Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Bylaw No. 6926, 2004 — full text

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot a683ac26925b · verified 2026-06-08 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Doc # 2731130 CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER BUSINESS REGULATIONS AND LICENSING (RENTAL UNITS) BYLAW NO. 6926, 2004 (Adopted July 12, 2004) This is a consolidation of the bylaws listed below. The amendment bylaws have been combined with the original bylaw for convenience only. This consolidation is not a legal document. Certified copies of the original bylaws should be consulted for all interpretations and applications of the bylaws on this subject. AMENDMENT BYLAW ADOPTION DATE EFFECTIVE DATE 7425 November 29, 2010 November 29, 2010 8085, 2019 (Part 6) February 4, 2019 February 4, 2019 8130, 2019 (9(c), 9(d) and Part 6) June 24, 2019 June 24, 2019 8302, 2021 (deleting Part 6) November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 8525, 2025 June 23, 2025 June 23, 2025 8536, 2025 November 17, 2025 January 1, 2026 The bylaw numbers highlighted in this consolidation refer to the bylaws that amended the principal Bylaw No. 6926, 2004. The number of any amending bylaw that has been repealed is not referred to in this consolidation. Obtainable from the Legislative Services Department CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY (December 10, 2025) Doc # 2808943 Page 2 CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER BYLAW NO. 6926, 2004 A Bylaw to regulate and licence the letting of rooms for living purposes and to prescribe standards for the maintenance of residential property and rental units. ______________________________________________________________________ I N D E X SECTION PAGE PART 1 - TITLE AND INTERPRETATION 1. Title ........................................................................................................ 4 2. Definitions ............................................................................................... ..4 3. Application of the Bylaw ............................................................................. 7 PART 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 4. Administration ............................................................................................ 7 5. Right of Entry ............................................................................................. 7 6. Compliance Orders .................................................................................... 7 7. Severability ................................................................................................. 8 8. Compliance With Other Statutes and Bylaws ............................................. 8 9. Offences and Penalties .............................................................................. 8 PART 3 - REGULATION AND LICENSING OF RENTAL UNITS 10. Exemption .................................................................................................. 9 11. Licence Required ....................................................................................... 9 12. Application Process .................................................................................... 9 13. Posting of Licence ...................................................................................... 9 14. Term of Licence ....................................................................................... 10 15. Transfer of Licence .................................................................................. 10 16. Granting, Refusal and Suspension of Licence ......................................... 10 17. Tenant Register ........................................................................................ 10 18. Conditions of Licence ............................................................................... 10 PART 4 - MINIMUM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS 19. Application ................................................................................................ 11 20. Owner's Duties and Obligations ............................................................... 11 21. Pest Control ............................................................................................. 11 22. Garbage, Debris Storage and Disposal .................................................... 11 23. Structural Integrity .................................................................................... 12 Doc # 2808943 Page 3 24. Foundations ............................................................................................. 12 25. Exterior Walls ........................................................................................... 12 26. Doors, Windows and Ventilation .............................................................. 13 27. Roofing ..................................................................................................... 13 28. Stairs, Balconies and Porches ................................................................. 13 29. Basements ............................................................................................... 13 30. Floors ...................................................................................................... 14 31. Walls and Ceilings .................................................................................... 14 32. Plumbing and Plumbing Fixtures .............................................................. 14 33. Gas Appliances and Systems .................................................................. 14 34. Heating and Cooling Systems .................................................................. 