Coaldale has launched a month-long public education campaign to remind residents about their property maintenance requirements under the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw.
“While these requirements are not new, the unusually wet conditions have made it more challenging for property owners to keep up with vegetation growth. Accordingly, the campaign is intended to ensure residents understand what the bylaw requires, including which areas around their properties they’re responsible for maintaining,” the Town noted.
Manager of Enforcement Services Mike Numan said the Town recognizes the wet weather has caused grass, weeds, trees, and shrubs to grow much faster than usual this year.
“The purpose of this campaign is to provide residents with clear information about their responsibilities and encourage everyone to take some time to inspect their properties. Regular mowing, pruning, and weed control can help prevent weeds from spreading and keep sidewalks, roads, alleys, and sightlines safe and accessible,” Numan explained.
Under the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw, property owners and occupants are required to:
- Control nuisance and noxious weeds
- Keep uncontrolled grass and other vegetation from exceeding 15 centimetres in height between May 1 and Oct. 3
- Maintain grass on boulevards adjacent to their properties
- Remove fallen leaves, refuse, and debris from adjacent boulevards
- Prune trees and shrubs that interfere with public utilities, traffic control devices, curb sightlines, or public safety
- Maintain at least three metres of clearance beneath vegetation overhanging a sidewalk, boulevard, roadway, or alley
- Maintain clear sightlines within the vision triangle on corner lots
- Ensure loose refuse and debris are collected and contained, so they do not spread to neighbouring properties
“Residents are also reminded maintenance responsibilities extend beyond fence and property lines. Under the Bylaw, the definition of a premises includes municipal property extending to the centre of a lane or alley at the rear or side of a given property. This means residents are responsible for controlling weeds, pruning vegetation, and removing debris in these adjacent areas,” the Town added.
To read the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw, please visit coaldale.ca/government/bylaws-policies/community-standards-bylaw.
