Williams Lake unsightly property rules and how to report

How do I report an unsightly or overgrown property in Williams Lake?

Williams Lake, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Part 7 of the Good Neighbour Bylaw makes owners responsible for keeping their property from becoming unsightly. Part 7 does not apply to farm operations under the Right to Farm Act in farm-designated zones, or to orderly outdoor storage permitted by the Zoning Bylaw.

What counts

• Accumulated rubbish, garbage or discarded material, offensive matter, and stagnant water.
• Unsightly or dead grass, weeds and vegetation.
• Graffiti, building materials, vehicle parts, and firewood not in open stacked rows.
• More than one unlicensed vehicle, and more than one RV per dwelling unit outdoors, on lots under 1,700 m2. Larger lots may keep two vehicles or two RVs.

Steps

1. Note the address and what is wrong.
2. Send a written complaint with your name, phone number and the property address, using the complaint link on the Bylaw Services page or a form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall. Questions: City Hall, 250-392-2311. Complaints are confidential.
3. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue a compliance order. The notice states a deadline of 14 days (24 hours for snow and ice on a sidewalk). If it is not done, the City may do the work and charge the owner. Unpaid costs after 30 days may be sued for or added to the property tax bill.

Good to know

• Graffiti has its own periods: 14 days, or 48 hours if it is hateful or gang-related. Fences in disrepair get 30 days' notice.
• Bylaw notices: $200 for permitting property to become unsightly ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Specific items such as rubbish, weeds, firewood, vehicle parts or graffiti are $100 ($75 early; $125 late).