Property Standards and By-law Enforcement

This policy directive was endorsed by the Council of the City of Belleville on the 11th day of April, 2017.

General Parameters

1. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers should attempt the resolution of violations through co-operation, as opposed to formal court proceedings. However, nothing shall restrict an officer from exercising their authority should they deem it appropriate in any circumstances; including but not limited to, violations observed which constitute a first offence. Officers shall inspect privately owned lands which are observable from City property to proactively inspect for conditions in violation of applicable City bylaws. This shall be done as frequently as the officer’s time and complaint-based caseload permits.

2. The order in which different violations or issues are addressed should be in consideration of:

• The risk to public safety
• The severity of the violation; and
• The date the complaint was received

3. Any action that would result in City Staff, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers or contractors hired by the city entering onto private property and expending public monies totaling greater than $15,000 should be reported to Council prior to such action being undertaken. Other similar scenarios should be dealt with as follows:

• Where circumstances do not afford time to have a matter presented to Council (i.e. need to demolish a building immediately for the protection of the public), in which case the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may proceed with the approval from the Director of Engineering and Development Services;
• Where the money to be expended is greater than $5,000 but less than $15,000; upon approval from the departmental supervisor or the Director of Engineering and Development Services; or
• Where the money to be expended is anticipated to be less than $5,000, the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may proceed without first obtaining authorization.

3.1 It is understood in such circumstances that monies expended by the Municipality and any additional service charges would be added to the tax roll and collected in the same manner as taxes according to applicable legislative requirements.

4. Complaints should be processed only if provided to staff in written or email form, and completed with a signature or marked box indicating the authenticity of the contents of the complaint and the acceptance of the City’s policies, terms and conditions. The names of complainants and all other associated information shall be kept confidential unless authorized for release by the complainant or required for the purposes of carrying out a prosecution. Bylaw infractions being enforced as part of a proactive investigation shall be documented as such.

5. Formal action such as the laying of Part III Provincial Offence Notices, Superior Court of Ontario Applications, ordered remedial work with a projected cost greater than $15,000, or other similar action; should first be reviewed with the City solicitor. Enforcement action such as the laying of Part I Provincial Offence Notices or ordered remedial work with a projected cost of less than $15,000 need not be reviewed unless otherwise advised or required.

CLASS 1 INFRACTIONS:

Class 1 infractions are those that have potentially immediate health, safety or property damage implications, where a risk to humans or human use or activity exists.

Action on Class 1 infractions shall be initiated pursuant to a complaint or through staff becoming aware of an issue by any means; including as part of a proactive investigation. Staff shall address Class 1 infractions forthwith and assertively upon becoming aware of such an infraction, up to and including the issuance of an Emergency Order under Section 15.7(1) of the Building Code Act. Formal action by staff to resolve the matter and protect the safety of the public is authorized, in keeping with the general parameters of this policy directive.

Examples of Class 1 infractions would include:

• Issues of inadequate ingress/egress from residential units in multiple dwellings, including inadequate or unsafe hand-railings & balustrades on stairways.
• Unsafe dwellings (i.e. either structural or from a health perspective).
• Blocked, locked or inadequately signed fire exits.
• Lack of, or non-operative smoke detectors.
• Abandoned refrigerators or trunks located outside with operative latches.
• Failure to adequately fence an outdoor pool.
• Abandoned buildings that are not secure from unauthorized entry.
• Unsafe buildings/structures which could collapse or from which parts of the building could become dislodged causing injury.
• Trees that could pose a risk to the public (i.e. broken branches).
• Portable signs that block visibility around points of ingress/egress to the public street or sidewalk.
• Dysfunctional sewage/septic systems.
• Unsafe electrical or plumbing conditions which could pose a life safety or health concern.
• Exposed wellheads.

CLASS 2 INFRACTIONS:

Action on Class 2 infractions may be initiated on a proactive or complaint basis. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers shall pursue such infractions persistently, through action deemed appropriate in the circumstances. Appropriate time should be provided to the property owner or occupant to remedy the matter in a timely manner without causing additional safety hazards or undue property damage. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers should recognize reasonable requests for extensions to complete work with just cause. Formal action may be initiated when deemed reasonable in the circumstances by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer.