14 35. Electrical System and Lighting ................................................................. 15 36. Interior Fire and Health Safety Hazards ................................................... 15 37. Laundry Facilities ..................................................................................... 16 38. Elevators .................................................................................................. 16 39. Parking or Storage Garages ..................................................................... 16 40. Maintenance of Services and Utilities ...................................................... 16 41. Room Sizes and Ceiling Heights .............................................................. 17 42. Food Storage and Cooking Facilities ....................................................... 17 43. Sanitary Facilities ..................................................................................... 17 PART 5 - NUISANCES 44. Repeat Nuisance Service Calls ................................................................ 18 PART 6 - DELETED PART 7 - REPEAL 45. Repeal ...................................................................................................... 20 PART 8 - EFFECTIVE DATE 46. Effective Date ........................................................................................... 20 Doc # 2808943 Page 4 CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER BYLAW NO. 6926, 2004 A Bylaw to regulate and licence the letting of rooms for living purposes and to prescribe standards for the maintenance of residential property and rental units. THE CITY COUNCIL of the Corporation of the City of New Westminster HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: PART 1 - TITLE AND INTERPRETATION 1. Title This Bylaw shall be cited as "BUSINESS REGULATIONS AND LICENSING (RENTAL UNITS) BYLAW NO. 6926, 2004". 2. Definitions (a) In this bylaw: bathroom means a room consisting of not less than one toilet, one wash basin and one bathtub or shower; bedding means sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow cases; building means any structure designed or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons or property; Building Inspector means a person who has been assigned the responsibility for administering City bylaws enacted to regulate the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and structures, or their designate; "Building Official" means the individual designated by the City as the Manager of Building Inspections (as that title may be changed from time to time) and such person or persons as he or she may designate from time to time as his or her assistants. City means the Corporation of the City of New Westminster; community kitchen means a room not part of a dwelling unit or housekeeping unit and designed or intended for the use of the preparation of food; controlled substance means a controlled substance as defined and described in Schedules I, II and III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 1996 c. 19, as may be amended from time to time, but does not include the trade or manufacture of a controlled substance that is permitted under that Act or Doc # 2808943 Page 5 otherwise lawfully permitted under the City's Business Regulations and Licensing Bylaw. Council means the City Council of the Corporation of the City of New Westminster. dwelling unit means one or more habitable rooms designed, occupied or intended for use, including occupancy, by one or more persons as an independent and separate residence in which a facility for cooking, sleeping facilities and a bathroom are provided for the exclusive use of such person or persons.; excessive nuisance abatement fees include the following costs and expenses incurred while responding to a nuisance service call or abating nuisance conduct, activity or condition: I. pro-rata cost of police and City staff salaries, including all fringe benefits; II. pro-rata cost of using police, fire and City equipment and vehicles; III. pro-rata administration costs incurred by the City in responding to a nuisance service call or abating a nuisance; IV. the pro-rata cost of police dogs assisting police officers; V. the cost of repairs to damaged City equipment, vehicles or property; and VI. the cost of providing medical treatment for injured police officers and City officials. facility for cooking means any equipment, device or appliance used to heat or cook food, or any combination thereof, and includes the arrangement of service lines which provide the energy source being used or intended to be used to service such facility. housekeeping unit means one or more habitable rooms containing therein facilities for cooking and a sink but no other sanitary facilities; Inspector means the Chief License Inspector of the City appointed from time to time by Council or their designate, a bylaw officer and any public health inspector authorized by the Fraser Health Authority to assist in the administration and enforcement of this bylaw; last known address means the address shown on the property taxation records of the City of New Westminster Finance Department or a more recent address known to the City and, in the case of parties not listed in these records, the last known address shall be that address obtained by the City after a reasonable search and, if no address can be found, the last known address shall be that of the building in which the nuisance occurred or was maintained or permitted. Doc # 2808943 Page 6 nuisance service call means the City or police response to and abatement of any activity, conduct or condition occurring on or near a residential property which substantially and unreasonably interferes with a person's use and enjoyment