bylaw still points to the old Zoning Bylaw 1825, 2002, which Bylaw 2430 repealed. Use 2430. ## Official forms and pages - [Home-Based Businesses page](https://www.williamslake.ca/1069/Home-Based-Businesses) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, section 3.12 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - [Business License Application Form](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4968/Bus-Lic-Appln--June2023) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/home-based-business.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/home-based-business.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/home-based-business.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/home-based-business.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/home-based-business.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/home-based-business.md) ## Sources - [Home-Based Businesses, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1069/Home-Based-Businesses) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF), section 3.12](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Williams Lake. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/home-based-business/_ --- --- title: Williams Lake short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Williams Lake?" place: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/williams-lake category: Housing and renting owner: shared sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/short-term-rental/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/short-term-rental.json" --- # Williams Lake short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo) **Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Williams Lake? **Short answer:** Yes, in Williams Lake, if it is your principal residence. You need a City business licence ($150 a year) and must register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry. The zoning bylaw treats stays under 30 consecutive days as short-term rentals. **Who handles it:** More than one level of government **Cost:** City business licence $150 a year (category 0101 Short-Term Rental), non-refundable. The provincial registration fee is set by the Province. **How long:** A City business licence expires December 31 each year and must be renewed. **Where:** - Email: Development Services (business licence applications and zoning questions), development@williamslake.ca - Phone: Development Services, 250-392-1765 - In person: City Hall, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Online: Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry - Phone: ServiceBC Contact Centre (provincial registry), 1-833-828-2240 ## Key facts - **Allowed:** Yes, in the operator's primary residence, for stays under 30 consecutive days. Zoning s. 3.11.1 and the City page say residential and mixed-use zones, but s. 3.1.3(g) lists short-term rental accommodations as permitted throughout all zones. The provincial Act also applies. (Sources differ: Zoning s. 3.1.3(g) lists short-term rental accommodations among uses 'permitted throughout all zones' subject to s. 3.11, which is wider than s. 3.11.1. The Business License Bylaw defines short-term rental as under 90 consecutive days; zoning says under 30.) - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.11 and definitions, s. 3.11.1, 2.4.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Short-term rental accommodation is permitted in residential and mixed-use" … "zones, subject to compliance with all requirements and provisions of the Short-" … "members of the public in a short-term rental operator’s primary residence, in" … "consecutive days." … "(g) short-term rental accommodations subject to Section 3.11;" - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, City Regulations](https://www.williamslake.ca/1071/Short-Term-Rental-Accommodations) - Official wording: "short-term rentals are permitted in Residential and Mixed-Use zones" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Business licence:** Yes. A City business licence is required: category 0101 Short-Term Rental, $150 a year, for operating one or more short-term rentals at the operator's principal residence, including secondary suites and accessory dwelling units. Licences expire December 31. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.11 and definitions, s. 3.11.2](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Short-term rental accommodation must have a valid license issued under City of" - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), Schedule A, code 0101](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "SHORT-TERM RENTAL $150.00" … "or renting one (1) or more short-term rentals located at their principal" … "residence, including secondary suites and accessory dwelling units." - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, Business License Requirement](https://www.williamslake.ca/1071/Short-Term-Rental-Accommodations) - Official wording: "A valid City of Williams Lake Business License is required to operate a short-term rental." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Provincial registration:** Yes. All short-term rental hosts and platforms in B.C. must register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry and pay annual registration fees. - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, Provincial Requirements](https://www.williamslake.ca/1071/Short-Term-Rental-Accommodations) - Official wording: "All short-term rental hosts and platforms operating in B.C. must register with the Province" - Source: [Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia, Registration overview](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) - Official wording: "Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees." … "If you have a short-term rental registration, you must renew it each year to continue operating." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Operating rules:** Must be the operator's primary residence, hold a valid City business licence (displayed permanently where the public has access) and be in a building meeting BC Building Code life-safety requirements. No limit on guests, bedrooms or parking and no local-contact rule were found. - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.11 and definitions, s. 3.11.2, 3.11.3, 2.4.1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "Short-term rental accommodation must have a valid license issued under City of" … "Short- term rental accommodations must occupy a building or a portion of a" … "building that complies with the BC Building Code requirements for life and safety." … "short-term rental operator’s primary residence, in" - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 12](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "Licenses shall be permanently displayed at all times in the business area of the premises to which the public has access." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 late) for failing the short-term accommodation rules in Zoning s. 3.11. Carrying on business without a licence: $250 ($190 early; $315 late). - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196, Schedule A-19 (zoning) and A-4 (business licensing)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) - Official wording: "Fail To Meet Regulations For Short" … "3.11 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes" … "Carry on Business without 10. $250.00 $190.00 $315.00 Yes" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** City of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (s. 3.11); City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.11 and definitions, s. 3.11](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) - Official wording: "3.11 SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATIONS 3.11.1 Short-term rental accommodation is permitted in residential and mixed-use zones, subject to compliance with all requirements and provisions of the Short-" … "ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT TABLE List of Amendments to the City of WILLIAMS LAKE ZONING BYLAW NO. 2430, 2025 BYLAW CIVIC ADRESS TYPE /SECTIONS PURPOSE DATE OF" … "3.11.2 Short-term rental accommodation must have a valid license issued under City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, as amended or replaced from time to time." - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 1](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the “Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works The City of Williams Lake allows short-term rentals (stays under 30 consecutive days) in the operator's principal residence, including secondary suites and accessory dwelling units. It is also a community where the Province's principal residence rule applies. Both the City and the Province have rules: - **City business licence:** category 0101 Short-Term Rental, $150 a year, under the [Business License Bylaw](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470). The City checks zoning compliance before issuing it, and licences expire December 31. - **Provincial registration:** all short-term rental hosts and platforms in B.C. must register with the Short-Term Rental Registry and pay annual fees. ServiceBC: 1-833-828-2240. ## Steps 1. Confirm the rental is in your principal residence and check the zone rules with Development Services (250-392-1765). 2. Apply for the City business licence (email development@williamslake.ca or visit City Hall) and pay the fee. 3. Register with the Province's Short-Term Rental Registry. 4. Display your licence permanently where the public has access. ## Good to know - The building must meet BC Building Code life-safety requirements. - **Zones differ between sources.** [Zoning Bylaw 2430](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) s. 3.11.1 and the City's page say residential and mixed-use zones. The same bylaw's s. 3.1.3(g) lists short-term rentals as permitted "throughout all zones". Confirm your zone with the City. - **Length of stay differs.** Zoning says under 30 consecutive days; the Business License Bylaw defines a short-term rental as under 90. - No limit on guests, bedrooms or parking and no local-contact rule was found. - A bylaw notice for breaking the zoning rules in s. 3.11 is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 late). Operating without a licence is $250 ($190 early; $315 late). ## What you'll need - Completed City business licence application - Provincial short-term rental registration ## Official forms and pages - [Short-Term Rental Accommodations page](https://www.williamslake.ca/1071/Short-Term-Rental-Accommodations) - [Business License Application Form](https://www.williamslake.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4968/Bus-Lic-Appln--June2023) - [Zoning Bylaw 2430 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) ## Related questions - [Williams Lake business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/business-licence.md) - [Williams Lake home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/home-based-business.md) - [Williams Lake zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/zoning-lookup.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md) - [100 Mile House](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/100-mile-house/short-term-rental.md) - [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/short-term-rental.md) - [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/short-term-rental.md) - [Clinton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clinton/short-term-rental.md) - [Cache Creek](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/short-term-rental.md) - [Clearwater](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/clearwater/short-term-rental.md) ## Sources - [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, City of Williams Lake](https://www.williamslake.ca/1071/Short-Term-Rental-Accommodations) (read 2026-11-05) - [Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF), section 3.11 and definitions](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/178601) (read 2026-11-05) - [Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/143470) (read 2026-11-05) - [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196 (PDF)](https://williamslake.civicweb.net/document/61839) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) (read 2026-11-05) - [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/williams-lake/short-term-rental/_