Examples of Class 2 infractions include:

• Zoning violations (i.e. establishing an illegal use, building in contravention of zoning provisions).
• Dilapidated buildings that do not pose immediate threat to public safety but which pose risk of serious deterioration if not attended to, or which are visually obtrusive.
• Erecting a building or sign, or doing renovations without the necessary permit.
• Building without site plan approval.
• Violations of the Sewer Use By-Law.
• Broken sidewalks or uneven parking areas on private properties that may cause some risk to the public if not remedied.
• Broken windows or exterior doors.
• Lots with extensive rubbish/refuse storage (i.e. construction or building debris, or general rubbish).
• Presence of vermin.
• Outside storage of dilapidated vehicles.
• Maintaining abandoned/vacated buildings in a secure state.
• Significantly altering natural or engineered drainage patterns so as to direct water onto neighbouring properties.

CLASS 3 INFRACTIONS:

Class 3 infractions do not have health, life, safety or property damage implications that pose a risk to humans, and tend to not have significant off-site implications.

Action on Class 3 infractions may be undertaken on a complaint or proactive basis. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers should address Class 3 infractions as deemed reasonable in the circumstances by the inspecting officer; including but not limited to issuing orders to comply or laying charges. Formal action may be considered where deemed appropriate in the circumstances by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. Formal action may be initiated more readily for habitual violators.

Examples of Class 3 infractions would include:

• Painting exterior portions of a building
• Grass, weed, and overgrowth cutting.
• Maintenance of weak / failing fences that do not constitute part of a pool enclosure or small accessory structures that do not pose a safety risk.
• Sign by-law non-conformity where structural or sight-line issues do not exist.
• Inadequate finishing or leveling of a site where significant off-site drainage issues do not exist.
• Yard waste, garbage and refuse accumulations, or derelict motor vehicle issues

The Property Standards By-law focuses on standards for dwelling units, the condition of structures on a property, and the maintenance of required building systems (e.g. plumbing, electrical, heating systems, etc.). It also outlines specific requirements around parking on private property. 

• Request a copy of Property Standards By-law 2012-79

The Land Maintenance By-law replaces the previous Clean and Clear Yards By-Law and Littering By-law and outlines realistic expectations for land maintenance in the city.

• Request a copy of Land Maintenance By-law 2025-117

The Zoning By-law outlines the permitted uses of a property and governs an array of issues such as the maximum width of driveways, to the operation of a business out of a residence. 

The Sign By-law sets out the requirements for placing and displaying any sign or other advertising device within the city. All signage within the city of Belleville requires a permit. 

• Request a copy of Sign By-law 2006-55

The Open Air Burning By-law outlines types of fires and conditions that must be met for each. All residents who want to set or maintain an open air fire must obtain a burn permit and follow all applicable rules as set out in the by-law. 

Fireworks By-law

The Fireworks By-law regulates the sale and setting off of fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects in the City of Belleville. 

• Request a copy of Fireworks By-law 2022-129

Please note that fireworks may only be discharged on the following days: Victoria Day (and the day immediately preceding and following Victoria Day), Canada Day (and the day immediately preceding and following Canada Day), other times/days as permitted by the Fire Chief.  

The Animal Licensing and Control By-law outlines the responsibilities of pet owners when it comes to things like dog licensing, animals at large and other pet actions. Animal control is overseen by Pierce Animal Control Services on behalf of the City. Complaints and inquiries are accepted through the live answering service at 613-966-4483.

The City of Belleville understands that noise can affect your quality of life. That’s why we regulate noise that disturbs, or is likely to disturb, residents. By-law Enforcement is here to help you address these concerns. To move forward, we need your participation. Please complete the Noise Reporting Package below and submit it to By-law Enforcement. Once we receive your completed log, an officer will contact you to discuss next steps. Noise issues that require immediate after-hours attention should be directed to the Belleville Police Service at their non-emergency line.

Noise Reporting Package

Use the below Noise Exemption form to apply for a temporary exemption from the City’s Noise Bylaw for events or activities that may exceed permitted noise levels. All requests are subject to review.

