Good Neighbour Booklet (guide to Bylaw 788)

Fraser Lake, British Columbia · No. 788 · summary & facts

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Good Neighbour Booklet ' Village of Fraser Lake Good Neighbour Booklet Good Neighbour Booklet 2 Welcome to the Village of Fraser Lake! This booklet is designed to provide information on various bylaws the Village has, to ensure that Fraser Lake is a great place to live and work. It is called the Good Neighbour Booklet because it deals with you and your neighbours most directly. This booklet is not a substitute for the actual bylaws and is meant to be used as a guide only. For further information on any of the material contained in this booklet, or for copies of actual bylaws, please contact the Village Office. We are located at 210 Carrier Crescent and our telephone number is (250) 699-6257. Information can also be found on the website at www.fraserlake.ca Good Neighbour Booklet 3 Table of Contents Property Maintenance................................................................................4 Street Traffic................................................................................................5 Animal Control............................................................................................6 Noise............................................................................................................8 Water Conservation....................................................................................9 Garbage and Recycling..............................................................................10 Snow Removal...........................................................................................12 Fire and Safety...........................................................................................13 Fences........................................................................................................14 Derelict Buildings......................................................................................15 Home Based Business...............................................................................16 Some Final Thoughts.................................................................................17 Good Neighbour Booklet 4 Property Maintenance Keeping a tidy house and yard keeps your neighbourhood looking appealing, and property values high. We all want Fraser Lake to be the best it can be and to put our best face forward. If a property violates the Property Maintenance regulations, the Village may deem it unsightly and can require you to clean it up. If you fail to do so, you could be fined and/or the Village will clean up your property for you and you will have to pay the bill. So what exactly is "unsightly"?  The deposit of rubbish, litter, garbage or lack of general maintenance.  Over grown grass and/or weeds.  An accumulation of damaged or dismantled motor vehicles or mechanical parts.  More than 1 unlicensed vehicle or any derelict vehicles. *  More than 2 Recreation vehicles, boats trailers or combination there of at the front of the residence. *  Graffiti. It is also up to you to maintain the boulevard and/or the lane adjoining your property. Property owners are responsible for ensuring trees and shrubs are cut back so as not to impede visibility of road signs, intersections or obstruct sidewalks or the road. Compost sites, not enclosed in a container, must be 3 meters (10 feet) back from the adjacent property line. No meat, animal parts or animal feces is permitted in a compost site. Every owner of a compost must maintain it in a manner that the compost does not become a nuisance. *Residents are allowed 3 unlicenced Recreational vehicles as long as they are insured each year for a minimum of three months and at least one of them is store in the backyard and meets all ancillary requirements. Good Neighbour Booklet 5 Street and Traffic Avoid tickets and/or towing:  Don't park on private property without the owner's permission.  Don't park more than 30cm (12 in) from the sidewalk when parallel parking.  Don't park in lanes.  Don't park on the sidewalk.  Don't park in front of driveways that are not your own.  Don't park facing the wrong way.  Don't park in an intersection.  Don't park on or within (6) six meters of a crosswalk.  Don't park within (5) five meters of a fire hydrant.  Don't park your trailer on the street unless it is attached to your tow vehicle.  Don't park in spaces reserved for physically disabled persons unless you have a valid Physically Disabled Placard displayed.  