The Bylaw Dispute Adjudication system allows the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, to resolve minor bylaw contraventions and disputes locally, removing them from the the provincial court system. The legislation enables an administrative system for enforcing bylaw contraventions, from unsightly premises to minor zoning or building regulation contraventions.
Adjudication is used to simplify the dispute process by:
After receiving a Bylaw Enforcement Notice, there is the option to pay the notice or dispute it. There are 30 calendar days upon receipt of the Bylaw Enforcement Notice to dispute it. If a dispute is not filed with the Regional District within 30 calendar days, it cannot be disputed later.
To dispute a Bylaw Enforcement Notice, complete the back of the notice and deliver or mail it within 30 calendar days to:
ATTN: Bylaw Enforcement Notice
Regional District of Fraser- Fort George
155 George Street
Prince George, BC V2L 1P8
If the notice is disputed, a Regional District Screening Officer will be in contact to review the details of the dispute. The Screening Officer will either confirm or cancel the notice based on the screening policy and if the notice will be upheld, the disputant will be offered the choice of:
If an adjudication hearing is requested, staff will be in contact to set the date, time and location of the hearing, and the disputant can choose to participate in person, by phone/video, or in writing.
Prior to the hearing, a package will be sent to the disputant with the evidence being presented at the hearing.
At the hearing, an independent adjudicator appointed by the Province determines if the bylaw contravention occurred or not. If it is determined that the contravention occurred, the notice will be upheld and the disputant is required to pay the full penalty amount, plus a $25 adjudication fee. If it is determined the contravention did not occur, the notice will be cancelled.
Please note:
Payments can be made in person at the address below, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), between 8:30am and 4:30pm, or by mail (cheque or money order only).
ATTN: Bylaw Enforcement Notice
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George
155 George Street
Prince George, BC V2L 1P8
Unpaid Bylaw Enforcement Notice penalties and fees may result in court proceedings and/or they may be referred to a collections agency, impacting credit rating.
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