This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 345d9ce9ad52 · verified 2026-06-10 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
#### By-Laws in Numerical Sequence
Sarnia's Municipal By-Laws are available in numerical sequence by year issued.
For a complete understanding of the City's By-Laws it is always best to speak directly with Staff. If you have any questions regarding City By-Laws, please email [email protected] or call 519-332-0330 extension 3320.
#### Commonly Requested By-Laws
The following is a list of commonly requested By-Laws. Please be aware that By-Laws are amended from time to time, as circumstances change. The short descriptions following are for general information only. As the By-Laws are updated, a new version, with amendments inserted, is published on this page.
By-Laws are enforced by the Sarnia Police Service outside of regular business hours. Please call 519-332-0330 (or 226-472-1150 direct) for after-hours service.
## Adjoining Land
To permit an owner or occupant of any building, fence or other structure to enter upon any adjoining land for the purpose of making repairs, alterations or improvements. By-law sets out steps to be followed.
Online Document
## Animal Control
Regulate keeping of rabbits, pigeons, domestic fowl (chickens), kennel licence, restricted animals, commercial dog kennel.
Online Document
## Backflow Prevention
This By-Law and Control Program will regulate cross connections and backflow prevention on plumbing systems as required, to protect the City's drinking water supply and distribution system from contamination.
Online Document
## Building By-law
Under the Building Code Act, 1992, as amended, respecting permits for construction demolition and change of use or transfer of permits, inspections and related matters.
Online Document
## Parking & Traffic
Regulates traffic and the parking of motor vehicles within the limits of the City of Sarnia on municipal highways, municipal parking lots and private property; also outlines Schedule of Fines applicable to offences under the by-law.
(NOTE: A consolidated copy of this by-law is not available on the website due to its size.)
## Burning (Open Air)
Sets out rules and regulations regarding fires in the open in the City of Sarnia.
Online Document
## Business Licencing
Respecting the licensing and regulations of various businesses.
Online Document
## Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct for members of Council of the municipality and of local boards of the municipality.
Online Document
## Development Charges
Charges against land, payable by a developer, to pay for increased capital costs required because of increased needs for servicing arising from development, so as to not place an undue financial burden on the City or its taxpayers.
Online Document
## Dogs & Cats
Regulating the licensing of dog(s) and the owner's responsibilities of keeping dog(s) or cat(s).
Online Document
## Fees
Establishes fees for various Permits, Services and Privileges.
Online Document
## Fences
Regulations to construct, erect, maintain, keep or permit within the City of Sarnia any fence that is in contravention of any provisions of the Fence by-law.
Online Document
## Firearms & Bows
Regulates the use of firearms and archery equipment in defined areas of the Municipality.
Online Document
## Fireworks
Regulates the sale of fireworks and prohibits the sale of same on any days during the year specified in the by-law, and prohibits or regulates the setting off of fireworks or any class thereof and for requiring a permit for the holding of fireworks displays and prescribes the conditions under which fireworks displays may be held.
Online Document
## Garbage / Waste Collection
By-law for establishing and maintaining a system for the collection, removal and disposal of garbage and other refuse.
Online Document
## Holiday and Sunday Openings
Permits retail business establishments to be open on holidays as defined in the by-law and within the meaning of the Regulations passed pursuant to the Retail Business Holidays Act.
Online Document
## Idling Control
Prohibits the operation of a vehicle engine while the vehicle is not
Online Document
## Lot Maintenance
Provides property standards by regulating for the maintenance, clearing and cleaning of land.Commonly Requested By-Laws
Online Document
## Noise
(This By-Law is enforced by Sarnia Police) Provides for, to the extent possible, an environment free from unusual, unnecessary or excessive noise which may unreasonably degrade the quality and tranquility of life and cause a nuisance. The by-law also sets out time schedules, zoning definitions and certain exemptions.
Online Document
## Property Standards
Prescribes standards for the maintenance and occupancy of property providing definitions as well as general requirements.
Online Document
## Parks
Defines the City's Parks, with respect to the use, regulation, protection and government of parks under the City of Sarnia.
Online Document
## Procedure By-law
Provides the rules governing the proceedings of Council and the conduct of its members.
Online Document
## Water Regulations & Lawn Watering
Establishes and regulates the rules for the collection, production, treatment, storage, supply and distribution of water within the City; sets out permitted lawn water schedule.
Online Document
## Sewer Use
To prohibit, regulate and control, the discharge of waters and wastes into any body of water within the Municipality or into the Municipal Sanitary Sewers, Sewer System or Sewage Treatment Works.
Online Document
## Signs
Prohibiting or regulating of signs and other advertising devices or any class or classes thereof within the City of Sarnia.
Online Document
## Streets
Interpretation, enforcement and other such matters.
Online Document
## Swimming Pools
Requires owners of privately-owned outdoor swimming pools and ponds to erect and maintain fences and gates around such swimming pools and ponds and for the issuance of a permit.
Online Document
## Zoning
The Zoning By-law establishes and regulates the use of land by implementing the policies of the City's Official Plan.
Online Document
## Transit Area
Transit Special Service Area Rate for the provision of public bus transportation services to the municipality.
Online Document
## City Trees
Regulating the planting, maintenance and removal of trees on municipal property.
Online Document