Property Standards and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Review
Property Standards and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Review
Staff have undertaken a review of the Town’s Property Standards, Cleaning and Clearing By-Law, and enforcement protocols. Staff are presenting these changes for Council and public feedback before they are recommended for adoption in 2025.
Key recommendations include:
- Clarification of landowner responsibilities over boulevards
- Updates to the property standards by-law to align it with changes to the building code
- Adoption of a terms of reference for the Property Standards Committee
Adopting a Terms of Reference for a By-Law Appeals Committee
Municipalities establish by-law appeals committees as a means of addressing enforcement appeals and exemption requests. Staff are recommending a By-Law Appeals Committee that would be comprised of 3 Members of Council, meet as necessary, and have the authority to hear and determine appeals filed in accordance with the Town By-Law.
Property Standards By-Law Updates
Staff are recommending the Town of Aylmer’s Property Standards By-Law 55-97 be repealed and replaced to implement a series of updates that include:
- Remove/relocate areas where the Property Standards by-law overlaps with the Clean Yards by-law,
- Remove specific clauses about lengths, heights, and parameters in favour of a general disclaimer that all requirements of the Ontario Building Code and other governing legislation are satisfied,
- Organize the by-law to distinguish between requirements for different types of properties, including residential, multi-residential, and non-residential properties.
Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Updates
Staff are recommending the Town of Aylmer’s Cleaning and Clearing Land By-Law 60-19 be amended as follows:
- Clarifying the property owner’s responsibility for the boulevard area between their residence and the road allowance – this shall include requiring property owners to maintain grasses up to the road, including grass around a sidewalk,
- The Cleaning and Clearing By-Law will absorb some minor clauses from the amended Property Standards By-Law,
- Changes to the definitions of refuse, standing water, and the addition of definitions for boulevards,
- Adding a minimum time period for compliance with any order under the Cleaning and Clearing By-Law,
- Adding a clause for safety, health or fire hazard issues requiring immediate action,
- Setting fines at $200 per offence.
Town’s Property Standards and Clean Yard Enforcement Approach
Staff are recommending maintaining the current complaint-based approach to enforcement of property standards and clean yard matters. This approach allows the Town to address specific issues raised by residents, ensuring that enforcement is applied in situations that directly affect community members. It emphasizes cooperation and voluntary compliance over punitive actions.
Staff Report and By-Law Documents
20241016 – Report CLRK 34-24 – Property Standards, and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Review
Draft By-Law Appeals Committee By-Law
Draft Property Standards By-Law
Draft Cleaning and Clearing By-Law
Have your say!
Staff are inviting feedback from the public prior to recommending the adoption of changes in January 2025.
Written comments may be submitted through the following form: Property Standards Comments
Contact Town of Aylmer Staff
Director of Legislative Services/Clerk
519-773-3164 ext. 4913
Email
Property Standards By-Law Review News and Notices
- Property Standards and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law ReviewProperty Standards and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Review Staff have undertaken a review of the Town’s Property Standards, Cleaning and Clearing By-Law, and enforcement protocols. Staff are presenting these changes for Council and public feedback before they are recommended for adoption in 2025. Key recommendations include: Adopting a Terms of Reference for a By-Law Appeals… Continue reading Property Standards and Cleaning and Clearing By-Law Review