Comox unsightly property rules and how to report
How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Comox?
Short answer
In Comox, owners and occupiers must not allow garbage, standing water, unsanitary conditions, unsafe growth, graffiti or unsightly conditions on their property. To report one, use the Town's online Bylaw Complaint Form or call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-339-2202.
Key facts
| What counts | An owner or occupier must not allow: accumulated refuse or garbage, accumulated water, unsanitary conditions, trees or growths that are a safety hazard, graffiti, or unsightly conditions. They must also keep the abutting sidewalk and boulevard tidy and mowed.Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652, ss. 3, 4, 5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingNo owner or occupier of real property shall cause, permit or allow: material to accumulate on such real property water to accumulate on such real property unsanitary conditions to exist on such real property graffiti to be placed or remain on any buildings or structures unsightly conditions to exist on such real property mowing any grass; |
|---|---|
| How to report | Use the Town's online Bylaw Complaint Form (unsightly properties are a listed neighbourhood concern), or call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-339-2202.Report an Issue, Report an Issue page; Pets in Parks | Town of Comox, Pets in Parks page, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingTo report Town-related issues: Bylaw Complaint Form Town of Comox Bylaw Enforcement Officer phone: 250-339-2202 |
| What happens next | A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may order the owner or occupier, in writing by registered mail or posted on the property, to clean up within 14 days at their expense. If not done, and after offering a chance to be heard by Council, the Town may do the work and recover the cost as a debt or like property taxes.Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652, ss. 19, 20 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA Bylaw Enforcement Officer may, by notice in writing sent by registered mail or posted on the property within fourteen (14) days of the mailing or posting of the Order opportunity to be heard by Council in respect of such failure recover the costs either as a debt against the person in default |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: $150 if paid within 14 days, $200 after (refuse, water, unsanitary, unsafe growth, unsightly); graffiti $450 / $500. Municipal ticket under Bylaw 1652: $200 ($500 for graffiti).Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2004 (consolidated to June 10, 2026), Schedule A, A11; Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652, Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingUnsightly Conditions 3(f) 150 200 50% Graffiti 3(e) 450 500 50% Unsightly Conditions 3(f) $200.00 Graffiti 3(e) $500.00 |
| Bylaw | Comox Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw, 2010 (Bylaw No. 1652)Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingThis bylaw may be cited as the “Comox Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw, 2010”. |
How it works
The Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652 says an owner or occupier must not allow accumulated refuse or garbage, accumulated water, unsanitary conditions, trees or growths that are a safety hazard, graffiti, or unsightly conditions. They must also keep the abutting sidewalk and boulevard tidy and mowed.
Steps
- Report it with the Town's online Bylaw Complaint Form (unsightly properties are a listed neighbourhood concern), or call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-339-2202.
- A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may order the owner or occupier, in writing by registered mail or posted on the property, to clean up within 14 days at their expense.
- If it is not done, and after offering a chance to be heard by Council, the Town may do the work and recover the cost as a debt or like property taxes.
Good to know
- Fines: a bylaw notice is $150 if paid within 14 days and $200 after (graffiti $450 / $500). A municipal ticket under Bylaw 1652 is $200 ($500 for graffiti).
- A compliance agreement can cut the bylaw notice by 50%.
- Failing to comply with a removal order is a further offence at the same amounts.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Courtenay · Cumberland · Powell River · Campbell River · Port Alberni · Qualicum Beach
Unsightly property fines in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Public Nuisance and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1652 (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2004 (consolidated to June 10, 2026) (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- Report an Issue, Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
- Pets in Parks | Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.