2023-049 Property Standards By-Law Consolidated
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THE COPRPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 2023-049
(Consolidated: 2025-106 – December 8, 2025; 2025-005 – January
13, 2025)
A BY-LAW for prescribing standards for the maintenance and occupancy of
property within the Town of Tillsonburg.
WHEREAS under Section 15.1(3) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23, a Bylaw
may be passed by the Council of a municipality prescribing the standards for the
maintenance and occupancy of property within the municipality provided the official
plan for the municipality includes provisions relating to property conditions;
AND WHEREAS the Official Plan for The Town of Tillsonburg includes provisions
relating to property conditions;
AND WHEREAS the Council of The Town of Tillsonburg is desirous of passing a Bylaw
under Section 15.1(3) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23;
AND WHEREAS Section 15.6(1) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23 requires
that a By-law passed under Section 15.1(3) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992,
C.23 shall provide for the establishment of a Property Standards Committee;
AND WHEREAS section 391 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that
a municipality may impose fees or charges on persons:
a) For services and activities provided or done by or on behalf of it; and
b) Any other municipality or any local board
c) For the use of its property including property under its control. 2006, c.32, Sched.
A, s. 163 (1).
AND WHEREAS Section 426 of the Municipal Act, provides that no Person shall
hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, any Person who is exercising
a power or performing a duty under the Municipal Act or under a by-law passed
under the Municipal Act;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Town of Tillsonburg hereby enacts the
following:
SHORT TITLE: This by-law shall be referred to as the "Property Standards By-
Law".
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PART 1
DEFINITIONS
PART 2
GENERAL STANDARDS FOR ALL PROPERTY AND USES
2.01 SCOPE
2.02 YARDS
2.03 OUTDOOR STORAGE OF MATERIALS- NO IMMEDIATE USE
2.04 GARBAGE CHUTES-ROOMS-CONTAINERS-STANDARDS.
2.05 GRASS-TREES- BUSHES-HEDGES-LANDSCAPING
2.06 GROUND COVER- EROSION CONTROL
2.07 LOT GRADING-DRAINAGE-SUMP PUMPS
2.08 WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAY
2.09 PARKING LOTS
2.10 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2.11 RETAINING WALL
2.12 WELLS -CISTERN-CESSPOOL-PRIVY VAULT-PIT OR EXCAVATION
2.13 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
2.14 FENCE
2.15 TOWER-GANTRIES-MASTS-ANTENNAE
2.16 SIGNS
PARTS 3
EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS
3.01 STRUCTURAL ADEQUACY-CAPACITY
3.02 FOUNDATION WALLS-BASEMENTS
3.03 EXTERIOR WALLS-SURFACES-CLADDING-MASONRY
3.04 DOORS-WINDOWS-CELLAR-HATCHWAYS
3.05 WINDOW SCREENS
3.06 CANOPIES-MARQUESS-AWNINGS
3.07 ROOF
3.08 EAVES TROUGH SYSTEM- METAL DUCTS-FLASHING
3.09 CHIMNEY FLUES
3.10 GARAGE-CARPORT
PART 4
INTERIOR OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
4.01 INTERIOR STRUCTURE-COLUMNS-BEAMS
4.02 WALLS-CEILINGS
4.03 FLOORS
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4.04 STAIRS- HANDRAILS-GUARDS
4.05 ELEVATORS
4.06 MEANS OF EGRESS
4.07 FIRE PROTECTION
4.08 SEPARATIONS
4.09 HEATING-AIR CONDITIONING
4.10 VENTILATION
4.11 ELECTRICAL
4.12 LIGHTING
4.13 PLUMBING
4.14 WATER SUPPLY
4.15 SEWAGE SYSTEM
4.16 VERMIN CONTROL
PART 5
ADDITION REQUIREMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY
5.01 OCCUPANCY STANDARDS
5.02 TOILET AND BATHROOM FACILITIES
5.03 KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY
5.04 INTERIOR DOORS, COUNTERTOPS AND CUPBOARDS
PART 6
VACANT-DAMAGED-DEMOLITION
6.01 VACANT LAND
6.02 VACANT PROPERTIES
6.03 DAMAGE BY FIRE-STORM-OTHER CAUSES
6.04 DEMOLISH BUILDING
PART 7
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
7.01 GENERAL
7.02 MEASUREMENT
7.03 PROPERTY STANDARDS COMMITTEE
7.04 PROPERTY STANDARDS OFFICER – DUTIES
7.05 INSPECTION AND ENTRY
7.06 ORDER
7.07 SERVICE AND POSTING OF ORDER
7.08 REGISTRATION OF ORDER
7.09 RECOVERY OF COSTS RELATIVE TO ORDER
7.10 APPEAL TO BY-LAW APPEALS COMMITTEE
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7.11 POWER OF TOWN IF ORDER IS NOT COMPLIED WITH
7.12 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
PART 8
EMERGENCY POWERS
8.01 EMERGENCY ORDERS
8.02 SERVICE
8.03 EMERGENCY POWERS
8.04 SERVICE OF STATEMENT
8.05 APPLICATION TO COURT
8.06 POWERS OF JUDGE
8.07 ORDER FINAL
8.08 MUNICIPAL LIEN
9.01 FINES
10.01 SEVERABILITY
PART 9
OFFENCES
PART 10
SEVERABILITY
PART 11
REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
11.01 REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
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PART 1
DEFINITIONS
1.01 In this By-law:
"Accessory"- when used to describe a use, building or structure means a use, a
building or a structure that is customarily incidental, subordinate and exclusively
devoted to a main use, building or structure and located on the same lot therewith.
"Act" -means an enactment or statute of the Province of Ontario.
"Approved"- means acceptance by the Chief Building Official, Property Standards
Officer or designate.
"Basement" - means that portion of a building between two floor levels, which is partly
underground and which has at least one-half its height from finished floor to the
underside of the first floor joists above the average finished grade level adjacent to the
exterior walls of the building.
"Bathroom"- means a room containing a bathtub or shower, with or without a water
closet and hand basin.
"Boarder"- means a person who is provided with meals, or room and meals, regularly
in a boarding, lodging or rooming house in return for compensation.
"Building" - means any structure used or intended to be used for supporting or
sheltering any use or occupancy.
"Building Code" - means the Building Code Act and any regulations made under that
Act.
"Clerk"- means the person duly appointed as Clerk for The Corporation of the Town of
Tillsonburg.
"Chief Fire Official" - means the person duly appointed as Chief Fire Official for The
Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
"Cellar"- means that portion of a building between two floor levels which is partly or
wholly underground and which has more than one half of its height, from finished floor
to finished ceiling, below adjacent finished grade.
"Chief Building Official" - means the Chief Building Official appointed under Section 3
of the Building Code Act, 1992, c. 23 and having jurisdiction for the enforcement
thereof.
“Code" - means a regulation of the Province of Ontario known,
a) with respect to matters relating to building, as the Building Code;
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b) with respect to matters relating to electricity, as the Electrical Safety Code;
c) with respect to matters relating to fire, as the Fire Code; and
d) with respect to matters relating to plumbing, as the Plumbing Code.
"Committee" - means the Town of Tillsonburg By-Law Appeals Committee established
under By-Law 2025-106, which for the purposes of this by-law serves as the Property
Standards Committee required under s.15.6 of the Building Code Act.
"Corporation" - means the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
"Council” - means the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
"County" - means the Corporation of the County of Oxford.
"Derelict" means any building that is vacant and has experienced structural failure in
whole or in part.
