Untidy and Unsightly Premises

Electoral Areas "C", "D", "E", "F" and "G"

The Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen has established rules and regulations to deal with untidy and unsightly premises for the following areas: 

  • Electoral Area "C" (Oliver Rural) 
  • Electoral Area "D" (Apex/Kaleden/Okanagan Falls) 
  • Electoral Area "E" (Naramata) 
  • Electoral Area "F" (Okanagan Lake West/West Bench) 
  • Electoral Area "G" (Keremeos Rural/Hedley) 

When a complaint is received alleging that a property is untidy or unsightly, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer will attend the property to determine if the situation warrants further action. If so, a letter is sent to the owner of the property requesting that the discarded material be removed within a set timeline. If the timeline is not met, the issue is forwarded to the Board for consideration at its next meeting. At that time the Board will consider authorizing that the property be cleaned. If compliance is not forthcoming, the Regional District may, by its employees or other persons, enter the property and effect the removal of the material at the expense of the person who failed to comply. The cost of cleanup may be recovered by being added to taxes if unpaid.

General information related to untidy and unsightly premises is outlined below.

More Information

Signed complaint forms are accepted when the complainant is directly impacted, and within 30 metres of the subject property. The complainant must be willing to appear as a witness in the event the matter proceeds to enforcement in the courts.

Please Note:

In Electoral Area 'C' four complaints must be received from unrelated complainants or one complaint when the complainant is directly impacted, and located within 30 metres of the subject property before an investigation will proceed.

In Electoral Area'D' three complaints must be received from unrelated complainants before an investigation will proceed.

In Electoral Areas 'E' and 'F' more than one complainant is required before an investigation will proceed.

In Electoral Area 'G' a complaint form must be completed and signed by two or more unrelated complainants from within the electoral area.