Calgary neighbourhood bylaw open to suggestions from public
What does it take to keep 1.3 million people living together without killing each other over the backyard fence?
Bylaws are our social lubricant. They're the tiny, tiny little rules that keep us from throwing punches. Right?
The city wants to know what you think about odd smells, noise, weeds, open fires and eyesores in your community.
- Give your feedback on potential changes to the city's Community Standards Bylaw
Do the current rules do a good job of regulating "neighbourhood nuisances," or not? Should the city lighten up or buckle down?
As it stands, here are some of the rules.
Untidy properties
You're not allowed to use your lawn or yard as a storage area for smelly things, unwanted furniture, things that might attract pests or animal poo.
Refrigerators and freezers must have hinges and latches, or lids and doors, removed before they can be stored outside.
It's your responsibility to maintain your fence so it doesn't become a "safety hazard."
You must also do your best to keep any smoke, dust, and light pollution from escaping your house and bothering your neighbours.
Grass
If your grass gets taller than 15 cm, you could face a minimum $100 fine.
But don't try to cut it with a lawn mower between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on a weekday, or 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on a weekend, because that's not allowed either.
When you're done, watch where you put your cuttings. They must not accumulate where people outside your property can see them.
Flyers and debris
You're responsible for any papers and flyers on your property, whether you ordered them or not.
It's your job to make sure this kind of "debris" doesn't blow onto your neighbour's property, under threat of a $100 minimum fine.
You could post a "no flyer" or "no junk mail" sign, but right now that only applies to commercial flyers.
Noise
If you want to peddle ice cream (or any other food for that matter at midnight, you'll have to do it without the ice cream song.
You're not allowed to use a horn, bell or any other "signaling device" between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on a weekday, or 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on a weekend.
Calgary at a Crossroads is CBC Calgary's special focus on life in our city during the downturn. A look at Calgary's culture, identity and what it means to be Calgarian. Read more stories from the series at Calgary at a Crossroads.
