How can you find out about your responsibilities as a homeowner?

The responsibilities of a homeowner in Calgary are governed by a wide range of municipal bylaws, provincial legislation, and federal regulations. The primary sources of responsibilities are the City of Calgary bylaws, which cover virtually every aspect of homeowner life, from snow removal and noise to tree care and waste disposal. Each category of bylaws is designed to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the entire community.

Legislative framework

The Municipal Government Act of the province of Alberta gives municipalities the authority to create and enforce bylaws that regulate:

  • land use;
  • construction;
  • general behavior within municipal boundaries.

Violations of these bylaws may result in fines ranging from $150 to $10,000 depending on the nature and severity of the violation. In the case of repeated violations, fines may be increased two to three times the base amount.

Important: ignorance of the law does not exempt you from liability. Each property owner is personally responsible for learning and complying with all applicable bylaws. The City of Calgary publishes all of its bylaws on its official website, making them available to the public.

Snow and ice removal responsibilities

Basic requirements

The most common responsibility for homeowners in Calgary is clearing snow and ice from sidewalks. According to Section 67 of the Street Bylaw, property owners must clear snow and ice from public sidewalks bordering their property to bare surface within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall.

Specific requirements include:

  • Removal of snow and ice from public sidewalks to the bare surface.
  • Clearing a minimum width of 1.5 meters from public walkways bordering the property.
  • Completion of work within 24 hours after the end of snowfall.
  • Storage of snow from private property on your own property.

Snow storage locations

✅ Permitted:

  • Storing snow from public spaces (sidewalks) in other public spaces (roads).

⛔ Prohibited:

  • Storing snow from private property (driveways) in public spaces.

Recommendations for good neighborliness

To avoid conflicts and problems, it is recommended not to store snow:

  • on the road in such quantities that access is blocked;
  • on pedestrian crossings;
  • on storm drains;
  • in neighbors' yards.

Fines and consequences

Fines for failure to clear snow start at $150 for the first offense. Repeat offenses may result in higher fines. If the owner fails to fulfill their responsibilities, the city may clear the sidewalk itself and include the cost on the property tax bill.

Assistance programs

For seniors and people with disabilities who are physically unable to clear snow, the City of Calgary offers the Snow Angels program. This program connects volunteers with those who need help with snow removal.

There is also a Seniors Services Home Maintenance (SSHM) program for low-income seniors.

Noise restrictions and regulations

Quiet hours and restrictions

The Community Standards Bylaw establishes specific “nighttime” quiet hours during which excessive noise is prohibited. Quiet hours officially begin at 10:00 p.m. each night and continue until:

  • 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday
  • 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and holidays

Prohibited nighttime activities

During nighttime hours in residential areas, the use of the following is prohibited:

  • Lawn mowers

  • Motorized garden tools (leaf blowers)

  • Power tools outdoors

  • Model aircraft with internal combustion engines

  • Motorized snow removal equipment (except for the 48-hour period after snowfall)

  • Outdoor loudspeaker systems within 150 meters of residential buildings

Decibel levels

Bylaw establishes specific noise level restrictions:

  • For continuous noise:

  • 65 decibels (dBA) maximum during daytime hours

  • 50 decibels (dBA) maximum during nighttime hours

  • For intermittent noise:

  • 85 decibels (dBA) maximum during 15 minutes during the day

  • 75 decibels (dBA) maximum during 15 minutes at night

Fines for noise violations

Fines for noise violations range from $250 to $500. The first violation usually results in a $250 fine, but repeat violations or more serious disturbances can result in significantly higher fines.

Landscaping and plant care

Front yard requirements

Calgary bylaws emphasize the need for low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscaping in front yards, especially for new buildings in certain communities. You cannot obstruct sight lines for vehicles or pedestrians with tall shrubs or large decorative rocks. Shrubs, trees, or planters cannot block fire hydrants or utility boxes.

Tree Regulations

The city has strict rules regarding trees on public property. Trees located in the boulevard zone (between the sidewalk and the road) are often owned by the city. Trimming, pruning, or cutting down these trees can result in fines of up to $500.

Tree Protection Bylaw 23M2002 prohibits the following actions on city-owned trees:

  • Cutting, trimming, moving, or removing

  • Penetrating the bark with any marks or other objects

  • Pouring any liquids other than water

  • Hanging electrical cords or other objects

  • Planting your own shrubs or trees on city property

Tree Planting Requirements

Calgarians who have purchased a new home are required to plant trees. This is part of the city's efforts to maintain urban forest cover and improve air quality. When planting, it is recommended to use premium soil mix and mulch to protect the roots from Calgary's unstable weather.

Weed and grass control

Calgary has bylaws regarding weed control and grass length. Grass taller than 15 cm (6 inches) may result in fines.

Owners must keep their property in a reasonable condition and control weed growth.

Fire pit and open fire regulations

Fire pits allowed

Fire pits are allowed in Calgary, but must comply with strict safety regulations. Key requirements include:

  • The fire pit must be in the backyard
  • Maximum size: 1 meter in height and width
  • Minimum 2 meters from property lines and any structures
  • Cannot be located under trees or hanging branches
  • Must be built into the ground, on a non-combustible surface (stone/brick) or in a fireproof container

Prohibited devices

Calgary Housing and other regulatory documents prohibit:

  • Fire pits, wood-burning stoves, and chimneys on all residential properties
  • Hibachi and other charcoal barbecues
  • Portable fire pits directly on wooden surfaces

Penalties for fire code violations

A fire pit that does not comply with Calgary bylaws can result in fines of up to $5,000. Compliance is critical to avoid serious financial consequences.

Building maintenance and safety

Building Maintenance Bylaw

The City of Calgary's Building Maintenance Bylaw came into effect on January 1, 2017. The bylaw applies to buildings that are five stories or taller and over 10 years old. These buildings must undergo a visual assessment for repair every five years.

Building owners must:

  • Maintain the building envelope in good condition and free of hazardous conditions
  • Keep all assessments for the lifetime of the building
  • Provide assessments to the city upon request
  • Upon sale of the building, provide all assessments to the new owner

Reporting hazardous conditions

If a building owner becomes aware of hazardous conditions in a building, they must immediately:

  • Take steps to correct the hazardous condition
  • Notify the Chief Building Official in writing of the hazardous condition

Zoning and building permits

Understanding Zoning

Calgary is divided into numerous zoning districts, each designated for specific types of land use. For residential property owners, the zoning district determines the types of home improvements that are permitted, such as additions or accessory buildings.

  • R-G zones allow single-family homes with secondary apartments
  • R-2 zones may allow duplexes

Development permits

Development permits are important for managing urban growth and maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of neighborhoods. These permits are required for:

  • New construction
  • Major modifications to existing structures
  • Significant changes in land use

Building permits

In Calgary, building permits are required for various types of repairs, especially those that include:

  • Structural changes
  • Changes to plumbing or electrical systems
  • Changes to the outer shell of the building

Additions always require at least a building permit. The City of Calgary defines an addition as any covered structure that increases the floor area of your home.

Where to find information about responsibilities

Official city sources

The primary source of information about homeowner responsibilities is the City of Calgary's official website: calgary.ca. The website contains the full text of all bylaws, compliance instructions, and contact information for various departments.

Service 311 is the central point of contact for citizens. You can call 311 to:

  • Report bylaw violations
  • Get information about your responsibilities
  • Ask questions about specific bylaws
  • Reporting service issues

Professional Resources

Calgary Legal Guidance offers free legal information to residents. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a property owner.

Law firms such as Bulwark Law specialize in bylaw offences. When you face bylaws violations, experienced attorneys can represent you in municipal proceedings to minimize fines.

Community resources

Calgary Communities and other community organizations often hold educational seminars on homeowners' responsibilities. These events can be especially helpful for new residents or those who have recently purchased a home.

Neighborhood associations can also be valuable resources for understanding local norms and expectations. They often have experience dealing with common neighborhood issues and can provide practical advice.

Appeal and Dispute Resolution Procedures

Appealing Bylaw Violations

If you receive a citation for a bylaw violation, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are filed with the License and Community Standards Appeal Board. Notice of appeal must be filed in writing with the City Clerk within 14 days of receiving the Remedial Order.

Mediation of Neighbourhood Disputes

The City of Calgary states that its bylaw enforcement officers are trained in conflict resolution and mediation to better assist with neighbourhood issues. In some cases, mediation may be available to resolve disputes without formal legal process.

Special responsibilities for different types of property

Multi-story buildings

Owners of multi-story buildings have additional responsibilities under the Building Maintenance Bylaw. This includes:

  • Regular inspections
  • Record keeping
  • Ensuring structural integrity

Corner lots

Traffic Bylaw 26M96 regulates the maximum height and location of shrubs planted on corner lots. In a rectangular triangle marked 25 x 25 foot setbacks along the travel of both streets that meet at your corner lot,

no shrub may grow higher than 2.6 feet or 75 cm.

Condominiums

Owners of condominiums have additional rights and responsibilities under the Condominium Property Act. The bylaws of a condominium corporation must specifically provide that it has legal authority to impose fines on owners:

  • A maximum monetary penalty of $500 for the first offense
  • $1,000 for the second and subsequent offenses

Practical tips for complying with your obligations

Create a schedule of responsibilities

Experts suggest that homeowners plan to invest 1-5% of the value of their property in home maintenance and improvements each year.

Creating a seasonal calendar helps you plan and distribute these tasks:

Winter:

  • Clear snow and ice from the roof

  • Shovel snow from walkways and driveways

  • Ensure a clear path around the garage and doors

  • Inspect the basement for water leaks

  • Watch for signs of frozen pipes

Document compliance

Keep records of your compliance with the bylaws. This may include photos of cleared sidewalks, receipts for professional services, and dates of service completion. These records can be useful if questions about compliance arise.

Proactive communication

Maintain good relations with your neighbors through proactive communication. If you are planning work that may cause noise or inconvenience, notify your neighbors in advance.

This can prevent complaints and create a more harmonious living environment.

Conclusion

Understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner in Calgary requires an active approach to learning and complying with numerous municipal bylaws. Key areas of focus include:

  • Snow removal
  • Noise control
  • Landscaping
  • Building code compliance
  • Zoning requirements

Utilizing official city resources, seeking professional assistance when needed, and maintaining good neighbor relations will help ensure a successful homeownership experience in Calgary.

Remember: complying with these responsibilities not only prevents fines, but also promotes the safety, health, and well-being of the entire community.