The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is cracking down on building and property bylaw infractions, partly due to an increase in staff that has allowed them more time to investigate. 

Laura Miller, manager of building enforcement services with the RDOS, said a recent uptick in bylaw infraction cases coming before the board at the twice-monthly meetings is because they now have more manpower. 

"It's due to an extra staff member that was hired last spring, and it's allowed our existing staff member to focus on the building infractions," Miller said. "We issue about 500 permits a year, and the permits are good for two years, and if they're expired we have to take them to the board for enforcement action."

More hands on deck mean they are watching closely for unauthorized building activity, misuse of land with respect to zoning and aesthetic issues. 

The untidy and unsightly premises bylaw allows the RDOS to step in when a property is not being taken care of. A messy property in Okanagan Falls at 5208 9th Avenue was determined by the board Thursday to be violating that bylaw, and they voted to order the debris cleaned up at the owner's expense. 

"Photos were taken which evidence a large amount of waste plastics, old tires, furniture and many other items. The items are piled up all over the property and are spilling over the perimeter fence onto the alley and adjacent properties," reads the staff report provided to the board. 

Miller said enforcement of the untidy and unsightly bylaw is based on complaints.   

"So if the neighbouring properties complain that it's unsightly, then we initiate enforcement action," she explained. "Voluntary compliance is always the best, but if people choose not to comply then we have to go the enforcement route. Either direct action or commence court proceedings to get a court order."