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The Corporation of the Township of Douro-Dummer
By-law Number 1999-78
Being a By-law Respecting the Standards for the Maintenance and Occupancy of
Property within the Municipality
Whereas Section 15.1. (3) 1. of the Building Code Act. R.S.O. 1992, c.23, provides
that a by-law may be passed by the Council of a municipality prescribing the standards
for the maintenance and occupancy of property within the municipality and for
prohibiting the occupancy or use of such property that does not conform with the
standards, provided the official plan for the municipality includes provisions relating to
property conditions;
And Whereas Section 15.1. (3) 2. of the Building Code Act. R.S.O. 1992, c.23,
provides that a by-law may be passed by the Council of a municipality requiring
property that does not conform with the standards to be repaired and maintained to
conform with the standards or the site to be cleared of all buildings, structure, debris or
refuse and left in graded and levelled condition, provided the official plan for the
municipality includes provisions relating to property conditions;
And Whereas the Official Plans for the former Townships of Douro and Dummer
include provisions relating to property conditions;
And Whereas the Council of the Corporation of The Township of Douro-Dummer is
desirous of passing a by-law under Section 15.1. (3) of the Building Code Act, S.O.
1992, c. 23;
And Whereas Section 12.6 (1) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23 requires
that a by-law passed under Section 15.1 (3) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23
shall provide for the establishment of a Property Standards Committee;
Now Therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Douro-Dummer
enacts as follows:
Part 1 - Definitions
In this by-law:
1.1. "Accessory Building" means a detached building or structure, not used for
human habitation, that is subordinate to the primary use of the same property.
1.2. "Apartment Building" means a building containing more than four
dwelling units with individual access from an internal corridor system.
1.3. "Approved" means acceptance by the Property Standards Officer.
1.4. "Basement" means that space of a building that is partly below grade, which
has half or more of its height, measured from floor to ceiling above the average
exterior finished grade.
1.5. "Cellar" means that space of a building that is partly or entirely below grade,
which has more than half of its height, measured from floor to ceiling below the
average exterior finished grade.
1.6. "Dwelling" means a building or structure or part of a building or structure,
occupied or capable of being occupied, in whole or in part for the purpose of
human habitation.
1.7. "Dwelling Unit" means a room or a suite of rooms operated as a
housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more
persons and supporting general living conditions usually including cooking,
eating, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
1.8. "First Storey" means that part of a building having a floor closest to grade
with a ceiling height of more than 1.8 meters (6 feet) above grade.
1.9. "Guard" means a protective barrier installed around openings in floor areas or
on the open sides of a stairway, a landing, a balcony, a mezzanine, a gallery, a
raised walkway and other locations as required to prevent accidental falls from
one level to another. Such barriers may or may not have openings through
them.
1.10. "Habitable Room" means any room in a dwelling unit used for or capable
of being used for living, cooking, sleeping or eating purposes.
1.11. "Means of Egress" means a continuous, unobstructed path of travel
provided by a doorway, hallway, corridor, exterior passage way, balcony, lobby,
stair, ramp, or other exit facility used for the escape of persons from any point
within a building, a floor area, a room, or a contained open space to a public
thoroughfare or an approved area of refuge usually located outside the building.
1.12. "Multiple Dwelling" means a building containing three or more dwelling
units.
1.13. "Non-Habitable Room" means any room in a swelling unit other than a
habitable room and includes a bathroom, a toilet room, laundry, pantry, lobby,
corridor, stairway, closet, boiler room, or other space for service and
maintenance of the dwelling for public use, and for access to and vertical travel
between storeys, and basement or part thereof which does not comply with the
standards of fitness for occupancy set out in this By-Law.
1.14. "Non-Residential Property" means a building or structure or part of a
building or structure not occupied in whole or in part for the purpose of human
habitations, and includes the lands and premises appurtenant and all of the
outbuildings, fences or erections thereon or therein.
1.15. "Person" means an individual, firm corporation, association or partnership.
1.16. "Residential Property" means any property that is used to designed for
use as a domestic establishment in which one or more persons usually sleep and
prepare and serve meals, and includes any lands or buildings that are
appurtenant to such establishment and all stairways, walkways, driveways,
parking spaces, and fences associated with the dwelling or its yard.
