Adjudicative Services

Hearings under the Administrative Penalty System (APS)

The Adjudicative Services Section within the Office of the City Clerk is responsible for conducting hearings under the Administrative Penalty System (APS). 

What is a hearing?

A hearing under the APS is a formal process where an independent Hearing Officer reviews the decision made by a Screening Officer. If you have disputed a violation of a Designated City By-law with a Screening Officer and are unsatisfied with the decision, you can request a review before a Hearing Officer within the prescribed deadlines. Hearing Officers have the authority to review, affirm, vary, or cancel the Screening Officer’s decision and extend time based on the merits of each case and applicable by-laws. The decision of the Hearing Officer is final and cannot be appealed further.

Who can appeal?

Any individual that has received a decision from a Screening Officer under the APS can appeal. This includes individuals who have received penalties for parking violations, by-law infractions, or other administrative penalties. To appeal, you must submit a request for a hearing within 15 days of receiving the Screening Officer's decision.

How do I schedule a hearing to appeal the Screening Officer's decision? 

You must submit a request for a hearing within 15 days of the Screening Officer's decision. Please ensure you have your penalty/case number and all relevant documentation ready when submitting your appeal.

Click here to book a hearing pertaining to a parking infraction.

Click here to book a hearing pertaining to a non-parking infraction

Click here to book a hearing pertaining to a contravention of the City's Animal Control By-law

What if I miss the deadline to schedule a hearing due to an extenuating circumstance?

If you miss the 15-day deadline to file your appeal after the Screening Officer's decision, you can still request a hearing (using links above). When submitting your request, please indicate on the form that you are asking the Hearing Officer to grant an extension for submitting the appeal. This request will be reviewed at the start of the hearing, and the Hearing Officer must approve it before proceeding with the appeal.

What if I need to reschedule my hearing? 

You may request to reschedule a hearing once without needing to provide proof of necessity, as long as they submit a written request to AS@vaughan.ca at least one business day prior to the scheduled hearing. Any additional rescheduling requests must include documentation to support extenuating circumstances. Without such documentation, the hearing will proceed as scheduled.

What to Expect at a Hearing

During the hearing, an independent Hearing Officer will review your appeal. You will have the opportunity to present your evidence. The Hearing Officer will then make a final decision based on the information/evidence provided. 

After the hearing, a copy of the Hearing Officer's decision will be emailed to you within 7 days. 

If you fail to attend a hearing review within 10 minutes of the scheduled time a failure to attend fee of $160.00 will be added to the total administrative penalty amount and the Hearing Officer may affirm the ticket in your absence. 

Preparing for Your Hearing

To participate in a virtual Hearing Review, you must have a computer or device that enables you to see (camera) and hear (audio) all participants throughout the hearing. If you do not have access to participate virtually an in-person hearing will be scheduled at City Hall. To ensure a fair and thorough review of your appeal, please ensure that you submit all evidence to support your appeal to AS@vaughan.ca 7 days prior to your scheduled hearing. 

What if I do not agree with the Hearing Officer's decision? 

The decision of the Hearing Officer is final. Similar to the Provincial court system, City staff do not have the authority to challenge or review the final decision of the Hearing Officer.

Committee of Adjustment

Appointed by the Council, the Committee of Adjustment adjudicates applications for Minor Variance and Consent under the Ontario Planning Act. The Act grants the Committee the authority to make decisions on:

• Creating an easement or right-of-way
• Registering a mortgage over part of a property
• Registering a lease over part of a lot for more than 21 years
• Splitting land into more than one lot
• Minor variances from the Zoning By-law

Click here to obtain more information or submit an application for Committee of Adjustment.