Bylaws are the tools that municipalities use to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, and promote community standards. They can include matters such as licensing requirements, animal control and zoning regulations.

The By-Law Compliance section is responsible for implementation and administration of compliance to municipal regulations to ensure the health, safety and reasonable enjoyment of people living the District is maintained. By-Law Compliance Officers are also responsible for prosecutions and other legal actions undertaken by the municipality.


How are Bylaws Enforced?

The Bylaw Compliance section investigates complaints from citizens and then uses a variety of enforcement measures. The preferred approach is to simply talk to people who may be violating a bylaw, explain the need for the bylaw and, if possible, obtain voluntary compliance. The most common bylaw violations generally occur because residents are not aware of the bylaw requirements and are easily addressed when staff notify the resident.

Citizens are given the opportunity to correct an offence and comply before more serious enforcement action is considered. The District may need to take direct action however if there is an immediate health or safety concern.


Municipal Tickets

The District of North Saanich can issue tickets for some types of bylaw infractions. Bylaw Enforcement officers typically first issue a warning ticket and ensure the person understands the problem and how to correct it. If, within a specified time, nothing has been done, then either a formal written directive or fine is issued.


Animal Control

The District contracts with the Capital Regional District to provide animal control services. If you require assistance, have an inquiry or a complaint regarding an animal matter, there are five possible contacts:

1. Call Capital Regional District at 250-478-0624 if you:

	•	Have a complaint about an animal, such as a dog at large or a barking dog;
	•	Have problems with dogs interfering with or attacking your livestock;
	•	Have been bitten by a dog; or
	•	Have found a dead animal on the street or in a public place.

Regular business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday but Animal Control Officers are on duty seven days a week and most Statutory holidays.

2.	If you have a complaint about cruelty to animals or concern about the welfare of an animal such as adequate food, water, shelter or veterinary care, call the Victoria SPCA at 250-388-7722 or if it is an emergency at 250-385-6521.
3.	If you have lost or found an animal, the CRD Shelter Animal Shelter is located at 5401 Pat Bay Highway and is open between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. To contact the Kennel Master during regular working hours call 250-658-5745.
4.	An adoption program is also operated from the shelter, if you wish to adopt a pet, call 250-658-5745 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday for more information.
5.	Call the Provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection at 1-800-663-9453 (WILD) if you have encountered or observed a potentially dangerous wild animal in your neighbourhood.

Parking Enforcement

Parking enforcement is the shared responsibility of the local RCMP detachment, the Fire Department and the Bylaw Compliance Section. Please contact either the RCMP at their non-emergency number 250-656-3931 if there is a vehicle parked in such a manner as to affect the safe passage of cars. Contact either the Fire Department at 250-656-0781 or RCMP at 250-656-3931, if a vehicle is parked such that it would block access or passage of emergency vehicles.

For cars that are parked on the boulevard in contravention of the District’s bylaws but not posing an immediate safety hazard, contact the Bylaw Compliance section.

Providing they are licensed, there is no limit on the number of non-commercial vehicles that may be parked on a property. Unless the property is zoned as commercial, only one licensed commercial vehicle per parcel is permitted.

Unlicensed vehicles are not permitted to park on the municipal boulevard or roads. Only one unlicensed vehicle is permitted per parcel of property unless it is stored in a garage.


If You Have a Complaint

All complaints received by the District must be in writing and have the following information:

	•	The location of the offence (street address or location);
	•	The nature of the offence; and
	•	The name, address and telephone number of the complainant.

The complaint may be hand-delivered, mailed, faxed or e-mailed. The personal information that is collected will be used to process your complaint however your name and address will not be made available to the public. All the information regarding the complainant is kept confidential unless the complainant is required for Court purposes in order to resolve the matter. If you have any questions on the collection and use of this information, please contact the Municipal Clerk who is the Freedom of Information Officer for the District of North Saanich at 250-656-0781.