The Fraser Valley Regional District alleges that building bylaws and BC Building Code regulations were violated at this home in Mission. (Image Credit: Google Maps.)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Bylaw contraventions

FVRD alleges bylaw contraventions at Mission property, as unpaid fines exceed $53,000

Feb 12, 2026 | 1:12 PM

MISSION – Fraser Valley Regional District staff say a property owner has racked up over $53,000 in fines for allegedly violating building bylaws through unauthorized construction activities at a rural property north of Mission.

According to an FVRD staff report dated February 12, 2026 from Sam Sidal, bylaw compliance and enforcement officer, the property at 12975 Degraff Road in Electoral Area F in Mission has been flagged for repeated violations of the FVRD Building Bylaw No. 1188, 2013 and the B.C. Building Code.

On May 6, 2025, FVRD bylaw staff say they discovered renovations such as the installation of lighting receptacles, heating vents, and plumbing in an existing two-storey storage building. Bylaw staff also witnessed a three-storey structure built without a permit which had stairs made with assorted wood and cut logs leading to an above ground wraparound deck and the entrance to the building. This building had a ladder to access the upper level rather than a staircase.

Bylaw personnel also observed several RVs were located on the property. Camping in one RV was confirmed.

On November 4, 2025, bylaw staff sent the owner a bylaw enforcement letter listing the bylaw violations and notifying the owner of the action required to bring these buildings and the property into compliance. However, FVRD staff allege the property was restricted as the gate was locked at the driveway.

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On November 10, 2025, FVRD Emergency Management personnel say they informed bylaw staff that the main house which is the primary residence had a fire and that an estimated ten people reside on this property. Many attempts were made to work with the owner to address these bylaw contraventions.

In the following month of December 2025, bylaw staff conducted a joint inspection with the Fraser Health Authority, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, RCMP and Technical Safety BC. Bylaw staff say they confirmed the existing two-storey storage building had been converted to a dwelling unit without an issued building permit and was being occupied. In addition, the three-storey building was also being occupied as an accessory dwelling unit. Camping in multiple RVs was also observed by staff. Several people had left the property, and others had attempted to find other accommodations as a result of the joint inspection.

The FVRD says bylaw staff conducted daily follow-up phone calls and emails to relay the importance of safety for residents and bringing the property into compliance. The owner and other tenants remain living on the property and no effort to bring these two buildings into compliance have been made by the property owner.

Between November 2025 and February 2026, FVRD’s bylaw department says it executed site inspections, initiated daily phone calls and emails, sent fourteen letters, with bylaw enforcement tickets. Tickets totalling $53,060 connected to construction without permits and unauthorized land use have been issued.

To date, none of these tickets have been paid by the owner, the FVRD alleges.

FVRD efforts, as well as the efforts of various coordinating agencies, have resulted in residents vacating the property and some being relocated with the assistance of the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, staff say. Several vehicles were impounded and many dogs were removed from the property by the SPCA due to poor living conditions.

The name of the property owner has been redacted from FVRD records.

The 4.6-acre property at 12975 Degraff Road sold for $1.1 million in June 2023.

The FVRD will hold a show cause hearing at an Electoral Services Committee meeting today (Thursday, Feb. 12) in Chilliwack.