By-law of the month: Property Standards By-law

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at the by-laws that address property standards. 

Simple steps like mowing the grass, storing waste properly and keeping properties safe make a big difference for everyone in the community. When it comes to property standards and yard maintenance, there are three by-laws – Property Standards By-law 231-2011 (PDF), Long Grass and Weeds By-law 125-2022 (PDF) and Standing Water By-law 064-2026 (PDF) – that provide standards for private properties to ensure they are safe, nuisance-free and help promote a healthy community.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Keep your grass, ground cover and weeds trimmed — they should be no taller than 20 centimetres (eight inches).
• Make sure any vehicles, boats or trailers on your property are in working order and properly licensed — abandoned or unregistered ones aren’t allowed.
• Trim trees and hedges regularly so they don’t block sidewalks or reduce visibility for drivers.
• Store items like firewood, garden tools and building materials neatly, and keep them in your rear yard.
• Keep your yard tidy — that means no garbage, litter, debris, unused bins, machinery or open holes.

Let’s all do our part to keep Vaughan safe and beautiful. Owners who do not follow these by-laws may be subject to a fine as outlined in the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, Chapter. 23, or fines and administrative monetary penalties as outlined in the respective by-laws.

To file a complaint about a property violating property standards or yard maintenance by-laws, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team at bylaw@vaughan.ca.

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyStandards.

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