FAQs • How do I dispute a Bylaw Notice or Municipal Ticket?

How do I dispute a Bylaw Notice or Municipal Ticket?: Disputes must be in writing and be submitted within fourteen (14) days of the Notice or ticket issue date. A dispute form may be submitted or submit a letter to the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department, including the Notice or ticket number, the reason for disputing and disputant’s contact information (name, address, phone number, email address).
Dispute Form

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Bylaw Notice/Tickets

1. Why is adjudication used?: Adjudication simplifies the dispute process and allows for minor violations to be removed from the Provincial court system; therefore, more cost effective and efficient. It is more convenient since personal attendance at adjudication is not mandatory and reduces the ticket dispute time.

2. How can I pay a Bylaw Notice or Municipal Ticket?

Payment can be made online as long as you have the Notice or ticket number and one of the following forms of payment; MasterCard, Visa or certain Debit cards (TD Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank and RBC Royal Bank). Payment may also be made by calling the Licences & Bylaws Department at 604-467-7305 (press 2 for ticket payments) we accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Payments can also be made in person at 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC via cash, debit card, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Or you can mail us a cheque (made payable to the City of Maple Ridge) to the above address, please include either a copy of the ticket or be sure to clearly identify the ticket # on the cheque.

A Bylaw Notice and Municipal Ticket (MTI) can be paid online as long as you have the Notice or ticket number and one of the following forms of payment; MasterCard, Visa or certain Debit cards (TD Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank and RBC Royal Bank).

3. How do I dispute a Bylaw Notice or Municipal Ticket?: Disputes must be in writing and be submitted within fourteen (14) days of the Notice or ticket issue date. A dispute form may be submitted or submit a letter to the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department, including the Notice or ticket number, the reason for disputing and disputant’s contact information (name, address, phone number, email address).
Dispute Form

4. What happens at the adjudication hearing?

The adjudicator will hear from both the disputant and the Local Government. The adjudicator reviews the evidence submitted by both parties and makes a decision based on the facts of the case. The adjudicator can only make a determination on whether the offence occurred or not. The adjudicator does not have the jurisdiction to cancel the bylaw contravention notice due to personal circumstances, nor can they reduce the fine amount.

If the disputant is unable to attend the hearing on the date and time specified, please contact the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department at 604-467-7305 fourteen (14) days prior to your hearing date. Failure to attend the hearing will result in a guilty verdict and a $25.00 administration fee added to the penalty amount.

5. Can I dispute a Bylaw Notice or Municipal Ticket if it paid?: No. Once the Bylaw Notice or Ticket has been paid it cannot be disputed.
Dispute Form

6. What is an adjudication hearing?: An adjudication hearing allows the local government to hear bylaw violation disputes locally rather than through the Provincial Court System. Under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, the Attorney General appoints private adjudicators to hear from both the disputant and the local government and decide if the offence took place. Adjudication hearings are open to the public.

7. What happens if I am unable to attend the hearing?: If the disputant does not appear for the scheduled hearing, the Bylaw Notice is upheld.

8. Do I need to appear in person for the hearing?: No. If the disputant cannot appear in person, prior to the scheduled hearing date they may submit a written submission or arrange for a conference call.

9. Can I appeal the adjudicator’s decision?: No. The decision of the adjudicator is final.

10. Can the adjudicator consider my financial situation?: No. The adjudicator has no authority to change the penalty amount. The adjudicator can only determine if the offence occurred or did not occur.

11. What happens if I do not pay the penalty for the violation?: Unpaid Bylaw Notices and Municipal Tickets are sent to a collection agency or to a legal firm for recovery the penalty. In addition, the City may take the alleged offender to a Payment Hearing in Provincial court to recover the debt owed to the City.