Adjudicative Services
The Adjudicative Services Section within the Office of the City Clerk is dedicated to conducting hearings under the Administrative Penalty System (APS). If you have disputed a violation of a Designated City By-law and are unsatisfied with the Screening Officer's decision, you can request a review before an independent Hearing Officer. Hearing Officers have the authority to review, affirm, vary, or cancel the Screening Officer’s decision based on the merits of each case. The decision made by the Hearing Officer is final and cannot be appealed further. Additionally, the Committee of Adjustment, appointed by the Council, adjudicates applications for Minor Variance and Consent under the Ontario Planning Act.
Hearings Under the Administrative Penalty System (APS)
The Adjudicative Services Section within the Office of the City Clerk is responsible for conducting hearings under the Administrative Penalty System (APS). This process applies to:
Parking tickets
Automated Speed Enforcement tickets
Licensing matters
Orders issued under City by-laws
Animal Services Orders
What is a Hearing?
A hearing under the APS is a formal process where an independent Hearing Officer reviews either a decision made by a Screening Officer or an Order or licensing decision issued under a designated City by-law.
If you have disputed a violation of a designated City by-law and are not satisfied with the outcome of your Screening Review, you may request a hearing within the required timeframe.
The Hearing Officer has the authority to:
- Affirm: Uphold the original decision made by the Screening Officer, or the issued Order or licensing decision
- Vary: Modify the decision, Order, or licensing condition based on the evidence presented
- Cancel: Overturn the decision, Order, or licensing action entirely
- Extend Time: Grant an extension to request a hearing if justified by the circumstances and applicable by-laws
Who Can Request a Hearing?
Anyone who has received a decision from a Screening Officer under the APS can request a hearing.
This includes individuals who have received:
Parking or Automated Speed Enforcement penalties
Orders under licensing or animal services by-laws
Other administrative penalties issued under designated City by-laws
How Long Do I Have to Request a Hearing?
| Type of Matter | Deadline to Request a Hearing |
|---|---|
| Parking Tickets | 15 calendar days from the Screening Officer’s decision |
| Penalties under APS By-law (general) | 15 calendar days from the Screening Officer’s decision |
| Licensing Matters | 7 calendar days from the date of the decision |
| Orders (including Animal Services Orders) | 15 calendar days from the date of the Order |
| Automated Speed Enforcement Tickets | 30 calendar days from the Screening Officer’s decision |
What to Expect during the Hearing:
An independent Hearing Officer will review your case.
You will have the opportunity to present your evidence.
A final decision will be made based on the information provided.
You will receive a copy of the Hearing Officer’s decision by email.
IMPORTANT: If you fail to attend your hearing within 10 minutes of the scheduled time, a $160 failure-to-attend fee will be added to your penalty, and the Hearing Officer may proceed in your absence.
Preparing for Your Hearing
💻 Virtual Hearings (using MS Teams): To attend a virtual hearing, you must have a computer or device with working audio and video. This will ensure you can see and hear the proceedings and participate fully, including sharing evidence if required. A link to the hearing will be sent to you when you are notified of your hearing date. The notice will also include instructions on how to join and participate in the hearing.
⚠️IMPORTANT: If you experience technical issues when trying to join your virtual hearing, you must email AS@vaughan.ca before your scheduled hearing start time. If you email after the hearing has started, you will be considered to have missed the hearing. The Hearing Officer may proceed to make a decision in your absence, and a $160 Failure to Attend Fee will be added to the total penalty affirmed at the hearing.
🏛️In Person Hearings: If you do not have access to a computer or device with working audio and video, you will be required to attend your hearing in person. If you initially request a virtual hearing but email in advance of your hearing to advise that you are unable to join due to technical difficulties your rescheduled hearing will be held in person. You may also request an in-person hearing if you prefer that format.
In-person hearings are held at:
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, ON
Can I Appeal the Hearing Officer’s Decision?
No. The decision of the Hearing Officer is final. Similar to the Provincial court system, City staff cannot review or overturn the decision.
Submit Request for Hearing
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A HEARING
Committee of Adjustment
Appointed by the Council, the Committee of Adjustment adjudicates applications for Minor Variance and Consent under the Ontario Planning Act. The Act grants the Committee the authority to make decisions on:
- Creating an easement or right-of-way
- Registering a mortgage over part of a property
- Registering a lease over part of a lot for more than 21 years
- Splitting land into more than one lot
- Minor variances from the Zoning By-law
Click here to obtain more information or submit an application for Committee of Adjustment.
Contact Us
Office of the City Clerk
Adjudicative Services
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Canada
Phone