"Domestic Waste"- means any article, thing, matter or effluent belonging to or
associated with a residence, household or dwelling unit that appears to be waste
material and includes but is not limited to the following classes of waste material:
(a) grass clippings, tree cuttings, brush, leaves and garden Refuse;
(b) paper, cardboard, clothing;
(c) all kitchen and table waste, of animal or vegetable origin resulting from the
preparation or consumption of food except any material of vegetable origin
placed in a composting container;
(d) cans, glass, plastic containers, dishes;
(e) new or used material resulting from or for the purpose of construction,
alteration, repair or demolition of any building or structure;
(f) refrigerators, freezers, stoves or other appliances and indoor furniture;
(g) furnaces, furnace parts, pipes, fittings to pipes, water or fuel tanks;
(h) unlicensed motor vehicle , inoperative motor vehicle , vehicle motor parts and
accessories, vehicle tires mounted or unmounted on rims, and mechanical
equipment;
(i) Rubble, inert fill, fencing materials;
(j) commercial shopping carts;
(k) anything that appears to be abandoned, worthless, worn out and of no
practical value, unsightly or not properly stored inside a building.
"Dwelling" - means a building or part thereof, used or designed to be used as a
residence and containing one or more Dwelling Units.
"Dwelling Unit" - means a suite of two or more rooms, designed or intended to be used
for human habitation and to accommodate s single household, in which sanitary
conveniences and cooking facilities are provided and which has a private entrance
either from the outside of the building or through a common hallway.
"Exterior Property Area" - means the building lot excluding buildings.
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"Fence" - means any structure, wall or barrier, other than a building, erected at grade
for the purpose of defining boundaries of property, separating open space, restricting
ingress to or egress from property, providing security or protection to property or acting
as a visual or acoustic screen.
"Ground Cover" - means organic or non-organic material applied to prevent soil
erosion such as concrete, flagstone, gravel, asphalt, grass or other landscaping.
"Guard" - means a protective barrier installed around openings in floor areas or on the
open sides of a stairway, a landing, a balcony, a mezzanine, a gallery, a raised
walkway, and other locations as required to prevent accidental falls from one level to
another. Such barriers may or may not have openings through them.
"Habitable Room" - means any room in a dwelling or dwelling unit used or intended to
be used for living, eating, sleeping, or cooking and without limiting the foregoing shall
include den, library, sunroom or recreational room or any combination thereof.
“Industrial Waste”- means any article, thing, matter or effluent belonging to or
associated with industry or commerce or concerning or relating to manufacture or
concerning or relating to any trade, business, calling or occupation that appears to be
waste material and includes but is not limited to the following classes of waste material:
(a) piping, tubing, conduits, cable, fittings or other accessories, or adjuncts to the
piping, tubing, conduits or cable;
(b) containers of any size, type or composition;
(c) Rubble, inert fill;
(d) mechanical equipment, mechanical parts, accessories or adjuncts to
mechanical equipment;
(e) articles, things, matter, effluent which are derived from or are constituted from
or consist of agricultural, animal, vegetable, paper, lumber or wood products,
mineral, metal or chemical products whether or not the products are
manufactured or otherwise processed;
(f) bones, feathers, hides;
(g) paper or cardboard packaging or wrapping;
(h) material resulting from, or as part of, construction or demolition projects;
(i) unlicensed motor vehicle, inoperative motor vehicle, vehicle motor parts and
accessories, vehicle tires mounted or unmounted on rims, and mechanical
equipment.
"Multiple Unit Dwelling"- means a dwelling consisting of three or more dwelling units,
which are horizontally and/or vertically attached, which may be entered from an
independent entrance directly from the outside or from an internal common space or an
access balcony and in which 50% or more of dwelling units have direct access to grade
or a roof terrace. A multiple attached dwelling includes a triplex, a four plex, a six plex
and a townhouse, but shall not include a street fronting townhouse or apartment
dwelling.
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"Municipality"- means the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
"Non-Habitable Room" - means any room or space in a dwelling unit, other than a
Habitable Room and includes a washroom, bathroom, Toilet Room, laundry, pantry,
lobby, corridor, stairway, closet, Cellar, boiler room, garage, or space for service and
maintenance of any building for public use and for access to and vertical travel between
storeys.
"Non-Residential Property" - means a building or structure or part of a building or
structure not occupied in whole or in part for the purpose of human habitation, and
includes the lands and premises appurtenant and all of the outbuildings, Fences or
erections thereon or therein.
"Occupant" - means any person or persons over the age of (eighteen) 18 years in
possession of the property.
"Officer" - means a Property Standards Officer who has been assigned the
responsibility of administering and enforcing this by-law including but not limited to a
Building Inspector and a Chief Building Official.
"Owner" - includes the owner in trust, a mortgagee in possession, the Person for the
time being, managing or receiving the rent of the land or premises in connection with
which the word is used whether on his own account, or as agent or trustee of any other
Person, or who would receive the rent if the land and premises were let, and shall also
include a lessee or Occupant of the property who, under the terms of a lease, is
required to repair and maintain the property in accordance with the Standards for the
maintenance and occupancy of property.
"Person" - means and includes any person, firm, partnership, corporation, company,
association, or organization of any kind.
"Property" - means a building or structure or part of a building or structure, and
includes the lands and premises appurtenant thereto and all mobile homes, mobile
buildings, mobile structures, outbuildings, Fences and erections thereon whether
heretofore or hereafter erected and includes vacant property.
“Property Standards Officer” shall have the same meaning as “Officer” in this by-law.
"Public Health Inspector" - means the Public Health Inspector for the County of
Oxford.
“Refuse” - means any article, thing, matter, substance or effluent that: has been cast
aside, discharged or abandoned or; is discarded from its usual and intended use or; is
used up, in whole or in part, or expended or worn out in whole or in part; and shall
include but not limited to Domestic Waste and Industrial Waste; and that Domestic
Waste and/or Industrial Waste does not cease to be Refuse by reason that it may be
commercially saleable or recyclable.
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"Repair" - includes the provision of such facilities and the making of additions or
alterations or the taking of such action as may be required so that the property shall
conform to the Standards established in this By-law.
"Residential Property" - means any property that is used or is capable of being used
as a dwelling or multiple thereof and includes any land or buildings that are appurtenant
to such establishment including but not necessarily limited to all steps, walks,
driveways, parking spaces, Fences and yards.
"Retaining Wall" - means a structure that holds back soil or other loose material to
prevent it assuming the natural angle of repose at locations where an abrupt change in
ground elevation occurs.
“Rubble” - means broken concrete, bricks, broken asphalt, patio or sidewalk slabs
"Safe Condition"- means a condition that does not pose or constitute an undue or
unreasonable hazard or risk to life, limb or health of any Person on or about the
property, and includes a structurally sound condition.
"Sanitary Sewage" - means liquid or water borne waste;
a) of industrial or commercial origin, or
b) of domestic origin, including human body waste, toilet or other bathroom waste,
and shower, tub, culinary, sink and laundry waste.
"Sanitary Sewer- means a sewer for the collection and transmission of Sanitary
Sewage and Domestic Waste, Industrial Wastes and to which storm, surface and
ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
"Sewage" - shall include drainage, storm water, Refuse, Domestic Waste, Industrial
Wastes and Sanitary Sewage.
"Sewage System" - means the Town of Tillsonburg/County of Oxford system of storm
sewers, sanitary sewers and combined sewers. Also a private Sewage disposal system
approved by the County of Oxford Board of Health.
"Sign" - means any device or notice, including its structure and other component parts,
which is used or capable of being used to identify, describe, illustrate advertise or direct
attention to any person, business, service, commodity or use.
"Standards" - means the standards of physical condition and of occupancy prescribed
for property by this by-law.
"Storm Sewer" - means a sewer, which carries storm water and surface water, street
wash and other wash water or drainage, but excludes Sanitary Sewage.
"Toilet Room"- means a room containing a water closet and/or a washbasin.
