Property maintenance — Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?

In the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by Property Standards By-law No. 2012-9 and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-18. Enforcement: If order not complied with, municipality may cause required work to be done at person's cost; costs recoverable by action or tax roll.

Property Standards By-law No. 2012-9 adopted bylaw
standards Failure to maintain property per by-law; yards with dilapidated buildings/unprotected wells; outdoor storage of unused materials; garbage/waste on porches; overgrowth. s. 2.01(1); s. 2.02(a)-(b); s. 2.03(1); s. 2.04(1); s. 2.05(1)
enforcement If order not complied with, municipality may cause required work to be done at person's cost; costs recoverable by action or tax roll. s. 8.2(3)
scout note

Sets minimum property-maintenance standards for buildings and yards, addressing unsightly and unsafe premises; enforceable via order to remedy.

Vacant Building By-law No. 2023-110 adopted bylaw
standards Vacant building not secure from unauthorized entry. s. 4.1.1
enforcement Officer may order building secured or demolished; if not complied, City may secure/demolish at owner's expense. s. 4.5.1; s. 6.1.1
scout note

Requires registration and securing/maintenance of vacant buildings within the City to prevent unsightly or dangerous conditions.

Yard Maintenance By-law No. 2012-10 adopted bylaw
standards Yards, including vacant lots, must be clean and free from turfgrass over 20 cm, unsafe weeds/undergrowth/trees/refuse/holes, broken glass, inoperative vehicles, dilapidated structures/fences, discarded appliances, construction/demolition material. Every yard, including vacant lots shall be kept clean and free from:
enforcement City may issue written notice/order of breach, allow at least seven days to comply, then enter and perform work at owner's expense; costs/admin fees due and recoverable like municipal taxes; may also prosecute and fine under the Provincial Offences Act. s. 4(a); s. 6; s. 7; s. 8
scout note

Requires owners/occupants to keep yards free of junk, debris and long grass/weeds; addresses unsightly conditions on private property.

Machine-readable: property-maintenance.json · Official website: https://saultstemarie.ca/ · Last verified 2026-10-18 · Property maintenance across Ontario · Property maintenance in other municipalities