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1. Building Permits

Obtaining a building permit when required can help you protect the value of your property ensuring it is built right.

 Visit the Building Inspection page for more information.

2. Burning and Air Quality

Smoke pollution from open burning can seriously impact your health, as well as the health and well-being of your family and neighbours. Please consider alternatives to burning such as chipping or drop your yard waste off at any CVRD recycling centre.

 Visit the Burning and Air Quality page.

3. Current Water Use Restrictions

When we are experiencing drought conditions, there are a number of steps you can take to conserve water and prepare yourself to deal with the lack of water.

Visit the New Normal Cowichan website to learn more. 

4. Dogs

Coastal Animal Control Services of BC is contracted to provide dog control services to the Electoral Areas of the CVRD.  Coastal Animal Control Services is the first contact for all dog related issues. A lost dog wearing a valid dog license can help reunite you with your dog.

Visit the Dogs webpage.

5. Fireworks in the CVRD

The goal of Bylaw No. 4514 is to minimize the impact of fireworks to livestock and pets, to reduce noise, and risk of injury. A permit is required to discharge fireworks. Please be considerate of your neighbours. Consider people, pets and eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks. A person may only discharge fireworks with a CVRD issued permit.

6. Garbage, Recycling Totes and Wildlife

Every year hundreds of bears are destroyed in BC as a result of conflicts between people and bears. Most of these problems begin when people allow bears to access non-natural food sources such as garbage. Be Bear Aware, do not leave your totes out overnight and store your totes in a wildlife-resistant manner. 
Learn more at the Curbside Collection Overview page.

7. Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping comes at a cost to everyone in the Cowichan region. Illegal dumping causes environmental damage to our forests and waterways and creates health and safety risks for visitors and residents.

 Learn more on the Illegal Dumping webpage.

8. Living in the Agriculture Land Reserve

The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is an independent tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and enabling farming. Farming is encouraged through the Agricultural Land Commission Act and non-agricultural uses are restricted. Land in the ALR is subject to compliance with all other legislation including local government regulation. For more information visit the ALC website.

Information on buying and owning land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

9. Parks in the CVRD

Each and every park user can make a positive difference in the overall enjoyment of parks by doing their part. This includes picking up after your pets, leaving natural vegetation in place and ensuring any garbage is carried out or properly disposed of. 

Please enjoy CVRD Parks & Trails while being mindful of the bylaws in place.

10. R/V Dwelling and “Tiny House” Use

An RV is a recreational vehicle designed to be used as short term temporary quarters for recreational, camping or travel use. RV’s include 5^th wheels, travel trailers, campers and motorhomes. “Park models” (CSA – Z241) are a larger version also designed for RV parks and campgrounds. Although they sometimes appear similar to a manufactured home, they are not the same and do not comply with dwelling regulations. The use of an RV or park model as full-time or seasonal dwelling is prohibited.

The term “tiny home” is used interchangeably for different kinds of units. They may be built to be portable, often on a flat bed trailer, and as such are similar to an RV. Tiny homes do not meet the requirements of a dwelling and are prohibited to be used as such.

“Tiny Homes” which are sold locally by RV dealers are constructed to a CSA - Z240RV standard which is subject to the Motor Vehicle Act.  Although they resemble residential structures,  they are not designed for use as permanent dwelling units and are to be treated in the same respect as a camper, trailer or motorhome.  “Tiny Homes” which are constructed on a U-Build Trailer Chassis at home or anywhere not certified through CSA would be considered as illegal structures through the BC Building Code and the CVRD Building Bylaw and may be subject to Bylaw Enforcement.

Its valuable to understand the differences between the CSA standards:

CSA Z240MH (Mobile Home) : Approved under the BC Building Code.  A Building Permit from the CVRD is required.

CSA Z240RV (Recreational Vehicle) : Not recognized by the BC Building Code and cannot be issued a building permit.  Subject to the Motor Vehicle Act

CSA Z241 (Park Model) : Not recognized by the BC Building Code but may be used temporarily for recreational purposes in some areas.  Check with CVRD Development Services.

 Legitimate RV’s for personal use may be stored on a your property,  but they may not be lived in simultaneously.

11. Can I “camp” on my property while I build a house?

Yes. CVRD zoning and building bylaws allow the temporary use of an RV during new home construction under the following conditions:

1. A Building Permit for a House has been issued by the CVRD and construction has started.
2. The RV bears a CSA Z240 certification and can be licensed under the Motor Vehicle Act.
3. The use of an RV must cease after 12 months or 30 from the issuance of an Occupancy Permit,  whichever is first
4. Sewage shall be disposed of at approved off-site locations, or if it is disposed of on-site, in a location and manner that is permitted by CVRD and Island Health
5. The RV shall be located no closer than 4.5 m to any parcel line.

 Check with CVRD Development Services prior to getting started.  Not all CVRD Electoral Areas allow the same conditions.

12. Road Maintenance and Snow Plowing

Do you know of a pot hole that needs desperate repair or an unsafe situation on a roadway? CVRD is not responsible for road maintenance or snow plowing as it falls under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Find out more about Road Maintenance and Provincial contractors. 

13. Soil Depositing

The CVRD soil bylaw is intended to regulate deposits of clean soil, and to prevent unauthorized imports of contaminated soil and deleterious impacts to streams and other environmentally sensitive features. Gravel, rock and other substances of which land is naturally composed may also be subject to a permit. Did you know there are some permit exemptions and permits are free for volumes less than 100 m3 in a calendar year.

Visit the Soil webpage to learn more. 

 

14. Tips for Working it out with Your Neighbours

Do you need to talk with your neighbour about a problem that’s come up between you? Maybe you’ve been meaning to have that talk but aren’t sure how to bring up the issue. Or maybe you’re worried about approaching your neighbour. 

Learn tips to help you talk with your neighbour.

15. Working in Development Permit Areas

Development Permit Areas (DPAs) are areas where special requirements and guidelines for any development or alteration of the land are in effect. DPA’s provide responsible development within environmentally sensitive areas and areas prone to natural hazards. Call to find out if your project needs a permit or if it is exempt.

Visit the Development Permit Guide.

16. Zoning / Land Use

Check out what you can do on your property by visiting Planning & Development's FAQ's page.