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Community Standards Bylaw

The Community Standards Bylaw promotes good neighbour relationships and addresses community concerns through the regulation of noise, fire pit use, untidy properties, weeds and grass, graffiti and nuisances.

Community Standards Bylaw review

City of Calgary bylaws are reviewed periodically to ensure that they meet the needs of citizens. The Community Standards Bylaw review is based on the need to make proactive changes to the bylaw to better accommodate the changing needs of citizens, respond to emerging issues, and continue to meet community expectations.

As part of the ongoing stakeholder consultation on the bylaw, The City surveyed citizens to understand their needs and expectations regarding the Community Standards Bylaw. Based on the survey findings and other research, Calgary Community Standards developed preliminary amendments to address citizen concerns. Calgarians were then  invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes through online engagement and at community events over the summer. More than 11,000 respondents provided feedback that helped shape the proposed amendments.

Changes to Community Standards Bylaw

The following changes to the Community Standard bylaw were made in November 2016.

Noise:

  • A new limit of 85 dBC measured at homes to reduce the impact of concert bass music while still enabling enjoyable concert experiences.
  • Increased fines for noise exceeding allowable limits.

Wood-burning fire pits:

  • A mesh screen or ‘spark guard’ to reduce the spread of embers and sparks from wood-burning fire pits; required in several Alberta municipalities.
  • Changes to fire pit hours
  • Increased fines for unsafe fires and burning prohibited materials

Upkeep of properties:

  • Increased fines to deter offences including those that cause unsightly conditions, create a public safety concern or attract pests. This includes long grass and weeds, and accumulation of building materials stored improperly, offensive materials and harmful fluids.

Flyers:

  • Expanded provision that prohibits delivery of flyers to homes with a “no flyer” notice, to also include non-commercial flyers. This will limit the volume of flyers blowing loose and creating public litter; support privacy rights of homeowners to limit the purpose for which members of the public can enter their property; and support rights of parents to control their children’s access to materials.
  • Exemptions include election advertising, newspaper subscriptions, community newsletters, and information provided by government and elected officials.

Other changes:

  • Updated terminology throughout the bylaw, consolidate definitions, and make provisions easier to use.
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