What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the City of Waterloo, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by Lot Maintenance Bylaw No. 2011-123 (consolidated, last amended by By-law 2023-098) and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-18. Standards: Undesirable material on a Lot or adjacent Boulevard is prohibited; Naturalized Areas must not encroach, must be maintained, and need a Buffer Strip. Enforcement: Director may order discontinuance or corrective work; City may do work at the person's expense and recover costs with 15 per cent interest and lien.
Lot Maintenance Bylaw No. 2011-123 (consolidated, last amended by By-law 2023-098)
adopted bylaw
standards
Undesirable material on a Lot or adjacent Boulevard is prohibited; Naturalized Areas must not encroach, must be maintained, and need a Buffer Strip.
s. 2.1, s. 2.3, s. 2.4
enforcement
Director may order discontinuance or corrective work; City may do work at the person's expense and recover costs with 15 per cent interest and lien.
s. 9(a), s. 10(a), s. 11(a), s. 11(b), s. 11(c)
scout note
Prohibits undesirable material on lots: refuse, weeds over 20cm, inoperative/unplated vehicles, restricts firewood storage and compost placement, limits uncovered fill to 30 days without a permit.
No person shall use or occupy property that does not conform to the standards; no owner shall fail to maintain property in conformity.
s. 3.1; s. 3.2
enforcement
A Property Standards Officer may order repairs or clearance; if not complied with, the City may repair, clean, clear or demolish at the owner's expense and lien the land.
s. 13.2.1(c); s. 13.4.1; s. 13.4.4
scout note
Minimum property maintenance/occupancy standards: structural soundness, drainage/landscaping, heat/lighting/pest control for rental units, heritage-property preservation; inspection, order and appeal process.
Vacant buildings must be secured against unauthorized entry; buildings damaged by fire must be secured forthwith of release; no owner or occupant shall have undesirable material on their Lot.
s. 2.1; s. 3.1; s. 5.1
enforcement
Officer may order securing; City may secure if owner fails or unacceptable safety risk without prior notice; work at owner's expense; unpaid costs added to tax roll.
s. 4.1; s. 4.6; s. 4.7; s. 6.1; s. 6.2
scout note
Lets city officers order owners to secure vacant/fire-damaged buildings against entry within 2-5 business days; city may do the work and recover costs via the tax roll; fines up to $5,000.