of a public place or of land or premises occupied by that person or which causes injury to the health, comfort or convenience of an occupier of land and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may include one or more of the following conduct, activities or conditions occurring or committed within or near a residential property: I. noises or sounds that disturb or are liable to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of individuals or the public, including but not limited to, the residents of a rental unit, residential property or the neighbourhood; II. conduct, activities or conditions which constitute a violation of any Federal or Provincial statute prohibiting or regulating controlled substances, prostitution, alcohol or firearms; and III. conduct, activities or conditions which constitute causing a disturbance or disorderly conduct contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. owner means a person who has any legal right, title, estate or interest in a residential property and shall include, without limitation, a landlord, lessor, sublessor or other person permitting the occupation of a rental unit, their agents, heirs, assigns, personal representatives and successors in title. person includes a corporation, partnership or party, and the personal or other legal representatives of a person to whom the context can apply according to law; rental unit means living accommodation rented or intended to be rented to a tenant; repair includes replacing, making additions or alterations or taking action required for the residential property to conform to the standards prescribed by this bylaw; residential property means: I. a building, or related group of buildings, in which one or more rental units or common areas are located, II. the parcel or parcels on which the building, related group of buildings or common areas are located; III. the rental unit and common areas; or IV. any other structure located on the parcel or parcels. sanitary facilities means any toilet and toilet tank, urinal, bathtub, shower or hand basin; Doc # 2808943 Page 7 sleeping unit means one or more habitable rooms equipped to be used for sleeping and sitting purposes only; tenancy agreement means an agreement, whether written or oral, express or implied, between a landlord and tenant respecting possession of a rental unit, use of common areas and services and facilities, and includes a licence to occupy a rental unit; tenant means a person or persons who have the right of exclusive possession of a rental unit and includes: I. the estate of a deceased tenant; and II. when the context requires, a former or prospective tenant. (b) Unless otherwise defined or the context otherwise requires, all words and phrases in this bylaw shall be construed in accordance with the meaning assigned to them by the Community Charter, the Local Government Act and the Interpretation Act, as the context and circumstances may require. 3. Application of the Bylaw This bylaw applies to all residential property and all rental units in the City of New Westminster. PART 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 4. Administration The Inspector is authorized to administer and enforce this bylaw and to perform any other duties and exercise any other powers that may be delegated by Council. 5. Right of Entry For the purposes of ensuring compliance with this bylaw or any order made under this bylaw, the Inspector and Building Inspector are authorized to enter, at all reasonable times, on residential property that is subject to this bylaw to ascertain whether the requirements of this bylaw are met. Where entering residential property, the Building Inspector or Inspector shall show proper identification and shall notify the owner or occupant of the purpose of the entry. 6. Compliance Orders (a) If, in the opinion of the Inspector, there is a contravention of this bylaw or an order made under this bylaw or, in the opinion of the Inspector, a rental unit or residential property does not conform to the minimum maintenance standards prescribed by this bylaw, the Inspector may issue an order requiring that the owner bring the residential property or rental unit into compliance with the provisions of this bylaw within the time specified in the notice. Doc # 2808943 Page 8 (b) Service of the order referred to in paragraph 6(1) will be sufficient if the notice: I. in the case of service on an individual, is served personally or mailed by prepaid registered mail to the address of the owner shown on the then current year's real property assessment roll for the residential property for which the order is issued; II. in the case of service on a corporation, is served personally on a director, officer or manager of the corporation or by leaving it at or mailing it by registered mail to the registered office of the corporation. 7. Severability In the event that any portion of this bylaw is declared to be ultra vires by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then such portion shall be deemed to be severed from the bylaw to that extent and the remainder of the bylaw shall continue in force and effect. 8. Compliance With Other Statutes and Bylaws This bylaw is not intended to relieve any person from complying with any other statute, regulation or bylaw relating to building construction and repair, fire safety or public health. 9. Offences and Penalties (a) No person shall: I. fail to comply with a compliance order issued by the Inspector under this bylaw; II. obstruct or hinder the Inspector or Building Inspector acting under authority of this bylaw; or III. fail to comply with any other provision of this bylaw. (b) Every person who contravenes or violates any provision of this bylaw, or who suffers or permits any act or thing to be done in contravention or in violation of any provision of this bylaw, or who neglects to do or refrains from doing anything required to be done by any provision of this bylaw, commits an offence and, upon conviction, shall be liable to a fine or penalty as provided by the Offence Act and, where the offence is a continuing one, each day the offence continues shall be a separate offence. Where conviction is for failure to pay the required licence fee, the amount which should have been paid for the license shall be added to the penalty and shall form part of the penalty. Doc # 2808943 Page 9 PART 3 - REGULATION AND LICENSING OF RENTAL UNITS 10. Exemption This Part does not apply to a single detached dwelling unit where: (a) the property owner occupies all or part of the single detached dwelling unit; (b) the single detached dwelling unit remains under a unified legal title; (c) the single detached dwelling unit contains no more that one secondary suite; and (d) no more than two boarders or lodgers reside within the single detached dwelling unit. 11. Licence Required Unless exempted under paragraph 10, no person shall rent or have available for rental any rental unit unless: (a) an application for a business licence has been made to the Inspector on the prescribed form; (b) the licence fee prescribed in City of New Westminster Business License Bylaw No. 5640, 1986, as amended from time to time, has been paid; and (c) a business license under this bylaw has been issued by the Inspector. 12. Application Process Every application for a business licence shall be signed by the applicant and shall contain the following information relating to each rental unit for which application is made: (a) the street address; (b) the number of rooms; (c) a full description of the rental unit; and (d) other information as may be required. 13. Posting of Licence Every person issued a business licence under this bylaw shall post a copy of the business license in a conspicuous place on every residential property in respect of which it is issued. Doc # 2808943 Page 10 14. Term of Licence Every business licence under this bylaw shall be issued annually so as to take effect on the first day of January and to terminate on the 31st day of December in each year. 15. Transfer of Licence Any person wishing to transfer a business license, or part interest in a business license, issued under this bylaw shall make an application in every respect the same as that required to obtain a business license, and the powers, conditions, requirements, fees and procedures relating to the granting and refusal of a business licence and appeals therefrom, shall apply to such transfer application. 16. Granting, Refusal and Suspension of Licence The Inspector is authorized to: (a) grant or refuse a business licence under this bylaw; and (b) suspend a business licence issued under this bylaw for reasonable cause, for such period as the Inspector may determine. 17. Tenant Register Every person issued a business licence under this bylaw in respect of residential property shall maintain a current register containing the name and previous address of every tenant residing in each rental unit and shall produce the register for review by the Inspector upon request. 18. Conditions of Licence For the purposes of preventing or abating nuisances and ensuring the safety, quiet, peace, enjoyment, comfort and convenience of tenants of rental units and persons in the vicinity of rental units, the Inspector may impose terms and conditions upon the granting, renewal or suspension of a business licence issued under this bylaw in the nature of pro-active property management through the implementation of those property management practices recommended by the New Westminster Police Service Crime Free Multi-Housing Program ("CFMH"), including but not limited to: (a) proper tenant screening by: - use of posted written applicant criteria - obtaining and recording two pieces of identification from applicants (at least one of which must be picture identification) - obtaining and verifying tenant references - use of a detailed application form to be completed in person Doc # 2808943 Page 11 - performing credit checks on applicants - use of standard rental agreements and other BC Residential Tenancy Office forms; (b) ongoing competent property management by: - monitoring conduct of tenants and guests to prevent or abate nuisance behaviour - documenting all infractions of tenancy agreements - swiftly addressing breaches of tenancy agreements - maintaining the physical condition of residential property including the building exterior and interior, lighting, landscaping all in accordance with New Westminster Police Service Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Report recommendations and City bylaws. PART 4 - MINIMUM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS 19. Application This Part applies to all residential properties and rental units in the City of New Westminster. 20. Owner's Duties and Obligations (a) Every owner of residential premises is responsible for complying with this bylaw and shall not use, permit the use of, rent or offer to rent any rental unit that does not conform to the minimum maintenance standards prescribed in this bylaw. 21. Pest Control All rental units residential properties shall be kept free of mice, rats, bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin and from conditions which may encourage infestations of pests. 