Property maintenance — St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?

City of St. John's has 2 adopted bylaws on file, verified against the original documents on 2026-06-05.

Commercial Maintenance By-Law No. 618 adopted bylaw
standards Lands kept clean and free from rubbish or debris and from objects or conditions that might create a health, fire or accident hazard; free of graffiti s. 3(a)
enforcement Inspector sends notice requiring repairs/clearing; if not done, City may carry out work and recover cost as debt or charge against land as taxes s. 34
scout note

Prescribes minimum maintenance and occupancy standards for commercial properties: grounds free of debris and hazards, structurally sound buildings, safe stairs and exits, pest-free premises, adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation. Most recently amended 2025. Applies National Building, Fire, and Life Safety codes.

Residential Property Standards By-Law No. 1672 adopted bylaw
standards Yards kept clean and free of rubbish, garbage, debris, inoperative machinery; free of graffiti; grass/weeds not exceeding 20cm; free of pests s. 7.1
enforcement Inspector serves Notice requiring repair or clearing; if not done, City may carry out work and levy cost against property as debt/taxes s. 47
fine range a fine of $100.00 where the person is issued a ticket s. 48.1(a)
scout note

Sets minimum maintenance standards for all residential dwellings and vacant residential land: structural soundness, yard free of rubbish and inoperative machinery, grass ≤20 cm, functional heating (min 20°C), plumbing, electrical, and drainage. Revised 2025 to modernize standards and add vacant-property requirements.

Machine-readable: property-maintenance.json · Official website: https://stjohns.ca/ · Last verified 2026-06-05 · Property maintenance across Canada