Vanderhoof unsightly property rules and how to report

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

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

Short answer

In Vanderhoof, report an unsightly or overgrown property with the online Bylaw Complaint Form or by phoning the Municipal Office at 250-567-4711. Enforcement is complaint-based and your name is kept confidential unless the matter reaches court. The bylaw notice is $400.

Key facts

What counts	Owners and occupiers must not let property become or stay unsightly or untidy, let rubbish or noxious matter collect, leave graffiti, or keep brush, noxious weeds or insect infestations. 'Unsightly' includes unlicensed or non-running vehicles outside a building, unmowed grass, overgrown vegetation, broken fences, old wood piles and outdoor furniture or appliances.Unsightly Premises and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009, s. 2.1-2.6; s. 1 'Unsightly' · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording No owner or occupier of real property shall permit that property to become or remain unsightly or untidy. No owner or occupier of real property shall permit graffiti to remain on walls, fences unmowed grass; overgrown vegetation or noxious weeds; dilapidated, broken or leaning fences;
How to report	Submit the online Bylaw Complaint Form on the District's Bylaws & Bylaw Enforcement page, or phone 250-567-4711. Enforcement is complaint-based and the complainant's identity is kept confidential unless the matter reaches court.Bylaws & Bylaw Enforcement · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording please submit through our Bylaw Complaint Form below. Serve the needs of the community on a complaint-only basis Information regarding the complainant is kept confidential unless the complaint ends up in the court system. phone us at 250-567-4711
What happens next	The Bylaw Enforcement Officer serves a notice in person or by registered mail. The owner must fix the problem within 7 days (local owner) or 14 days (out-of-town owner). If not, the District may do the work at the owner's expense, billed as a debt due immediately; unpaid at December 31 it is added to the property taxes.Unsightly Premises and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009, s. 3.1-3.3, 4.4 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording he shall serve notice of the violation upon the owner or occupier of the real property. seven (7) days in the case of a local owner, or fourteen (14) days in the case of an out-of-town owner. at the expense of the owner or occupier. it shall be added to and form part of the taxes payable on the real property as taxes in arrears.
Fine	Bylaw notice: unsightly property $400 ($300 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 30 days); accumulating non-permitted items $400 (same early/late); graffiti $150 ($115; $225); depositing rubbish in an open place $150; failing to clear hazardous plants or noxious weeds $300 ($225; $450).Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1288, 2025, Schedule A, A.7 Unsightly Premises Bylaw, s. 2.1-2.5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording Unsightly property 400 300 500 Accumulate non-permitted items or 400 300 500 Permit graffiti 150 115 225 Fail to clear hazardous plants, 300 225 450
Bylaw	Unsightly Premises and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009Unsightly Premises and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009, s. 7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009.

How it works

The Unsightly Premises and Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 1058, 2009 says owners and occupiers in Vanderhoof must not let property become or stay unsightly or untidy, let rubbish or noxious matter collect, leave graffiti, or keep brush, noxious weeds or insect infestations. "Unsightly" includes unlicensed or non-running vehicles outside a building, unmowed grass, overgrown vegetation, broken fences, old wood piles and outdoor furniture or appliances.

Steps

Submit the online Bylaw Complaint Form on the District's Bylaws & Bylaw Enforcement page, or phone 250-567-4711.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer serves the owner a notice in person or by registered mail.
The owner must fix the problem within 7 days (local owner) or 14 days (out-of-town owner).
If not, the District may do the work at the owner's expense, billed as a debt due immediately. If unpaid at December 31, it is added to the property taxes.

Good to know

Bylaw notices: unsightly property $400 ($300 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 30 days); accumulating non-permitted items $400; graffiti $150; depositing rubbish in an open place $150; failing to clear hazardous plants or noxious weeds $300.