Whether you're a longtime resident or new to our city, being informed is key to being a good neighbour. Living in a vibrant community comes with responsibilities that help to maintain the harmony and quality of life we all enjoy.
This guide is designed to provide you with clear and easy-to-follow tips on common bylaw issues. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only ensure you are following municipal bylaws but also contribute to a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.
A livable community is a respectful one, which includes keeping excessive noise to a minimum. The Noise Control bylaw is in place to prevent excessive noise that disturbs the peace, rest, enjoyment, or comfort of people in the neighborhood, regardless of the time of day. This includes:
- loud music
- noisy animals
- parties and gatherings
- loud vehicles
- machinery
What determines what excessive noise is?
Excessive noise causes discomfort or disturbs people in the area. It is noise that travels well beyond the property line.
What if the noise is necessary or difficult to avoid?
Noise from property maintenance and repairs is allowed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., while noise from construction or industrial work is permitted between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
City staff conducting maintenance work and property owners making emergency property repairs are exempt from the bylaw. If noise is necessary and part of a legal activity, limited to less than 48 hours, and cannot be reasonably avoided, residents can apply for a noise permit. Licensed businesses may apply if the noise is incidental to their business activity.
What to do about excessive noise coming from a neighbour’s property
Resolving excessive noise issues with neighbors involves effective communication and cooperation.
- Approach your neighbour and politely express your concerns.
- Give concrete examples of when the noise is a problem to help them understand the impact.
- Be open to compromise.
- If necessary, inform your neighbour about the Noise Control bylaw.
If this fails, call the City Bylaw officers at 311.
Questions?
Contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622 or email bylawservices@princegeorge.ca.
The property maintenance bylaw ensures properties are well-maintained and adhere to neighbourhood standards. This bylaw is designed to promote community pride, public safety, and overall well-being.
- Remove items such as:
- garbage and junk (even if you didn’t put it there – your property is your responsibility),
- old vehicles, trailers, boats, and other mechanical equipment,
- fencing/buildings/structures that are broken, rotting, fencing or construction material, or any other evidence of physical decay or neglect/lack of maintenance,
- landscaping plants, bushes, and trees that are dead or growing uncontrollably,
- or graffiti on the outside of your fence.
- Lawns should be no longer than 10 inches in height.
- Ensure unsanitary conditions do not exist such as dog poop or standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Remove snow and ice from your driveway and footpaths within four days.
The property maintenance bylaw also outlines rules for pest infestations, accessory buildings (like sheds and garages), retaining walls, and more.
Wildlife and your property
Don't attract wildlife:
- Keep bird feeders out of reach of bears.
- Remove fruit from trees or bushes and the ground.
- Strap your garbage can or store it in a shed or garage.
- Regularly clean your barbecue and grease trap.
Tree protection
The tree protection bylaw regulates the cutting of trees in city limits. Trees are not allowed to be cut down in certain areas of our community. To obtain a tree cutting permit and learn about the exceptions (where a permit may not be needed), read the bylaw and/or give the City a call at 311 or 250-561-7600.
Questions?
Contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622 or email bylawservices@princegeorge.ca.
- Remove items such as:
Follow parking signs in your neighbourhood. As outlined in the parking and traffic bylaw, illegally parked vehicles are subject to a ticket and/or may be towed. If no signs are present, the following rules generally apply:
- Do not park:
- on a sidewalk, footpath, boulevard, or crosswalk,
- in a laneway,
- in front of or within 1.5 metres of a driveway,
- in front of a curb that is painted yellow,
- within five metres of a fire hydrant,
- within six metres on the approach of a stop sign or traffic control signal,
- within six metres on the approach or leaving side of a crosswalk,
- or on the road for more than 24 consecutive hours.
Your neighbours and their visitors are allowed to park in front of your house as long as they aren’t breaking any of the rules listed above. If you own a secondary suite (like a basement suite or duplex), you are responsible for providing off-street parking for your tenants.
Timed zones
Both the downtown and hospital districts have timed parking limits:
- Free on-street parking downtown is available for up to three hours except in designated no parking zones. These rules are enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
- Free on-street parking near the hospital is available for up to two hours except in designated no parking zones.
In these zones, even if you move your car to a new space, you are at risk of a ticket if you are parked for longer than allowed. The City regularly scans license plates to track the total time spent in the downtown or hospital areas. Off-street parking is available at a number of parkades and lots.
Snow clearing and street sweeping
Parking restrictions are in place from October 15 to April 15 of each year to help with snow and ice control and street sweeping:
- Priority one roads and the hospital district: on-street parking is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Downtown: on-street parking is prohibited from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Residential areas: on-street parking is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking on the side of the street with odd house numbers is permitted from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. unless otherwise posted.
Questions?
Contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622 or email bylawservices@princegeorge.ca.
- Do not park:
As outlined in the development procedures bylaw, there are permits and regulations for some of the things you might want to do to improve your property.
Must have permit:
- Brand new buildings
- Construction of a new accessory building (detached garage, shed, etc.).
- Construction of a new sundeck.
- Installation or widening of a driveway (maximum 8 metre width).
