By-law Enforcement
The City’s Municipal Law Enforcement and Property Standards (by-law) Team works with community partners, property owners, other agencies and the public to promote a safe and vibrant City. Part of the team’s role is to encourage voluntary compliance with a number of by-laws of the City of Brantford Municipal Code and to provide enforcement as necessary.
Municipal Law Enforcement/Property Standards Officers are working to serve the City of Brantford 7 days per week (including evening hours) to respond to complaints and conduct proactive inspections in public areas throughout the City. The officers are identifiable by their City-issued uniform which includes a protective vest with the lettering “BY-LAW” on both the front and back. They also carry a badge and City-issued identification. The team is very approachable in nature so please feel encouraged to say “hello” when you see them on patrol!
How to file a complaint
Complaints regarding potential violations of the City of Brantford Municipal Code may be made by phone at 519-759-4150 (includes after hours answering service) or by email at bylaw@brantford.ca.
The response to valid complaints will include an investigation to determine compliance or the necessary requirements to achieve compliance. Anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Complainant information is kept strictly confidential until such time as charges are necessary, and the complainant may be required in court proceedings.
The Municipal Law Enforcement and Property Standards (By-Law) Team enforces the following chapters:
Property Standards By-law |
The City's Property Standards By-law is governed by the Ontario Building Code and applies to:
Resident/business owners can expect to receive a preliminary letter from the City advising of defects. Property Standards Orders are issued for those properties where repairs are not forthcoming in a timely manner. Issued Orders carry a $125 administrative fee. Orders are subject to appeal to the local Property Standards Committee. If you have received an Order and would like to appeal, please file a Notice of Appeal. If an Order is confirmed, the City can have contracted services attend to complete all necessary repairs. An additional 25% administrative fee is then assessed. |
Lot Maintenance and Waste By-law |
The City's Lot Maintenance and Waste By-law is designed to ensure property owners do simple things to maintain their property so as not to detract from the neighbourhood such as:
Should a complaint be received, By-law Officers will inspect to confirm a violation. A letter or Order will then typically be sent to the property owner. Issued Orders carry an automatic $125 administrative fee. Should an Order not be complied with, City approved contractors will complete the required work. All contractor costs will be submitted on taxes, plus an additional 25% administrative fee. |
Zoning By-law |
The City's Zoning By-law lists the permitted uses for each property and their specific property zoning designation. In other words, it identifies every property in Brantford and what owners or occupants are allowed to do on their property as it relates to:
Upon complaint, By-law Officers will inspect and advise owners of any infractions and the need to cease a non compliant use. An option for compliance can include obtaining a minor variance through a development application and/or the City's Committee of Adjustment. |
Swimming Pool Fence Enclosure By-law |
The City's Swimming Pool Fence Enclosure By-law is in place to ensure sufficient fencing is constructed around swimming pools in order to protect public safety. A swimming pool is defined as a private outdoor tank or body of water used for swimming, diving or bathing that when filled can contain 0.5 metres (19.6 inches) of water. This also includes hot tubs. Review the City's Swimming Pool and Hot Tub brochure for more information. Pool requirements:
Fencing regulations:
If you see an unsafe or unattended pool, please advise the City right away. |
Fence By-law |
The City's Fence By-law is in place to provide regulation for how fences are constructed. First, it is important to consult with your neighbour before starting the project and to ensure you have a survey to confirm the legal private and City property boundaries.
Fences have height limitations to reduce sightline issues for vehicles and pedestrians:
The City has the authority to enter on to private property and do the necessary repairs and recover all costs on taxes. |
Outdoor Sign By-law |
The City's Outdoor Sign By-law is in place to ensure signs are placed safely and to limit sightline issues for traffic and pedestrians. A sign is defined as any outside device that identifies a business or product or service visible to the public. Various signs are regulated, including Ground, Wall, Roof, Billboard and Portable Signs.
Restrictions for portable signs (most requested) include the following setbacks:
Any sign posted in violation of the Sign Bylaw can be removed promptly by any City employee and costs recovered from the owner. Digital signs are regulated so as to limit driver distraction. Illumination is required to be turned off from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. |
Noise Control By-law |
The City's Noise Control By-law is in place to manage common noise issues such as loud music or barking dogs. Noises that are regulated under the Noise By-law include:
Industrial and Commercial properties are now require to ensure their doors and windows are closed during evening hours. |
Vacant Building Registry By-law |
The City's Vacant Building Registry By-law is in place as vacant buildings often impact the character of a neighbourhood. They can have negative effects on property values, and detract from future investments. Vacant buildings are required:
A building is deemed vacant if unoccupied for more than sixty (60) days. Owners of vacant property are required to register these properties, and pay a fee to be vacant. Owners of vacant properties must also:
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COVID-19 Violations |
To enforce current provincial and local orders implemented to protect public health, the City implemented a reporting process by which members of the public can report Covid-19 violations to the City for investigation. Covid-19 Related Complaint Form
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