The Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System Explained

In 2003, the Province adopted the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, creating a framework for a streamlined non-judicial system for local governments to deal with bylaw ticket disputes. The Act was developed to create a simple, fair and cost-effective system for dealing with minor bylaw infractions through:

• the creation of a Bylaw Notice and an enforcement dispute forum dedicated to resolving local bylaw matters;
• reduction to the cost and complexity of decision making in that forum;
• avoidance of unnecessary attendance of witnesses and the involvement of legal counsel;
• reduction in the length of time required to resolve bylaw ticket disputes;
• elimination of the requirement for personal service of tickets.

The Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, and the authority it provides to establish an adjudication system, applies to both municipalities and regional districts by regulation. Currently, more than 80 jurisdictions in BC are using the system.

Read more in the Bylaw Adjudication Toolkit published by the Local Government Management Association.