Noise Exemption Request Form

By-law Number 2025-122 (Noise By-law)

Whereas Section 128 of the Municipal Act, 2001, provides that a municipality may prohibit and regulate with respect to public nuisances, including matters that in the opinion of Council are or could become public nuisances;

And Whereas Section 129 of the Municipal Act, 2001, provides that a municipality may pass bylaws to prohibit and regulate with respect to noise;

And Whereas Section 10 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, provides that a municipality may pass by-laws respecting health, safety, and the well being of Persons;

And Whereas Section 425 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, provides that a municipality may pass by-laws providing that a Person who contravenes a by-law of the municipality passed under the Municipal Act is guilty of an offence;

And Whereas the Council for The Corporation of the City of Belleville deem it appropriate to regulate noise;

Now Therefore the Council of The Corporation of the City of Belleville hereby enacts as follows:

1. Definitions

1.1. City shall mean The Corporation of the City of Belleville;

1.2. Clerk shall mean the City Clerk appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Municipal Act, 2001, by the Council of The Corporation of the City of Belleville or their designate;

1.3. Construction includes erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, moving, land clearing, earth moving, grading, excavating, the laying of pipe and conduit whether above or below ground level, street and highway building, concreting, equipment installation and alteration and the structural installation of construction components and materials in any form or for any purpose, and includes any work in connection therewith.
1.4.Construction Equipment means any equipment or device designed and intended for use in Construction, or material handling, including but not limited to, air compressors, pile drivers, power tools, pneumatic or hydraulic tools, bulldozers, tractors, excavators, trenchers, cranes, derricks, loaders, scrapers, pavers, generators, off-highway haulers or trucks, ditchers, compactors and rollers, pumps, concrete mixers, graders, or other material handling equipment;

1.5 Council shall mean the Council of The Corporation of the City of Belleville;

1.6. Dwelling Unit shall mean a residential unit that is used or intended for use as a residence by an individual or household in which a bathroom and some culinary conveniences are provided for the exclusive use of such individual or household and with a private entrance from outside the

building or from a common hallway or stairway inside, but does not include a hotel or recreational vehicle;
1.7. Motor Vehicle shall mean an automobile, truck, motorcycle, and any other vehicle propelled or driven otherwise than by muscular power, but does not include a motorized snow vehicle, traction engine, self-propelled implement of husbandry or road building machine within the meaning of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O 1990, c. H.8, as amended.

1.8. Officer shall mean a By-Law Enforcement Officer appointed by the City of Belleville, a Police Officer in the Province of Ontario or any Person as authorized by the Council of the Corporation of The City of Belleville for the enforcement of municipal by-law;

1.1. Person shall mean any individual, association, firm, partnership, or incorporated company.

1.9. Point of Reception shall mean any geographic location at which noise can be heard other than the premises from which the noise originates;

1.10. Special Event includes a demonstration, parade, sports event, festival, carnival and other similar events.

2. General Prohibition

2.1. No Person shall cause or permit the emission of any noise resulting from any of the activities listed in Schedule “A” of this By-law if the noise is audible at the Point of Reception.

2.2. No Person shall cause or permit the emission of any noise resulting from any of the activities listed in Schedule “B” of this By-law during the listed prohibited period of time if the noise is audible at the Point of Reception.

3. Exemption

3.1. This By-law shall not apply to a Person who causes or permits the emission of noise in connection with any of the activities listed in Schedule “C” of this By-law.

3.2. The Clerk may require mitigation measures as necessary to give force and effect to this By-law.

4. Temporary Noise Exemption Permits

4.1. Any Person may make application to the Clerk to be granted an exemption by the issuance of a temporary noise exemption permit from any of the provisions of this By-law. The application for the issuance of a temporary noise exemption permit shall be made in writing at least 45 days prior to the commencement of the requested exemption and shall contain:

a. The name of the applicant;

b. A description of the source of the sound in respect of which exemption is sought;

c. A statement of the particular provision(s) of the By-law from which exemption is sought;

d. A period of time for which the exemption is sought;

e. Rationale for the request;

f. Proof of circulation of a notice of intention to apply for any exemption to this By-law, in the form of a document as prescribed by the City, to all residences within a 120 metre radius of the subject property containing the information required by Section 4.4.a through Section 4.4.e.;

g. The non-refundable permit fee as prescribed by the City’s current Fees and Charges By-law;

h. The name, address, and phone number of a Person responsible for supervising the event for which the exemption is requested; and

i. A declaration from the applicant that the Person named as the supervisor of the event for which the exemption is being sought will be on site for the duration of the exemption period.

