Bylaw Enforcement

Bylaw Enforcement exists to promote, facilitate, and enforce bylaws that pertain to health, safety, and structure of the community. The main goals of Bylaw Enforcement are to ensure public safety and maintain community harmony. The Bylaw Enforcement Officer enforces the District’s bylaws on a complaint or proactive basis, as concerns emerge in the community.

The primary objective in enforcing bylaws is to obtain voluntary compliance. The District may encourage voluntary compliance through public education about the District’s bylaws on the District’s website and social media website as well as the local newspapers

REPORTING A CONCERN

Often complaints can be resolved amicably between neighbours; it is recommended that whenever possible, residents should attempt to resolve their issues.

You must identify yourself when making the complaint; we will not accept anonymous complaints. Complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released to the person whose property is being investigated, unless under an order by the Provincial Freedom of Information Act or where necessary in a court of law.

When you call, you should be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the complaint including:

  • address of property involved
  • description of motor vehicle with license plate number if possible
  • date when violation first observed
  • detailed description of violation

Our Bylaw Enforcement Officer will investigate your complaint as soon as possible. You can request that the bylaw officer update you on the progress and outcome of our investigations.

To report a concern

  •  Call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at the District Office  250-401-4119
  •  By E-mail mmckinnon@gochetwynd.com
  •  In-person at the District office located at 5400 Hospital Road
  •  By mail to PO Box 357, Chetwynd B.C V0C1J0.

Frequently Asked Questions

*There is someone shoveling/placing snow on my property or across the road leaving a mess, is there a bylaw about this?
  • Yes, The Property Maintenance Bylaw,  piling snow on any other property other than your own is not permitted.
*Who is responsible for snow removal on the sidewalk in front of my property?
  • The property owner or occupant is responsible for keeping the sidewalk adjacent to the property clear and safe for pedestrians. The District plows and sands sidewalks once per day and may occasionally plow and sand areas between; but the responsibility to maintain the sidewalk as safe remains with the property occupant.
*Can I report vehicles that are a concern for parking blocking roads, driveways, or presenting a hazard?
  • Yes, absolutely . This may take a day or two to resolve, but rest assured we are working on it.
*There is a property in my neighborhood that has garbage, long grass, weeds and other items scattered around, is that a bylaw for this?
  •  Yes, the Property Maintenance and Unsightly Premise Bylaw.
*There are garbage carts that are often overflowing , is there a bylaw for this?
  • Yes, the Solid Waste Bylaw, garbage carts are not permitted to be filled to the point of overflowing. The carts must be kept closed to prevent rain, snow and animals from contaminating or spreading the contents.
*What are the bylaw regulations regarding setting out my garbage and recycling?
  •  Garbage carts are provided by the District and they are the only carts permitted to be used to ensure appropriate billing. The carts must be kept within your property and kept in a manner and condition that contains the contents entirely and ensures wildlife and other animals cannot access the contents. Carts may be placed on the curb the morning of collection day and must be taken back to your property by midnight the same day.
  •  Recycling is picked up every second week, if you are unsure please contact the District Office. Recycling must be placed in a clear or blue bag, and placed at the curb for pickup. Items not contained within a bag will not be picked up.
*I want to put up a sign, what do I need to do?
  • There is a requirement for a sign permit, contact Bylaw Enforcement prior to ordering a sign to determine if your sign is within the size, location, and any other requirements.
*I received an enforcement notice, action or ticket that I don’t agree with, what can I do?
  • If you feel that you have received a notice ,fine or other enforcement action  that is not accurate, reach out to the Bylaw Officer. Misunderstandings can often be cleared up with a conversation.
*There is a reconsideration procedure, if you don’t agree with the decision the Officer has made.
  • Contact the district office at d-chet@gochetwynd.com requesting a reconsideration regarding your file, this will be forwarded to the supervisor for Bylaw Enforcement.
  • You will be given further options at that time if you are not satisfied with the outcome of this first reconsideration
*What is the parking enforcement procedure?
  • We believe that education and volunteer compliance is always the best; however, it is not always achievable. A vehicle that is violating the parking bylaw will have a notice placed on a window requiring action (laid out on the notice), if the action required does not occur within the time provided they vehicle will be towed at the owners expense. To reclaim your vehicle you can contact the tow company directly and pay the tow cost and storage fees, or, if some time has passed check with Bylaw Enforcement to determine the best course of action. In some cases you may need to pay the towing fees to the District and take the receipt to the tow company to be able to reclaim your vehicle.