1.17. "Standards" means the standards of the physical condition and of
occupancy prescribed for property by this By-Law.
1.18. "Toilet Room" means a room containing a water closed and a wash basin.
1.19. "Yard" means the land other than publicly owned land around or
appurtenant to the whole or any part of a residential or non-residential property
and used or capable of being used in connection with the property
Part 2 - General Standards for All Property:
2.1. All repairs and maintenance of property shall be carried out with suitable and
sufficient materials and in a manner accepted as good workmanship within the
trades concerned. All new construction or repairs shall conform to the Ontario
Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and the Fire Prevention Act where applicable.
Yards:
2.2. Every yard, including vacant lots shall be kept clean and free from:
2.2.1. Rubbish or debris and objects or conditions that may create a health, fire
or accident hazard;
2.2.2. Wrecked, dismantled, discarded or abandoned machinery, vehicles,
trailers or boats, unless it is necessary for the operation of a business
enterprise lawfully situated on the property;
2.2.3. Long grass, brush undergrowth and noxious weeds as defined by the
Weed Control Act;
2.2.4. Dilapidated, collapsed or partially constructed structures which are not
currently under construction;
2.2.5. Injurious insects, termites, rodents, vermin or other pest; and
2.2.6. Dead, decayed or damaged trees or other natural growth.
Surface Conditions:
2.3. Surface conditions of yard shall be maintained so as to:
2.3.1. Prevent ponding of storm water;
2.3.2. Prevent instability or erosion of soil;
2.3.3. Prevent surface water run-off from entering basements;
2.3.4. Not exhibit an unsightly appearance;
2.3.5. Be kept free of garbage and refuse;
2.3.6. Be kept free of deep ruts and holes;
2.3.7. Provide for safe passage under normal use and weather conditions, day or
night; and
2.3.8. Not to create a nuisance to other property.
Sewage and Drainage:
2.4. Sewage shall be discharged into the sewage system.
2.5. Sewage of any kind shall not be discharged onto the surface of the ground,
whether into a natural or artificial surface drainage system or otherwise.
2.6. Roof drainage shall not be discharged onto sidewalks, stairs, or adjacent
property.
Parking Areas, Walks and Driveways:
2.7. All areas used for vehicular traffic and parking shall have a surface covering of
asphalt, concrete, or compacted stone or gravel and shall be kept in good repair
free of dirt and litter.
2.8. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and other similar areas shall be
maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather
conditions day or night.
Accessory Buildings, Fences and Other Structures:
2.9. Accessory buildings, fences and other structures appurtenant to the property
shall be maintained in structurally sound conditions and in good repair.
2.10. Accessory buildings, fences and other structures shall be protected from
deterioration by the application of appropriate weather resistant materials
including paint or other suitable preservative and shall be of uniform colour
unless the aesthetic characteristics of said structure are enhanced by the lack of
such material.
Garbage Disposal
2.11. Every building, dwelling and dwelling unit shall be provided with a sufficient
number of suitable receptacles to contain all garbage, refuse and ashes that
may accumulate on the property between the regularly designated collection
days. Such receptacles shall be constructed of watertight material, provided with
a tight-fitting cover, and shall be maintained in a clean and odour free condition
at all times.
2.11.1. All garbage, refuse and ashes shall be promptly placed in a suitable
container and made available for removal in accordance with the municipal
garbage collection by-law where applicable.
2.11.2. Garbage storage areas shall be screened from public view.
Compost Heaps
2.12. The occupant of a residential property may provide for a compost heap in
accordance with the health regulations, provided that the compost pile is no
larger than one square meter and 1.8 meters in heights and is enclosed on all
sides by concrete blocks, or lumber, or in a forty-five-gallon container, a metal
frame building with a concrete floor, or a commercial plastic enclosed container
designed for composting.
Part 3 - Residential Standards
3.1. Every tenant or occupant or lessee of a residential property shall maintain the
property or part thereof and the land which they occupy or control, in a clean,
sanitary and safe condition and shall dispose of garbage and debris on a regular
basis, in accordance with municipal by-laws.
