Bylaws related to untidy properties

Accumulation of offensive material is prohibited. This includes animal remains, animal feces and materials that create unpleasant odours or are likely to attract pests.

• Open or exposed storage of industrial fluid is prohibited — including engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze or any hazardous materials.
• Refrigerators and freezers stored outside must be locked or have the doors removed and must not be visible from outside the property.
• Building materials are not allowed to accumulate unless the owner can establish that construction or renovation is taking place or imminent. The materials must be stacked in an orderly manner and the amount of material must be reasonable for the planned project.
• Dilapidated vehicles are prohibited anywhere on private property unless housed inside a building  (Land Use Bylaw).

Fines for violations of these regulations are between $100 to $500, depending on the violation.

Our untidy properties regulations are found in part 4 of our Community Standards Bylaw.

Our rules about keeping properties tidy can be found in part 4 of our Community Standards Bylaw. This section is about nuisance properties, which means a property that is causing problems for the people around it. Here are the things that are not allowed on a property:

1. Owners or people living on a property cannot let it become a nuisance. A nuisance is when a property is not well taken care of, and it affects the safety or health of people nearby, or it interferes with how others use their properties.
2. Some examples of a nuisance include having too many objects outside, like household items, boxes, tires, or parts of vehicles or machines. It also includes having building materials outside, unless the owner can prove that construction or renovation work is actively happening, has started, or will start soon, and that the materials are stored neatly.
3. Appliances or furniture not meant for outdoor use cannot be left outside. Loose litter, garbage, waste, or refuse is not allowed, whether it's in a storage area, collection area, containers, or structures not meant for waste collection, or if it's scattered or stored elsewhere on the land.
4. Other things not allowed include abandoned vehicles, trailers used to store materials unless covered with a secured tarp, yard waste (except composting piles following the bylaw), animal remains or feces, foxtail barley or overgrown grass and plants, producing too much dust, smoke, or other airborne matter, creating offensive odors, and having accessible ditches or standing water that could be dangerous or negatively affect nearby properties.

This page is an overview of this bylaw. Please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information. Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.

If you know of an untidy private property and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or: 

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

• Your name and address
• A primary and alternate phone number
• The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
• A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

When reporting on the 311 app, users are encouraged to add photos to assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.