Vehicles cannot be parked on the street for more than 48 hours consecutively. Please note that long term parking on the boulevard is not permitted. Please be aware of all posted signs and regulations. Loaded Commercial Vehicles are not allowed within the Residential Zones of Fraser Lake. Delivery vehicles are the only exception. When Seasonal Load Restrictions have been applied to Provincial Highways and side roads by the Ministry of Transportation, Village streets are restricted to 50% the Legal Axle Loading. Vehicles parked illegally may be towed and/or incur a fine of $100.00. Animal Control Good Neighbour Booklet 6 Animal Control Animals can bring such joy to our lives but can also be the cause of friction between neighbours. We have not limited the number of dogs and cats a person may own; however, pet owners are expected to be responsible and to maintain control of their dogs at all times. Outside Cats must be spayed or neutered. If you wish to acquire hens, a permit must be obtained from the Village Office before the hens are acquired and certain regulations must be followed. You must license your dog every year. The licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. Every dog over the age of 2 months must have a license. When you license your dog, you will receive a tag which must be affixed to your dog's collar and worn at all times. By having your dog licensed we will be able to reunite you with your pet should he or she make a break for it. Dog Licenses are free. Please note that if your female dog is in heat, our bylaw requires that you keep her confined indoors or inside an enclosure where she cannot escape or have unwanted visitors. While you are out exercising your dog(s) off your property, they must be kept under control. If this is not possible through verbal command, your dog must be on a leash. Unsupervised dogs can be impounded. They will end up at the Vanderhoof Veterinary Clinic. The Vanderhoof Veterinary Clinic is located at 2648 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof BC. While your dog will receive good care at the Vanderhoof Veterinary Clinic, you will be subject to fines, impoundment fees and expenses. Good Neighbour Booklet 7 Impoundment fees: First Offence (unlicensed dog): $50.00 Second Offence (unlicensed dog): $100.00 Third Offence (unlicensed dog): $150.00 First Offence (licensed dog): $25.00 Second Offence (licensed dog): $50.00 Third Offence (licensed dog): $100.00 You will also have to pay the boarding fees which could include veterinary care. Impounded dogs will be held for 96 hours (4 days). Dogs that are not claimed within that period of time may be adopted out. Barking: Dogs are not allowed to bark excessively. When a barking dog disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of persons in the neighborhood, you could be issued a $100.00 fine. Aggressive Dogs: If your dog bites someone or another animal, it may be deemed an Aggressive Dog. If your dog is deemed "Aggressive", your dog must be kept securely confined and/or muzzled, and meet other conditions. Finally, remember our bylaws requires that you scoop your animal's poop and dispose of it properly - failure to do so can result in a $100.00 fine. If your dog is off your private property, you are responsible to clean up after them. Our bylaws also require you to keep your property free of offensive and unhealthy materials, which includes accumulations of dog poop. Good Neighbour Booklet 8 Noise The Village's noise regulations are designed to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of life here in Fraser Lake. So that means:  No construction noise or Lawnmowers before 7AM or after 10PM from Monday to Friday. On weekends and statutory weekends, noise is not permitted until 8 AM or after 10 PM.  Keep your animals quiet and under control.  Keep the radio/stereo at a reasonable level.  Generally, ensure that you do not disturb the quiet, peace, rest and enjoyment of the neighborhood. You should know that the Noise Bylaw is in effect 24/7. Tickets for noise violations are on an escalating scale from $100.00 to $150.00 per offense. (Note that areas zoned Industrial are exempt from the Noise Bylaw). Good Neighbour Booklet 9 Water Conservation Water is a precious commodity - don't waste it! The Village has watering restrictions in the summertime from May 1st to September 30th each year. Properties with even numbered addresses (420 Tunasa, 382 Carrier, etc.) are allowed to sprinkle on even numbered days of the month (2nd, 4th, etc.) from 4:00AM - 9:00AM and 7:00PM - 10:00PM. Properties with odd numbered address (415 Tunasa, 383 Carrier, etc.) are allowed to sprinkle on odd numbered days of the month (1st, 3rd, etc.) from 4:00AM - 9:00AM and 7:00PM - 10:00PM. People are allowed to hand water plants at any time using a hose as long as your hose is equipped with a spring-loaded shut off nozzle that is operational. Violations could result in a $100.00 fine. Good Neighbour Booklet 10 Garbage Please have your garbage carts out by 7AM on the pickup day, at curbside. If they are not at the curb, they will not be picked up. Please keep garbage in the proper container and make sure the lids are closed - this will assist with collection and keep animals and birds out; keeping our streets tidy. Please ensure that garbage cans are brought back off the streets the same day as collection. If you won't be home, think about asking your neighbour to help by wheeling your garbage receptacle back to your garage. It is important to have your garbage cart placed out on the curb properly.  Park it - Wheels away from the road and just off the roadway.  Point it - Arrows on the lid of cart should point to the middle of the road.  Space it - At least (2) two meters away from vehicles or other objects. Items that are not in a cart will not be picked up. Please ensure all household waste is bagged. Loose garbage will not be picked up. What goes in a Garbage Cart?  All household waste that is not recyclable.  NO explosives or corrosive material, tires, batteries, drywall, animal carcasses, oil or filters, electronic equipment.  NO automotive parts such as engine components or exhaust systems. