Paying or Disputing Notices

The Bylaw Dispute Adjudication system allows the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George to resolve minor bylaw violations and disputes locally.

After receiving a Bylaw Enforcement Notice, you can pay the notice or dispute it.

Paying notices

Payments can be made in person at the Regional District office or mailed (cheque or money order only). Unpaid penalties and fees may result in court proceedings and be referred to a collections' agency, impacting your credit rating.

Disputing notices

You have 30 calendar days after receiving a 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 notice, complete the back of the notice and deliver or mail it to:

ATTN: Bylaw Enforcement Notice
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George
155 George Street
Prince George, BC  V2L 1P8

Dispute process

If you dispute a notice, a Screening Officer will contact you to review the details of the dispute. The Screening Officer will either confirm or cancel the notice based on the screening policy [PDF/143KB]. If the notice is upheld, you have the choice of:

  • paying the full amount of the penalty
  • requesting a bylaw dispute adjudication hearing
  • paying a reduced penalty for complying with certain terms and conditions (if the Screening Officer determines a compliance agreement is available and appropriate)

Adjudication hearing

If an adjudication hearing is requested, our staff will be in contact to set the date, time and location of the hearing. You can choose to participate in person, by phone or video call, or in writing and you will receive a package of evidence that will be presented at the hearing.

At the hearing, an independent adjudicator appointed by the Province of BC determines if the bylaw violation occurred or not. If it is determined that the violation did occur, the notice will be upheld and you will be required to pay the full penalty amount, plus a $25 adjudication fee. If it is determined the violation did not occur, the notice will be cancelled.

Additional information
  • bylaw dispute adjudications are open to the public
  • if you fail to appear or present your case, the adjudicator must order the penalty set out in the notice as immediately due and payable to the Regional District
  • the decision of the adjudicator is final
  • the adjudicator cannot reduce the penalty amount
  • a dispute can only be cancelled by paying the indicated fine amount
  • a paid Bylaw Enforcement Notice cannot be taken to adjudication

Schedule of Bylaw Adjudication Hearings