Property maintenance — Woodstock, Ontario

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

In the City of Woodstock, Ontario, standards: Vacant buildings unsecured against unauthorized entry, not registered after 60 consecutive days vacant, or failing owner duties (insurance, monthly inspection, utility disconnection after 90 days).; enforcement: Officer may issue order to discontinue or do corrective work; City may carry out work at owner's expense, recover costs as property taxes plus 15% annual interest.. Source: By-law 9611-23 - To Regulate Vacant Buildings, verified 2026-08-29.

By-law 9611-23 - To Regulate Vacant Buildings adopted bylaw
standards Vacant buildings unsecured against unauthorized entry, not registered after 60 consecutive days vacant, or failing owner duties (insurance, monthly inspection, utility disconnection after 90 days). s. 3.1; s. 4.1(iii); "vacant buildings that are not secured against unauthorized entry constitute public nuisances"
enforcement Officer may issue order to discontinue or do corrective work; City may carry out work at owner's expense, recover costs as property taxes plus 15% annual interest. s. 6.5; s. 6.6
scout note

Stand-alone by-law imposing registration, securing and maintenance obligations on owners of vacant buildings to prevent unsightly/dangerous premises.

Chapter 0722 - Fences - Height - Description adopted bylaw

Sets permitted fence heights, materials and placement on residential/commercial lots citywide.

Chapter 0724 - Fences - Vacant - Commercial/Industrial Property - Within BIA adopted bylaw

Requires fencing/screening of vacant commercial or industrial properties within the Business Improvement Area.

Chapter 0745 - Maintenance - Occupancy Standards adopted bylaw

The City's property-standards by-law: minimum maintenance/occupancy standards for buildings and yards, unsightly-premises enforcement, and order-to-comply/fine provisions.

Chapter 0748 - Vacant Building Registry adopted bylaw

Requires owners of vacant buildings to register with the City and meet security/maintenance conditions.

Chapter 0771 - Yards - Lots - Clearing adopted bylaw

Requires owners to keep yards/vacant lots clear of long grass, weeds, debris and junk; authorizes City clearing and cost recovery.

Machine-readable: property-maintenance.json · Official website: http://www.cityofwoodstock.ca/ · Last verified 2026-08-29 · Property maintenance in other municipalities