What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the City of Welland, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by Clean Yards By-law No. 2019-135 (office consolidation Apr. 8, 2025) and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-18. Standards: Property must be clean and clear, free from refuse, unsafe conditions, pests, child-trapping containers, sharps, grass/weeds over 15 cm, and standing water. Enforcement: Officer may issue order to correct contravention; if default, City may do work at owner's expense and recover costs like municipal taxes.
Property must be clean and clear, free from refuse, unsafe conditions, pests, child-trapping containers, sharps, grass/weeds over 15 cm, and standing water.
s. 3.1; s. 3.6; s. 3.7; s. 3.8; s. 3.14
enforcement
Officer may issue order to correct contravention; if default, City may do work at owner's expense and recover costs like municipal taxes.
s. 4.1; s. 4.7; s. 4.9
scout note
Requires owners/occupants to keep land clean and clear of refuse/debris; provides for City remediation with cost recovery via the tax roll.
Nonconforming occupancy/use is prohibited; yards must be clean and free from dead/unsafe trees, excess soil, refuse, inoperative/broken vehicles, hazards, long grass/weeds over 6 inches, dilapidated structures, pests, and child-trapping appliances.
s. 4.2; s. 6.1.1
enforcement
Officer may order repairs or site clearance; if not complied, City may repair/demolish at owner's expense and lien land.
s. 14.3(b)-(c); s. 13.1; s. 13.3
scout note
Prescribes minimum maintenance and occupancy standards for property under the Building Code Act; enables municipal repair/demolition with a lien on the land.
Vacant Building Registry By-law No. 2025-
adopted bylaw
standards
Vacant buildings must be secured against unauthorized entry, kept free from garbage, rubbish and debris, and have combustible materials removed.
s. 4.1(a), 4.1(f), 4.1(g)
enforcement
By-law Enforcement Officer may issue an order to correct a contravention; if the owner defaults, the City may cause the work to be done at the owner's expense and recover costs, including by adding them to the tax roll.
s. 10.1; s. 10.8; s. 10.11
scout note
Establishes a registration system for vacant buildings in the City to address safety and nuisance concerns, with cost-recovery provisions.