- Some renovations such as those that are structural or involve plumbing.
- The enclosure of a porch or roof over a sundeck or carport.
- Building a retaining wall that is more than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height.
- Relocation or demolition of an existing building.
No permit needed:
- Fences, patios and other landscaping or maintenance. Note: there are height regulations for fences.
- Renovations that are not structural in nature (e.g. Replacement of doors are ok but increasing the size of a window may not be).
Learn more on the building permit page or ask the Permit & Zoning Bylaw Chatbot.
A responsible pet owner will maintain good relationships with neighbours and be compliant with the responsible animal ownership bylaw.
- Clean up after your pet: Carry poop bags and dispose of them properly. Failure to carry poop bags or pick up after your pet can result in a fine.
- Respect noise levels: Excessive barking can be disruptive to neighbors. If your pet barks a lot, try to address the issue through training or seek professional advice.
- Roaming: No pet may roam off-leash in any area other than the pet owner's residence or a designated off-leash area. Your dog may be friendly, but a leash is still required in public spaces other than off-leash parks to prevent unwanted interactions with people and wildlife.
- Prevent escape: Secure your yard or living space to prevent your pet from escaping. This keeps your pet safe and prevents them causing any disturbances.
- License your pet: Dogs must have a license and the license tag must be displayed on the dog’s collar. Licenses must be renewed annually online or at city hall. Animal Control Officers try to return licensed dogs to their rightful owners.
- Address behavioural issues: If your pet exhibits behavioral problems, such as excessive barking or aggression, address these issues promptly through training or seeking professional help. Ignoring such problems can strain relationships with neighbors.
By being a responsible pet owner and considering the impact of your pet on your neighbors, you can contribute to a positive living experience for everyone in your community.
Outdoor cats
Did you know that cats are not permitted to roam outside of their owner’s residence? Roaming cats can cause damage to neighbouring properties and the environment, as well as facing dangers from traffic and predators. Allowing your cat to roam freely can result in a bylaw fine and the impoundment of the animal.
Questions?
Contact Animal Control at 250-561-7622 or email bylawstaff@princegeorge.ca.
According to the zoning bylaw, in certain rural parts of Prince George residents may keep animals like chickens and other poultry, as well as livestock such as cows, goats, and horses. The number of animals allowed in these zones depends on the size the property.
Chickens and other poultry like turkeys and ducks can be kept in properties within zoned as AG, AF, AR1, AR2, and AR4, but only on properties larger than 0.2 ha (0.5 acres). Here's how many can be kept:
- Up to 25 poultry can be kept on properties 0.2 ha (0.5 acres) to 1 ha (2.5 acres).
- Up to 100 poultry can be kept on properties 1 ha to 4 ha (10 acres).
- On properties of 4 ha or more, there are no restrictions on the number of poultry that can be kept.
Livestock like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can be kept in properties within zoned as AG, AF, AR1, AR2, and AR4, but only on properties larger than 0.4 ha (1 acres). Here's how many can be kept:
- Up to 2 livestock can be kept on properties 0.4 ha to 1.2 ha (3 acres).
- Then, for every additional 0.4 ha (1 acre), one more livestock is allowed.
- On properties of 4 ha or more, there are no restrictions on the number of livestock that can be kept.
Horses are also allowed with a minor equestrian centre to be kept in properties zoned AR3, but only on properties larger than 0.4 ha (1 acres). Here's how many can be kept:
- Up to 2 on lots that are 0.4 ha (1 acre) to 1.2 ha (3 acres); and
- Then, for every additional 0.4 ha, one more horse is allowed to a maximum of 8.
Need to know the zone for your property? Try asking the Permit & Zoning Bylaw Chatbot.
Questions?
Contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622 or email bylawservices@princegeorge.ca.
Ensuring household waste is kept neat and tidy improves the appearance of our community and keeps away unwanted wildlife. The City of Prince George regulates waste through the garbage collection regulation bylaw.
Collection Carts:
- Residents must obtain collection carts from the City.
- Replacement or additional carts can be requested and service fees will be adjusted.
- Residents are responsible for maintaining clean carts and reporting lost, stolen, or damaged ones.
Cart placement:
- Carts must be placed on collection days, on or beside the road by 8 a.m. but not earlier than 4 a.m.
- Carts must be moved back onto the property by 7 p.m. on collection days.
- Place recycle carts 2 meters from garbage cart.
Use of Carts:
- Only household garbage may be placed in the carts and the lid must be closed.
- No excess garbage or waste material should be placed beside the carts.
- Failure to comply may result in fines.
- Carts must not create fire hazards or impede access for firefighting personnel.
- The City is not obligated to collect garbage if not properly placed according to the bylaw requirements.
Prohibited items include:
- Animal carcasses
- Car tires
- Gypsum (drywall)
- Hazardous materials (e.g. pesticides, paints, solvents, lead-acid batteries like car batteries, ashes)
- Propane tanks or cylinders
- Electrics and appliances (e.g. televisions or computer monitors)
- Used oil or oil filters
The residential garbage collection schedule can be found on our garbage and recycling page.
Questions?
Contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622 or email bylawservices@princegeorge.ca.