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Bylaws are the local rules a strata corporation passes to supplement or replace the Standard Bylaws in the Strata Property Act. They are filed at the Land Title Office and run with the land: meaning they bind every current and future owner.
That permanence makes the amendment process formal. Skipping a step doesn't just produce a weak bylaw; it produces an unenforceable one.
Step 1: Identify the change you actually need
Before drafting, get clear on what the change should accomplish. Is the existing bylaw missing, ambiguous, or just hard to enforce? Are you within the SPA's limits? Is a rule change enough? Many proposed bylaw amendments turn out to be rule changes: faster, lower-friction, and amendable when conditions change.
Step 2: Draft the amendment
This is where most amendments fail. A good drafter uses the existing bylaw numbering scheme, states whether the new text replaces or modifies, defines key terms, tracks language used elsewhere in the bylaws, and avoids vague verbs. Engaging a strata lawyer for the drafting step is usually money well spent: expect $400–$1,200 for a single-bylaw amendment.
Step 3: Notice for the meeting
Bylaw amendments must be passed at a general meeting (AGM or SGM). Notice requirements: 14 days minimum, exact wording included, delivered to every eligible voter, marked as a three-quarter vote resolution. If notice is defective, the resulting amendment can be voided.
Step 4: Hold the vote
Bylaw amendments require a three-quarter vote of eligible voters. Voting is on the basis of one vote per strata lot. Proxies count toward both quorum and the three-quarter calculation.
Step 5: File at the Land Title Office
Within 60 days of the vote, file the amended bylaws at the Land Title Office. The amendment becomes effective only on filing. A bylaw passed at an AGM but not filed is unenforceable.
Step 6: Communicate the change
Circulate the new bylaws to all owners and tenants, update common-area postings, provide a copy on Form B disclosure, brief the strata manager so enforcement reflects the new wording.
Common drafting mistakes
- Over-broad bans. "No pets" without exceptions runs into BC Human Rights cases involving service animals.
- Discriminatory language. A bylaw that effectively excludes owners with disabilities, families with children, or specific religious practices is unenforceable.
- Vague fines. "A reasonable fine" gives a CRT applicant grounds to argue the fine isn't supported by the bylaw.
- Silent on enforcement. If the bylaw doesn't reference the standard warning + hearing process, owners can argue their rights weren't respected.
- Conflict with the Standard Bylaws. If your amendment doesn't expressly replace a Standard Bylaw on the same topic, a court may treat both as applying.
Special cases
Rental restrictions
New bylaws restricting long-term rentals are largely unenforceable. Short-term rental restrictions remain valid. See our short-term rental bylaw guide.
Pet bylaws
Pet bylaws are enforceable but must accommodate service animals and assistance animals.
Smoking and cannabis
Bylaws restricting smoking on common property and inside strata lots are enforceable. They typically must allow time for current owners to comply.