22. Garbage, Debris Storage and Disposal. (a) All garbage and refuse shall be stored in proper receptacles and removed in accordance with the requirements of all applicable City bylaws. (b) Garbage bags containing garbage shall be stored only within an enclosed garage or in a covered garbage receptacle. (c) Every residential property shall be provided with a garbage storage facility or a sufficient number of suitable receptacles that are readily accessible to all occupants so as to contain all garbage, debris and waste. Doc # 2808943 Page 12 (d) Every receptacle for garbage shall be water tight, provided with a tight- fitting cover, rodent and pest proof and maintained in a clean and tidy state. (e) Every garbage chute, garbage disposal room, garbage storage area, garbage container or receptacle shall be washed and cleaned as often as is necessary to maintain a clean and odour free condition. (f) The site set aside for the temporary storage and disposal of garbage and refuse shall be kept in a litter-free and odour-free condition, maintained in a manner that will not attract pests, create a health or other hazard, or obstruct an emergency route. 23. Structural Integrity Buildings and their structural components, including, but not limited to, roofs, stairs, railings, porches, deck joists, rafters, beams, columns, foundations, floors, walls and ceilings shall be maintained in good repair and in a manner that provides sufficient structural integrity so as to safely sustain its own weight and any additional loads and influences to which it may be subjected through normal use. 24. Foundations Foundation walls and other supporting members shall be maintained in good repair so as to control and protect against the entrance of moisture. 25. Exterior Walls (a) Exterior walls and their components shall provide adequate protection from the weather and shall be maintained; I. in good repair, II. weather tight, III. free from loose or unsecured objects and materials, and IV. in a manner so as to prevent or retard deterioration due to weather or infestations. (b) Canopies, marquees, awnings, screens, fire escapes, pipes, ducts, air conditioners and all other similar equipment, attachments, extensions and their supporting members shall be maintained in good repair, properly and safely anchored and protected against deterioration and decay. (c) Exterior wall facings, projections, cornices and decorative features shall be maintained in good repair, safely and properly anchored. (d) Mechanical ventilating systems and their supporting members shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe mechanical condition. Doc # 2808943 Page 13 26. Doors, Windows and Ventilation (a) Exterior doors, and windows, skylights, and hatchways shall be maintained in good repair and weather tight. (b) Openings in exterior walls, other than doors and windows, shall be effectively protected to prevent the entry of rodents, insects or vermin. (c) Latching and locking devices shall be provided on separate entrances to every rental unit and shall be maintained in good working order. Latching and locking devices shall be provided on windows in every Rental Unit and shall be maintained in good working order. (d) Every sleeping unit, housekeeping unit and dwelling unit shall be provided with a means of ventilation and natural light from windows and maintained in good operating condition. (e) All systems of ventilation, mechanical or natural, shall be maintained in good working order. (f) All rooms with sanitary facilities shall be provided with a window or ventilation system which shall be maintained in good operating condition. 27. Roofing The roof, including the flashing, fascia, soffit, and cornice shall be maintained in a weather-tight condition so as to prevent leakage of water into the rental units and common areas of a residential property. 28. Stairs, Balconies and Porches Stairways, balconies or porches and landings shall be maintained; (a) in a safe and clean condition; (b) in good repair, and (c) free from holes, cracks, excessive wear and warping, and hazardous obstructions. 29. Basements (a) Basement floor drains shall be maintained in good condition. (b) Floors in a basement shall be kept dry and free from major cracks, breaks or similar conditions which would create an accident hazard or allow the entrance of water into the basement. Doc # 2808943 Page 14 30. Floors (a) Floors shall be maintained in a clean condition, reasonably smooth and level and free of loose, warped or decayed boards, depressions, protrusions, deterioration or other defects which may create health, fire or accident hazards. (b) Where floors are covered, the covering shall be maintained in a safe condition. (c) Shower room floors, toilet room and bathroom floors shall be covered with smooth moisture resistant floor finishes, and in such condition as to permit easy cleaning. 31. Walls and Ceilings (a) Interior walls and ceilings shall be maintained in a clean condition, in good repair and free from holes, or loose or broken plaster that may create health, fire or accident hazards. 32. Plumbing and Plumbing Fixtures (a) All plumbing, including plumbing fixtures, drains, vents, water pipes, toilets and toilet tanks and connecting lines to the water and sewer system, shall be maintained in good working order and repair, free from leaks or other defects and protected from freezing. (b) Every hand basin and bathtub, shower and sink shall have an adequate supply of hot and cold running water and every toilet and toilet tank shall have an adequate supply of running water. Hot water shall be supplied at minimum temperature of 45 C (113 F). 33. Gas Appliances and Systems (a) All gas systems and appliances shall be maintained in safe working order and repair. (b) All systems of appliance venting shall be maintained in safe working order so as to prevent the creation of a health, fire or accident hazard. 