Chestermere Peace Officers want to remind residents to ensure their properties are maintained regularly and free of unsightly objects.
Chestermere Peace Officers are encouraging residents to clear accumulated garbage, pet waste, debris, auto parts, and anything else that wouldn’t commonly be found on other residential properties.
“Not only does that mean a build-up of materials, but it also means basic lawn maintenance. Ensuring weeds, grass, and hedges are trimmed back and not impeding either on a public sidewalk or a right of way,” said Municipal Peace Offer Sgt. Trever Bowman.
Chestermere Peace Officer Shawn Press said any grasses or weeds that are longer than 15 cm are considered to be unsightly.
The Unsightly Properties Bylaw also applies to drainage swales and building structures on residential properties, undeveloped properties, and construction sites.
“Property owners need to make sure that drainage on their property is unblocked and that fences, exterior walls, and roofs are in good repair,” Press said.
Press added, “Property owners must maintain the premises even if the property is vacant or currently undeveloped.”
Property owners can ask any renters to maintain the property. However, any fines given for unsightly properties will be given to the owner.
Every year the appearance of resident’s properties is not a top priority of most locals; however, if residents have neglected their properties, they can face a fine of $150 to $10,000.
“It’s really in everyone’s best interest to take pride and ownership of their property maintenance,” Press said.
“We strive to educate our property owners, and what their responsibilities are,” Bowman said.
He added, if Municipal Peace Officers are not receiving compliance from property owners, the city will issue an order to the property owners and come to do the work themselves, and then charge it back to the owner’s property taxes.
While the severity of fines depends on the state of the property, and if it’s a repeated offence, Chestermere Peace Officers do strive to issue warnings whenever possible.
“There are certain circumstances where a warning isn’t sufficient, or the offence impacts the entire community,” Bowman said.
He added, “Be a good neighbour. Look after your property and compare it to those around you.”
For additional information on the Unsightly Properties Bylaw, please visit the City of Chestermere’s website at https://chestermere.ca/595/Bylaws.