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in cancellation of garbage pick-up service and/or a $100.00 fine. Collection schedules are available at the Village Office and on the Village's website. Good Neighbour Booklet 11 Each residence is issued a Garbage Cart. It is the owner's and/or occupier's responsibility to maintain these carts. You may have to spray it out from time to time to keep it clean and odour free. Replacement carts can be purchased for $93.00 plus tax from the Village Office. The landfill, operated by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, is located on Fraser Lake Airport Road. For more information on hours of operation and what materials are accepted, please call 250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339. Good Neighbour Booklet 12 Snow Removal The Village of Fraser Lake has an average annual snow fall of 187cm (73.6 inches). During snowfall events and directly following, the Village will focus on ensuring the streets are plowed and sanded for your safety. Please ensure that there are no vehicles parked on the street during snow removal, allowing the Village to do a thorough and complete job. Vehicles impeding snow removal can be towed and/or incur a $100.00 fine. Seniors living in Fraser Lake, who own and occupy their own home are eligible to have their driveway plowed by the Village. If you meet these conditions, you may pick up a snow removal placard at the Village Office. Please ensure it is placed in a conspicuous location to ensure our Work's crew doesn't miss your home. Please note, Seniors driveways are cleared after all other snowplowing duties have been completed. A seniors driveway will not be plowed while the home is unoccupied. Good Neighbour Booklet 13 Fire and Safety Backyard fire pits are allowed, but a Fire Permit is required. Fire Permits can be obtained from the Village Office during normal business hours. If you have any questions about the suitability of your burning plans, please check with the Fraser Lake Fire Department to ensure your plans meet requirements. Phone 250-699- 7783, or see the Fire Protection & Control Bylaw. Regardless of your Village of Fraser Lake Fire Permit, you must abide by all Fire Bans. It is your responsibility to be informed about Local and Provincial Fire Bans. Possessing a Village Fire Permit does not change your obligation to abide by orders affecting local burning. Smoke alarms are required to be installed and maintained in every dwelling and/or dwelling unit. Fire and Security Alarms must be installed, maintained and tested in accordance with the BC Fire Code. The owner and/or occupier of land or building must not permit the accumulation of combustible growth or materials that are liable to catch fire or cause damage to life or property. Good Neighbour Booklet 14 Fences Fences shall not exceed 2.13 meters (7 feet) in height along the side and rear lot lines and shall not exceed 1.3 meters (4 feet) in height along the front lot line. No person who owns or occupies a property shall allow a fence to fall into a state of disrepair. Good Neighbour Booklet 15 Shipping Containers: Shipping containers are not allowed in the residential zone. Shipping containers in the Commercial and Light Industrial Zones must be screened. For those home owners who have already placed a shipping container in their yard, they must ensure it does not become unsightly. Our bylaws do not allow the new installation of shipping containers. Derelict Buildings A "Derelict Building" is a building that is currently not being occupied, is unsecured and poses a health and safety risk. Derelict Building owners must:  Maintain a $2M in liability insurance.  Maintain the property to standards set out in the Good Neighbor Bylaw.  Board and secure the building to the standards set in the Good Neighbor Bylaw. For more information on Derelict Buildings, contact the Village Office at 250-699- 6257 or the Bylaw Officer at 250-699-2859. Good Neighbour Booklet 16 Home Based Business Every business operating in the Village of Fraser Lake requires a Business License. Business Licenses can be purchased at the Village Office during normal business hours; Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. Before starting a business, home-based or otherwise, check with our Economic Development Officer or our Bylaw Officer for rules and regulations that apply to your business. Some common guidelines for home based businesses are:  There can be no external storage of materials, containers or finished products.  Any signage for a home-based business must meet the regulations of the Village's Sign Bylaw.  Only one additional employee is permitted.  No automobile, boat, or heavy machinery servicing or repair is permitted as a home-based business within the residential zone.  Suitable parking must be provided. Good Neighbour Booklet 17 Some final thoughts... Get to know your neighbours so that if and when something bothersome crops up you can talk about it. Face to face discussion is the quickest and best resolution to a problem. Be proactive about keeping your property in good shape at all times of the year. Questions? For more information or for copies of the specific bylaws contact the Bylaw Officer at the Fraser Lake Village Office, (250) 699-6257 or go online at www.fraserlake.ca and download the information. Good Neighbour Booklet 18