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"Town" - means the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
"Vehicle" - includes a motor vehicle, trailer, boat, motorized snow vehicle or other
mechanical power driven equipment.
"Vacant Building” – means a building that is unoccupied, displays some visible signs
of deterioration, is or should be boarded up and does not include agricultural building or
a building already approved for demolition.
"Vermin” - shall include rats, mice, and all other such obnoxious animals.
"Visual Barrier" - shall mean a continuous, uninterrupted structure, which completely
blocks lines of sight when viewed perpendicularly from either of its sides and shall
consist of one or more of the following materials: wood, stone, bricks, mortar, fabricated
metal or other similarly solid material.
Yard" means the land within the boundary lines of the lot and not occupied by the
principal building.
PART 2
GENERAL STANDARDS
2.01 SCOPE
1. No Person, being the Owner or Occupant of a Property, shall fail to maintain
the Property in conformity with the Standards required in this By-law.
2. The Owner of any Property which does not conform to the Standards in this
By-law shall Repair and maintain the Property to conform to the Standards or
shall clear the Property of all buildings, structures, Refuse, Rubble waste or
accumulations of such materials that prevent access to or exit from the
Property in the case of emergency, or other safety or health hazard and shall
leave the Property in a graded and leveled condition.
3. All Repairs and maintenance of Property shall be carried out with suitable and
sufficient materials and in a manner accepted as good workmanship within
the trades concerned.
4. All new construction or extensive repairs shall conform to the Ontario Building
Code, where applicable.
5. This by-law does not apply so as to prevent a farm, meeting the definition of
"agricultural operation" under the Farming and Food Production Protection
Act, 1998, R.S.O. 1998, c. 1, from carrying out a normal farm practice as
provided for and defined under that Act.
2.02 YARDS
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1. Shall be kept clean and free of Rubble, Refuse, debris and objects or conditions
that might create fire, accident or health hazards.
2. Every Property shall be kept free from Rubble, Refuse, Industrial Waste,
Domestic Waste or accumulations of such materials that prevent access to or
exit from the Property.
3. Without restricting the generality of this Section, such maintenance includes the
removal of:
a) Rubble, Industrial Waste, Domestic Waste, and Refuse ;
b) injurious insects, termites, rodents, vermin and other pests; and any
condition, which may promote an infestation.
c) wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, discarded or unlicensed Vehicles,
trailers, machinery or parts thereof, except in an establishment
licensed or authorized to conduct a salvage, wrecking or repair
business and then only if such establishment conforms with any
relevant By-laws or statutes; and
d) Derelict or collapsed buildings, structures or erections, and the filling in
or protecting of any unprotected well.
4. The warehousing or storage of material or operative equipment that is required
for the continuing operation of the industrial or commercial aspect of the Property
shall be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion so as not to create a fire or
accident hazard or any unsightly condition and shall provide unconstructive.
2.03 OUTDOOR STORAGE OF MATERIALS- NO IMMEDIATE USE
No machinery or parts thereof, or other object, or material not associated with the
normal occupancy and use of a Property, including among other things,
appliances, fixtures, paper, cartons, boxes, or building materials such as lumber,
masonry material or glass, other than that intended for immediate use on the
Property, shall be stored or allowed to remain in an exterior property area.
2.04 GARBAGE CHUTES-ROOMS-CONTAINERS-STANDARDS
Garbage chutes, disposal and collection rooms, containers and receptacles shall
be maintained good repair kept clean and free of offensive odours.
2.05 GRASS-TREES- BUSHES-HEDGES-GROUND COVER-LANDSCAPING
Ground cover, hedges, trees, landscaping and grass, and site facilities required
as a condition of site development or redevelopment shall be maintained in living
condition and in a good state of repair.
2.06 GROUND COVER- EROSION CONTROL
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Suitable Ground Cover shall be provided and maintained to prevent erosion of
the soil and so as to be in harmony with the neighbouring environment.
2.07 LOT GRADING-DRAINAGE-SUMP PUMPS
1. All Yards shall be provided and maintained with adequate surface water
drainage, without causing erosion, so as to prevent the entrance of water into
a Basement or crawlspace.
2. Downpipes, sump pump, discharge lines and grading shall be designed,
provided and maintained so as to discharge water runoff away from the
building and to prevent flooding, erosion and other nuisance to neighbouring
properties.
3. Storm water run-off from any downspout or any surface shall not be drained
onto neighbouring properties, unless designed.
4. Every Property shall be graded and maintained to prevent ponding or the
entry of storm water into a Basement or Cellar.
5. Natural drainage, drainage swales, ditches or watercourses shall be
maintained to facilitate the natural flow of water and prevent ponding.
6. No Person shall connect or permit any connection of any weeping tile,
foundation drain, roof drain, or land drain into any sanitary sewer, or
combined sewer, and no Person shall discharge, or permit to be discharged
into any such sanitary sewer, or combined sewer, any foundation, roof or
surface water or drainage.
7. No storm water or roof water shall be discharged onto a sidewalk, walkway,
steps, porch or other pedestrian access to a Property which may be
hazardous or create a risk of accident.
8. No fill shall be allowed to remain in an unleveled state on any Property for
longer than fourteen (14) days, unless the Property is a construction site for
which an active building permit is in effect or planning agreement is passed.
9. No fill shall be left in an uncovered state (not covered by sod, seed or
agricultural crop) on any Property for longer than thirty (30) days unless the
Property is:
a) a construction site for which a building permit is in effect;
b) a Property being subdivided under subdivision agreement with the
Town of Tillsonburg;
c) Property being actively farmed.
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10. Lot grading must comply with the original subdivision design or as amended
and approved by the Engineering Department.
2.08 WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAY
1. There shall be a walk leading from the principal entrance of every building to the
street. Such walks may lead to a driveway or hard surfaced area provided such
area leads to a street. The surfaces of steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces
and similar areas of the Yard shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage
under normal use.
2.09 PARKING LOTS
1. Parking lots, driveways and other similar public access areas of a Yard shall be
maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use.
2. Parking lots, driveways and other similar public access areas of a Yard shall be
kept clean and free of litter, rubbish, waste, salvage, Refuse, debris and objects
or conditions that might create a, fire, accident or health hazard.
2.10 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1. Every stairway, exterior exit and entrance doorway, Cellar, Basement entrance or
building entrance shall have a permanently installed lighting fixture that shall be
maintained in good working order.
2. All underground parking areas and common areas shall be illuminated so as to
provide safe passage
3. Lighting fixtures and their supports shall be installed and maintained in a safe
and structurally sound condition and in good repair.
4. Where parking areas are illuminated, lighting fixtures shall be so arranged that no
part of any fixture shall be more than 9 m (29.5 ft.) above the finished grade of
the parking area. Fixtures shall be so designed and installed that the light is
directed downward and deflected away from the adjacent lots.
5. The exterior lighting shall be placed and maintained, or have a barrier or shade
placed and maintained so as to prevent or block direct illumination on an
adjacent Property except for;
a) Lighting used by the Town or Provincial or Federal government; and
b) Lighting located on any Property owned by the Town or, Provincial or
Federal government.
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6. Where it appears that exterior lighting may effect adjacent properties the officer
may order that the Owner provide a study or report to assess the impacts of the
exterior lighting on neighbouring properties.
2.11 RETAINING WALL
1. All Retaining Walls, screen walls and ornamental walls shall be constructed of
durable material and shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition.
Such maintenance includes:
a) redesigning, repairing or replacing of all deteriorated, damaged,
misaligned; or
b) missing portions of the wall and any railings or Guards appurtenant
thereto;
c) installing subsoil drains where required to maintain the stability of the wall;
d) grouting masonry cracks; and/or
e) applying to all exposed metal or wooden components, unless inherently
resistant to deterioration, a protective coating of paint or equivalent
weather resistant material.
