An appeal is a formal request to have a decision reviewed by a higher authority, typically when someone believes the original decision was unfair or incorrect. In municipal contexts, residents can appeal decisions about property assessments, building permits, planning approvals, or bylaw enforcement. Appeal bodies like assessment review boards or development appeal boards hear evidence and can uphold, modify, or overturn original decisions. The appeal process provides important checks on government decisions, ensuring that individuals have recourse when they believe they have been treated unfairly. Specific appeal procedures and timelines vary by province and municipality.