Bylaw Notice Dispute & Adjudication Process
Bylaw Notices must be paid or disputed within 14 days of the bylaw notice being issued or a deemed conviction will be entered and the full amount will be due. Please note that we do not accept bylaw notice disputes over the phone and clerical staff at the front reception counter cannot address your disputes in person.
Submit a completed dispute form online, or complete the back of the bylaw notice (ticket). A dispute form must be submitted to the City of Pitt Meadows Bylaw Services department within 14 days from the issuance of the bylaw notice (ticket).
Prior to submitting a dispute, please note:
- A paid Bylaw Notice cannot be disputed
- Once you apply for an adjudication hearing, you can only cancel your application by paying your bylaw notice prior to the hearing
- The adjudicator cannot reduce the bylaw notice amount
- A $25 administration fee is charged in addition to your bylaw notice amount if your bylaw notice is upheld by the adjudicator
- The decision of the adjudicator is final. The decision of the adjudicator is based on facts and personal circumstances cannot be considered.
Dispute a Bylaw Notice (Ticket)
Screening Process
A screening officer will review the details provided by the disputant and the issuing officer. At this point the screening officer will contact you by email, or Canada Post to communicate their findings resulting in:
- The Bylaw Notice is cancelled
- The Bylaw Notice will not be cancelled
If the screening officer cancels the Bylaw Notice no further action will be required. If the Bylaw Notice is not cancelled you will be required to make payment or proceed to an adjudication hearing. If you chose to proceed to an adjudication hearing, do not make payment and respond to the sender that you are requesting an adjudication hearing.
Adjudication Process
Hearing options are available:
- In Person – Personal attendance is required by the disputant. By selecting this option, the adjudicator will consider your written reason for dispute, any documents you submit, and any statement you may wish to make in person. The City of Pitt Meadows adjudications are held at the City of Coquitlam City Hall at 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2.
- By Phone – Personal attendance (via telephone conference) is required by the disputant. By selecting this option, the adjudicator will consider your written reason for dispute, any documents you submit, and any statement you may wish to make by phone.
- In Writing – Personal attendance is not required by the disputant. By selecting this option, the adjudicator will consider only your written reason for dispute and any documents submitted to make their decision. The adjudication decision will be mailed to you along with payment instructions (if applicable)
Once a hearing date has been set you will receive an adjudication package via email or Canada Post before your hearing.
At an adjudication hearing, evidence is presented and the adjudicator decides if an offence did or did not occur.
- If an offence did occur, the non-discounted bylaw notice must be paid in full, plus an additional $25 administrative fee.
- If there is not enough evidence to substantiate the offence occurred, the Bylaw Notice is cancelled and no penalties are assessed.