2.12 WELLS-CISTERN-CESSPOOL-PRIVY VAULT-PIT OR EXCAVATION
1. Every Property shall be kept free of all unused excavations, empty in-ground
pools, holes, enclosed wells, pits, shafts, cisterns or reservoirs, and the same
shall be filled to grade with clean fill. Provided that where any excavations,
holes, unenclosed wells, pits, shafts, cisterns or reservoirs are in use and are
required by the nature of use and occupancy of any Property, and may
constitute a health or safety hazard or exceed a depth of 60 cm (24 inches), a
Fence or barrier shall be erected and maintained completely around the same
to a height of not less than 1.22 metres (4 feet) above the grade level at the
perimeter of each of them. As per the requirement of the Fence by-law.
2.13 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
1. The foundations, walls, roofs and all parts of accessory buildings and other
structures shall be:
a) constructed with suitable materials;
b) maintained in good repair;
c) protected from deterioration by the application of paint or other suitable
protective material;
d) capable of sustaining the loads that may be applied thereto as a result of
use in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
e) maintained in a structurally sound condition, free from health, fire and
safety hazards.
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f) kept free of rodents, vermin, and injurious insects
2. Storage sheds and other accessory buildings shall be securely anchored to
the ground.
2.14 FENCE
1. A Fence erected on a Property shall be maintained in a safe and structurally
sound condition so as to be capable of sustaining safely its own weight
together with any load to which it might reasonably be subject to:
a) shall be free of dangerous objects;
b) be reasonably plumb, unless specifically designed to be other than
vertical.
2. The Owner of any Property used for Multiple-Dwelling, commercial,
institutional, or industrial purposes shall maintain a Visual Barrier where such
Property is used for the parking, access, and exiting of Vehicles by tenants,
employees, or customers or when used for the operation of equipment or
when used for the storage of goods, or when used for any other purpose
which may detract from the quiet enjoyment and good appearance of an
abutting Residential Property.
2.15 TOWER-GANTRIES-MASTS-ANTENNAE
1. Towers, gantries, masts, antennae and structures of similar character and
any attachment thereto shall be maintained:
a) reasonably plumb, unless specifically designed to be other than vertical;
b) in good repair; and
c) in a safe and structurally sound condition.
2.16 SIGNS
1. A sign and any structure connected therewith shall be installed and
maintained:
a) in good repair without any visible deterioration;
b) in a safe and structurally sound condition; and
c) in a reasonably vertical plane unless otherwise approved by the Town of
Tillsonburg.
2. Any unused or discarded sign(s) shall be removed from the Property.
PART 3
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EXTERIOR OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
3.01 STRUCTURAL ADEQUACY-CAPACITY
1. All Repairs and maintenance of Property required by the Standards
prescribed in this By-law shall be carried out in a manner accepted as good
workmanship in the trades concerned and with materials suitable and
sufficient for the purpose.
2. Every part of a Property shall be maintained in good repair and in a
structurally sound condition so as:
a) to be capable of sustaining safely its own weight, and any additional load
to which it may normally be subjected;
b) to be capable of safely accommodating all normal structural movements
without damage, decay or deterioration;
c) to prevent the entry of moisture that would contribute to damage, decay or
deterioration; and
d) to be capable of safely and adequately performing its function subject to
all reasonable serviceability requirements.
3. Where it appears that the structural integrity or condition of a Building, structure,
or part thereof may be adversely affected by damage or deterioration, the Officer
may order that a structural engineering assessment and report be conducted and
prepared by a professional engineer licensed in Ontario. The report shall include
a) all deficiencies of structural concern;
b) the contributory cause of the damage;
c) the required Repairs and plan for remediation;
d) the recommended timelines for Repair; and
e) upon receipt of the report, it shall be produced to the Officer forwith.
4. Where Repairs are required, the Owner shall obtain a building permit and repair,
or cause to be repaired, the Building, structure, or part thereof, in accordance
with the Repair methods, and timelines described in the report.
3.02 FOUNDATION WALLS-BASEMENTS
1. All foundation walls and the basement, Cellar or crawl space floors shall be
maintained in good repair and structurally sound.
2. Every basement, Cellar and crawl space in a Property shall be maintained in a
reasonably watertight condition so as to prevent the leakage of water into the
building.
3.03 EXTERIOR WALLS-SURFACES-CLADDING-MASONRY
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1. All exterior walls and surfaces of every building or structure shall be sound,
plumb, and weather tight, free from loose or unsecured objects and
maintained in good repair.
2. Exterior walls shall be in good repair free from cracked or broken masonry
units, defective or deteriorated wood or metal siding or trim, cracked, broken
or loose stucco, lose or unsecured objects;
3. Shall be so maintained by the painting, restoring or repairing of the walls,
coping or flashing, by the waterproofing of joints and the walls themselves, by
the installation of or repairing of weather tight finishing, or the installation of
termite shields, if required.
4. All exterior surfaces that have previously been covered with paint or other
protective or decorative materials shall be maintained in good repair and the
covering renewed when it becomes damaged or deteriorated.
5. Every part of a building including the exterior shall be maintained in a
structurally sound condition and so as to be capable of sustaining safely its
own weight and any additional weight that may be put on it through normal
use.
3.04 DOORS-WINDOWS-CELLAR- HATCHWAYS
1. Windows, skylights, exterior doors and frames, Basement or Cellar
hatchways, attic access doors including storm and screen doors and storm
windows shall be maintained in good working order, good repair, in a Safe
Condition and shall be of such construction so as to prevent the entrance of
wind, snow or rain into the building and to minimize heat loss through
infiltration.
2. At least one entrance door in every Dwelling Unit shall have hardware so as
to be capable of being locked from inside and outside the Dwelling Unit.
3. All windows capable of being opened and all exterior doors shall have
hardware so as to be capable of being locked or otherwise secured from
inside the building.
4. In every multi-residential Dwelling where a security locking and release
system has been provided in the front or rear lobby for the entrance into the
Multiple Dwelling and that system is controlled from each Dwelling Unit, such
system shall be maintained in good repair and in operating condition.
5. Where a window is above the second storey and the window is lower than
1000mm (39") from the floor, the maximum the window can open is 100mm
(4") and where a door or sliding door is not serving a balcony or landing, it
shall be protected by a Guard conforming to the Ontario Building Code.
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6. All windows capable of being opened shall be equipped with a screen to
prevent the passage of insects and the screen shall be maintained in a good
condition.
7. Principal entrance doors, exit doors and doors to suites, including exterior
doors serving a house or an individual dwelling unit, and other doors in an
access to exit shall be openable from the inside or in travelling to an exit
without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door
opening mechanism.
3.05 WINDOW SCREENS
1. When an exterior opening is used or required for ventilation or illumination
and is not required to be protected by a door, window or similar closure, it
shall be protected with:
a) mesh screening, metal grills, or other equivalent durable rust proof
material; or
b) other protection so as to effectively prevent the entry of rodents, large
insects or vermin.
3.06 CANOPIES-MARQUEES-AWNINGS
1. All canopies, marquees and awnings shall be properly anchored so as to be
kept in safe and sound condition and shall be protected from decay and rust.
2. All canopies, marquees and awning material must be in good condition, free
of damage or fading.
3.07 ROOF
1. Every roof and all of its components shall be maintained in good repair and in
a safe and structurally sound condition.
2. Without restricting the generality of this Section, such maintenance includes:
a) removal of loose, unsecured or rusted objects or materials;
b) removal of dangerous accumulations of snow or ice;
c) keeping roofs and chimneys in water-tight condition so as to prevent
leakage of water into the building; and
d) Keep all roof-related structures plumb unless specifically designed to
be other than vertical.