3.2. Every tenant or occupant or lessee of a residential property shall maintain every
floor, wall ceiling and fixture, under their control, including hallways, entrances,
laundry rooms, utility rooms, and other common areas, in a clean sanitary and
safe condition.
3.3. Accumulations or storage of garbage, refuse, appliances, or furniture in a
means of egress shall not be permitted.
Pest Prevention
3.4. Dwellings shall be kept free of rodents, vermin and insects at all times. Methods
used for exterminating such pest shall be in accordance with the provisions of
the Pesticides Act.
3.5. Openings, including windows, that might permit the entry of rodents, insects,
vermin or other pests shall be appropriately screened or sealed.
Structural Soundness
3.6. Every part of dwelling shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition so
as to be capable of safely sustaining its own weight load and any additional load
to which it may be subjected through normal use, having a level as required by
the Ontario Building Code.
3.7. Walls, roofs and other exterior parts of a building shall be free from loose or
improperly secured objects or materials.
Foundations
3.8. Foundation walls of a dwelling shall be maintained so as to prevent the
entrance of insects, rodents and excessive moisture. Maintenance includes the
shoring of the walls to prevent settling, installing sub soil drains, where
necessary, as the footing, grouting masonry cracks, damp proofing and
waterproofing walls, joints and floors.
3.9. Every dwelling, except for slab on grade construction, shall be supported by
foundation walls or piers which extend below the frost line or to solid rock.
Exterior Walls
3.10. Exterior walls of a dwelling and their components, including soffits, fascia,
shall be maintained in good repair free from cracked, broken or loose masonry
units, stucco, and other defective cladding, or trim. Paint or some other suitable
preservative or coating must be applied and maintained so as to prevent
deterioration due to weather conditions, insects or other damage.
3.11. Exterior walls of a dwelling and their components shall be free of unauthorized
signs, painted slogans, graffiti and similar defacements.
Windows and Doors
3.12. Windows, doors, skylights and basement or cellar hatchways shall be
maintained in good repair, weather tight and reasonably draught-free, to
prevent heat loss and infiltration by the elements. Maintenance includes
painting, replacing damaged door frames and other components, window
frames, sashes and casings, replacement of non-serviceable hardware and
reglazing where necessary. Where screening is provided on windows and doors
it shall also be maintained in good repair.
3.13. In a dwelling unit, all windows that are intended to be opened and all exterior
door shall have a suitable hardware so as to allow locking or otherwise securing
from inside the dwelling unit. At least on entrance to a dwelling unit shall have
suitable hardware so as to permit locking or securing from either inside or
outside the dwelling unit.
3.14. Solid core doors shall be provided for all entrances to dwelling and dwelling
units.
3.15. In residential buildings where there is a voice communication unit working in
conjunction with a security locking and release system controlling a particular
entrance door and installed between individual dwelling units and a secured
entrance area, they said system shall be maintained in good working order at all
times.
3.16. Every window in a leased dwelling unit that is located above the first storey of
a multiple dwelling shall be equipped with an approved safety device that would
prevent any part of the window from opening greater than would permit the
passage of a 100mm diameter (3.9 inches) sphere. Such safety device shall not
prevent the window from being fully opened during an emergency situation by
an adult without the use of tools.
Roofs
3.17. Roofs of dwellings and their components shall be maintained in a weather
tight condition, free from loose or unsecured objects or materials.
3.18. The roofs of dwellings and accessory buildings shall be kept clear of
accumulations of ice or snow or both.
3.19. Where eaves troughing, roof gutters, are provided they shall be kept in good
repair, free from obstructions and properly secured to the building.
Walls, Ceilings and Floors
3.20. Every wall, ceiling and floor in a dwelling shall be maintained so as to provide
a continuous surface free of holes, cracks, loose coverings or other defects.
Walls surrounding showers and bathtubs shall be impervious to water.
3.21. Every floor in a dwelling shall be reasonably smooth and level and maintained
so as to be free of all loose, warped, protruding broken, or rotten boards or
other material that might cause an accident or allow the entrance of rodents
and other vermin or insects.
