Property Standards

By-laws are local rules made by the Municipality of Greenstone to address community-specific issues like zoning, noise, property maintenance, and animal control. They must be followed by all residents and property owners.

Council enacted the Property Standards By-Law on December 11, 2023. The Property Standards By-Law 23-83 outlines the standards for the maintenance and occupancy of property within the Municipality of Greenstone which includes:

• Proper Storage Location: Materials like compost, firewood, building materials, and garden equipment should be stored in designated areas like the rear or side yard of a property and shall not exceed 25% of the total area. This helps keep these items out of sight from the front of the property and maintains the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
• Structural Integrity
  • Foundations, Walls, and Roofs: Must be maintained in good repair and structurally sound to prevent the entry of moisture and pests.​
  • Stairs, Porches, and Railings: Required to be safe and capable of supporting their intended loads.​
• Exterior Property Areas
  • Surface Conditions: Yards must be kept free from hazards, refuse, and debris.​
  • Landscaping: Lawns, hedges, and trees should be maintained to prevent overgrowth and safety hazards.​
• Drainage and Water Disposal
  • Grading: Properties must be graded to prevent excessive ponding of water.​
  • Eavestroughs and Downspouts: Should be installed and maintained to direct water away from the building and adjacent properties.​
• Pest Prevention
  • Rodent and Vermin Control: Properties must be kept free of infestations, with appropriate measures taken to prevent entry.​
• Garages, Sheds, and Fences: Must be maintained in good repair and free from hazards.​
• Interior Standards
  • Heating Systems: Must be capable of maintaining a minimum temperature in habitable spaces.​
  • Electrical Systems: Required to be safe and in compliance with applicable regulations.​
  • Sanitation: Bathrooms and kitchens must have proper facilities and be kept in a sanitary condition.​

Enforcement and Compliance

Property owners are responsible for adhering to these standards. The Municipality may conduct inspections and issue orders to address non-compliance. 

Inspection fees for 2025 vary based on repeat visits and compliance as outlined in By-Law 24-72 Schedule J.

• $59.73 (first visit)
• $119.47 (second visit)
• $238.93 (third visit and each re-inspection subsequent to the third)

After the inspection, the property owner may be asked to make changes to their property in order to comply with the by-law. If the property owner doesn't voluntarily comply, we may need to issue an Order to Comply. The Order to Comply gives the Municipality the authority to enter a property, make any necessary changes and then charge the property owner for the cost of any required changes.

Submit a concern

If you notice a property that is non-compliant, you can submit a concern for action to be taken by our By-law Enforcement Officer.

Property Standards Complaint Form

property standards committee

In our ongoing effort to move forward with beautification initiatives and property standards implementation, Council enacted the Property Standards Committee By-Law on August 12, 2024.

purpose

The Municipality of Greenstone has set out standards to ensure property owners maintain their properties within the community. The Property Standards By-Law and the Clean Yards By-Law regulate items of safety and general upkeep of properties and buildings. The Property Standards Committee is appointed by Council to consider appeals to orders issued by the Municipality. It is the Committee's role to make an informed, impartial decision.

If the property does not conform to the by-law, the Municipality investigates and determines if the Property Standards By-law or the Clean Yards By-law have been violated. If so, a Property Standards Order is issued to the owner. Orders are issued for violations of certain Ontario Building Code and Municipal By-Law standards for residential, multiple residential and commercial properties. 

If an owner disagrees with the order or a portion of the order, they may appeal to the Property Standards Committee. The Committee conducts a public hearing to address the appeal and makes decisions to confirm, modify and rescind the order to demolish or repair, and to extend time for complying with the order.

Property Standards by-law appeal notice

terms of reference

The Committee has the following powers under the Ontario Building Code Act.

• Confirm the Order or Orders served by the Municipality
• Quash the Order
• Amend the Order or extend the deadline for compliance

Examples of property not complying with the Property Standards:

• Properties laden with debris
• Unsightly vegetation
• Conditions that constitute a health, fire or accident hazard

The Committee will be familiar with general rules of procedure before administrative tribunals, admissibility of evidence, and the relevant provisions under the Ontario Building Code Act. The Committee Members must be objective, possess relevant education or experience and remain impartial when considering Appeals. 

COMPLETE TERMS OF REFERENCE

PROCESS SUMMARY

On receipt of an appeal, the Property Standards 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: