Being a homeowner comes with challenges, but perhaps the most frustrating is living next door to neighbours who poorly maintain their property.
Have no fear, though, as the City of Moose Jaw has released a document called “The Notorious Nine — Nine Ways to be a Notoriously Good Neighbour.”
The new publication is a fun, educational look at the most common issues bylaw officers handle and provides residents with tips to ensure everyone lives in a community that’s “#NotoriouslySafe, #Notoriously Clean and #NotoriouslyFriendly.”
The nine areas include property maintenance/boulevards, fires (firepits and fireworks), noise, snow removal, pets, waste/recycling, parking/traffic, pools/hot tubs/drainage, and building permits/zoning.
The guide contains several photos, including some that are exaggerated with how not to be a good neighbour, the city says. The photos are fun, although if they represent an issue with your neighbour, the municipality encourages a casual, respectful conversation to resolve those issues.
Visit https://moosejaw.ca to find the document.
The ‘notorious nine’
Presented below is a summary of the document.
Property maintenance
Keeping areas around your home tidy will improve curb appeal and foster community spirit, the document says. Conversely, unsightly properties look unappealing and pose risks to those around you.
Firepits/fireworks
Homeowners must follow guidelines from the city and fire department — including obeying fire bans — to ensure enjoyment and safety for all around firepits, the document says.
Firepits must be constructed of non-combustible material such as concrete, clay, brick or 18-gauge sheet metal and be located a minimum of three metres (10 feet) away from any material or structure. Open flames cannot exceed one metre in height and width to ensure fire embers, sparks, or smoke do not endanger anyone.
Meanwhile, fireworks are not permitted to be discharged without first obtaining a display permit from the fire department.
Noise
While you think your favourite music might be great, your neighbours probably don’t, the document says.
“Alas, for all of AC/DC’s redeeming musical qualities, excessive noise — whether it’s music, shouting, amplification devices, TVs, radios, or musical instruments — can disturb your neighbours and goes against the … Noise Bylaw,” the guide stated.
Meanwhile, no loud machinery such as snowblowers or lawnmowers can operate between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Snow removal
When removing snow, place the snow, ice or other loose debris from the sidewalk or driveway on your property because such material cannot be placed on any city street or lane, the document says.
Homeowners should consider helping their neighbours by offering to shovel their sidewalks or driveways. This is helpful to individuals who are elderly or have physical limitations.
Pets
Owners are responsible for keeping their pets safe, leashed and under control when off property. Owners should “scoop the poop,” especially if it is on any property not their own. They must also purchase licences from city hall or the Humane Society.
Garbage/recycling
Regular garbage pickup is weekly from June 1 to Oct. 31, with bi-weekly pickup the rest of the year, while recycling pickup is bi-weekly year-round. Residents are allowed no more than six large garbage bags per property per collection day with a total weight of 200 pounds.
The cart should be placed with wheels against or close to the curb and not on the sidewalks. If there are snowbanks, put the cart beside or in front, not on top.
Parking/traffic
Vehicles are not permitted on side boulevards or municipal property that isn’t a parking lot, must not block driveways, waste containers, fire hydrants or streets; and must be parked on the right side parallel to the curb, the guide says.
Recreation vehicles can only be parked on the street for 48 hours before they must be moved, while trailers or camping vehicles should not be left on the street or in an alley if not connected to a vehicle.
Pools/hot tubs/drainage
A building permit is required to construct a pool with a depth of more than 600 millimetres or 24 inches. Locks must be placed on all gates, doors and entrances when unoccupied.
Meanwhile, homeowners must ensure that drainage from their property goes to the front street or back lane and does not negatively affect adjacent properties. They must also keep all swales and catch basins clear of debris or obstructions.
Building permits/zoning
Whether you want to build a deck, garage, or fence or improve your property or home, you need a building or development permit. Otherwise, you are not in compliance with the zoning bylaw.
