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BYLAW NO. 03-2024
A Bylaw of the Town of Foam Lake in the Province of Saskatchewan to provide for the
Regulation of Property Standards.
The Council of the Town of Foam Lake enacts as follows:
The Statutory Authority for this Bylaw is provided for in the applicable sections of The
Municipalities Act as may be amended from time to time.
Title and Purpose
1. (1) This Bylaw may be cited as The Property Standards Bylaw.
(2) The purpose of this Bylaw is to set and enforce standards to regulate the maintenance of
properties and structures within the Town of Foam Lake and to ensure that all properties
are continuously maintained in an attractive, tidy and safe condition.
(3) Section 8 of The Municipalities Act gives Council the authority to pass bylaws for Town
purposes such as:
a) the safety, health and welfare of the citizens;
b) people's use and enjoyment of their property; or
c) the amenity of the neighbourhood
Part 1- Definitions
2. In this Bylaw:
"Accessory Building" means a separate building or structure and not the principal building or
structure. It is located on the same site as the principal building or structure and shall include
private garages but shall not include a building used for human habitation.
"Building" means any structure used or occupied or intended for supporting or sheltering any
use or occupancy, and includes an addition built to an existing structure and, where applicable,
the land adjoining a structure.
"Council" means the Council of the Town of Foam Lake.
"Dilapidated Building" means a building or structure that is in disrepair in that it is in a ruined
or decayed condition.
"Driveway" means that portion of a residential property used for the parking of vehicles and
for access to an enclosed garage structure or permanently covered car port.
"Dwelling unit" means a room or series of rooms that are used as a residence by one or more
persons. A dwelling unit typically contains cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary
facilities.
"Excavation" means the space created by the removal of soil, rock or fill for the purposes of
construction. It may also be performed by natural occurrences such as sink holes or holes dug
by animals.
"Fence" means a type of wall erected to enclose an area and act as a barrier. It may be built
privately or by a developer to enclose a specific community.
"Garbage" means discarded food waste or any other unwanted or useless material.
"Graffiti" means a form of unwanted vandalism that includes any drawing, inscription,
writing or other mark that disfigures or defaces any building, accessory building, privacy wall,
fence or other structure.
"Inspector" means any person designated by the Town of Foam Lake as a Property Manager,
Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Building Official, Fire Inspector or Health Inspector.
"Junk" means discarded items or things regarded as worthless or causing clutter. This would
include the continuous presence of second-hand goods for sale.
"Junked vehicle" means any automobile, tractor, truck, boat, trailer, ATV, snowmobile or
other vehicle that:
a) has no valid license plates attached to it
b) is in a rusted, wrecked, partly wrecked, dismantled, partly dismantled, inoperative or
abandoned condition.
"Means of egress" means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from
any point in a building. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits.
"Occupant" means the resident of a building.
"Owner" means a person who has any right, title, estate or interest in land or buildings.
"Placarded" means an order prohibiting occupancy, issued by Building Services, Public
Health or the Fire Protective Services.
"Portable Garage" means a non-permanent structure with various covering material that is
used for motorized vehicle or any other storage use. Although it does not have a permanent
foundation; these structures are still considered as accessory buildings and are subject to all
current zoning conditions with respect to their size and location.
"Property" means land, buildings or structures and any combination of these.
"Structure" means any building, retaining wall, scaffolding, garbage container, trailer, mobile
home, shed or portable shack including canvas or tarp covered portable sheds.
"Untidy and Unsightly" means a condition that is caused due to the over accumulation of any
type of materials in any yard such that the yard becomes visually unattractive and negatively
affects the value of other properties in a neighborhood.
"Yard" means an area of land over which no building is erected.
"Side Yard" means the area of the yard that begins at the front corner of the principal
building and extends to the rear corner of the principal building.
"Rear Yard" means the area of the yard that extends from the rear corner of the principal
building to the rear property line.
"Front Yard" means the area of the yard that extends from the front corner of the principal
building to the front property line. For the purpose of this bylaw; the front yard does not
include the driveway.
Responsibility
3. Unless otherwise specified, the owner of a property, that includes land, buildings or structures
shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this bylaw.