4.2. The Clerk maintains the discretion to waive the permit fee for a temporary noise exemption permit.

4.3. In determining whether to grant a temporary noise exemption permit and/or to waive any fees, the Clerk shall:

a. Determine whether the applicant has complied with all terms and conditions of any previously issued temporary noise exemption permits, if any;

b. Consider any mitigating or aggravating effects the issuance of the temporary noise exemption permit may have on neighbouring properties or the City.

4.4. The Clerk may impose conditions on a temporary noise exemption permit, including but not limited to:

a. The type and volume of sounds that may be made;

b. The times during which the sounds may be made;

c. The date of expiry of the temporary noise permit;

d. Requiring the posting of security prior to the activity; and

e. Requiring that the applicant, City staff or a professional engineer monitor the sound levels resulting from the event or activity and requiring a report of the findings of the engineer to be filed with the City within 30 days of the event or activity, at the applicants expense.

4.5. Any temporary noise exemption permit issued under this By-law shall expire on the date set out on the temporary noise exemption permit, or if no date is set out on the temporary noise exemption permit, the permit shall expire forty-eight hours after its issuance.

4.6. Any breach by the holder of the temporary noise exemption permit of any of its terms or conditions may render the temporary noise exemption permit null and void.
4.7. No holder of a temporary noise exemption permit shall fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the temporary noise exemption permit.
4.8. The Clerk shall notify Council of the issuance of any temporary noise exemption permit.

5. Order to Comply

5.1. An Officer may order any and all Persons to cease causing noise. This includes the ability to require any or all Persons involved in causing noise to leave a public place.

5.2. No Person shall fail to comply with an order given under the authority of the By-law.

6. Enforcement and Penalties

6.1. This By-law may be enforced by an Officer or other individual authorized by Council.

6.2. An Officer may, at all reasonable times, enter upon any property for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether or not the provisions of this By-law have been complied with.

6.3. No Person shall:

a. Prevent, hinder or interfere or attempt to interfere with an inspection undertaken by an Officer.

b. Fail to provide identification or a required document upon request from an Officer.

6.4. Every Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended.

7. Validity

7.1. Notwithstanding any section, subsections, clause, paragraph or provision of this By-law, or parts thereof may be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable, illegal or beyond the powers of Council to enact, such section or sections or parts thereof shall be deemed to be severable and that all other sections or parts of this Bylaw are separate and independent therefrom and enacted as such as a whole. Same shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this By-law or of the By-law as a whole.

7.2. Where a provision of this By-law conflicts with the provision of another By-law, Act, or Regulation in force within the City of Belleville, the provisions that establish the higher standards to protect the health and safety of the Persons shall prevail.

8. Transition

8.1. After the date of passing of this By-law, By-law Number 2011-180 shall apply only to those properties in which an Order has been issued prior to the date of passing of this By-law, and then only to such properties until such time as the work required by such Order has been completed or any enforcement proceedings with respect to such Order including any demolition, clearance, or repair carried out by the City shall have been concluded.

9. Short Title

9.1. This By-law may be cited as the “Noise By-law”.

10. Repeal and Enactment

10.1. By-law 2025-122 will take effect on August 1, 2025 and, except for the purposes set out in Section 8.1 of this By-law, By-law Number 2011-180 is hereby repealed.

By-law read and passed this 14th day of July 2025.

The Waste Collection By-law 98-175 outlines expectation when it comes to waste disposal in the city. Transportation and Operations Services oversees all refuse and issues with garbage collection. Specific complaints or concerns can be submitted at 613-967-3275 or online at: Report an Issue. 

• Request a copy of Waste Collection By-law 98-175