The Bylaw Dispute Adjudication system allows the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George to resolve minor bylaw violations and disputes locally.
Pay or Dispute a Bylaw Enforcement Notice
After receiving a Bylaw Enforcement Notice, you can pay the notice or dispute it. You have 30 calendar days upon receipt of the Bylaw Enforcement Notice to dispute it. If a dispute is not filed with the Regional District within 30 calendar days, it cannot be disputed later.
To dispute a Bylaw Enforcement Notice, complete the back of the notice and deliver or mail it within 30 calendar days to:
ATTN: Bylaw Enforcement Notice
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George
155 George Street
Prince George, BC V2L 1P8
To pay the notice, payment can be made in person at the Regional District office or submitted by mail (cheque or money order only. For mail-in payments, please ensure your envelope is addressed ATTN: Bylaw Enforcement Notice. Unpaid penalties and fees may result in court proceedings. They may also be referred to a collections' agency, impacting your credit rating.
Bylaw Enforcement Notice Dispute Process
If you dispute a notice, a Regional District Screening Officer will be in contact to review the details of the dispute. The Screening Officer will either confirm or cancel the notice based on the screening policy [PDF/143KB]. If the notice is upheld, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying the full amount of the penalty
- requesting a bylaw dispute adjudication hearing
- paying a reduced penalty for complying with certain terms and conditions (if the Screening Officer determines a compliance agreement is available and appropriate)
Adjudication Hearing
If an adjudication hearing is requested, our staff will be in contact to set the date, time and location of the hearing. You can then choose to participate in person, by phone/video, or in writing.
Before the hearing, a package will be sent to you with the evidence that will be presented at the hearing.
At the hearing, an independent adjudicator appointed by the province determines if the bylaw violation occurred or not. If it is determined that the violation happened, the notice will be upheld. You will be required to pay the full penalty amount, plus a $25 adjudication fee. If it is determined the violation did not occur, the notice will be cancelled.
Please note that:
- bylaw dispute adjudications are open to the public
- if you fail to appear or present your case, the adjudicator must order the penalty set out in the notice as immediately due and payable to the Regional District
- the decision of the adjudicator is final
- the adjudicator cannot reduce the penalty amount
- a dispute can only be cancelled by paying the indicated fine amount
- a paid Bylaw Enforcement Notice cannot be taken to adjudication
Schedule of Bylaw Adjudication Hearings