Property maintenance — Woodstock, Ontario

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

The City of Woodstock, Ontario has 6 adopted bylaws on file: By-law 9611-23 - To Regulate Vacant Buildings; Chapter 0722 - Fences - Height - Description; Chapter 0724 - Fences - Vacant - Commercial/Industrial Property - Within BIA; Chapter 0745 - Maintenance - Occupancy Standards; Chapter 0748 - Vacant Building Registry; Chapter 0771 - Yards - Lots - Clearing, verified 2026-10-26.

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
standards Residential height limits: front yard 0.91 metres (3 feet) within 6 metres (20 feet) of street line; rear/interior side 2.13 metres (7 feet); corner visibility triangle 0.61 metres (2 feet). s. 722.4.5(a), (b); s. 722.4.6(a), (b), (d)
enforcement Unlawful highway fence/hedge removed and road restored at owner's expense; contravention liable to fine/penalty under Provincial Offences Act. s. 722.3.7; s. 722.7.1
scout note

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

Chapter 0724 - Fences - Vacant - Commercial/Industrial Property - Within BIA adopted bylaw
standards Vacant commercial/industrial land within BIA must have a screen fence along property lines abutting public land, roads and lanes to conceal and restrict access. s. 724.3.1
enforcement In default of owner erecting a screen fence, City may erect it and recover expense in same manner as taxes. s. 724.4.2
scout note

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

Chapter 0745 - Maintenance - Occupancy Standards adopted bylaw
standards Failure to maintain property in conformity; yards must be clean and free of rubble, Refuse, debris and fire, accident or health hazards. s. 745.2.01(1); s. 745.2.02(1)
enforcement Officer may order repairs or clearance; if not done, City may carry out at Owner's expense. s. 745.7.07(1)(b)-(c)
scout note

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
standards Owner must ensure Vacant Building is secured against unauthorized entry and protected against risk of fire, accident or other danger. s. 748.4.1(iii), (vi)
enforcement Officer may order discontinuance or correction; City may carry out work at Person's expense and recover costs with 15 percent (15%) per year interest. s. 748.6.1, 748.6.3, 748.6.5
scout note

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

Chapter 0771 - Yards - Lots - Clearing adopted bylaw
standards Property must be clean/cleared; no hazardous conditions, grass/weeds over 20 cm, noxious plants, refuse accumulation, or stagnant water. s. 771.3.1; s. 771.3.2; s. 771.3.3; s. 771.3.4; s. 771.3.6; s. 771.3.7
enforcement Officer may notice owner/occupant to clean/clear/remove; if default, City may do work and recover costs plus 15% interest by action, tax roll, or lien. s. 771.6.1; s. 771.7.3; s. 771.7.5; s. 771.7.6; s. 771.7.7
scout note

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 2026-10-26 · Property maintenance across Ontario · Property maintenance in other municipalities