34. Heating and Cooling Systems (a) Heating equipment shall be maintained in a safe and good working condition so as to be capable of safely attaining and maintaining an adequate temperature standard free from fire and accident hazards, and, in all rental units, capable of maintaining every room at a temperature of 22 C (72 F) measured at a point 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the floor and in the centre of the room. The heating equipment shall be turned on in order to maintain the required temperature upon the request of any occupant of a rental unit. (b) Auxiliary heaters or cooking facilities shall not be used as a permanent source of heat. Doc # 2808943 Page 15 (c) No Prohibiting Portable Cooling Devices i. Where air conditioning, or another form of installed cooling system, is not already provided, no owner shall prohibit or prevent a tenant from using a portable device designed to cool internal temperature in a rental unit. ii. Subsection (i) applies despite any strata bylaws adopted under the Strata Property Act, 1998, c. 43 that directly or indirectly prohibit a tenant from using a portable device designed to lower the temperature of a rental unit. (d) Application for Exemption from Section 34 (a) i. An owner who is subject to section 34 (c)(i) may apply to the Building Official for an exemption from that section in respect of a rental unit, on the grounds that the owner cannot reasonably comply with section 34 (c). ii. An application under subsection (i) shall be submitted by the owner to the Building Official and must be accompanied by documentation from a licensed professional that outlines the unreasonable physical barriers that would need to be overcome in order to allow the dwelling unit to support a portable device designed to cool internal temperature in a rental unit. iii. An exemption granted under this section, is valid for 2 years from the date granted and must be reapplied for to maintain the exemption. (e) Dwelling Units with Cooling Devices or Systems Where air conditioning, or another form of installed cooling system, is provided by the owner, the owner shall maintain the system to be in good working condition. 35. Electrical System and Lighting (a) Electrical wiring and lighting equipment, including circuits, fuses, circuit breakers, electrical equipment and electrical heating systems shall be maintained in good working order. (b) Adequate levels of artificial lighting shall be maintained in good working order in all rental units and in common areas in residential properties. 36. Interior Fire and Health Safety Hazards (a) Walls, floors and roof constructions, including fire protective closures, sprinkler systems, including fire alarm, and detection systems and other means of fire protection, shall be maintained so that they continue to provide the fire resistive properties and protection for which they were designed. Doc # 2808943 Page 16 37. Laundry Facilities (a) Every residential property containing one or more sleeping units or housekeeping units shall provide and maintain for the use of tenants a minimum of one washer, dryer and double laundry sink contained within a laundry room. (b) Laundry rooms shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and all sinks provided in a laundry room shall be connected to hot and cold running water and properly connected to the drainage system. (c) Every dwelling unit shall contain a laundry room equipped with a double laundry sink and provisions for a washer and dryer to be installed. 38. Elevators (a) Every elevator in a residential property shall be maintained in a safe, clean condition and certified to be in good working order and in compliance with the Elevating Devices Safety Act and regulations thereto. (b) All elevator parts and appendages, including lighting fixtures, lamps, elevator buttons, floor indicators and ventilation fans, shall be kept in good repair and operational. 39. Parking or Storage Garages No machinery, boats, vehicles, trailers or parts of them that are in a wrecked, discarded, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned condition, or junk or rubbish or discarded furniture shall be kept or allowed to remain in a parking garage or parking area. 40. Maintenance of Services and Utilities (a) No owner or anyone acting on the owner's behalf shall disconnect or cause to be disconnected any service or utility providing light, heat, air conditioning, refrigeration, water or cooking facilities for any rental unit occupied by a tenant, except for such reasonable period of time as may be required for the purpose of repairing, replacing, or altering the service or utility, and then only during the reasonable minimum time that the action is necessary. (b) Any person liable for any service or utility rates shall be deemed to have caused the disconnection, shutting off, removal or discontinuance of the service or utility if the person fails to pay the rates and, as a result of the non-payment, the service or utility is no longer provided. Doc # 2808943 Page 17 41. Room Sizes and Ceiling Heights (a) The minimum ceiling height for sleeping units and other rooms used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating purposes in a rental unit shall be 1.95 meters over at least ½ the floor area. (b) The minimum floor area of a sleeping unit shall be 10 square meters with the room having a minimum dimension of 2 meters on one side. (c) The minimum floor area for housekeeping unit shall be 14 square meters. (d) The minimum floor area for each occupant of a sleeping unit or housekeeping unit shall be 5 square meters. (e) The minimum floor area of a room in a dwelling unit used by one person for sleeping purposes shall be 6 square meters. (f) The minimum floor area of a room in a dwelling unit used by more than one person shall be 4 square meters for each person using the room. (g) Any floor area under a ceiling that is less than 1.4 meters in height shall not be counted in calculating the required minimum floor area of a room used for sleeping pursuant to this bylaw. 