Fort St James unsightly property rules and how to report

How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Fort St James?

Fort St James, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

How it works

The Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 995, 2018 says an owner or occupier may not let property become or stay unsightly. That includes:

• dirty, unfinished, dilapidated, broken or leaning buildings or fences, and graffiti;
• accumulations of rubbish, and landscaping or construction materials with no work under way;
• indoor furniture, bedding or appliances stored outside;
• one or more derelict vehicles, and uncontained compost piles;
• grass or vegetation over 25 cm, and noxious weeds.

Steps

1. Call the District Office at 250-996-8233, or complete the Comments and Complaints form on the District website. The District enforces bylaws on a complaint basis.
2. An officer may give written notice, hand-delivered to the occupier or sent by registered mail to the owner, requiring the cleanup within the time stated in the notice.
3. If it is not done, the District may do the work at the owner's or occupier's expense. Costs unpaid on December 31 are added to property taxes as taxes in arrears.

Good to know

• The fine is $100 for causing or permitting unsightly premises, and $200 for interfering with an officer. Each day is a separate offence.
• The Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1002, 2018 separately covers neglected driveways and walkways, refuse, pests, odours and wildlife attractants.