By-Law Information
Animal Control – at this time the Town offers services for retrieving dogs at large or dogs trespassing on private property. Our program is geared to reuniting dogs with their respective owners in a convenient and timely manner. All dogs that are retrieved by our Animal Control Officer are provided with adequate shelter here in Town for 3-5 days depending on the circumstances prior to being delivered to a Town approved pound facility. This service allows our residents to be reunited with their dog(s) more conveniently and ensures that unlicensed dogs are registered with the Town. In the event your dog goes missing and is registered with the Town our Animal Control Officer will attempt to contact you if it has been successfully retrieved. Please contact us at 519-736-0012 or our Animal Control Officer at 519-999-DOGS (3647) should your dog go missing. These numbers can also be used to report a dog at large, injured dog or found dog that requires retrieval. Our Animal Control Officer responds to calls 24-hours a day, seven days a week but reserves the right to delay responding during the hours of 11:01pm and 8:29am unless it is an emergency. Emergent situations include public safety in jeopardy, injured/ill dogs or any other circumstance deemed emergent at the discretion of the Police, Council, Town staff or the Animal Control Officer. Animal Control services do not include cats, wild animals or other pests. There are numerous local organizations or service providers for these animal control needs in the phone book or can be provided if you call us at 736-0012.
Property Standards By-law – is a by-law that addresses contraventions to the Ontario Building Code and ensures that the interior/exterior of properties and dwellings meet certain minimum standards. Tenants who feel their dwelling does not meet standard must first attempt to resolve issues with their landlord prior to filing a complaint.
Snow Removal – is a by-law that requires all property owners and tenants to clear municipal sidewalks adjacent to their property or dwelling. Businesses and multi-residential units must clear their walks within 12-hours of a 5cm 9or greater) snowfall or within 4-hours commencement of the business day. Residents are required to clear their sidewalks within 12-hours of a 5cm (or greater) snowfall. Removal or treatment of ice accumulation is also required under the by-law. Adhering to this by-law ensures safer sidewalks for pedestrian traffic.
Dogs – Residents are permitted to own/harbour a maximum of three (3) dogs per property in a residentially zoned area. All dogs must be licenced annually and wearing their tags. Dogs cannot be “at large” or permitted to trespass on private property. All dog owners are required to properly leash and clean up after their dogs when using public property. See “Animal Control” section on this web page for information regarding lost dogs or dogs at large.
Yard Maintenance – is a by-law that requires all property owners to maintain certain minimum standards such as but not limited to cutting grass/weeds that exceed 8-inches, storage of derelict/unlicensed vehicles, accumulation of industrial/commercial waste, drainage of water, and the appropriate storage practices pertaining to boats, trailers, campers, RVs etc….
Parking – is enforced by the Amherstburg Police and By-law Enforcement division. Parking Infraction Notices (tickets) may be issued for violations established in the Traffic By-law. Parking Infraction Notices can be challenged at the Town Hall through a First Attendance Meeting with the Licensing Officer or designate. All Parking fines are paid at Town Hall, see instructions on reverse side of infraction notice.
Swimming Pools – a permit must be granted prior to any swimming pool being installed or erected. All current and future swimming pools must be properly enclosed, secured or erected so that hazards related to drowning do not exist. Most but not all provisions of this bylaw pertain to any swimming pool that has the capability of containing 60cm of water. Ponds are not regulated under this by-law.
Due to the significant safety hazards related to pools the Town has a zero tolerance policy on violations and/or non-compliance. Fines WILL be issued in all cases where this by-law is not adhered to.
Signs – A permit is required for any permanent sign erected or altered after March 27, 2006. A permit is required for Portable Signs and must not be erected until receiving authorization from the Town. The provisions related to the placement of portable signs and other signs within, Town is very extensive. Please contact the Legislative Services office at 519-736-0012 to see what is required to comply or review By-law # 2006-26 on this web-site.