Part 2 - Property Maintenance
General
4. (1) All property including land, buildings or structures is to be maintained in accordance with
the minimum standards of this section.
(2) Any structure that has been a Placarded Structure for a period exceeding three months is
deemed to be a nuisance and will be ordered to be repaired or removed at the discretion of
Town Council.
Maintenance of Residential Yards
5. (1) This section applies to all yards and accessory buildings within the Town of Foam
Lake.
(2) All residential yards are prohibited from being in an untidy and unsightly condition such
that:
a) The storage of any vehicles is done in such a way as to cause unsightly clutter and
therefore adversely affects the visual well-being of a neighbourhood.
b) The storage of any items in a yard is done in such a way as to cause unsightly clutter
and therefore adversely affects the visual well-being of a neighbourhood.
(3) All residential yards, front, rear and sides shall be kept free and clean from the following
at all times:
a) garbage and junk
b) junked vehicles
c) dismantled machinery
d) excessive growth of weeds or grass
e) holes and excavations
f) infestations of rodents, vermin or insects
g) dead or hazardous trees
h) dangerous or hazardous materials
i) refrigerators or freezers
j) discarded appliances of any kind
k) any material that is deemed to clutter and make the property appear untidy and
unsightly
(4) All residential front yards regardless of whether they are landscaped or hardscaped shall be
kept free of the following:
a) motorized vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles, ATVs, motorcycles,
snowmobiles, boats and motor homes; Bylaw 7-2010
b) trailers of any type
c) campers of any type
d) portable garages
e) any accessory structure whether portable or permanent
(5) All residential yards are subject to the following regulations:
a) Any accessory structure whether portable or permanent must follow the guidelines set
forth in Zoning Bylaw No. 01-2019 and any amendments thereto.
(6) All residential driveways are to be kept free of the following:
a) portable garages
b) construction vehicles and equipment
c) any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8,000 kg. or a total
length of greater than 6.7 metres
d) Class A or C motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, boat or any similar
vehicle from October 1 to April 30, inclusive; Bylaw 7-2010 Part 5.1.5.c.iii
(7) Residential storage of building materials shall conform to the following:
a) No owner or occupant of a property shall allow the accumulation of new or used
building materials on the premises unless they are being used for a construction or
renovation project for that specific property.
b) Any building materials for the purpose of a renovation are to be neatly stacked in piles
and elevated off the ground.
c) Building materials are to be stacked at least one metre from any property line.
d) Any construction or renovation work must be completed in a timely manner and work
may not be suspended for a period of more than thirty days.
e) Excess building materials from any renovation project must be removed from the
residential property within 10 days following the completion of the work.
(8) A residential yard shall be graded and drained so as to prevent the following:
a) excessive ponding of water
b) excessive amounts of moisture accumulating near a building or structure
c) any accumulation of moisture that may adversely affect any neighboring property
(9) Overgrown grass and weeds:
a) No owner or occupant of residential property shall allow their yard to be overgrown
with grass and weeds. A yard will be deemed to be overgrown with grass and weeds at
the discretion of the Inspector. Plants and grasses that are part of a tended and
maintained garden do not apply.
Residential Junked Vehicles
6. A maximum of 2 junked vehicles are permitted to be stored on any residential property
provided that they are fitted with an approved vehicle cover that is to be replaced if torn and
shredded. Storage is not permitted in front yards. The non-compliance of any cover will be
determined at the discretion of the Inspector.
Open Excavations
7. No owner shall have any excavation on their residential property that is deemed to be a public
safety hazard. Excavations for the purpose of construction must be enclosed with a strongly
constructed fence. For single family residential properties the fence shall be a minimum of one
metre in height.
Relocated, Demolished or Partly Demolished Residential Buildings
8. Residential buildings that have been relocated, demolished, or partly demolished are required
to provide a secure and strongly built fence surrounding any remaining excavation. The fence
is required to be a minimum of 1.8 metres in height and is required to remain until the
excavation is either filled in or new construction is placed on it.
