Report a Concern

Our Bylaw Enforcement is reliant on your assistance by providing a formal written complaint reporting issues of concern to our compliance and enforcement team. Reporting a concern lets us know that there is an issue to be addressed, and can help reduce conflict within a community. We have several tools to ensure that bylaws are observed, including:

Public education about CRD bylaws
Violation tickets
Notices on title
Remedial action requirements
Court orders

Bylaw Enforcement Inquiry Form

Enforceable Bylaws

We can address a concern when we have an enforceable bylaw in place for that issue. Some issues we have enforceable bylaws for include:

Use of land in contravention of zoning and rural land use bylaws
Untidy and unsightly premises
Buildings constructed without a permit
Invasive weeds
Noise (including but not limited to barking dogs)

You can find more information about our enforceable bylaws through this link.

Bylaw Enforcement Process

Upon receipt of a formal written complaint, the following procedures take place:

The complaint is forwarded to the Bylaw department
(please note we do not accept anonymous complaints)
A complaint file is opened to start an investigation
Bylaw Enforcement reviews the complaint file to assess if a violation exists
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.

Enforcement Timelines

When a complaint is received by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, it may take some time to investigate, depending on his/her workload. Please note that every complaint is investigated. Wherever possible, the officer works with the property owners to resolve the issue and is monitoring for compliance.

Resources do not allow for an Officer to inform a complainant of every development in an investigation. If you require an update or additional information, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement department.

Animal Control Concerns

The CRD does not have bylaws addressing animals at large (being off the owner's property), pet licensing, or cruelty to animals. For information or assistance, please contact the S.P.C.A.

Dangerous Dog Concerns

No. However, there is provincial “Dangerous Dog” legislation that the RCMP can enforce in certain cases. It is suggested that you contact the RCMP if you believe a dog could be dangerous.

Find an RCMP Detachment near you

Noise Complaints & Barking Dogs

The CRD has a barking dog section in its noise bylaw. However, the bylaw is only in effect in certain electoral areas (area A, B, D, E, F, G, H, L). Please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Department for further information. Once you have been in touch with the Bylaw Enforcement Department, you may be asked to fill out a barking dog incident log.