3.22. Every floor in a bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, shower room, and laundry
room shall be maintained so as to be impervious to water and readily cleaned.
Stairs, Porches and Balconies
3.23. Inside and outside stairs, porches and landings shall be maintained so as to be
free of holes, cracks and other defects which may constitute accident hazards.
Existing stair treads or risers that show excessive wear or are broken, warped or
loose and supporting structural members that are rotted or deteriorated shall be
repaired or replaced.
Guardrails
3.24. A guard shall be installed and maintained in good repair on the open side of
any stairway or ramp containing three (3) or more risers including the landing or
a height of 600mm (24 inches) between adjacent levels. A handrail shall be
installed and maintained in good repair in all stairwells. Guardrails shall be
installed and maintained in good repair around all landings, porches, balconies.
Guardrails, balustrades and handrails shall be constructed and maintained rigid
in nature.
Kitchens
3.25. Every dwelling shall contain a kitchen area equipped with:
3.25.1. A sink that is served with hot and cold running water, if the dwelling unit
is provided with running water. The sink must be surrounded by surfaces
impervious to grease and water;
3.25.2. Suitable storage area of not less than 0.23 cubic meters (8 cubic feet);
3.25.3. A counter or work area at least 610mm (2ft) in width by 1,220mm (4ft)
in length, exclusive of the sink, and covered with a material that is
impervious to moisture and grease and is easily cleanable; and
3.25.4. A space provided for cooking and refrigeration appliances including the
suitable electrical or gas connections.
Toilet and Bathroom Facilities
3.26. Every dwelling unit provided with running water, shall contain a bathroom
consisting of at least one fully operational water closet, washbasin, and a
bathtub or suitable shower unit. Every washbasin and bathtub or shower shall
have an adequate supply of hot and cold running water. Every water closet shall
have a suitable supply of running water.
3.27. Every required bathroom or toilet room shall be accessible from within the
dwelling unit and shall be fully enclosed and provided with a door capable of
being locked so as to allow for privacy for the persons using said room.
3.28. Where toilet or bathroom facilities are shared by occupants of residential
accommodation, other than self-contained dwelling units, an appropriate
entrance shall be provided from a common passageway, corridor or other
common space to the room or rooms containing the said facilities.
Plumbing
3.29. Every washbasin, a bathtub or shower, and one kitchen sink shall be equipped
with an adequate supply of hot and cold running water, if the dwelling is
provided with running water. Hot water shall be supplied at a temperature of
not less than 43 degrees Celsius (110F).
3.30. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with an adequate supply of potable water
from a source approved by the Medical Officer of Health.
3.31. All plumbing, including drains, water supply pipes, water closets and other
plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in good working condition free of leaks
and defects and all water pipes and appurtenances thereto shall be protected
from freezing.
3.32. All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to the sewage system through water
seal traps.
3.33. Every fixture shall be of such materials, construction and design as will ensure
that the exposed surface of all parts are hard, smooth, impervious to hot and
cold water, readily accessible for cleansing and free from blemishes, cracks,
stains, or other defects that may harbor germs or impede thorough cleaning.
Electrical Service
3.34. Every dwelling and dwelling unit that has electrical service shall be wired for
electricity and shall be connected to an approved electrical supply system.
3.35. The electrical wiring, fixtures, switches, receptacles, and appliances located or
used in dwelling, dwelling units and accessory buildings shall be installed and
maintained in good working order so as not to cause a fire or electrical shock
hazards. All electrical services shall conform to the regulations establishing by
the Powerland Corporations Act, as amended.
3.36. Every habitable room in a dwelling unit shall have at least one electrical duplex
outlet for each 11.1 square metres (120 sq. ft) of floor space and for each
additional 9.3 square metres (100 sq. ft) of floor area, a second duplex outlet
shall be provided. Extension cords shall not be used on a permanent basis.
3.37. Every bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, laundry room, furnace room, basement,
cellar and non-habitable work or storage room shall be provided with a
permanent light fixture.
