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MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANNAPOLIS POLICY AND
ADMINISTRATION MANUAL
POLICY 134
Unsightly and Dangerous Premises
1. Purpose
Every property in the Municipality shall be maintained so as not to be dangerous or unsightly.
This policy describes the delegation of authority and processes to carry out municipal
responsibilities for unsightly and dangerous properties as provided in the Municipal
Government Act.
2. Authority
Sub-section 3(r) of the Municipal Government Act defines "dangerous or unsightly."
Section 41 of the Municipal Government Act provides that the chief administrative officer may
designate a county employee to be the administrator responsible for dangerous and unsightly
premises provisions of the Act.
Part XV of the Municipal Government Act provides authority for:
- Council to delegate its authority for acting in circumstances of unsightly and dangerous
premises, except authority to order demolition;
- Orders to be issued to remedy dangerous or unsightly conditions and how they are
provided to property owners;
- Undertaking the work to remedy conditions if the property owner does not act and to
recover the costs;
- Fines to be imposed on property owners permitting dangerous or unsightly conditions;
- Requiring an unsafe property to be vacated;
- Administrator to enter and inspect properties;
- Twice yearly reports to council; and
- Property owners to appeal an order of the administrator to council.
3. Definitions
Terms used in this policy shall have the same meaning as in the Municipal Government Act,
or as their context applies according to a dictionary of the English language.
4. Delegation
Council delegates its authority to act regarding dangerous and unsightly premises to the
administrator, except the authority to order demolition.
Council delegates its authority to hear appeals and order demolition of dangerous or unsightly
premises to the Committee of the Whole.
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MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANNAPOLIS POLICY AND
ADMINISTRATION MANUAL
POLICY 134
Unsightly and Dangerous Premises
When public safety requires immediate action, the administrator may act as necessary to
eliminate danger as quickly as possible including removal of a dangerous structure or
condition. Such circumstances do not require Council to issue an order for demolition.
5. Reports of Dangerous or Unsightly Properties (Step 1)
Any resident or ratepayer may report a dangerous or unsightly property. Each report will be
recorded on a form for this purpose and followed up with an initial inspection within fourteen
(14) days.
Complaints shall be considered confidential but are subject to Part XX of the Municipal
Government Act, Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy.
6. Investigations and Notices Regarding Dangerous or Unsightly Properties (Step 2)
The administrator or investigator shall determine, based upon the site inspection report
prepared by an investigator or by personal inspection, whether the property is dangerous or
unsightly.
If the administrator determines a property is not dangerous or unsightly, no action will be
taken.
If the administrator determines a property is unsafe, the administrator may make an order to
have the property vacated.
If the administrator determines a property is dangerous or unsightly, they shall advise the
property owner by notice delivered by mail, courier, posting or personal service (or
combination). The notice shall state what is required to remedy the unsightly or dangerous
condition and require them to contact the administrator or an investigator within thirty (30)
days of the date of the notice.
The administrator or an investigator shall advise of the action taken on a complaint to the
complainant who reported the dangerous or unsightly condition.
At least quarterly, an information report shall be submitted by the administrator to Committee
of the Whole summarizing complaints, actions taken, and status with respect to dangerous or
unsightly premises.
7. Issuing Orders Regarding Dangerous or Unsightly Properties (Step 3)
If a dangerous or unsightly condition has not been remedied in accordance with a notice as
provided above, the administrator or investigator may issue an order requiring the owner to
remedy the unsightly or dangerous condition within thirty (30) days. The order shall be posted
on the property with a copy provided to the property owner by courier or registered or mail.
A property owner may appeal an order from the administrator to Committee of the Whole
within seven (7) days of the date of the order.
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MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANNAPOLIS POLICY AND
ADMINISTRATION MANUAL
POLICY 134
Unsightly and Dangerous Premises
8. Demolition Orders
When the administrator is proposing council issue an order for demolition, at least seven (7)
days' notice shall be provided to the property owner specifying the date, time and place of the
meeting at which the order will be considered. The property owner(s) shall be given the
opportunity to appear and be heard before any order is issued.
9. Court Orders
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this policy, the municipality may apply to a court of
competent jurisdiction for a declaration that a property is dangerous or unsightly and / or an
order requiring necessary work to remedy the condition.
10. Charges and Penalties
When a property owner fails to comply with an order and the administrator determines it is
necessary for the municipality to carry out the specified work, the costs (plus interest) shall
be recovered from the property owner in the manner provided under the Municipal
Government Act and as may be amended from time to time (currently section 507).
When the property owner fails to comply with an order within the specified time, the owner
may be charged a penalty pursuant to the powers granted under the Municipal Government
Act and as may be amended from time to time (currently sub-section 348(4)).
11. Notifications to Councillors
The administrator shall notify the councillor of the area by phone or email (as appropriate)
prior to issuing a notice or order. A copy of all correspondence shall also be provided to the
councillor.
12. REPEAL
AM-1.4.15 Unsightly and Dangerous Premises Policy, adopted by Municipal Council of the
County of Annapolis on October 25, 2022, is hereby repealed.
Annotation for Official Policy Book
I certify that this policy was adopted by Municipal Council as indicated below:
Seven (7) Day Notice ................................................................................. May 13, 2025
Council Approval ....................................................................................... May 20, 2025
Chris McNeill May 20, 2025
Chief Administrative Officer Date
At Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia