What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the Town of Deseronto, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by By-law 04-09 to Require Owner or Occupant to Clean and Clear Land and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-18. Enforcement: Officer may issue notice requiring cleanup within specified time; if noncompliant, Town may do work and recover expense like municipal taxes.
By-law 04-09 to Require Owner or Occupant to Clean and Clear Land
adopted bylaw
standards
Premises clean/free of rubbish, debris, health/fire/accident/unsafe hazards; garbage not over ten days; grass/vegetation over 20.32 cm; noxious weeds; hazardous dead/diseased trees; unsafe surfaces.
s. 2(a)-(g)
enforcement
Officer may issue notice requiring cleanup within specified time; if noncompliant, Town may do work and recover expense like municipal taxes.
s. 4(a); s. 5(a)
scout note
Under Municipal Act s.127: owners must keep land free of refuse and debris and noxious weeds; repeals By-law 50-05.
By-law 9-01 to Regulate Grass Cutting on Private Properties
adopted bylaw
standards
Grass on property must not exceed Schedule A maximums: residential 10 inches; commercial/industrial 30 inches, measured by outstretched blade.
s. 2; Schedule "A"
enforcement
Municipality may enter without notice and cut grass at owner's expense; costs per Schedule B; unpaid amounts may be added to tax roll.
clause 4; clause 5; clause 8
scout note
Requires private property owners to cut grass; town may do work at owner expense and recover costs as taxes.
Property Standards By-law 10-99
adopted bylaw
standards
Yards/vacant lots free from dilapidated/collapsed structures, material accumulations, inoperative machinery, and unsafe/unsightly conditions out of character with surroundings.
s. 3.9.6
enforcement
Order to comply; if not carried out, municipality may carry out repair or clearance at owner's expense.
s. 8.4.1(c)
scout note
Town of Deseronto property standards under Building Code Act s.15.1: maintenance of yards, accessory buildings, garbage disposal, fences, drainage and occupancy standards for dwellings; repeals earlier property standards by-laws.
By-laws and Standards page
Town by-law index listing property standards, clean and clear, grass cutting and vehicle storage by-laws.