3.38. Lighting fixtures and appliances installed throughout a dwelling unit, including
hallways, stairways, corridors, passage ways, garages and basements, shall
provide sufficient illumination so as to avoid health or accident hazards in
normal use.
Heating, Heating Systems, Chimneys and Vents
3.39. Every dwelling and building containing a residential dwelling unit or units shall
be provided with suitable heating facilities capable of maintaining an indoor
ambient temperature of 21 degrees Celsius (70F) in the occupied dwelling unit.
The heating system shall be maintained in good working condition so as to be
capable of safely heating the individual dwelling unit to the required standard.
3.40. All fuel burning appliances, equipment, and accessories in a dwelling shall be
installed and maintained to the standards provided by the Energy Act, as
amended or other applicable legislation.
3.41. Where a heating system or part thereof that requires solid or liquid fuel to
operate, a place or receptacle for such fuel shall be provided and maintained in
a safe condition and in a convenient location so as to be free from fire or
accidental hazard.
3.42. Every dwelling shall be so constructed or otherwise separated to prevent the
passage of smoke, fumes, and gases from that part of the dwelling which is not
used, designed or intended to be used for human habitation into other parts of
the dwelling used for habitation. Such separations shall conform to the Ontario
Building Code.
3.43. All fuel burning appliances, equipment, and accessories in a dwelling shall be
properly vented to the outside air by means of a smoke-pipe, vent pipe,
chimney flue or other approved method.
3.44. Every chimney, smoke-pipe, flue and vent shall be installed and maintained in
good repair so as to prevent the escape of smoke, fumes or gases from entering
a dwelling unit. Maintenance includes the removal of all obstructions, sealing
open joints, and the repair of loose or broken masonry unit.
3.45. Every chimney, smoke-pipe, flue and vent shall be installed and maintained in
good condition so as to prevent the heating of adjacent combustible material or
structural member to unsafe temperatures.
Fire Escapes, Alarms and Detectors
3.46. A listed fire alarm and a fire detection system, approved by the Canadian
Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, shall be provided
by the owners of buildings or residential occupancies where sleeping
accommodations are provided for more than ten (10) persons, except that such
systems need not be provided where a public corridor or exit serves not more
than four (4) dwelling units or individual leased sleeping rooms.
3.47. In addition to the provisions of Article 3.46 hereof, in every dwelling unit in a
building, a listed smoke alarm, approved by the Canadian Standards Association
or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, or detectors of the single station alarm
type, audible within bedrooms when intervening doors are closed, shall be
installed by the occupant between bedrooms or the sleeping area and the
remainder of the dwelling unit, such as in hallway or corridor serving such
bedrooms or sleeping area. The products of combustion detector referred shall
be:
3.47.1. Equipped with visual or audio indication that they are in operating
condition;
3.47.2. Mounted on the ceiling or on a wall between 152.4 and 304.8mm (6 to
12 inches) below the ceiling.
3.48. Buildings using a fire escape as a secondary means of egress shall have the
escape in good condition, free from obstructions and easily reached through an
openable window or door.
Egress
3.49. Every dwelling and each dwelling unit contained therein shall have a safe,
continuous and unobstructed passage from the interior of the dwelling and the
dwelling unit to the outside at street or grade level.
3.50. Every dwelling containing more than one dwelling unit shall have at least two
(2) exits, both of which may be common or the one of which may be common
and the other may be an exterior stair or fire escape. Access to the stairs or fire
escape shall be free from corridors through doors at floor level, except access
from a dwelling unit may be through a vertically mounted casement window
have an unobstructed opening of not less than 1,067 by 599 mm (42 x 22
inches) with a sill height of not more than 914mm, (36 inches), above the inside
floor. A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit where the path of egress is
through an exterior door located at or near ground level and access to such exit
is not through a room not under the immediate control of the occupants of the
dwelling unit.
Natural Lights
3.51. Every habitable room except a kitchen, bathroom or toilet room shall have a
window or windows, skylights or translucent panels facing directly or indirectly
to an outside space and admits as much natural light equal to not less than ten
percent of the floor area for living and dining rooms and five percent of the floor
area for bedrooms and other finished rooms.
