Notice: Revised Residential Property Standards Bylaw Enacted

On December 2, Council approved extensive revisions to the Residential Property Standards By-Law.

The changes improve clarity, modernize outdated provisions and ensure the City can effectively enforce minimum property standards.

Key revisions include:

Updated and new definitions (Section 2).
Clearer duties for property owners and occupants (Sections 4–5).
Revised standards for cleanliness, garbage storage, sewage and drainage (Sections 6–15).
Updated requirements for property appearance, including grass, fences, driveways and accessory buildings (Sections 16–25).
A new minimum standard for structural soundness (Section 26).
Updated and expanded requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (Section 31).
Removal of the unenforceable “good workmanship” standard (formerly Section 34).
New provisions for heat pumps (Section 36).
Modernized electrical and plumbing language (Sections 42–43).
Adoption of national building, plumbing and related codes for enforcement (Section 44).
Updated standards for vacant properties, aligned with the Commercial Maintenance Bylaw (Section 45).
Clarified inspection processes, deficiency notices and penalties (Sections 46–48).

A copy of the by-law can be found in the December 2 Meeting Agenda.