Bylaw Enforcement: How It Works at Sunset Beach
The Summer Village of Sunset Beach strives to maintain a safe, respectful, and beautiful community.
To help achieve this, the Village enforces its local bylaws through a designated Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
Currently, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) also serves as the Bylaw Officer for the Summer Village.
How Bylaw Enforcement Works:
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The CAO is responsible for handling general bylaw concerns such as property standards, development compliance, unsightly properties, and reserve land violations.
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Complaints and concerns can be submitted directly to the Summer Village office. All concerns must be in writing and should include specific details to assist with the investigation.
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The CAO investigates complaints and works to resolve issues through education, voluntary compliance, and, if necessary, enforcement actions under Village bylaws.
When to Contact the RCMP or Local Police:
For serious or immediate public safety concerns, residents must contact the police, not the CAO.
Examples include:
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Traffic violations (such as reckless driving, speeding, impaired driving)
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Dangerous dogs or animal attacks
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Criminal behavior or threats
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Disturbances related to loud parties, fights, or other serious noise complaints
The police have authority under provincial and federal laws, whereas the Summer Village’s bylaw officer enforces municipal bylaws only.
Quick Reference:
| Issue | Contact |
|---|---|
| Unsightly property, property standards, development without a permit, reserve land violations | CAO / Bylaw Officer |
| Speeding, reckless driving, vehicle collisions | RCMP / Local Police |
| Dangerous dogs, dog attacks, aggressive animal behavior | RCMP / Local Police |
| Major noise complaints (e.g., loud parties late at night) | RCMP / Local Police |
| Minor bylaw issues (e.g., questions about rules or reports of minor violations) | CAO / Bylaw Officer |
Working Together:
The Summer Village encourages residents to help maintain the peaceful character of Sunset Beach by:
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Following municipal bylaws
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Reporting serious safety concerns to the police
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Reporting general bylaw issues to the Summer Village office respectfully and responsibly
⚠️ Important Reminder:
Always call 911 in an emergency.
The CAO/Bylaw Officer cannot respond to emergencies, dangerous situations, or criminal matters.
For traffic violations, dangerous dogs, serious noise disturbances, or any threats to public safety, please contact the RCMP or local police immediately.
Thank you for helping us keep Sunset Beach a safe and welcoming community!