Property Concerns & Enforcement

We have by-laws in place to set standards for property maintenance and usage, and to encourage considerate and respectful relationships between people who live, visit and work in the City. 

Inspection staff enforce the City's various property By-Laws. Our staff investigate things such as:

  • Abandoned Vehicles
  • deteriorated fences or decks
  • garbage and debris on property
  • general condition of a property (e.g. in need of repair or paint)
  • noise complaints
  • unapproved business occupancies

If we find a violation, property owners receive a notice to fix the issue. Failure to comply may result in legal action. We may also hire a contractor to do the work, at the owner's expense.

Make a complaint

We review and prioritize all complaints. Those of a life safety nature get high priority and we act on them immediately. To make a complaint, contact Access St. John's:

Ticketing of Violations

The City has the authority to issue tickets for violations of various by-laws and regulations. The fine is set by provincial law at $100 per violation. So, if a person is found to be in violation of several sections of the same by-law, they can get a separate ticket for each violation.

We cannot cancel a ticket once issued and served.

Contesting a ticket

The property owner must complete the bottom section of the ticket and submit it to Provincial Court in the required time frame. If you don't contest the ticket in the time specified, the Court assumes you pleaded guilty and you are convicted. You have to pay the fines as ordered. If you contest the ticket, the Court will set up a trial date and notify you.

Failure to pay fines will result in the unpaid fines becoming a tax lien against the property where the violation(s) occurred.

Tickets may be issued for violations of the following By-Laws and Regulations: 

Contact Us

City Hall
10 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
P.O. Box 908, St. John's, A1C 5M2
Phone: 311 or 754-CITY (2489)
Email: access@stjohns.ca

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