Dispute a Ticket

Bylaw Violation Notice Dispute

The City of Richmond employs the Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System, which allows the City and the recipients to process disputes covering alleged bylaw violations ranging from parking, various licences, newspaper boxes, grease management and property use at the local level, rather than through the Provincial Court System. 

How the Adjudication Process Works
The adjudication process can take 2 to 3 months to finalise.

Once you apply for an adjudication, you can only cancel your application by paying your ticket at any point before the hearing.

Keep in mind:

• An adjudicator cannot reduce the fine amount on a ticket
• An issuing Officer is not required to attend the hearing
• A $25 fee is charged in addition to the full fine if the ticket is upheld
• You must submit a separate request form for each ticket you choose to dispute
  
• You have 28 days from the date of receipt of a ticket to submit an adjudication request. Requests received after 28 days will not be accepted
• A paid ticket cannot be taken to adjudication

The City of Richmond will present evidence at your adjudication hearing, including photos provided by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

The City’s evidence package will be sent to you prior to your scheduled hearing for your review.

Present your Evidence
You can present your own evidence at your scheduled hearing for the Adjudicator's consideration in any of the following ways:

• In person, City of Richmond, City Hall
• By email up to 14 business days before your hearing
• By phone via telephone conference call, during your hearing

Adjudication hearings are open to the public. Personal circumstances are not considered in evidence. The Adjudicator can only base their decision on whether a contravention occurred or did not occur as reported by the issuing Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

How to Submit a Request to Adjudicate
To request an adjudication, please complete this online form:

Adjudication Request Form

A Screening Officer will review your ticket details and contact you to discuss your application for adjudication. If your ticket is cancelled by a Screening Officer, the adjudication process will not continue.