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# By-Law Enforcement
The Township of Hamilton is committed to providing a professional By-law Enforcement process, in a timely manner. You play an important role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.
## Frequently Requested By-laws
By-laws are laws created by local governments to plan, govern, and maintain safety within communities. The by-laws of the Township of Hamilton administer and regulate activities within the boundaries of the Township.
Below are some of the most frequently requested by-laws. For certified copies or to access a by-law not listed here, please contact our Corporate Services Department.
This By-law regulates the registration and regulations of dogs and prohibits the running at large of animals within the Township of Hamilton. Read the complete Animal Control By-law.
Certified St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs living in the Township of Hamilton are still required to be licensed, but the dog tag fee is waived. To qualify, the dog must be officially trained, certified, and registered through the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.
This By-law regulates the control of noise in the Township of Hamilton, including prohibitions by time and place as well as grant of exemption by Council.
Read the complete Noise By-law.
The Township of Hamilton has an Open Air Burning By-law in place to help protect people, property, and the environment.
Whether you're planning a small campfire or a controlled burn, please take a moment to review the by-law to ensure your fire is permitted and that you're following all safety requirements.
Learn more about Open Air Burning on our Fire Inspection and Burn Permits webpage.
The Township of Hamilton ensures that parking regulations are met according to By-Law 2026-19. To pay a parking ticket received from the Township of Hamilton:
* Write the number of the Parking Infraction Notice on the front of your cheque or money order and make it payable to Hamilton Township.
* Mail your payment with the green notice to:
+ Township of Hamilton
PO Box 1060 Cobourg
ON K9A 4W5
* Deliver payment to the Township of Hamilton Office at 8285 Majestic Hills Drive, Cobourg, ON. A secure drop-box located in the Township Office main doors is available outside of regular office hours.
Dishonoured cheques will be subject to an administrative charge. An administrative fee is payable if the fine goes into default and the information may be provided to a credit bureau. Please allow sufficient time for your payment to be delivered.
Read the complete Parking By-law.
The Township of Hamilton's Property Standards By-law sets out the minimum standards for the maintenance and upkeep of buildings, yards, and properties.
Read the complete Property Standards By-law.
## Do you have a Property Standards or other By-law concern?
By providing a signed and completed complaint form, municipal staff are given the authority to enter upon lands at any reasonable time to investigate the validity of each complaint. Complaints deemed to be retaliatory in nature or frivolous and vexatious will not be acted upon.
## Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) System
The Township of Hamilton has implemented an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) System to simplify the resolution process for designated By-law violations including Parking and Pool Enclosures. AMPS offers an efficient and user-friendly approach, to the management of By-law infractions, thereby reducing reliance on the Provincial Offences Act and the regional court system.
This new process is designed to be straightforward. Recipients of these notices will have two options - either pay the penalty or request a Screening appointment to have the matter reviewed by a Screening Officer. This simple and efficient process aims to ensure that concerns or disputes can be easily addressed.
Should a violation recipient disagree with the outcome of the Screening Officer's decision, they retain the option to further dispute and have their matter reviewed by a Hearing Officer. Final decisions rendered by the Hearing Officer will be binding.
You can request a Screening or Hearing appointment, by completing the online form or by submitting a written request.
### Current By-laws administered by the AMP system
The Township of Hamilton ensures that parking regulations are met according to By-Law 2026-19.
Some parking penalties include but are not limited to:
* Parking in a designated accessible parking spot without permit
* Parking so as to interfere with snow clearing
* Parking overnight from November 15 to April 15
* Parking on Municipal property for longer than 24 hours
Please refer to theAMPS By-lawfor the complete list of administrative penalties.
The Municipal Pool Enclosure By-law requires a 5-foot-high enclosure (fence) surrounding every pool that holds more than 0.6 metres (24 inches) of water. Failing to construct an enclosure and/or obtain a pool enclosure permit will result in an AMP penalty notice being issued to the property owner.
Penalties include:
* Construction or installation of a pool without a permit
* Filling a pool without the proper enclosure (fence)
* Filling a pool without inspection and approval of the enclosure (fence)
* Removing any part of the enclosure (fence) while the pool is filled
* Altering or replacing the enclosure (fence) without permit
Payment for AMP Penalties
Payment for AMP penalties can be paid by:
* Paid in person at the Township Office at 8285 Majestic Hills Drive, or
* Mailed to:
+ Township of Hamilton
PO Box 1060 Cobourg
ON K9A 4W5
A secure drop-box located in the Township Office main doors is available outside of regular office hours. Cheques and bank drafts must be made out to 'Hamilton Township'.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AMPS
What are Administrative Penalties?
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) are financial penalties that can be imposed on individuals or entities for by-law infractions. AMPS are used as an alternative to the judicial system, providing a more efficient way to enforce By-laws.
Why make the change?
The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) transfers By-law disputes from the courtroom to the Township using Screening and Hearing Officers who can modify, cancel, or confirm penalties. This approach aides in reducing congestion in the courts as well as providing a more local and accessible dispute resolution system in a manner that is fair, effective, and efficient.
What is a Penalty Notice?
A Penalty Notice is an official document issued by the Township when a By-law infraction is identified. The notice includes details of the alleged violation, specifies the amount of the monetary penalty, and provides instructions on how to pay or dispute the Notice.
How are Penalty Notices Issued?
Penalty Notices are issued by employees appointed as Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers when they observe or become aware of a designated By-law infraction. Notices can be delivered by mail, in person, or electronically, and include all relevant details regarding the violation and the penalty amount.
Who is the Screening Officer?