Rain Water Collectors
9. All containers on residential property used for the collection of rain water shall be equipped
with the following:
a) a covering device designed to prevent insects that lay their eggs in standing water from
entering
b) an overflow device that discharges excess water away from any foundation
Fences and Walls
10. All fences and walls that enclose the yard of a residential property shall be:
a) in a safe and reasonable state of repair
b) free of material that is in a damaged or poor condition
c) free from any graffiti; it is the responsibility of the owner of the property to remove
any graffiti found on a fence or wall
Maintenance of Non Residential Yards
11. (1) All non-residential yards are prohibited from being in an untidy and unsightly condition
such that:
a) the storage of any vehicles is done in such a way as to cause unsightly clutter and
therefore adversely affects the visual well-being of the town
b) the storage of any items in a yard is done in such a way as to cause unsightly clutter
and therefore adversely affects the visual well-being of the city
(2) All non-residential yards, front, rear and sides shall be kept free and clean from the
following at all times:
a) garbage and junk not in an approved container
b) junked vehicles that do not contribute to the day-to-day operations of a particular
business
c) excessive growth of weeds or grass
d) holes and excavations
e) infestations of rodents, vermin, or insects
f) dead or hazardous trees
g) dangerous or hazardous materials
(3) Outdoor storage of materials in non-residential yards shall comply with the following:
a) any materials such as lumber, scrap metal, boxes or similar items stored in a yard shall
be neatly stacked in piles and elevated off the ground.
b) materials in a non-residential yard that are not relevant to the operation of the business
occupying the property are to be stored within an approved and fully enclosed structure
or removed.
c) materials stored in a non-residential yard that are determined to be a potential safety
hazard to individuals able to access them shall be securely enclosed with a wall or
fence. The fence is to be strongly built and a minimum of 1.8 metres in height.
(4) A non-residential yard shall be graded and drained so as to prevent the following:
a) excessive ponding of water
b) excessive amounts of moisture accumulating near a building or structure
c) any accumulation of moisture that may adversely affect any neighboring property.
Commercial Junked Vehicles
12. Junked vehicles that are not directly associated with the day to day operations of a commercial
business are not allowed to be located within a commercial yard.
Fences and Walls
13. All fences and walls that enclose the yard of a non-residential property shall be:
a) in a safe and reasonable state of repair
b) free of material that is in a damaged or poor condition
c) secured to prevent entry by the public during off hours
d) free from any graffiti; it is the responsibility of the owner of the property to remove
any graffiti found on a fence or wall
Part 3 - Exterior Building Standards
General
14. This section applies to the exterior of all buildings.
Building Components
15. (1) The structural components of every building, including roofs, stairs, railings,
porches and decks shall be maintained in good repair and shall be capable of performing
the function that they were intended to perform. They shall be capable of sustaining their
own weight and any normal load to which it may be subjected.
(2) Every foundation wall forming part of a building shall be maintained in good repair and be
structurally sound to prevent undue settlement of the building.
Dilapidated Buildings
16. No person shall cause or permit a building or structure to deteriorate into a ruinous or
dilapidated state such that the building or structure:
a) Is dangerous to the public health and safety;
b) Substantially depreciates the value to other land or improvements in the
neighborhood; or
c) Is substantially detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood.
Unoccupied Buildings
17. No person shall cause or permit an unoccupied dwelling to become damaged or to deteriorate
into a state of disrepair such that the buildings is an imminent danger to public safety.
Display of Civic Numbers on Buildings
18. (1) All civic addressing shall comply with the Town of Foam Lake Civic Addressing Policy.
(2) The owner of a property on which a structure has been erected shall display the number
assigned to the property at all times. This shall be in a location that is plainly visible and
faces the street to which the property is addressed.
(3) The building numbers shall be at least 100 mm (4") in height and have a stroke width of at
least 15mm (1/2") and shall be of contrasting color to the surface upon which such numbers
are installed.
(4) The owner of a commercial property shall display the appropriate assigned number to the
property at every public access and be plainly visible.
(5) No person shall display any address number on a property other than the one that is
currently assigned.
(6) Where a name is used to supplement the address of a property; the owner of the property
shall immediately inform the Town of Foam Lake in writing of the revised name.
