Fruitvale unsightly property rules and how to report

How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Fruitvale?

Fruitvale, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

How it works

The Village's Property Maintenance Bylaw 845 says no owner or occupier may let property become or stay unsightly. That covers:

• accumulated filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti
• broken, rotted or leaning fences
• dead landscaping, or grass over 20 cm
• wrecked vehicles or parts, and old furniture, appliances or equipment stored outside
• construction material stored outside (unless a building permit is active)
• unsightly buildings (broken windows, peeling paint, damage, or boarded up two months or more)

Owners must also clear brush and noxious weeds, prevent insect infestations, control dust, and keep adjoining sidewalks and boulevards clear and tidy.

Steps

1. Fill in the Village Complaints Form (or the online Action Request) and deliver, email or fax it to the Village Office. You can also complain in person or by phone at 250-367-7551.
2. Give your name. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.
3. An officer may first issue a warning notice or a bylaw notice, or order the owner or occupier in writing to fix the problem within 14 days of mailing or posting.
4. If the order is not obeyed, the Village may do the work and recover the cost as property tax. If there is a health or safety concern, it may act immediately at the owner's expense.

Good to know

• Bylaw notice: $100 each for unsightly property, offensive growth, insect infestation, unwholesome matter, dust, littering, graffiti, uncleared sidewalk, boulevard, and snow or ice.
• Municipal ticket: unsightly property $500 ($450 if paid within 30 days); dust $150 ($100); littering and graffiti $200 ($150); sidewalk clearing $100 ($80); boulevard and snow $150 ($100). Court: up to $2,000.
• The two ticket systems list different amounts; both exist side by side.