Screening Officers are impartial Township employees who are appointed to provide exceptional customer service that promotes compliance with rules and regulations when screening (reviewing) and resolving disputes. A Screening Officer cannot be the same individual who issued the Penalty Notice.
What if I disagree with a screening review decision?
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Screening Review, you can request a Hearing Review as a final appeal. A Hearing Review is a formal process where additional information/evidence can be presented. You can submit a Hearing Review Request after the Screening Review or before the payment due date specified on the Penalty Notice. If an extension was granted by the Screening Officer, you must submit the request before the extended deadline.
Who and what is a Hearing Officer?
The Hearing Officer is a key role within the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), responsible for reviewing decisions made by the Screening Officer regarding designated By-law infractions. They conduct hearings in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedures Act ensuring fair treatment and due process for all parties. Hearing Officers have the authority to make final and binding decisions on whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty amounts and/or time to pay the penalty notice.
Can I request a Hearing if I have not previously requested a Screening?
No. You must go through the Screening process prior to requesting a Hearing.
When and where are Screenings and Hearings held?
Screening reviews are informal and may be conducted electronically (phone or video platform) or in person at the Municipal office with a Screening Officer. A Screening Officer can make decisions on whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty amounts and/or time to pay the penalty notice. If an individual disagrees with the decision of a screening officer they may request a hearing of their matter. A hearing is only available after a screening has been conducted.
Screenings and Hearings are scheduled on specific dates, and you will receive advance notice of your scheduled date, time, from the Township office.
Can someone else request a screening or hearing review on my behalf?
You may authorize someone to act and appear on your behalf at a Screening or Hearing Review. You are required to identify the authorized representative and acknowledge that you are ultimately responsible for paying the penalty and any associated administrative costs.
What happens if I miss my screening or hearing appointment?
If you fail to appear for a screening or hearing review you will be required to pay a non-appearance administrative fee in addition to the penalty amount and any other administrative fees. You will also forfeit your right to be heard, and the administrative penalty will not be subject to any further review.
Can I dispute a Penalty Notice after I have already paid it?
A Penalty Notice cannot be disputed once it has been paid. If a request for a Screening or Hearing Review has already been submitted, the request will be canceled upon receipt of payment.
What happens if a Penalty Notice is not paid by the due date?
An additional late payment fee of $25.00 will be added to the original penalty.
What happens if I do not pay my parking ticket within 30 days?
The Township of Hamilton:
1. May for any contravention respecting the parking, standing or stopping of vehicles, notify the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or the Ministry of the Attorney General (the "Ministry") of the default after sixty (60) days, at which time the Ministry shall not validate the permit of the person named in the notice of default nor issue a new permit to the person until the Administrative Penalty and any applicable Administrative Fees for contraventions are paid to the Township; and/or
2. Shall add the amount to the tax roll of the property to which all of the owners are responsible for paying the Administrative Penalty and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes.
What happens if I do not pay my pool enclosure penalty within 30 days?
The Township shall add the amount to the tax roll of the property to which all of the owners are responsible for paying the Administrative Penalty and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes.
By-law Permits
Before submitting your application, please review the Pool Enclosure By-law to ensure your proposed fencing meets all requirements.
### Application requirements:
1. Site sketch or drawing showing:
* the location of the pool
* distances to property lines
* location of well and septic systems
Other documents or approvals that may be required prior to permit issuance.
1. Letter of Authorization.
2. Permit fee. Refer to By-law Fees and Charges.
**Important note:** If your property falls within a Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority regulated area, their approval is required before your permit can be issued.
Before submitting your application, please review the Refreshment Vehicle By-law to ensure you meet all licensing and operating requirements.
### Application requirements:
1. Completed Refreshment Vehicle Application form.
2. Certificate of approval from the Medical Officer of Health.
3. Certificate of approval from a certified propane company.
4. Certificate of approval from the Fire Department.
5. Letter of Authorization from property owner (if applicable).
6. Letter of consent from:
* Hamilton Township Public Works
* Northumberland County Roads Department or the Ministry of Transportation, if applicable.
7. Photograph and description of proposed refreshment vehicle.
8. Site sketch or drawing showing:
* the location of the vehicle.
* distances to property lines
9. Permit fee. Refer to By-law Fees and Charges.
Before submitting you application, please review the Sign By-law to ensure your proposed sign meets all the applicable requirements.
### Application requirements:
1. Site sketch or drawing showing:
* the location of sign.
* distance to property lines.
* location of well and septic system.
2. Other documents or approvals that may be required prior to permit issuance.
3. Setback permit issued by the County of Northumberland if your property is on a County Road.
4. Letter of Authorization, if someone if applying on your behalf.
5. Permit fee. Refer to By-law Fees and Charges.
**Important note:**If your property falls within a Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority regulated area, their approval is required before your permit can be issued.
Before submitting your application, please review the Site Alteration By-law to ensure your proposed changes to the finished grade of your property meet all the requirements.
### Application requirements:
1. Site Plan Control Agreement.
2. Letter of Authorization, if someone is applying on your behalf.
3. Other documents or approvals that may be required prior to permit issuance.
4. Permit fee. Refer to By-law Fees and Charges.
**Important note:**If your property falls within a Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority regulated area, their approval is required before your permit can be issued.
Cloudpermit
The Township of Hamilton now offers Cloudpermit, an easy-to-use online system for building permit applications.
With Cloudpermit, you can:
* Apply for permits anytime, from anywhere
* Track the status of your application in real time
* Start an application and finish it later
* Receive email updates and notifications
* Request building inspections online
Contact Us
8285 Majestic Hills Drive
P.O. Box 1060 Cobourg, On K9A 4W5
Phone: 905-342-2810
Fax: 905-342-2818
Email Us
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