3.08 EAVES TROUGH SYSTEM- METAL DUCTS-FLASHING
1. Eaves trough, roof gutter, rainwater pipe, downspouts, flashing and all
exterior ducts shall be properly secured free from loose or unsecured objects,
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free from obstructions and health hazards, weather-tight, free of holes and
maintained in good repair.
2. Metal eaves troughs, rainwater pipes, flashing and all exterior metal ducts
shall be kept free from rust by application of a suitable protective material
such as paint, and shall be renewed when necessary.
3. Roof drainage shall be discharged onto the ground at least 1 metre (39
inches) from the building or structure, when it is physically possible to do so,
providing that it does not adversely affect adjacent properties, or cause
erosion.
3.09 CHIMNEY FLUES
1. Chimney, vent pipes, smoke stacks, flues, ducts and other similar equipment
shall be constructed, installed and maintained as per the applicable codes
and or standards.
2. Any fuel burning heating equipment used in a building shall be properly
vented to the exterior by means of an approved smoke pipe, vent pipe or
chimney.
3. If an officer has reason to believe that a chimney, smoke stacks, flues, ducts
and other similar equipment is damaged or not working properly the Officer
may request a report from a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT)
certified inspector.
3.10 GARAGE-CARPORT
1. The construction between an attached or built-in garage or carport and a
Dwelling Unit shall provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes.
2. Garages and carports shall be maintained in good repair and free from
hazards.
PART 4
INTERIOR OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
4.01 INTERIOR STRUCTURE-COLUMNS-BEAMS
1. In every building, all structural components including but not limited to all
joists, beams, studding, and roof rafters, shall be of sound material and
adequate for the load to which they are subjected.
2. The foundation walls and the basement, Cellar or crawl space floors shall be
maintained in good repair and structurally sound. Every basement, Cellar and
crawl space in a Property shall be maintained in a reasonably watertight
condition so as to prevent the leakage of water into the building.
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4.02 WALLS-CEILINGS
1. Every wall and ceiling shall be maintained in good repair, free of conditions,
which may create a health, fire or safety hazard.
2. Where sound transmission ratings are required in accordance with the
provisions of the Ontario Building Code, they shall be maintained in good
repair.
3. Where non-combustible construction, fire separations, firewalls, fire
resistance ratings and other fire protection measures are required in
accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Building Code, or in accordance
with the Ontario Fire Code, they shall be maintained in good repair.
4. In any bathroom the walls above a bathtub equipped with a shower or a
shower stall shall be maintained as to be water resistant.
4.03 FLOORS
1. Every floor shall be smooth and level and maintained so as to be free of all
loose, warped, protruding, broken or rotted boards that may create an unsafe
condition or surface. Such defective floors shall be repaired or replaced.
2. Where a floor covering has become worn or torn so that it retains dirt or may
create an unsafe condition, the floor covering shall be repaired or replaced.
3. Every bathroom, kitchen, laundry and shower room shall have a floor
covering of water-resistant material and be capable of being cleaned.
4. Every Cellar and Basement shall have a floor of concrete or other material
acceptable under the provisions of the Ontario Building Code, to ensure water
drainage and to Guard against the entry of vermin.
4.04 STAIRS- HANDRAILS-GUARDS
1. Every stair, floor, landing, verandah, porch, deck, loading dock, balcony
together with any Guard, balustrade, railing, screen or other appurtenance
attached thereto shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe and
structurally sound condition.
2. Without restricting the generality of Section 4.04, such maintenance includes:
a) Repairing or replacing floors, treads or risers that show excessive wear
or are broken, warped, loose, depressed, protruding or otherwise
defective;
b) Repairing, replacing or supporting structural members that are
decayed, damaged, weakened, lose or missing; and
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c) Providing, repairing or replacing balustrades, Guards and railings.
3. A Guard shall be installed and maintained in good repair on the open side of
any stairway or ramp containing three (3) or more risers including the landing
or a height of 600 mm (24 inches) between adjacent levels. A handrail shall
be installed and maintained in good repair in all stairwells. Guardrails shall be
installed and maintained in good repair around all landings, porches,
balconies. Guardrails, balustrades and handrails shall be constructed and
maintained rigid in nature.
4. Stairs, floors, landings, verandahs, porches, decks, loading docks, balconies
and every appurtenance attached thereto within the exterior walls of a vacant
buildings are exempt from the provisions of 4.04 if section 6.03 has been
complied with.
4.05 ELEVATORS
1. Elevating devices in a building, including all parts, lighting fixtures, lamps,
elevator buttons, floor indicators, emergency communication and ventilation
fans shall be maintained in good repair and operational.
2. The walls, floors and ceilings of elevators shall be kept clean and free from
dirt or defacements.
3. All elevating devices including elevators, dumb-waiters, hoists, escalators,
incline lifts and other elevating devices shall be installed and maintained in
good working order, good repair; and in a Safe Condition in accordance with
the requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, as
amended from time to time.
4.06 MEANS OF EGRESS
1. Every building, structure or Dwelling Unit shall have a safe, continuous and
unobstructed passage from the interior to an exit or the outside of the building
at street or grade level as per the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire
Code.
2. Exterior stairs and fire escapes shall be maintained in a safe state of Repair
and kept free of ice and snow.
3. A required means of egress shall not pass through an attached or built-in
garage or an enclosed part of another Dwelling Unit.
4. In every multi-residential dwelling where a security locking-and-release
system has been provided in the front or rear lobby for the entrance into the
Multiple Dwelling and that system is controlled from each Dwelling Unit, such
system shall be maintained in good repair and in an operating condition.
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5. All means of egress within a Non-Residential Property shall be:
a) maintained free from all obstructions or impediments;
b) provided with clear, unobstructed and readily visible exit signs, for every
required exit; and
c) provided with lighting facilities capable of illuminating the means of egress
to ensure the safe passage of persons exiting the building.
4.07 FIRE PROTECTION
1. Fire protection for all buildings shall be provided in conformity with the
provisions of the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, fire protection shall include non-
combustible construction, flame spread ratings, fire resistance ratings, fire
protection ratings, permitted openings, firewalls, fire separations, fire
dampers, fire stops, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, heat detectors,
smoke detectors, smoke alarms, and firefighting access to and within
buildings.
2. All buildings of residential occupancy, smoke alarms shall be provided and
installed by the Owner. Smoke alarms shall be installed on or at the ceiling
level of each floor and on the ceiling in the Basement and in a location where
the alarm is audible within the bedrooms when the doors are closed.
3. All fire protection construction, components thereof, appliances and
equipment shall be maintained in good repair and in good operating condition
4.08 SEPARATIONS
1. Every Dwelling Unit shall be maintained and protected so as to prevent the
passage of noxious fumes and gases from a part of the building that is not
used for human habitation into other parts of the Dwelling Unit.
4.09 HEATING- AIR CONDITIONING
1. Every residential Dwelling shall have functional heating equipment to maintain
a minimum temperature of 21°Celsius (70 °Fahrenheit).
2. The heating system and hot water system required and other mechanical
systems shall be provided, maintained and operated:
a) in accordance with the respective requirements of any applicable Code
or By-law; and
b) in good working condition and good repair and in a Safe Condition.
3. No residential Dwelling Unit shall be equipped with portable heating
equipment as the primary source of heat.
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4. Wood stoves within a Dwelling and any other Property shall be maintained in
accordance to Canadian Standards Association's standard -B 365-M.
5. All air conditioners and air conditioning systems shall be securely mounted
and installed in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
6. All air conditioners and air conditioning systems shall be maintained in good
repair, free of conditions which may constitute a health, fire or safety hazard.