Ventilation
3.52. Every habitable room in a dwelling unit, including kitchens, bathroom or toilet
rooms, shall have openings for ventilation providing an unobstructed free flow of
air of at least .28 square metres (3 sq. ft), or an approved system of mechanical
ventilation such that provide hourly air exchanges.
3.53. All system of mechanical ventilation shall be maintained in good working order.
3.54. All enclosed areas including basements, cellars, crawl spaces and attics or roof
spaces shall be adequately ventilated.
Elevating Devices
3.55. Elevators and other elevating devices including all mechanical and electrical
equipment, lighting fixtures, lamps, control buttons, floor indicators, ventilation
fans, and emergency communication systems shall be operational and
maintained in good condition.
Disconnected Utilities
3.56. Owners of residential buildings or any person or persons acting on behalf of
such owner shall not disconnect or cause to be disconnected any service or
utility supplying heat, electricity, gas, refrigeration or water to any residential
unit or building occupied by a tenant or lessee, except for such reasonable
period of time as may be necessary for the purpose of repairing, replacing, or
otherwise altering said service or utility.
Occupancy Standards
3.57. The number of occupants, residing on a permanent basis in a individual
dwelling unit, shall not exceed one person for every nine square meters (97 sq.
ft.), of habitable floor area. For the purpose of computing habitable floor area,
any area with the minimum height less than 2.1 metres (7 ft.) shall not be
considered.
3.58. No room shall be used for sleeping purposes unless it has a minimum width of
two metres (6.6 ft.), and a floor area of at least seven square metres (75 sq.
ft.). A room used for sleeping purposes by two or more persons shall have a
floor area of at least four square metres (43 sq. ft.) per person.
3.59. Any basement, or portion thereof, used as a dwelling unit shall conform to the
following requirements:
3.59.1. Each habitable room shall comply with all the requirements set out in this
By-Law;
3.59.2. Floors and walls shall be constructed so as to be damp proof and
impervious to water leakage; and
3.59.3. Each habitable room shall be separated from service rooms by a suitable
fire separation and approved under the Ontario Building Code;
3.59.4. Access to each habitable room shall be gained without passage through a
service room.
Part 4 - Vacant Lands and Building
Vacant Lands and Building
4.1. All repairs and maintenance of property shall be carried out with suitable and
sufficient materials and in a manner accepted as good workmanship within the
trades concerned. All new construction or repairs shall conform to the Ontario
Building Code where applicable.
Vacant Lands
4.2. Vacant land shall be maintained to the standards as described in Part 2, Articles
2.2 and 2.3, of this By-Law.
Vacant Buildings
4.3. Vacant buildings shall be kept cleared of all garbage, rubbish and debris and
shall have all water, electrical and gas services turned off except for those
services that are required for the security and maintenance of the property.
4.4. The owner or agent of a vacant building shall board up the building to the
satisfaction of the Property Standards Officer by covering all opening through
which entry may be obtained with at least 12.7mm (0.5 inches) weatherproof
sheet plywood securely fastened to the building and painted a colour compatible
with the surrounding walls.
Part 5 - Non-Residential Property Standards
5.1. All repairs and maintenance of property shall be carried out with suitable and
sufficient materials and in a manner accepted as good workmanship within the
trades concerned. All new construction or repairs shall conform to the Ontario
Building Code where applicable.
Yards
5.2. The yards of non-residential property shall be maintained to the standards as
described in Part 2, Articles 2.2 and 2.3 of this By-Law.
5.3. The warehousing or storage of material or operative equipment that is required
for the continuing operation of the industrial or commercial aspect of the
property shall be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion so as not to create a
fire or accident hazard or any unsightly condition and shall provide unobstructed
access for emergency vehicles. Where conditions are such that a neat and
orderly fashion is achieved but is still offensive to view, the offensive area shall
be suitably enclosed by a solid wall or a painted board or metal fence not less
than 1.8 meters (6 ft.) in height and maintained in good repair.
Parking Area and Driveway
5.4. All areas used for vehicular traffic and parking shall have a surface covering of
asphalt, concrete, or compacted stone or gravel and shall be kept in good repair
free of dirt and litter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, non-residential properties
which abut residential properties, all areas used for vehicular traffic and parking
shall have a surface covering of asphalt, or similar hard surface.
