How are bylaws enforced?

Municipalities enforce their bylaws through their own investigations and by acting upon complaints from the public. An offence that is contained within a bylaw is called a "quasi criminal offence" as it is not a criminal offence in the same category as assault or theft. It is an offence for which a person can be prosecuted in court and be fined or imprisoned.

A bylaw is only enforceable within the jurisdiction or area that the municipality covers.

Examples of bylaws that might be of interest to landlords are

• City of Edmonton Open Fire Bylaw (10874);
• City of Edmonton Public Health Bylaw (5825);
• City of Calgary Community Standards Bylaw 5M2004;
• City of Calgary Animal Control Bylaw 23M89;
• Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Nuisance Property Bylaw 00/078.

There are many others in different municipalities.

---

WARNING: The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information only.
If you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.