What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the City of Sarnia, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by Lot Maintenance By-Law No. 75 of 2009 (Consolidated, incl. amendment 88 of 2020) and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-18. Enforcement: City may issue notice to remedy contravention; if required work not done, City may cause it to be done and recover costs by adding them to tax roll.
Lot Maintenance By-Law No. 75 of 2009 (Consolidated, incl. amendment 88 of 2020)
adopted bylaw
standards
Lands must be cleared of weeds/grass over 6 inches and refuse; excavations enclosed; water over 12 inches drained; refuse not deposited; surfaces/steps maintained; certain vehicle parking/bin placement prohibited.
ss. 3.1-3.12
enforcement
City may issue notice to remedy contravention; if required work not done, City may cause it to be done and recover costs by adding them to tax roll.
s. 7.1, 7.3
scout note
Requires owners/occupants to clean and clear land of refuse and debris and to cut long grass/weeds, with an exemption for defined naturalized gardens; enforceable via City clean-up with costs added to the tax roll.
Property Standards By-Law No. 81 of 2015
adopted bylaw
standards
Property not conforming to the by-law; refuse; health or safety hazards; graffiti on exterior building, wall, fence or structure.
s. 3(1); s. 5(2); s. 27(1)
enforcement
Officer may issue order; if repair/clearance not done, municipality may carry out repair or clearance at owner's expense; City may repair or demolish and recover costs by action or tax roll.
s. 29(1); s. 29(2)(c); s. 31(4); s. 31(8)
scout note
Prescribes minimum maintenance and occupancy standards for property and buildings city-wide under the Building Code Act (structural, plumbing, heating, unsafe conditions), enforceable through property standards officer orders to remedy.