Richmond, British Columbia, Council has approved a new bylaw that requires property owners and management companies to inspect rental properties for marijuana grow operations and other illegal drug activities. As of July 1, 2005, the Property Maintenance & Repair Bylaw requires inspections at least once every 3 months and stipulates that controlled substance operations must be reported within 48 hours. If inspections are not carried out and, for example, a grow op or methamphetamine lab is found, or if such a find is not reported, the property owner or management company will be liable for associated costs. Costs include the investigation, dismantling, permits, utility services, inspections and cleaning of the property. (Thanks to Mervin Burgard, Q.C., who shared this on RealTalk list serv.)
Morale of the story: Drug growers and manufacturers should buy their own properties. Owner occupied homes are not subject to search.
Comments