By-law Enforcement

By-law enforcement division responsibilities:

The Niagara-on-the-Lake By-law Enforcement Division is responsible for administering and enforcing the various regulatory by-laws of the Town. The areas of responsibility include: complaints, parking enforcement, licensing and more.

By-laws enforced through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) include:

By-law enforcement division approach and philosophy:

The By-law Enforcement Division takes a balanced and consistent approach toward enforcement, seeking to gain compliance with municipal regulatory by-law requirements through a variety of methods, including: community engagement and education, voluntary compliance on a case-by-case basis, and enforcement (such as fines) if voluntary compliance is not achieved.

The Town’s philosophy is to engage, educate and enforce - moving to enforcement if success is not found via the first two mechanisms.

While compliance is important, the By-law Enforcement Division attempts to achieve this while still delivering customer service excellence.

The By-law Enforcement Division is also committed to continuous improvement.

Complaints

Complaint Forms for by-law infractions can be completed using the Online Service Request & Complaint Form. Complaints may also be made in person at the Town Administration Offices in Virgil, over the phone at 905-468-3266 Ext 0, or through email at info@notl.com. It should be noted that anonymous complaints will not be acted upon. The complainant's information is always confidential and a complainant's name will not be revealed. The information is protected by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Naturally, where a complainant is required to give evidence in court, his or her identity will be revealed.

Additional By-laws

Noise By-law
The Noise By-law for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake regulates only the time at which noise is not permitted. The definition of noise is not specific but does include bells, horns, shouting and unusual noises. General restrictions are from 11 pm to 7 am. Please see the Noise by-law and Set Fines for further details.
Nuisance By-law
The Nuisance By-law essentially prohibits the conducting of any public nuisance. While a public nuisance may be many things, the by-law includes the keeping of animals in such a way as to cause material discomfort to any neighbouring person and attracting or feeding any animals which causes material discomfort or annoyance to any neighbour.
The Property Standards By-law and the Clean Yards by-law deal with the maintenance of buildings and yards. Property Standards is generally used for ensuring that buildings are kept in a safe and sanitary condition and that the property is kept clean and clear of debris. The Clean Yard by-law is a less complicated by-law and is mostly used for the cutting of grass and weeds and for the clean up of dirty back yards, Property Standards Order Appeal Schedule, Fees and Information.
The Sign By-law requires that a permit be issued prior to erecting a sign. The by-law defines the different kinds of signs and their placement on private property. There are a number of exceptions to the requirement for a permit and there are a number of signs prohibited altogether. The by-law also contains a site specific amendment process and fee for those signs that vary in a minor way from the definitions.
Please note: Before submitting a sign application or a sign site specific permit amendment application consultation must take place with staff to ensure that the applications are filled out correctly and complete. For sign information please contact Katie Monroe at ext. 226.