Victoria unsightly property rules and how to report

How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property?

Victoria, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Report it on the City of Victoria's online Report a Bylaw Violation form. The Property Maintenance Bylaw 07-050 bans accumulated refuse, unsightly property and unkempt weeds. After written notice, the City can do the work itself at the owner's expense if it is not done within 14 days.

Key facts

What counts	An owner or occupier must not let water, refuse, garbage or other noxious, offensive or unwholesome material collect on the property, or let it become or stay "unsightly" (untidy accumulation of filth, discarded materials, junk or refuse, including graffiti). Weeds or growths likely to spread or so unkempt as to be unsightly are also banned.Property Maintenance Bylaw 07-050 (consolidated to February 1, 2015), ss. 2, 4(1), 5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording means an untidy or otherwise non-aesthetic accumulation of filth, discarded materials, junk, or refuse on any real property, and includes graffiti. allow real property, of which that person is the owner or occupier, to become or remain unsightly; are so unkempt as to be unsightly to nearby residents.
How to report	Use the City's online Report a Bylaw Violation form (needs accurate, detailed information). General inquiries: bylawservices@victoria.ca or 250.361.0215.Report a Bylaw Violation; Community Safety and Bylaw Services, General Inquiries · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording To report a bylaw violation, please fill out the form below. accurate and detailed information is required to investigate a bylaw violation. please email bylawservices@victoria.ca or call 250.361.0215.
What happens next	The City may give written notice. If the owner or occupier has not done the work within 14 days of service, the City may enter and do it at the owner's expense. The person can appeal within 14 days to the Planning and Land Use Standing Committee. Unpaid costs on December 31 can be collected as a debt or added to property taxes.Property Maintenance Bylaw 07-050 (consolidated to February 1, 2015), s. 8 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording stating that the City will take the action at the expense of the owner or occupier if that person does not take the action within 14 for a hearing by the City's Committee. they may be collected in the same manner and with the same remedies as ordinary taxes on the real property on which the action was taken. means the standing committee of Council known as the Planning and Land Use Standing Committee.
Fine	Bylaw notice (Bylaw 16-017): unsightly property (s. 4(1)(c)) $200 ($150 within 14 days; $250 if unpaid 15 days after receipt); accumulated refuse (s. 4(1)(a)) $350 ($262.50). Municipal ticket (Bylaw 10-071): $200 ($150 within 30 days); $350 ($300). Graffiti in a public place: $500 notice, $750 ticket.Ticket Bylaw 10-071 (consolidated June 18, 2026), Schedule BB; Bylaw Notice Adjudication Bylaw 16-017, Schedule B, Schedule Z · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Unsightly property 4(1)(c) $200.00 $150.00 Accumulated 4(1)(a) $350.00 $300.00 4(1)(c) Unsightly property $200.00 $50.00 $50.00 Placing graffiti public place $500.00 $125.00 $125.00
Bylaw	Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 07-050Property Maintenance Bylaw 07-050 (consolidated to February 1, 2015), Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording PROPERTY MAINTENANCE BYLAW BYLAW NO. 07-050 This consolidation is a copy of a bylaw consolidated under the authority of

How it works

Under the Property Maintenance Bylaw 07-050, an owner or occupier must not let water, refuse, garbage or other noxious, offensive or unwholesome material collect on the property, or let it become or stay "unsightly". Unsightly means an untidy accumulation of filth, discarded materials, junk or refuse, including graffiti. Weeds or growths that are likely to spread, or so unkempt as to be unsightly, are also banned. "Refuse" includes unlicensed, unused or stripped vehicles and boats, bulky waste, yard trimmings and construction waste.

Steps

Use the City's Report a Bylaw Violation form. Give accurate, detailed information.
The City may give the owner or occupier written notice.
If the work is not done within 14 days of service, the City may enter and do it at the owner's expense.

Good to know

The person can appeal within 14 days to the Planning and Land Use Standing Committee, which can dismiss the appeal, extend the time or vary the action required.
Unpaid costs on December 31 can be collected as a debt or added to the property taxes.
Graffiti on or next to a public place is also banned.
Unsightly property: a bylaw notice (Bylaw 16-017) is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if unpaid 15 days after receipt). A municipal ticket (Bylaw 10-071) is $200 ($150 if paid within 30 days).
Accumulated refuse: a bylaw notice is $350 ($262.50 within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $350 ($300 within 30 days).
Graffiti in a public place: a bylaw notice is $500 and a municipal ticket is $750.
For general questions, email bylawservices@victoria.ca or call 250-361-0215. That line is for questions, not requests for service.