(7) The owner of a building with more than one dwelling or rental unit that has a separate
exterior entrance door shall provide the following:
a) a plainly visible number that has been assigned to the multiple unit building
b) a plainly visible suite number displayed on the entrance door of each rental unit
Exterior Walls
19. All exterior walls of a building shall comply with the following:
a) exterior surfaces shall be made of materials which provide adequate protection from
the weather and siding to complete the exterior
b) exterior surfaces shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards and any other
condition that would allow the penetration of moisture
c) all exterior surfaces including privacy walls and fences shall be free of graffiti
d) repairs must be in keeping with the existing exterior finishes of the building
Roofs
20. (1) A roof including the fascia board, soffit, cornice, and flashing shall be neatly finished
and maintained in a watertight condition.
(2) Loose materials including dangerous accumulations of snow and ice shall be removed from
the roof of a building as soon as reasonably possible to prevent damage to the building or
injury to persons near the building.
(3) Eaves troughs and downspouts shall be watertight and maintained in good repair.
Downspouts shall be equipped with extensions to carry runoff a minimum of 1.8 meters
away from the foundation. Downspouts must be directed to the front of the property and
shall not be directed to the neighboring property.
(4) All downspouts in new construction shall terminate a minimum of 3 metres (10 feet) from
a front sidewalk.
(5) Garages located in rear yards where their location is such that a metre (10 feet) setback of
the downspout is not possible from the alley will be exempted from the requirement.
(6) Antennas and any attachments of similar character shall be securely attached to the building
and shall be maintained in good repair, free of rust and free of fire and accident hazards.
Chimneys
21. Chimneys, flue pipes and smokestacks shall be maintained in good repair as to prevent gases,
water or any other substance from leaking into a building.
Exterior Doors, Storm Doors, Windows and Screens
22. Exterior doors and windows shall be maintained in good repair. Broken glass in doors or
windows is to be replaced in a timely manner. In the case of fire, window and door openings
shall be boarded up until the building is either repaired or demolished.
Stairs, Porches, Decks and Railings
23. (1) Stairs, porches, decks and railings shall be installed and maintained in good repair
at all times, free of components that are broken, loose, rotted or warped.
(2) A handrail shall be installed on exterior stairs per the requirements of the latest adopted
edition of the National Building Code of Canada and any amendments thereto.
(3) Guards shall be installed on decks, landings, porches, balconies, mezzanines and raised
walkways per the requirements of the current adopted edition of the National Building
Code of Canada and any amendments thereto.
Vermin and Rodents
24. All buildings shall be maintained to prevent the entry of vermin, rodents and insects and shall
be kept free of the infestation of vermin and rodents at all times.
Part 4 - Interior Building Standards
Plumbing Facilities
25. All buildings that contain plumbing facilities shall be built to code.
Gas and Open Flame Type Appliances
26. Gas stoves, water heaters and other gas appliances shall be installed as per the manufacturer's
specifications.
Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
27. Solid fuel burning appliances including but not limited to fireplaces, wood stoves and similar
installations shall be connected to safe and functioning chimneys, smoke pipes, flues or gas
vents a per manufacturer's specifications.
Electrical Services
28. (1) All buildings shall be supplied with electrical service and built to code.
Fire Safety Standards
29. (1) Sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed on all levels. The location and number of
smoke alarms required is determined by the current adopted edition of the National
Building Code of Canada and any amendments thereto.
Carbon Monoxide
30. (1) Every dwelling with a fuel burning appliance or attached garage shall have carbon
monoxide alarms. The number and location of alarms shall be determined by the current
adopted edition of the National Building Code of Canada and any amendments thereto.
Service Rooms
31. Service rooms shall not be used for sleeping.
Part 5 - Enforcement, Offences and Penalties
Enforcement of Bylaw
32. (1) The administration and enforcement of this Bylaw is hereby delegated to the
Inspector(s) for The Town of Foam Lake.
(2) The CAO for The Town of Foam Lake is hereby authorized to further delegate the
administration and enforcement of this Bylaw to appointed Inspectors.
Inspections
33. (1) The inspection of property by The Town of Foam Lake to determine if this Bylaw is
being complied with is hereby authorized.
(2) An Inspector may, at his or her discretion, make an order that any property is in violation
of the provisions contained within this Bylaw.
