What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
The Town of Cochrane, Ontario has 2 adopted bylaws on file: Town of Cochrane By-law 1239-2017 Filling, Draining, Cleaning and Clearing of Land and Clearing of Refuse; Town of Cochrane By-law 646-2009 Minimum Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy of Property (Property Standards), verified 2026-10-18.
Town of Cochrane By-law 1239-2017 Filling, Draining, Cleaning and Clearing of Land and Clearing of Refuse
adopted bylaw
standards
Prohibited: failing to clear refuse; failing to enclose excavations with 122 centimeters barriers; failing to drain water exceeding 30 centimeters; unauthorized refuse deposits; hazardous/malodorous/mosquito-breeding pool water.
s. 3.1–3.6
enforcement
Where required work is not done, Director of Protective Services or designate may, upon suitable notice, do it at the person's expense; administration fee 15% of such expense with a minimum fee of $100 00; recoverable by action or tax roll.
s. 5.4
scout note
Municipal Act s.127 by-law requiring owners to clean and clear land and refuse; bans depositing refuse.
Town of Cochrane By-law 646-2009 Minimum Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy of Property (Property Standards)
adopted bylaw
standards
Yards and vacant lots must be kept clean and free from rubbish, debris, hazards, derelict vehicles, long grass, dilapidated structures, unsafe conditions, pests, dead trees, and unsightly conditions.
s. 2.1(a)-(k)
enforcement
Officer may issue an Order Requiring Compliance; if owner fails, municipality may take action to bring property into compliance, with costs registered against the owner's land and recoverable as taxes.
s. 7.7, s. 7.9, s. 7.11
scout note
Minimum standards for physical condition and occupancy of all property in Cochrane under the Building Code Act.
Cochrane Bylaw page
rules page: yards must be free of overgrown grass, weeds, garbage, wrecked vehicles and debris; summarises property standards.