Property Use Inspections
About Us
The Property Use Inspection Branch as it is known today, was officially founded in 1980.
Prior to 1975, License and Housing Inspectors along with Health Inspectors, had divided duties in the inspection of residential and commercial buildings. License Inspectors ensured businesses within the City of Vancouver were properly licensed.
In 1975, the predecessor to the Property Use Inspector, was the Generalist. This Inspector was the combination of the License and Housing Inspectors. The Generalist shared duties of property maintenance with the Health Inspector.
In 1980, the Generalist assumed complete enforcement of the Standards of Maintenance By-law thereby excluding the use of Health Inspectors in this function. This new position was the Property Use Inspector.
In the following years, the Property Use Inspector’s duties and responsibilities evolved to include the administration and enforcement of 11 by-laws. These by-laws relate to Private Property which include: Zoning and Development; Noise; Untidy Premises; Standards of Maintenance among others.
PUI’s are also responsible for the coordination of enforcement for “Problem Premises” including other inspection disciplines, departments and external agencies.
Today there are over 30 staff in this department. This includes a Branch Manager, 2 supervisors, 2 support staff and 26 inspectors.
There are 29 District Inspectors that look after complaints or concerns of by-law violations related to PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The Property Use Department does not response to issues that are considered to be a civil matter.
Contact us through the Property Use Inspections Branch hotline at 604.873.7398. For Noise concerns the Noise hotline is 604.873.7753 or e-mail noise@vancouver.ca. We are located on the East Wing, 2nd Floor and we are here to serve you from Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Mission Statement
To promote a safe, healthy and harmonious environment for the citizens of Vancouver.
Role of the Property Use Branch
To pursue compliance with a number of by-laws related to private property, including but not limited to the Zoning and Development, Standards of Maintenance 
(141kb), Licence (309kb), Untidy Premises (46kb), Noise (3.28mb) and Health (75kb) By-laws. The Branch is also responsible for administration and enforcement of established programs such as Growbusters, Graffiti and Coordinated Enforcement/Problem Premises.
Key Functions of the Property Use Branch
- Investigate public complaints;
- Respond to public enquiries;
- Pursue compliance with a number of by-laws related to private property;
- Mediate neighbourhood concerns;
- Organize coordinated enforcement of problem premises;
- Collect business license fees;
- Educate the public on regulations, by-laws and permit processes;
- Process Noise By-law exemptions;
- Process Bed and Breakfast applications
Property Use Branch Staff
Name
Carlene Robbins
Manager
604.873.7563
carlene.robbins@vancouver.ca
- Oversees the running of the Branch
- Develops policies and procedures related to administration and enforcement of the by-laws
- Prepares reports to City Council on by-law matters
- Initiates enforcement pertaining to problem premises
- Responds to inquiries from City Council, Senior Staff and the public
Lynn Urekar
Supervisor
604.873.7179
lynn.urekar@vancouver.ca
- Oversee the day to day running of the branch;
- Schedule inspections as required
- Review inspectors reports and activities
- Respond to inquiries from staff and the public
- Accompany inspectors on inspections as required
Tom Hamilton
Supervisor
604.871.6071
tom.hamilton@vancouver.ca
- Oversee the day to day running of the branch;
- Schedule inspections as required
- Review inspectors reports and activities
- Respond to inquiries from staff and the public
- Accompany inspectors on inspections as required
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