The City of Brantford has implemented a number of property related by-laws to ensure the community’s safety and establish an appearance standard for the city that is based on mutual respect for our fellow citizens. Officers work with property owners to encourage compliance in a timely fashion.
4 uniformed City by-law officers respond to complaints, investigate violations on public and private property, and enforce compliance of the City’s by-laws.
Complaints can be made by phone at 519-759-4150.
Anonymous calls or complaints with only partial information will not be investigated. Complainant information is kept strictly confidential.
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.
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.
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.
The City's Swimming Pool Fence Enclosure By-law is in place to ensure sufficient fencing is constructed around swimming pools in order to protec 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.
Metal or wrought iron fencing must also be built to a height of 1.52m or 5 ft.
If you see an unsafe or unattended pool, please advise the City right away.
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.
Front yard fence maximum height – 1 metre or 3 ft. 3 inches. This also includes hedges.
The City has the authority to enter on to private property and do the necessary repairs and recover all costs on taxes.
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.
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.
The City's Noise Control By-law is in place to manage common noise issues such as loud music or barking dogs.
Industrial and Commercial properties are now require to ensure their doors and windows are closed during evening hours.
A building is deemed vacant if unoccupied for more than sixty (60) days.