Spring is well underway, and summertime is quickly approaching. With the warm weather and new seasons come new activities, such as gardening, spring cleaning, backyard BBQ’s, etc.. Many of the things that we do on our property’s during the warm months have specific bylaws attached to them. Here are some to be aware of:
Property Care: The spring is a great time to do outdoor renovations. Not only is this good to do for the sake of your property’s value and maintenance, but it is also illegal to neglect outdoor areas of your property in need of renovation. The City of Calgary notes, “all balconies, decks, fences, porches and stairs must be kept in ‘good repair.’ Fines for violations range between $100 and $300.”
Spring Cleaning: With spring cleaning comes spring purging, where we make piles of items to keep, donate and throw away. Sometimes after a long day of purging, it can be tempting to leave your undesired belongings outside of your newly cleaned home. However, you need to make sure you take care of these things promptly, because “loose garbage, yard waste, bottles, cans, boxes, household furniture, packaging materials, parts of machinery, equipment, appliances and automobile parts must be stored so that they are not visible from outside of the property. Fines for violations range between $200 and $300.”
Composting: Composting is quickly becoming the newest craze among Calgary’s environmentally-concious citizens. Composting is a great way to help turn waste into eco-friendly material. However, be careful! You “must ensure composting piles or composting containers are maintained so they do not create offensive odours or attract pests. Fines for violations range between $50 and $100.”
Bonfires: No outdoor, backyard BBQ is complete without a fire to keep people warm once the sun goes down. Fire pits are a great addition to your property, adding value and usefulness. Make sure to do your research BEFORE installing or building your new fire pit, because “fire pits cannot be within two meters of the property line, building or fence, or beneath any trees or branches (or other combustible materials). Fines for violations range between $500 and $5000. Repeat offenses of these regulations may result in a fire ban for the premises.”
Lawns: People seem to either love mowing the lawn (thanks to the smell of freshly-cut grass), or hate mowing the lawn (thanks to the sweat). Whether you love it or hate it, you legally have to do it. The City of Calgary notes, “private property owners must ensure that grasses and herbaceous plants do not exceed 15 cm (six inches) in height. Fines for violations range between $100 and $300.”
Be safe, know your bylaws, and have a fantastic spring! For more information, visit the full bylaw list HERE.
Posted by Ken Richter on
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