The Bylaw department:
- Investigates bylaw complaints
- Enforces regulations and standards
- Achieves resolutions through voluntary compliance
- Educates the public of bylaw regulations
regarding the following bylaws:
- Zoning
- Rural Land Use Bylaws
- Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 4628
Help is also provided in the enforcement of:
- Solid Waste Disposal Regulation Bylaw No. 2898
- Building Bylaw No. 4997
- Noise Bylaw No. 4713
- Invasive Plants Bylaw No. 4740
Making a Bylaw complaint
Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the following procedures take place:
- The complaint is forwarded to the Bylaw department
(please note we do not accept anonymous complaints) - Bylaw Enforcement determines if a violation exists
- If warranted, the bylaw officer opens an investigation
- The property is inspected to verify the validity of the complaint
- The property owner is contacted if applicable
- Extra investigation considerations include:
- offense type
- location
- history (number of calls, enforcement action)
- frequency of calls (day, date and time)
- If it is determined there is a violation, the officer may issue:
- A warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or
- An immediate fine, when appropriate
- Initiation of legal action may occur if the situation remains unresolved
- If a violation does not exist, the officer will inform the complainant and close the file.
If the CRD takes legal action or cleaning up a property, cost recovery methods are also initiated. Whenever possible the CRD will recover its bylaw enforcement costs.