Nuisances
A nuisance property is one that shows a serious disregard for general maintenance or upkeep by being untidy, unsightly, offensive, dangerous, or interferes with the use or enjoyment of neighbouring properties. This can include the overall condition of the property itself, or any structures, buildings or houses on the property. The Community Standards Bylaw 14600 requires that all occupied buildings, unoccupied buildings, and other structures on private property be kept in good repair to promote healthy neighbourhoods and ensure community safety.
Recognizing Nuisance Properties
Nuisances on properties may include:
- Uncut grass or overgrown vegetation
- Weeds
- Graffiti
- Wrecked, dismantled or abandoned vehicles
- Broken and unpainted fences
- Standing pools of water
- Smelly compost heaps
- Dense dust or smoke from fire pits
- Untidy garbage storage
- Accumulation of construction materials, tires, auto parts, or litter
- Accumulation of household items, such as couches or appliances
- Derelict buildings or structures, where a minimum standard of maintenance has not been applied
Cultivating Good Repair
A building in good repair is free from:
- General damage
- Rot
- Deterioration
- Inappropriate entry of air, moisture, or water
Maintaining Your Home and Other Structures
Keeping your property in good repair is the responsibility of every property owner. Property owners should regularly survey their property and address any issues that could potentially identify their property as a nuisance.
Big Bin Events are a great way to dispose of household items that can’t be set out for regular waste collection. Twelve weekend events will be held this summer in various locations throughout the City.
Reporting Your Concerns
If you have a concern about a neighbour's building or structure:
- Discuss the concern with your neighbour
- Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly with the property owner
- Call 311, email 311 at 311@edmonton.ca or register an online complaint
- Provide your name, address, phone number, and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court
Responding to Your Complaint
After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:
- A file is created specifying your concerns
- A Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) opens an investigation
- The officer investigates your complaint within 4 business days
- The MEO may issue a warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or issue a bylaw ticket with a $250 fine depending on the circumstances
- The officer may issue a Government Order, which allows the City to fix the problem and bill the property owner for the cost
- The City may contact you to appear as a witness, if the matter goes to court
Protecting your Privacy
The information you provide will be used to process your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to anyone else. For more information on how the City protects your privacy visit Freedom of Information and Privacy.
For More Information
Permits and Licensing Service Centre
Sustainable Development
5th floor, 10250 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3P4
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
8am to 4:30pm
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-496-6054 |