42. Food Storage and Cooking Facilities (a) No person shall store or permit the storage of perishable foods or provide or permit a facility for cooking in a sleeping unit. (b) No one shall prepare food or permit the preparation of food in a sleeping unit. (c) A community kitchen equipped with a sink that is installed in a counter having a backsplash and drain board made of materials impervious to water, mechanical refrigeration in the proportion of .0566 cubic meters (2 cubic feet) for each occupant, and a facility for cooking shall be provided within any rental unit with sleeping units. The community kitchen must be accessible from a common entrance and be maintained in good repair and in a clean condition. (d) All housekeeping units and dwelling units shall include a kitchen area equipped with a sink that is installed in a counter having a backsplash and drain board made of materials impervious to water, a refrigerator and a facility for cooking. The kitchen area must be maintained in good repair and in a clean condition. 43. Sanitary Facilities (a) At least one hand basin and one toilet shall be provided and maintained in proper operating condition for every 5 sleeping units or housekeeping Doc # 2808943 Page 18 units in a residential property. These facilities shall be provided in a room or rooms that are accessible from a common area within the building. (b) At least one bathtub or shower shall be provided and maintained in proper operating condition for every 10 sleeping units or housekeeping units in a residential property. These facilities shall be provided in a room or rooms that are accessible from a common area within the building. (c) At least one bathtub or shower, toilet, and hand basin shall be provided and maintained in proper operating condition in each dwelling unit. (d) The floors and enclosures around showers shall be finished with a smooth finish that is impervious to moisture. All walls and ceilings in rooms containing sanitary facilities shall be finished with a smooth light- coloured washable surface. All rooms containing sanitary facilities shall be maintained in good repair, free of mold and in a clean condition. PART 5 - NUISANCES 44. Repeat Nuisance Service Calls (a) Where police or City officials have been required to respond to three (3) or more nuisance service calls for a single residential property within a twelve (12) month period in response to or for the abatement of nuisance conduct, activity or condition, the City may impose upon the owner of that residential property an excessive nuisance abatement fee in accordance with the amounts prescribed in Community Services Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 8529, 2025 for each additional nuisance service call responded to at that residential property within the twenty-four (24) month period following the Inspector's notice referred to in Section 44(b). (b) Prior to imposing an excessive nuisance abatement fee, the Inspector shall first provide written notice to the owner of the residential property describing in reasonable detail the nature of the nuisance conduct, activity or condition that has occurred, been maintained or permitted in, on or near the residential property and: I. informing the owner that the nuisance conduct, activity or condition must be abated within 60 days, or such other period of time as the Inspector considers reasonable in the circumstances, and steps taken to ensure that the nuisance conduct, activity or condition does not re- occur; and II. advising the owner that they may be subject to the imposition of excessive nuisance abatement fees for each additional nuisance service call responded to at the same residential property within the twenty-four (24) month period following the Inspector's notice, and that the imposition of such fees is in addition to the City's right to seek other legal remedies or actions for abatement of the nuisance. Doc # 2808943 Page 19 (c) Service of the notice referred to in paragraph 44(b) will be sufficient if the notice: I. in the case of service on an individual, is served personally or mailed by prepaid registered mail to the address of the owner shown on the then current year's real property assessment roll for the residential property for which the notice is issued; II. in the case of service on a corporation, is served personally on a director, officer or manager of the corporation or by leaving it at or mailing it by registered mail to the registered office of the corporation. (d) Excessive nuisance abatement fees shall be paid by the owner upon receipt of invoice from the City. If the amount of each such invoice is not paid in full before the 31st day of December in the year received, upon written notice to the owner, the amount shall be added to and form part of the taxes on the residential property, as taxes in arrears. (e) Nothing in this Section 44 shall be construed to limit the City's other available remedies for violation of this or any other City bylaw. Doc # 2808943 Page 20 BYLAW 8085, 2019, 8130, 2019; 8302, 2021 PART 6 - DELETED PART 7 - REPEAL 45. REPEAL Business Regulations and Licensing (Rental Units) Bylaw 5814, 1989 and Housing Regulation Bylaw No. 5598, 1986 and all amendments thereto, are hereby repealed. PART 8 - EFFECTIVE DATE 46. Effective Date This bylaw shall come into effect upon its adoption. (July 12, 2004)