The RDOS bylaw procedure relies on written citizen complaints as a means of enforcing regulatory bylaws. The RDOS will not disclose the identity of complainants unless consent is obtained from the complainant or the RDOS is ordered to do so by a higher authority (if we need to go to court, for example).
Once a complaint is provided to the RDOS and processed, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer will be sent to the property to determine potential compliance issues. After that time, an assessment form is sent to the Planning Department to determine whether zoning allows the use on the property. If the property is determined to be non-compliant, a letter is sent to the property owner advising of the non-compliance and typically giving a timeline to respond.
The goal is to obtain voluntary compliance but that is not always achievable. The process progresses if non-compliance continues. This process can take from 6 months to a year (and sometimes longer).
So, it is good to lodge complaints sooner than later. I know that it can be uncomfortable to complain about a neighbour, so I am happy to do so on any resident's behalf. However, if the complaint escalates, the complainant may have to disclose who they are.
Thank you for reading and comments are welcomed.