4.10 VENTILATION
1. Ventilation, as required by the Ontario Building and Fire Codes, shall be
provided to and maintained in all rooms and spaces within a building so as to
prevent accumulations of heat, dust, fumes, gases, including carbon
monoxide, vapours and other contaminants which may create a fire,
explosion, toxic hazard or health hazard.
2. Ventilation systems shall be cleaned regularly and installed, used and
maintained:
a) in conformance with the requirements of the Building and Fire Codes;
b) in good working condition and good repair; and
c) in a Safe Condition.
3. When an exterior opening is used or required for ventilation and is not
required to be protected by a door, window or similar closure, it shall be
protected with screens in accordance with this By-law.
4. An opening for natural ventilation may be omitted from a bathroom or Toilet
Room where a system of mechanical ventilation has been provided.
5. Every basement, Cellar, unheated crawl space and attic shall be vented and
such vents shall be designed and maintained to prevent entry of snow, rain,
rodents and insects.
4.11 ELECTRICAL
1. Every Dwelling and Dwelling Unit shall be wired for electricity and shall be
connected to an approved electrical supply system, an adequate supply of
electrical power shall be available in all occupied parts of every dwelling, suite
and building.
2. The connection to the building and the system of circuits and outlets
distributing the electrical supply within the building shall provide adequate
capacity for the use of the building and such connections, circuits, wiring and
outlets along with any fuses, circuit breakers and other appurtenances thereto
shall be installed and maintained in good working order, and in conformity
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with the regulations of electrical safety Authority designated under the
Electricity Act.
3. Extension cords are not permitted on a permanent basis.
4.12 LIGHTING
1. Every stairway, exterior exit and entrance doorway, bathroom, Toilet Room,
kitchen, hall, Cellar, basement, laundry, furnace room and Non-Habitable
work room in a suite, Dwelling unit or building shall have a permanently
installed lighting fixture that shall be maintained in a Safe Condition and in
good working order.
2. All lighting, including exit lighting and emergency lighting shall conform to the
provisions of the Ontario Building Code and shall be maintained in good
working order.
3. Lighting shall be installed throughout every Property to provide adequate
illumination for the use of each space so as to provide safe passage.
4.13 PLUMBING
1. All plumbing systems drain pipes, water pipes and plumbing fixtures in every
building and every connecting line to the Sewage System shall be maintained
in good working condition and free from leaks and defects and all water pipes
and appurtenances thereto shall be protected from freezing.
2. Plumbing systems on a Property shall be provided, installed and maintained:
a) in compliance with the respective requirements of any applicable
Code, Act or By-law;
b) in good working condition and good repair; and
c) in a Safe Condition.
3. All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to discharge to the municipal sewer
system or to an Approved private sanitary system through water sealed traps.
4.14 WATER SUPPLY
1. Every Property, the use or occupancy of which requires a water supply, shall
be provided with an adequate supply of potable water from a public or private
water supply, approved by the local authority designated under the Clean
Water Act 2006, SO 2006 c22.
2. Where an approved public or community water supply is available, every
Dwelling Unit shall be connected thereto.
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3. Where a piped water supply is available, piping for hot and cold water shall be
connected to every kitchen sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower, slop sink and
laundry area and piping for cold water shall be run to every water closet and
hose bib.
4. Every water heater installed for the purpose of supplying hot running water to
the Occupants of a Property shall be capable of heating water to a minimum
temperature of +49C (120 F).
5. Replacement hot water heaters shall have a thermostatic mixing value limiting
water temperature to a maximum of +49C (120 F). As per the Ontario Building
Code.
4.15 SEWAGE SYSTEM
1. Sanitary Sewage from any building shall be discharged into the municipal
Sanitary Sewage System, or into a private Sewage System approved under
Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code, and not otherwise.
2. The land in the vicinity of a private Sewage System shall be maintained in a
condition that will not cause damage to, or impair the functioning of the
Sewage System.
4.16 VERMIN CONTROL
1. Every Property shall be maintained so as to be free from Vermin and
conditions that may promote an infestation at all times.
2. Openings in buildings, Cellars, soffits, facia, and crawl space shall be
protected to prevent the entrance of wildlife, rodents, vermin, insects and
pests.
PART 5
ADDITION REQUIREMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY
5.01 OCCUPANCY STANDARDS
1. A Non-Habitable Room shall not be used as a Habitable Room.
2. No kitchen or furnace room shall be used as a bedroom.
3. Height and size of rooms or spaces for the purpose of calculation shall
comply with the regulations of the Ontario Building Code.
4. No Basement or portion thereof shall be used as a Dwelling Unit, unless it
meets the following requirements:
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a) access to each Habitable Room shall be gained without passage
through a furnace room, boiler room or storage room;
b) each Habitable Room shall comply with all the requirements for
ingress, egress;
c) light, ventilation and ceiling height set out in this By-law; and
d) floors and walls are constructed so as to be impervious to leakage of
underground or surface run-off water.
5. No room or area shall be provided for sleeping purposes unless:
(a) it has been constructed with a building permit and reviewed for
sleeping purposes; and
(b) is in conformance with the Ontario Building Code requirements for the
construction of a bedroom.
5.02 TOILET AND BATHROOM FACILITIES
1. Every Dwelling Unit shall contain plumbing fixtures in good repair and in an
operative condition, consisting of a minimum of one toilet, one sink, and one
bathtub or shower.
2. All bathrooms and Toilet Rooms shall be located within and accessible from
within the Dwelling Unit.
3. All bathrooms and Toilet Rooms shall be fully enclosed and maintained so as
to provide privacy for the Occupant.
4. No toilet or urinal shall be located within a bedroom or a room that is used for
the preparation, cooking, storing or consumption of food.
5.03 KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY
1. Every kitchen shall be provided with an approved, connected, and operating
electrical or gas supply for cooking and refrigeration appliances.
2. Every kitchen appliance which is supplied, shall be maintained in good repair.
3. Every Dwelling Unit shall have a kitchen with a sink, stove, fridge, cupboards,
and countertop.
4. Every laundry appliance which is supplied, shall be maintained in good repair,
and serviced by an approved, connected, and operating electrical or gas
supply.
5. Laundry drying equipment shall have a dedicated exhaust duct discharging
directly to the outdoors.
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6. Laundry drying equipment exhaust ducts shall be maintained free from
obstructions.
5.04 INTERIOR DOORS, COUNTERTOPS, CUPBOARDS
1. Every interior door, closet door, cupboard door, countertop, cupboard, vanity,
shelf, and their appurtenances shall be maintained in good repair.
PART 6
VACANT- DAMAGED-DEMOLITION
6.01 VACANT LAND
1. Vacant land shall be maintained to the Standards as described in Part 2, of
this By-law.
2. Vacant land shall be graded, filled or otherwise drained so as to prevent
recurrent ponding of water.
6.02 VACANT PROPERTIES
1. The Owner of any vacant buildings shall protect such building against the risk
of fire, accident, damage or other danger thereto or to adjoining premises by
effectively preventing the entry thereto by all unauthorized persons.
2. Where entry to a Building cannot be sufficiently prevented by the locking of
doors, windows, and other openings, the entry shall be prevented as follows:
a) All boarding must be minimum ½ inch exterior grade plywood (not
particleboard, fiberboard, or other forms of board sheathing);
b) Boarding must be cut to completely and securely fit within all exterior
structural openings;
c) All boarding shall be maintained in good repair;
d) All boarding shall be installed from the exterior;
e) All boarding shall be fastened using wood screws only. Screws must
be countersunk and not less than 2 inches in length. Each screw shall
be spaced not more than 4 inches on center around the entire
perimeter of each plywood board;
f) All boarding shall be fitted securely and in a watertight manner to fit
within the side jambs, the head jamb, and the exterior bottom sill of the
door or window opening so the exterior trim and cladding remains
uncovered and undamaged by the boarding, and so as not to be easily
detached by hand;
g) All boarding used on windows and door openings shall be painted
using exterior grade paint in a matt black;
h) All other boarding shall be painted using exterior grade paint in a
colour that blends with the exterior of the Building or structure;
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3. If the aforementioned measures in 6.02.(2) prove insufficient to secure
openings, additional augmentation measures shall be required, consisting of
the installation of steel mesh enclosures or steel panels overall boarded
ground floor openings.
4. Where a building remains vacant or unoccupied for a period of more than
ninety days, the Owner shall ensure that all utilities serving the building, that
are not required for the safety or security thereof, are properly disconnected or
otherwise secured to prevent risk of fire, accident, damage or other danger to
the Property or adjoining premises.
5. The Owner of a Vacant Building shall post "No Trespassing" signs on all
exterior points of access to the Property and signs shall comply with the Sign
By-law.
6. If a Vacant Building becomes Derelict as defined in this by-law, the Owner or
their agent shall bring the building into compliance with all structural and
exterior maintenance provisions of this by-law or such building shall be
demolished in accordance with the Building Code Act.
6.03 DAMAGE BY FIRE-STORM-OTHER CAUSES
1. A building or portion thereof, damaged by fire or other causes, shall be
restored to its original condition and repaired as may otherwise be required by
this by-law or the building shall be demolished or the damaged portion
removed.
2. Where a building is damaged by accident, storm, fire, neglect or other causes
or intentional damage, immediate steps shall be taken to prevent a condition
which might endanger persons on or near the Property and the building or
structure shall be properly supported and barricaded until the necessary
demolition or repairs can be carried out.
3. Where a building is damaged by accident, storm, fire, neglect or other causes
or intentional damage, the Owner shall protect the building against further risk
or further damage, accident or other danger, and shall secure each opening
to the building to the Standards in 6.02.(2).
4. The exterior walls and other surfaces of the building shall have smoke
damage or other defacement removed and surface refinished.
5. In the event the building, accessory building, Fence or structure is beyond
Repair, the land shall be cleared of debris, and rubble and shall be left in a
graded, level and Safe Condition without unreasonable delay.
6.04 DEMOLISH BUILDING
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1. Where a building, accessory building, Fence or other structure is demolished,
the Property shall be cleared of all rubbish, waste, debris, Refuse, Rubble,
masonry, lumber and left in a graded and level condition.
2. Where a building, accessory building, Fence or other structure is being
demolished, every precaution shall be taken to protect the adjoining Property
and members of the public. The precautions to be taken include the erection
of Fences, barricades, covered walkways for pedestrians and any other
means of protection necessary for the protection of the adjoining Property and
members of the public.
3. Without restricting the generality of Section 6.04.(2) such repairs shall
include:
(a) Abating any unsafe condition; and
(b) Refinishing so as to be in harmony with adjoining undamaged surfaces
4. The Owner of any building or part thereof being demolished shall leave any
remaining wall or walls (including any former party wall or walls, whether
separately or jointly owned) structurally sound, weather tight, in a Safe
Condition and in conformity with the standards in the Ontario Building Code.
5. Prior to demolishing any building, a Demolition Permit must first be obtained
from the building department.
PART 7
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
7.01 GENERAL
1. This By-law shall apply to all Property within the limits of the Town.
7.02 MEASUREMENT
1. The imperial measurements contained in this By-law are given for reference
only.
7.03 BY-LAW APPEALS COMMITTEE (Property Standards Committee)
1. A By-Law Appeals Committee is established under By-Law 2025-106 and
shall act as the Property Standards Committee required by the Building
Code Act; it shall be composed of three (3) members of Council, including
the Chair, appointed by and sitting at the pleasure of Council for the term of
Council.
2. Each member of the Committee shall hold office for a term of four (4) years,
and shall coincide with the council term.
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3. When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Committee, the council
shall forthwith fill the vacancy.
4. The members of the Committee shall elect one of themselves as chairman,
and when the chairman is absent, the Committee may appoint another
member as acting chairman. Any member of the Committee may administer
oaths.
5. The members of the Committee shall be paid such compensation as the
council may provide, which shall be recorded by resolution of the council.
6. Secretarial services for the Committee shall be provided by the Recording
Clerk (being the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and/or their designate) as defined in By-
Law 2025-106.
7. The secretary shall keep on file minutes and records of all applications and
the decisions thereon and of all other official business of the Committee, and
sections 253 and 254 of the Municipal Act, 2001 applies with necessary
modifications to such documents.
8. A majority of the Committee constitutes a quorum and the Committee may
adopt its own rules of procedure but before hearing an appeal shall give
notice or direct that notice be given of such hearing to such persons as the
Committee considers should receive such notice.
7.04 PROPERTY STANDARDS OFFICER- DUTIES
1. It shall be the duty of every Officer to administer and enforce the provisions of
this by-law and in the performance of such duty, he/she shall have all the
powers and responsibilities set forth in the Ontario Building Code Act and the
Regulations made pursuant to the said Act.
7.05 INSPECTION AND ENTRY
1. Where a by-law under section 15.1 of the Building Code is in effect, an Officer
may, upon producing proper identification, enter upon any property at any
reasonable time without a warrant for the purpose of inspecting the property
to determine:
(a) If the property conforms with the Standards prescribed in the by-law; or
(b) if order made under subsection 15.2 (2) of Building Code has been
complied with.
2. An Officer shall not enter or remain in any room or place actually being used
as a dwelling unless;
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(a) the consent of the occupier is obtained, the occupier first having been
informed that the right of entry may be refused, and entry made only
under the authority of a warrant issued under the Building Code Act;
(b) a warrant issued under the Ontario Building Code Act is obtained;
(c) the delay necessary to obtain a warrant or the consent of the occupier
would result in an immediate danger to the health or safety of any
person;
(d) the entry is necessary to terminate a danger under the Building Code
for Emergency Orders;
(e) the requirements of the Notice being served under the Building Code
Act are met and the entry is necessary to remove a building, restore a
site, remove an unsafe condition, Repair or demolish under the
provisions of the Building Code Act.
7.06 ORDER
1. An officer who finds that a property does not conform to any of the
Standards prescribed in this by-law may make an order,
a) stating the municipal address or the legal description of such property;
b) giving reasonable particulars of the Repairs to be made or stating that
the site is to be cleared of all buildings, structures, debris or Refuse
and left in a graded and leveled condition;
c) indicating the time for complying with the terms and conditions of the
order and giving notice that, if the Repair or clearance is not carried out
within that time, the municipality may carry out the Repair or clearance
at the Owner's expense; and
d) indicating the final date for giving notice of appeal from the order.
7.07 SERVICE AND POSTING OF ORDER
1. The order shall be served on the Owner of the Property and such other
Persons affected by it as the Officer determines and a copy of the order may
be posted on the Property in a location visible to the public.
2. No Person shall obstruct the visibility of an order and no Person shall remove
a copy of an order posted under this Act unless authorized to do so by an
inspector, Officer or registered code agency.
3. The order shall sent by registered mail to the last know address or by sent by
the last known e-mail address.
4. An order sent by registered mail is deemed served five (5) days after the
registered mail has been sent.
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5. An order sent by e-mail is deemed to have been served on the day sent
unless sent after 5 pm in which case the service date will be the following
day.
7.08 REGISTRATION OF ORDER
1. The order may be registered in the proper land registry office and, upon such
registration, any Person acquiring any interest in the land subsequent to the
registration of the order shall be deemed to have been served with the order
on the day on which the order was served under section 7.07 and, when the
requirements of the order have been satisfied, the Clerk of the Town shall
forthwith register in the proper land registry office a certificate that such
requirements have been satisfied, which shall operate as a discharge of the
order.