5.5. All areas used for vehicular traffic, parking spaces and other similar areas shall
be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather
conditions.
Structural Soundness
5.6. Every part of a building structure shall be maintained in sound condition so as
to be capable of safely sustaining is own weight load and any additional load to
which it may be subjected through normal use, having a level of safety required
by the Ontario Building Code. Structural members or materials that have been
damaged or indicate evidence of deterioration shall be repaired or replaced.
5.7. Walls, roof, and other exterior parts of a building or structure shall be free from
loose or improperly secured objects or materials.
Exterior Walls
5.8. Exterior walls of a building or a structure and their components, including
soffits, fascia, windows, and doors, shall be maintained in good repair free from
cracked, broken or loose masonry units, stucco, and other defective cladding, or
trim. Paint or some other suitable preservative or coating must be applied and
maintained so as to prevent deterioration due to weather conditions, insects or
other damage.
5.9. Exterior walls of a building or a structure and their components, shall be free of
unauthorized signs, painted slogans, graffiti and similar defacements.
Guardrails
5.10. A guard shall be installed and maintained in good repair on the open side of
any stairway or ramp containing three (3) or more risers including the landing or
a height of 600mm (24 inches) between adjacent levels. A handrail shall be
installed and maintained in good repair in all stairwells. Guardrails shall be
installed and maintained in good repair around all landings, porches, balconies.
Guardrails, balustrades and handrails shall be constructed and maintained rigid
in nature.
Lighting
5.11. All non-residential establishments shall install and maintain sufficient window,
skylights, and lighting fixtures necessary for the safety of all persons attending
the premises or as may be required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act
for industrial and commercial properties. However, lighting shall not be
positioned so as to cause any impairment of use of enjoyment of neighbouring
properties.
Part 6 - Administration and Enforcement
6.1. This By-Law shall apply to all property within the limits of the municipality.
6.2. The imperial measurements contained in this By-Law are given for reference
only.
Officers
6.3. The Council of the municipality shall appoint a Property Standards Officer (s) to
be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this By-Law.
Property Standards Committee
6.4. Council shall appoint at large, a By-Law, no fewer than three (3) persons of the
municipality to the Property Standards Committee for a term of office of one (1)
year.
6.5. Each member of the Property Standards Committee, appointed by Council, shall
be entitled to a per diem equal to the "special meeting fee" in existence for
members of Council.
6.6. Every person who initiates an appeal of an Order made section 15.2(2) of the
Ontario Building Code Act, S.O.1992, c23 shall submit a Notice of Appeal in the
time frame and the manner as prescribed in section 15.3(1) of the Act. All
Notices of Appeal shall be accompanied by a non-refundable payment of two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00).
Compliance
6.7. The Owner of any property which does not conform to the standards as set out
in this By-Law shall repair and/or maintain said property to comply with the
standards or the property shall be cleared of all buildings, structures, debris or
refuse and left in a levelled and graded condition.
Validity
6.8. If an article of this By-Law is for any reason held to be invalid, the remaining
articles shall remain in effect until repealed.
6.9. Where a provision of this By-Law conflicts with the provision of another by-law
in force within the municipality, the provisions that establish the higher
standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public shall
prevail.
Transitional Rules
6.10. After the date of the passing of this by-law, By-Law No. 15-1980, as amended,
of the former Township of Dummer shall apply only to those properties in which
an Order to Comply has been issued prior to the date of passing of this by-law
and then only to such properties until such time as the work required by such
Order has been completed or any enforcement proceedings with respect to such
Order, including any demolition, clearance, or repair carried out by the
municipality shall have been concluded.
Title
6.11. This By-Law may be referred to as "The Property Standards By-Law".
Repealed By-Laws
6.12. By-Law No.15-1980, as amended, of the former Township of Dummer shall be
repealed immediately subsequent to this by-law coming into full force and
effect, subject to the provisions in Section 6.10 of this by-law.
Passed in open Council this 20th day of December, 1999.
Original Signed
Reeve
Original Signed
Clerk