The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors has adopted the Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw, giving RDEK Compliance Officers the ability to issue fines of up to $500 under the provincial Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act for a range of bylaw violations.
Despite the new authority, the Regional District emphasizes that enforcement will continue to focus on voluntary compliance.
“Aside from short-term rentals operating without a valid Temporary Use Permit, our primary enforcement objective is voluntary compliance; fines will not be the primary means of enforcement,” says Michele Bates, RDEK General Manager of Development and Protective Services. “We’ve traditionally seen a high rate of voluntary compliance, and our intention is to continue that approach before further steps are taken.”
What Violations Are Included?
The bylaw outlines a wide range of contraventions that now fall under the updated fine structure, including:
• Noise
• Unsightly premises
• Illegal campgrounds
• Home-based business violations
• Fireworks sales
• Dog control
• Signs
• Environmentally sensitive development permit areas
• Building bylaws
• Water and sewer bylaws
• Recreational vehicle use
Property owners and occupants will continue to receive the opportunity to address or remedy any contravention prior to fines being issued or legal counsel being engaged.
Short-Term Rental Enforcement is also increasing as part of the Province’s Short-Term Rental Data Registry rollout, RDEK Compliance Officers now have access to platform data. Since November, officers have been submitting requests to the Province to cease platform services (such as Airbnb and VRBO listings) for operators running short-term rentals without an approved Temporary Use Permit.
A full list of enforceable contraventions and details on the new bylaw can be found on the RDEK’s website.
Image: RDEK