Occupancy Prohibited
34. Any building that does not meet the standards contained herein may be deemed unfit for
occupancy at the discretion of an Inspector. Occupancy shall remain prohibited until a Building
Official appointed by the Town of Foam Lake issues permission to occupy the property.
Order to Remedy Violations
35. (1) If an Inspector finds that a person is violating this Bylaw, the Inspector may issue a
written order that will require the owner or occupant of the property to which the violation
relates to remedy the situation.
(2) If an Inspector determines that any violation endangers public health or safety; emergency
action may be taken to eliminate the danger. The cost of such work will be a debt owed to
the Town and may be added to the taxes on the land where the work was performed.
(3) The owner has the right to submit a written appeal to the Town's Chief Administrative
Officer's office within 15 days of receiving an order from an Inspector that requires them
to perform work that will rectify the violation.
(4) If the owner fails to comply with a work required by an order within the prescribed time
limit; the Town may proceed to have the work done at the owners' expense.
(5) Any order requiring compliance with this Bylaw may be delivered as follows:
a) by first class mail to the last known address of the person being served
b) hand delivery to the last known address of the person being served.
c) posting a copy of the order on the structure in violation
d) any of the methods or service provided in the Queen's Bench Rules of Court
e) publishing the order in two issues of a newspaper circulating in the Town of Foam
Lake.
(6) Any order issued pursuant to this Bylaw shall be accompanied by information regarding
application for an appeal hearing.
Penalties
36. (1) An Inspector who has reason to believe that a person has contravened any article of this
Bylaw may serve on that person a Notice of Violation which shall indicate that the Town of
Foam Lake will accept voluntary payment in an amount as prescribed below:
(2) Any person that fails to comply with the above is guilty of an offense and liable on summary
conviction:
a) First offence of any violation found in this Bylaw will be the sum of $100.00.
b) Second or any further offences of any violation found in this Bylaw within 12 months
of the first offence being issued will be the sum of $200.00.
(3) An Inspector provided by the Town of Foam Lake may order the demolition of any
building, structure or accessory building.
Registration of Notice of Order
37. If an order is issued, the Town may, in accordance with Subsection 364 of The Municipalities
Act, give notice of the existence of the order by registering an interest against the title to the
land that is the subject of the order.
Appeal of Order to Remedy
38. A person may appeal an order in writing made in accordance with Section 365 of The
Municipalities Act.
Town Remedying Contraventions
39. The Town may, in accordance with Section 366 of The Municipalities Act, take whatever
actions or measures are necessary to remedy a contravention of this Bylaw.
Civil Action to Recover Costs
40. The Town may, in accordance with Section 368 of The Municipalities Act, collect any unpaid
expenses and costs incurred in remedying a contravention of this Bylaw by civil action for debt
in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Adding Amounts to Tax Roll
41. The Town may, in accordance with Section 369 of The Municipalities Act, add any unpaid
expenses and costs incurred by the Town in remedying a contravention of this Bylaw to the
taxes on the property on which the work was done.
Emergencies
42. In the event that it becomes an emergency to remedy a contravention of this Bylaw, the Town
may take whatever actions or measures are necessary to eliminate the emergency in accordance
with the provisions of Section 367of The Municipalities Act.
Offences
43. (1) No person shall:
a) Fail to comply with an order pursuant to this Bylaw.
b) Obstruct or hinder any Inspector or any other person acting under the authority of this
Bylaw.
c) Fail to comply with any other provision of this Bylaw.
(2) Any person that fails to comply with the above is guilty of an offense and liable on summary
conviction:
a) In the case of an individual, to a fine of not more than $10,000.
b) In the case of a corporation, a fine of not more than $25,000.
c) In the case of a continuing offense, to a maximum daily fine of not more than $2,500.00
per day.
Part 6 - Effective Date of Bylaw
57. This Bylaw will come into force and take effect on the date of adoption.
58. Bylaw No. 04-2006 and Bylaw No. 06-2016 are hereby repealed.
___________________________
Mayor
S E A L
____________________________________
Chief Administrative Officer
SEAL
CERTIFIED A TRUE COPY OF
BYLAW 03-2013, PASSED ON THE
14TH DAY OF MAY, 2024.
_____________________________
Chief Administrative Officer