Bylaw Enforcement
City bylaws are intended to keep our city clean, healthy and safe.
Bylaw Officers are given the task to investigate written complaints received from the public about alleged violations of various municipal bylaws. These regulations may include such things as:
- Property Conditions, including graffiti
- Excessive Noise
- Signs (Unauthorized placement/construction)
- Business Licensing
- Zoning
- Building
- Snow/Ice removal
While there are certain areas of enforcement that are safety related and require proactive enforcement, the majority of these bylaws are enforced on a complaint only basis. This ensures that the bylaw division is serving the needs of the community and that the complaints received are of high importance.
Enforcement procedures may take many courses. These enforcement proceedings are normally increasingly costly to the person in non-compliance, and may include direct enforcement (City staff or contractors remove or resolve the non-compliance at the property owner's cost), municipal ticketing, the seeking of a court injunction, or the laying of charges under the bylaw provisions. Each complaint is different and the enforcement proceedings are decided upon based on the individual case. In addition, should complaint issues arise on an ongoing basis charges may be placed against the property owner and eventually collected as taxes. These regulations ensure that property owners remain responsible for what occurs on their property.
Enforcement proceedings, vary in most cases, however are generally completed within a month of the initial complaint. Depending on the volume of complaints, co-operation of the property owner or person in violation, specific circumstances of the case, and enforcement proceedings required, completion of the complaint may take longer.
Some issues we receive complaints on are considered either as a civil matter between the two property owners, or as minor non-enforceable infractions. These issues may include trees overgrowing property lines and fence disputes; we do enforce height regulations, but not siting.
How to Make a Written Complaint
Complaints need to be submitted in writing. To make a written complaint regarding a violation of regulations contained in one of these bylaws, the City requires the complainant provide their name, address, and phone number, as well as their relationship to the issue that the complaint is regarding. Should the complainant refuse to provide this information, no action may be taken by Bylaw and Licensing Services. In cases relating to alleged health or safety issues, this policy may be disregarded.
Bylaw and Licensing Services will receive complaints in various ways:
- by phone at 250.361.0215 (urgent health or safety issues)
- by fax at 250.361.0205
- by E-mail
- in person at our offices (Monday to Friday 8:00-4:30) at 625 Pandora Avenue
Please ensure that all complaints include a name, address, phone number, relationship to the property or individual that you are making the complaint about, and the issue. Should the complaint be made in print, one of the Bylaw Officers may wish to call and confirm information, or ask further questions regarding the issue.
Considerations to be Taken When Initiating a Complaint
Complainant information is considered as confidential and will not be released to the person whose property is under complaint, unless under an order made by the Provincial Freedom of Information Commissioner. In almost all circumstances, the Freedom of Information Commissioner has sided with a Municipal Policy and not allowed complainant information released, but each case may be looked at individually and decisions may vary accordingly.
The City may request or require a complainant to act as a witness, should a case be required to be settled in court. This is usually done as a last resort, should the City case be weak or should the bylaw division be unable to determine that a violation has occurred without the evidence of the complainant. A complainant would normally be informed of this requirement at the time of the initial complaint or during the investigative process.
Often complaints are resolved amicably between neighbours. As a result, and if possible, it is recommended that each resident of Victoria attempt to resolve their issues before contacting Bylaw and Licensing Services for assistance.
City Bylaws
View the City of Victoria's General Bylaws.
Street Vendors
Read more information about the business licence approval process for Street Vendors.
Animal Control
For more information about animal control complaints, pound inquiries and animals for adoption, see our Animal Control section.
Parking Enforcement by Commissionaires
E-mail The Commissionaires
Telephone: 250.361.0255
Sign Permits
Contact Permits and Inspections
