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Bylaw Enforcement

About Bylaw Enforcement

The Bylaw Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Town of Newmarket's bylaws. It consists of seven staff: three officers who address all bylaws except parking and four staff who enforce the Parking Bylaw. Some of the most common problems the department deals with are fences, property standards, signs, sidewalk snow removal, noise infractions and parking problems (such as impeding a sidewalk, parking in a handicapped space and parking in fire routes).

Other than for parking enforcement, the Town of Newmarket's By-law Department mainly operates on a complaint basis.  When a complaint is received, it is investigated and appropriate action is taken.  However, should a health and safety issue arise; the By-law Department may pursue this issue without a complaint.  Parking enforcement is proactively enforced throughout the Township. 

Bylaw Enforcement is committed to the delivery of professional by-law enforcement in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with council direction. Our mandate is to achieve compliance with municipal by-laws; through education, mediation and as necessary through enforcement and prosecution.

Our primary goals are

  • Public safety.
  • Maintaining community standards which contribute to improving the quality of life in Newmarket and,
  • Managing behavioural and nuisance issues so as to promote a harmonious living environment in Newmarket.

NOTE: Newmarket's Bylaw Enforcement office does not enforce the Building Code or the Fire Code. These are enforced by the Newmarket Building Department and York Central Fire Services respectively.

Private Property and Boulevard Enforcement

Private Property and Boulevard Enforcement involves by-laws primarily associated with land use (zoning), lot maintenance, property standards, boulevards, signs and noise. The enforcement of these by-laws supports orderly development, community standards and community image.

Parking Enforcement

Parking Enforcement is responsible for enforcing standards pertaining to parking on public road allowances and as requested on private property. Enforcement of parking regulations supports improved road safety, traffic flow, accessibility, and assists the town in managing its road infrastructure for street cleaning, refuse removal and snow clearing.

Animal Services

Animal Control is responsible for enforcing the Town of Newmarket's animal by-law.  Animal Control also operates the municipality's animal shelter and devotes considerable care and time to finding homes for lost or abandoned animals and to reunite lost animals with their owners.

Licensing & Permit Services

Permits and the review and issuance of various permits and licences.

  • Pool Enclosures
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (Legalized multi-residential units)

By-law Complaints

Complaint Process

By-law complaints may be registered by phone, e-mail, in person or by online self-service in writing. The town keeps the identity of every complainant confidential unless the complainant has agreed to be identified.  Complaints will be accepted only if the following information is provided:

  • Complainant name, address and telephone number
  • Complaint location (address)
  • A satisfactory explanation of the complaint and details that would assist with an investigation
  • A summary of when and where the problem/infraction is occurring
  • If the complaint pertains to the condition of a rental unit, details confirming that the landlord has been recently advised about the problem and that it has not been corrected.
  • Anonymous complaints will be given a lower priority status and acted upon immediately if a health and safety concern is present.

How does The Town of Newmarket respond to complaints? 

The town's Bylaw Enforcement Officers will investigate your complaint as soon as possible.  The Bylaw Enforcement Officers are successful in obtaining voluntary compliance with municipal bylaws most of the time.  However, there are always some instances that require additional enforcement.  While you may not always feel that your concerns are being addressed quickly enough, please note that when an individual does not voluntarily comply, there are formal legal requirements that must be followed and, unfortunately, they can take time. The Town of Newmarket appreciates your patience in bylaw enforcement matters.   

To report a bylaw complaint, please call The Town of Newmarket's Customer Service department at 905-895-5193 or by email or file your complaint online via our Access Newmarket Self-Serve.  If after hours, please leave a message and a customer service associate will process your request. 

How does the City enforce its bylaws?

The Town of Newmarket uses a variety of enforcement measures.  The preferred method is to simply talk to people who are violating the municipality's bylaws, explain the need for the bylaws and, if possible, obtain voluntary compliance.

Where Bylaw Officers cannot easily meet with people:

  • Letters will be sent explaining the nature of the violation and asking for compliance by a specific date
  • Follow-up investigations will occur to ensure compliance
  • If compliance is not achieved, formal legal proceedings may be commence or a ticket(s) may be issued.

Common Bylaw Violations 

The most common bylaw violations are: 

Noise Bylaw

·        construction noise outside of the hours of 7am to 9pm Mon- Friday and 9 am to 9 pm Sat- Sun.

·        loud music that disturbs the neighbourhood

·        loud parties that disturb the neighbourhood

·        barking dogs

Zoning Bylaw

·        illegal suites or apartments

·        sheds and other buildings too close to the property line

·        overweight or overlength vehicles/boats/trailers on a residential property

·        outdoor storage of contractor's equipment

·        overheight fences in residential areas

·        operating an illegal business from a home

 Property Standards

·        dilapidated, broken or leaning fences

·        garbage and debris

·        old and/or wrecked vehicle(s)

·        dilapidated exterior, broken windows, etc.

·        uncontained compost piles

·        unmowed grass

·        overgrown vegetation or noxious weeds

·        graffiti on fences, buildings or structures

·        rubbish and debris on the boulevard (including lanes) adjoining properties

·        uncleared snow and/or ice on sidewalks and footpaths

·        overgrown bushes, trees & shrubs obstructing sidewalks and footpaths

 Sign Bylaw

·        signs on sidewalks and roadways

·        prohibited signs

·        no permit for signs

 Other Important Links: