The Strategic Plan, guiding City Council in their decisions, contains an objective (4.1) to "ensure a positive image of the City" and more specifically the initiative (4.1.1) "to update bylaws to better address derelict and nuisance properties that are being poorly maintained".   

Nuisance Properties:

The Property Maintenance Bylaw adopted on May 11, 2009 addresses concerns unrelated to the buildings on a property.

Vacant or Nuisance Buildings:

The Building Standards Bylaw was adopted on January 13, 2014 setting a new standard for building maintenance in the City of Port Alberni and introducing a new approach to regulating vacant buildings.  

The main components of the Building Standards Bylaw: 

1. All buildings are to be maintained to standards as set out in the bylaw.
2. Vacant buildings need to be maintained to standards as set out in the bylaw.
3. Vacant buildings are required to obtain a Vacant Building Registration Permit.   
4. An application for a permit is available and a  fee is charged for this permit.