Central Saanich unsightly property rules and how to report

How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

In Central Saanich, send a written complaint using the Bylaw Complaint Form or deliver it to Municipal Hall. An officer can order the owner to fix the property within 14 days. Questions: 250-544-4237.

Key facts

What counts	Owners and occupiers must not let property become or stay untidy or unsightly: accumulated rubbish, discarded materials, dead or overgrown vegetation, grass over 30 cm that is unkempt, damaged or decayed fences and structures. They must also keep it clear of noxious weeds and infestations, and must not allow graffiti.Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845, ss. 1, 3, 4, 6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording No owner or occupier of real property shall allow that property to become or remain an area of grass or similar ground cover that extends more that 30cm above the Every owner and occupier of real property shall keep the property clear of noxious
How to report	Submit a written complaint using the Bylaw Complaint Form, or deliver a written complaint to Municipal Hall. For questions first: 250-544-4237 or Bylaw@csaanich.ca.Bylaw Enforcement, Submit a complaint · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording All complaints must be submitted in writing: Phone: 250-544-4237
What happens next	A bylaw enforcement officer gives written notice to comply within 14 days. The owner may ask Council to reconsider within 5 days of receiving it. If not complied with, the District may do the work at the owner's expense; unpaid costs on December 31 are added to property taxes.Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845, ss. 7, 10, 13, 14 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording comply within 14 days of the delivery of the notice. apply in writing to have the notice reconsidered by at the expense of the person defaulting. the charge shall be added to form part of the taxes payable on the property
Fine	Municipal ticket (2020 schedule): $200 for allowing rubbish to accumulate (s. 3) or failing to clear noxious weeds (s. 4); also $200 for depositing rubbish or placing graffiti (s. 5) and for not complying with a notice (s. 13). Court fine up to $10,000.Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 2057, 2020, with schedules, Appendix 17 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 2. Allow Rubbish to Accumulate 3 5200.00 4. Failto Clear Noxious Weeds 4 5200.00 CENTRAT SAANICH UNSIGHTTV PREMISES AND NOXIOUS WEEDS BYTAW NO. 1845. 2014
Bylaw	Central Saanich Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845, s. 19 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Central Saanich Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845

How it works

The Unsightly Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845 says owners and occupiers must not let property become or stay untidy or unsightly. That includes accumulated rubbish, discarded materials, dead or overgrown vegetation, unkempt grass over 30 cm, and damaged or decayed fences and structures. Property must also be kept clear of noxious weeds and infestations, and graffiti must not be allowed.

Steps

Submit a written complaint using the Bylaw Complaint Form, or deliver one to Municipal Hall. For questions first, call 250-544-4237 or email Bylaw@csaanich.ca.
A bylaw enforcement officer gives the owner written notice to comply within 14 days.
The owner may ask Council to reconsider within 5 days of receiving the notice.
If the owner does not comply, the District may do the work at the owner's expense. Unpaid costs on December 31 are added to property taxes.

Good to know

The District opens a file when a complaint comes from a property within 100 metres, when two unrelated complainants complain, or when the issue is high priority.
2020 municipal ticket amounts were $200 for allowing rubbish to accumulate, failing to clear noxious weeds, dumping rubbish or placing graffiti, and not complying with a notice. Confirm current amounts with the District.
A court fine can be up to $10,000 or up to six months in prison, or both.