Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Bylaw Services
Will I have to give my personal information to make a complaint?
Answer: Bylaw Services does not accept anonymous complaints. Your name, address and contact information is required to start an investigation file.
Will my complaint be kept confidential?
Answer: Your personal information is protected pursuant the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act. For more information visit Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.
What is the process of making a complaint?
Answer: There are several ways to submit a written complaint. Visit the Making Complaint page to view the options. After a completing the complaint submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of your complaint (within 2 business days). The file be assigned to a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. You will receive an update when they have disclosable information to share.
What are the steps to bylaw compliance?
Answer: RDN Bylaw Services staff work with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance. View the Bylaw Compliance Process here.
I received a Bylaw Notice. How do I pay or dispute it?
Answer: For information on the Bylaw Notices, the dispute process and adjudication, view the Bylaw Notice Disputes page.
Where can I find bylaw information?
Answer: The RDN has many regulatory bylaws. The most commonly applied can be viewed on the Regulatory Bylaws page. Please note that the interpretation of RDN bylaws as they relate to particular situations is made by RDN staff.
Where can I find zoning or land use regulations?
Answer: For Electoral Areas A, C, E, G and H view Regional District of Nanaimo Land Use & Subdivision Bylaw No. 2500. For Electoral Area F view Regional District of Nanaimo Zoning & Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285. Electoral Area B (Gabriola Island) is regulated by Islands Trust, visit Islands Trust - Gabriola Island website.
Does the RDN regulate parking or the use of the roads?
Answer: Public roads and roadsides are regulated by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) and RCMP. The RDN does not have parking or traffic bylaws and cannot regulate roads or roadside use.
Does the RDN maintain roads or address illegal dumping on the roadside?
Answer: Public roads and roadsides are regulated by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT). MoTT contracts road maintenance services to Mainroad Contracting. If you have a concern involving road conditions or materials deposited on the roadside visit Mainroad Contracting or call 1-877-215-6006.
How do I make a noise complaint in Area F or H?
Answer: There is no Noise Bylaw in Electoral Area F or H. Barking dogs may be regulated by the Animal Control Bylaw in Electoral Area H by contacting Coastal Animal Control Services at 1-888-754-1397.
Are fireworks regulated by the RDN?
Answer: The RDN does not regulate fireworks in the Electoral Areas. The Provincial Fireworks Act applies to Electoral Areas A, B, C and enforcement is the responsibility of the RCMP.
Can I burn material I have cleared off my land?
Answer: Clearing fires are not permitted in the Regional District of Nanaimo. Visit Burning in the RDN for more information on burning your area.
Do I need a Dog License?
Answer: Dog Licenses are required in Electoral Areas E, G and H. Visit Animal Control and Dog Licenses for more information.
How do I find out what Electoral Area I live in?
Answer: Please visit the RDN GIS/Mapping page for more information the interactive property information map and find look-up tools to help you locate addresses, roads and properties.
Will I have to go to court if I make a complaint?
Answer: In the unlikely event that prosecution of a bylaw offence or legal action is required, a non-staff witness may be requested.
Do I need a permit to hold a special event?
Answer: An RDN Special Event Permit is required for events or gatherings in RDN Electoral Areas at which the attendance is likely to exceed 500 persons. For more information visit the Special Events page here.
My neighbour's yard is messy; are there property maintenance bylaws in the RDN?
Answer: The Unsightly Premises Bylaw applies to all Electoral Areas except Electoral Area F. Property owners or occupants must not allow their properties to become or remain unsightly due to the accumulation of derelict vehicles, filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti. The RDN does not regulate the overgrowth of vegetation or lawns.
When can I water my lawn and garden?
Answer: Please refer to the RDN Watering Restrictions Page for more information.