Property Standards & Yard Maintenance

Some key provisions are listed below. For full details, review the by-laws, and any amendments, in the By-law Library.

• Grass, ground cover and weeds should be maintained at less than 20 cm in height; if this is not done, the City may issue an order to mow the lawn within 72 hours, which if not done may result in the City doing so at the owner's expense, as well as monetary fines.
• Vehicles, boats and trailers that are inoperable, dilapidated, abandoned or without the required licence plate or registration are not permitted on any lot, property or roadway. 
• Trees and hedges must be trimmed to avoid overgrowth that may affect safety and visibility for drivers or block people from using the sidewalk.
• Firewood, garden equipment and building materials must be stored neatly in a rear yard, not in side or front yards or be visible from the street.
• All yards must be kept clean and free from rubbish, garbage, brush, waste, litter, trade waste and other debris, construction bins (unless actively being used), machinery and open excavations.
• Between April and October, all depressions or excavations capable of holding standing water shall be removed within four days, except for agricultural properties in which faming is occurring.

Enforcement, fines and penalties

• Owners who do not follow these by-laws may be liable for a fine as outlined in the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, Chapter. 23, or fines and administrative monetary penalties as outlined in the respective by-laws.