7.09 RECOVERY OF COSTS RELATIVE TO ORDER
1. Where an Owner or Occupant fails to comply with an order issued under this
bylaw within the time stipulated in the order the Corporation costs of such
further inspections of the Property, and such reports and further notification or
registrations as the Officer may deem appropriate shall be payable to the
Corporation by the Property Owner including disbursements as specified in
the Rates & Fees By-law.
7.10 APPEAL TO BY-LAW APPEALS COMMITTEE
1. An Owner or Occupant who has been served with an order and who is not
satisfied with its terms or conditions may appeal to the By-law Appeals
Committee by sending a notice of appeal to the Recording Clerk within
fourteen (14) days after being served with the Order, in accordance with the
Rules of Practice and Procedure under By-law 2025-106.
2. An Owner or Occupant who appeals an order shall pay to the Clerk of the
Corporation the fee for the appeal as set out in the Towns Rates & Fees By-
law.
3. Upon receipt of a complete notice of appeal, the Recording Clerk shall set a
hearing date and provide a Notice of Hearing to the appellant at least fifteen
(15) days prior to the hearing date, consistent with By-law 2025-106.
4. A Person who files an appeal and does attend the Property Standards
Committee Appeal hearing the order will be confirmed.
Confirmation of order
5. An order that is not appealed within the time referred to in 7.10 (1) shall be
deemed to be confirmed.
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Duty of Committee
6. The Committee shall hear the appeal.
Powers of committee
7. On an appeal, the Committee has all the powers and functions of the Officer
who made the order and the Committee may do any of the following things if,
in the Committee’s opinion, doing so would maintain the general intent and
purpose of the by-law and of the official plan or policy statement:
Appeal to court
(a) Confirm, modify or rescind the order to demolish or Repair.
(b) Extend the time for complying with the Order.
8. Any Owner or Occupant or Person affected by a decision under subsection
7.10 may appeal to the Superior Court of Justice by notifying the Clerk of
the Town in writing and by applying to the court within (fourteen) 14 days
after a copy of the decision is sent. The Owner or Occupant must pay the
fee specified in the Rates & Fees By-law.
Appointment
9. The Superior Court of Justice shall appoint, in writing, a time and place for
the hearing of the appeal and may direct in the appointment the manner in
which and the persons upon whom the appointment is to be served.
Judge’s powers
10. On the appeal, the judge has the same powers and functions as the
Committee.
Effect of decisions
11. An order that is deemed to be confirmed under or that is confirmed or
modified by the Committee or a judge, shall be final and binding upon the
Owner and Occupant who shall carry out the Repair or demolition within the
time and in the manner specified in the order.
12. The Secretary of the Committee shall give a copy of its written decision to
the appellant and the Officer who issued the order.
7.11 POWER OF TOWN IF ORDER IS NOT COMPLIED WITH
1. If an order is not complied with in accordance with the order as deemed
confirmed or as confirmed or modified by the Committee or a judge, the Town
may cause the Property to be repaired or demolished accordingly.
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Warrantless entry
2. For the purpose of subsection 7.11(1), employees or agents of the Town may
enter the Property at any reasonable time without a warrant in order to repair
or demolish the Property.
No liability
3. Despite subsection 31 (2) of the Building Code Act, a municipal corporation or
a person acting on its behalf is not liable to compensate the Owner, Occupant
or any other person by reason of anything done by or on behalf of the
municipality in the reasonable exercise of its powers.
Lien
4. The municipality shall have a lien on the land for the amount spent on the
repair or demolition under 7.11(1) and the amount shall have priority lien
status as described in section 1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
7.12 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
1. Following the inspection of a Property, the Officer may, or on the request of
the Owner shall, issue to the Owner a certificate of compliance if, in his
opinion, the Property complies with the standards of this by-law. The fee
payable for a certificate of compliance issued at the request of the Owner
shall be as set out in the Rates & Fees By-law.
PART 8
EMERGENCY POWERS
8.01 EMERGENCY ORDERS
1. If, upon inspection of a building, an Officer is satisfied that a building poses an
immediate danger to the health or safety of any person, the Chief Building
Official may make an order containing particulars of the dangerous conditions
and requiring remedial repairs or other work to be carried out forthwith to
terminate the danger.
8.02 SERVICE
1. The order shall be served on the Owner of the Property and each Person
apparently in possession of the building and such other Persons affected
thereby as the Chief Building Official determines and a copy shall be posted
on the building.
8.03 EMERGENCY POWERS
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1. After making an order under section 8.01, the Chief Building Official may,
either before or after the order is served, take any measures necessary to
terminate the danger, and, for this purpose, the Chief Building Official, an
Officer and their agents may at any time enter upon the land and into the
building in respect of which the order was made without a warrant.
2. The Officer, the municipality or anyone acting on behalf of the Municipality is
not liable to compensate the Owner, Occupant or any other person by reason
of anything done by or on behalf of the Chief Building Official or an Officer in
the reasonable exercise of his or her powers under section 8.03.
3. If the order was not served before measures were taken to terminate the
danger, the Officer shall serve copies of the order in accordance with section
8.02 as soon as practicable after the measures have been taken, and each
copy of the order shall have attached to it a statement by the Officer
describing the measures taken by the Municipality and providing details of the
amount expended in taking the measures.
8.04 SERVICE OF STATEMENT
1. If the order was served before the measures were taken, the officer shall
serve a copy of the statement mentioned in section 8.02 in accordance with
section 8.02 as soon as practicable after the measures have been taken.
8.05 APPLICATION TO COURT
1. As soon as practicable after the requirements of sections 8.02 and 8.04 have
been complied with, the Chief Building Official shall apply to a judge of the
Superior Court of Justice to confirm the order made under section 8.01 and
the judge shall hold a hearing for that purpose.
8.06 POWERS OF JUDGE
1. The judge in disposing of an application under section 8.05 shall,
a) confirm, modify or rescind the order; and
b) determine whether the amount spent on measures to terminate the
danger may be recovered in whole, in part or not at all.
8.07 ORDER FINAL
1. The disposition under section 8.06 is final.
8.08 MUNICIPAL LIEN
1. The amount determined by the judge to be recoverable shall be a lien on the
land and shall be deemed to be municipal real property taxes and may be
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added by the Clerk to the collector's roll and collected in the same manner
and with the same priorities as municipal real property taxes.
PART 9
OFFENCES
9.01 FINES
1. Any Person who fails to comply with an order under the Building Code Act is
guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not more
than $50,000 for a first offence and to a fine of not more than $100,000 for a
subsequent offence.
2. Every director of officer of a corporation who fails to comply with an order
under the Building Code Act is guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall
be liable to a fine not more than $500,000 for a first offence and $1,500,000
for a subsequent offence.
3. Any Person who contravenes any of the provisions of this By- Law is guilty to
an offence and upon conviction, is liable to a fine as provided for under the
Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O 1990.
9.02
1. No Person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, an
Officer.
2. No Person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, any
Person exercising or performing a duty under this by-law.
PART 10
SEVERABILITY
10.01 SEVERABILITY
1. In the event that any provision or part of this By-Law is found to be invalid or
unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, then the particular provision or part
thereof shall be deemed to be severed from the remainder of the By-Law and
all other provisions or parts thereof shall remain in full force and shall be valid
and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
PART 11
REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
11.01 REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
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1. That By-law No. 2023-049 take effect immediately and that By-law No. 3638
and all associated amendments, passed by the Council of the Town of
Tillsonburg on the 13th day of August 2012 be hereby repealed.
READ A FIRST TIME AND SECOND TIME THIS 23rd DAY OF MAY 2023.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 23rd DAY OF MAY 2023.
Original signed by
MAYOR – Deb Gilvesy
Original signed by
TOWN CLERK – Tanya Daniels