A notice from the City about your property is stressful, and the deadline on it makes it harder. This guide covers what four Metro Vancouver cities say about untidy or unsightly property and how to plan a clearout. It is general information and not legal advice. If you have received a notice, read it closely and call the City office named on it with questions.
What the cities say
Vancouver. The Untidy Premises By-law says every owner or occupier must keep property neat and tidy, in keeping with a reasonable standard of maintenance in the neighbourhood. It says you must not allow any accumulation of rubbish, discarded materials, garbage, ashes or filth, and must keep the property cleared of weeds, brush, trees or other growths. The by-law says the Director of Licenses and Inspections may serve a notice requiring you to fix the condition within ten days. If the work is not done, the City can enter and do it, and recover the cost from the owner. Vancouver's by-law online is consolidated to 2019, so check the City's site for any recent change.
Burnaby. The Unsightly Premises Bylaw 2024 defines unsightly broadly. It covers accumulations of abandoned building materials, derelict vehicles, discarded materials and rubbish, dead or neglected landscaping, and decay or disrepair of buildings. It lists specific conditions, including grass over 15 centimetres, noxious weeds, cut branches, dead trees and leaves, rotting or leaning fences and retaining walls, and stagnant water in a pond, pool or hot tub. A compliance order sets a deadline, and the City can do the work at the owner's expense if it is not met. The bylaw says an owner can appeal a compliance order to Council by writing to the Corporate Officer at least seven days before the compliance deadline.
Surrey. The Property Maintenance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw defines unsightly to include accumulation of junk, discarded materials and garbage, dead landscaping, uncontrolled growth and deterioration of fences or structures. After an inspection, the officer explains what must be done and sets a deadline. If the cleanup is not done, the City may do it at the owner's expense, and unpaid costs are added to the property taxes.
Richmond. The Unsightly Premises Regulation Bylaw No. 7162 says an owner or occupier must not allow the property to become or remain unsightly, or allow rubbish, filth, discarded materials or offensive matter to accumulate. Richmond includes graffiti and overgrown vegetation, including long grass.
Plan the cleanup
- Read the notice. Note exactly what is listed and the date it is due.
- Walk the property and sort it. Group what you see into junk, yard waste, scrap metal, items that need special handling and things you can donate.
- Treat hazardous items separately. Paint, propane, fuel, batteries and electronics never go in a bin. Check our what not to put in a bin post for the list.
- Contact the City if the date is a problem. Each City's process is different, so ask them directly.
When a bin helps
Years of accumulated junk can fill a bin quickly. A 20-yard is the common start for a big cleanout, and larger junk bins are available. We bring the bin, you load it, and we haul it away, so the work stays to one trip. No permit is needed for a bin on your property. Some cities need a permit for a bin on the street or lane, and permits take time, so confirm with your City early. See our residential services page and our 20-yard bin page.
FAQ
How long do I have to fix an unsightly premises notice? It depends on the City. Vancouver's by-law says ten days. Burnaby and Surrey set the deadline in the order or by the officer.
What if I do not fix it in time? Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey all say the City can do the work and recover the cost from the owner.
Can I appeal in Burnaby? The bylaw says to write to the Corporate Officer at least seven days before the deadline.
Do I need a permit for a bin to clear the property? On your own property, a bin takes no permit. On the street or lane, some cities need a permit, so check with yours.