Bylaw Enforcement

Complaints

The Bylaw Enforcement Officer investigates written complaints to ensure the protection of communities within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Staff first attempts to work with those willing to correct a contravention, however tickets and orders can be issued to those who do not comply voluntarily. Bylaw enforcement is complaint driven and do not search out violations.

Submit a Bylaw Complaint

Common Concerns

Bylaws differ from one community to another. One community’s local government may enact a bylaw banning or regulating certain things, but another community may choose not to. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has bylaws covering various topics. Some of the most common concerns are:

Construction and Demolition

Zoning

Unsightly Premises

The Unsightly Premises Regulation Bylaw prohibits persons who own or occupy properties from allowing them to become or remain unsightly. Examples of an unsightly property include, but are not limited to, having:

more than two derelict vehicles
- a vehicle is considered derelict if it is wrecked, cannot move under its own power, or it does not have a valid licence plate
- unless they are for a legal vehicle-related business or the vehicles are inside a fully enclosed building or compound so that they cannot be seen by persons outside
an accumulation of trash

Noxious Weeds and Overgrown Grass

Special Events

The Special Events Bylaw requires a special event permit for any event reasonably expected to have more than 1,000 attendees. The permit fee is $200 and the application must be submitted at least 180 days before the event.

For more information, contact the Regional District's Development Services department at 250-960-4400 (toll-free 1-800-667-1959) or email developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca.

Event planners should be aware that other agencies may have regulations that apply to events, regardless of the number of attendees, including Agricultural Land Commission or Northern Health.

Noise

Illegal Dumping

Animal Control

The Regional District does not have an animal control service or animal control bylaws. They cannot deal with complaints about animal behaviour which includes, but is not limited to, dogs that are:

barking or noisy
loose or unleashed
neglected or stray
injured
impounded
attacking or aggressive
kept outside without appropriate shelter

Local police have the authority under provincial legislation to take action on a “dangerous dog” (as defined by the law, see Section 49 of the Community Charter).

If a dog attack on a person or animal is in progress, call local police at 9-1-1. In a case with no immediate danger, call the local police's non-emergency line to report the dangerous dog. Dogs harassing wildlife can also be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP.

If a person, animal or property is harmed by a dog, the Regional District has no legal authority to require compensation. A lawyer can be consulted to determine if there are grounds for a private lawsuit.

If there is an animal being abused or neglected, please contact the SPCA at 1-855-622-7722.

Building Boundaries

If there are concerns about someone building on or too close to property belonging to someone else, the first step is to consider verifying the property line by hiring a surveyor. The Regional District does not have the ability to conduct legal surveys. If something is built or placed on property without permission, it is trespassing. The Regional District does not have bylaws that deal with trespassing. We cannot impose penalties if someone trespasses on property, or force them to remove fences, buildings or other items wrongfully placed.

The Zoning Bylaw [PDF/1.4MB] establishes minimum distances for placing buildings and other things near property lines. These setback requirements vary depending on the property zone. Whenever someone builds on a property, it is their responsibility to meet applicable setback requirements.

Lake Pollution

The authority for protecting the environment rests with other government agencies. For example, many regulations prohibiting pollution of the environment are under the jurisdiction of the Province of British Columbia. Violations can be reported at 1-877-952-RAPP.

The Regional District has the authority to protect lakes in designating Development Permit Areas. Anyone who wishes to perform land development (building, excavating, removing trees, etc.) within these areas must first get a development permit from the Regional District. This development permit is in addition to any other permits they may need, like a building permit. Development permit applications are reviewed by the Regional District to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect the natural environment.

Penalties