Community Standards Bylaw
The Community Standards Bylaw promotes good neighbour relationships and addresses community concerns by regulating noise, fire pit use, untidy properties, weeds and grass, graffiti, and nuisances.
The Community Standards Bylaw is an integral piece of legislation designed to foster positive interactions and relations among neighbours while maintaining the community's aesthetic and functional quality. It achieves this by establishing clear regulations and guidelines that address various potential community issues.
These issues include but are not limited to the appropriate levels of noise, the responsible use of fire pits, the maintenance of properties to avoid unsightly messes, the management of weeds and grass to ensure they do not become overgrown, the prevention and removal of graffiti, and the general prevention of activities that could be considered a nuisance. The Bylaw creates an understanding of community responsibilities and expectations, which in turn helps preserve the peaceful, clean, and enjoyable environment that residents value.
The overview of the Bylaw includes various sections that outline penalties for different offences. These penalties are specific to each offence and range from fines of $100 to $5,000. The offences covered in the overview range from failure to comply with remedial orders, causing or permitting nuisance on-premises, improper parking, fire-related violations, graffiti, noise disturbances, charity collection site violations, composting, outdoor speakers and concerts, and maintenance and addressing issues. Each offence has a corresponding penalty, aiming to effectively maintain community standards and address concerns.
The Community Standards Bylaw details a comprehensive range of penalties for various offences to maintain good neighbour relationships and address community concerns. Here's an overview:
Remedial orders: Section 2(3) outlines a penalty of $500 for a failure to comply with a remedial order, ensuring that residents address and rectify any issued orders.
Untidy properties: Section 7(1) imposes a $500 penalty for causing or permitting a nuisance on-premises, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a tidy and respectful living environment.
Parking in front yard: Sections 8, 9(1), and 10 address improper vehicle parking and impose penalties of $400 for each offence. They emphasize the need to observe parking regulations and maintain clear and orderly property.
Refrigerator/Freezer: Section 11(2) outlines a $500 penalty for improperly storing refrigerators or freezers outside and unlocked, addressing safety and property maintenance concerns.
Fires on premises: Sections 12, 13, 14(1), 14(2), 18(2), and 18(2) cover various fire-related offences and impose penalties ranging from $750 to $2,500. These sections emphasize the importance of complying with fire safety regulations and orders from the Fire Chief.
Graffiti: Section 19 imposes penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 for applying graffiti and failing to remove it, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean and aesthetically pleasing surroundings in the community.
Charity collection sites: Section 20 addresses dumping or scavenging at charity collection sites and imposes a $250 penalty, ensuring the proper use and respect of community resources.
Composting: Section 21 outlines a $500 penalty for improper composting, emphasizing the community's need for responsible waste management practices.
Noise: Sections 23 to 30 address various noise-related offences and impose penalties ranging from $250 to $500, ensuring that residents maintain a peaceful and respectful noise level in the community.
Outdoor speakers and concerts: Sections 31 and 32 impose $500 penalties for operating outdoor speakers when prohibited and holding outdoor concerts in excess of prescribed sound levels, respecting the peace and tranquillity of the neighbourhood.
Nuisance escaping property: Sections 35 to 37(6) address nuisance issues such as water flow, light direction, debris, and flyer distribution, imposing penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 to minimize disturbances on neighbouring properties.
Maintenance: Section 41(1) imposes a $300 penalty for structures not in good repair, ensuring that properties are well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
Addressing: Sections 42(1) and 42(2) address improper addressing and impose $300 penalties for front and rear property errors, ensuring proper identification and navigation within the community.
These detailed penalties aim to maintain community standards, promote respect for neighbours and property, and address concerns effectively within the community.
Changes to the Community Standards Bylaw
The following change was made to the Community Standard Bylaw in May 2023:
The Unsolicited distribution of graphic images depicting a fetus: Flyers delivered to Calgary homes showing graphic images of fetuses must be concealed in an opaque envelope bearing a graphic content warning and the name and address of the sender.