Cranbrook city council has adopted updates to its unsightly premises and public places bylaws aimed at improving clarity and enforcement.
The changes, adopted Monday (Mar. 23), set expectations for private property and prohibit certain items on city land.
Officials say the goal is to keep neighbourhoods clean, safe and accessible.
The unsightly premises bylaw now includes clearer definitions for items such as discarded materials, derelict vehicles and rubbish.
Timelines for registered mail notices have been updated to seven days within British Columbia and 10 days outside the province.
Property owners now have seven days to request reconsideration after receiving notice, compared to 21 days previously.
Updates to the public places bylaw address items left in parks, road allowances and other city property.
The changes include expanded definitions, clear timelines for removal — including belongings left longer than 30 days — and stronger enforcement tools.
The city can recover costs for removing and disposing of items.
Unclaimed property may be sold if not retrieved within 14 days or if costs remain unpaid.
Certain structures not covered under the camping bylaw, such as large wooden structures not used for shelter, are now prohibited.
City officials say the changes respond to ongoing concerns about property upkeep and use of public space.
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