Municipal Compliance

City Council or management can determine that a particular by-law or area would benefit from proactive enforcement, however in most cases we respond reactively to community complaints.

Although the City of London has dozens of by-laws, not all are enforced by Municipal Compliance.

Below is a list of common concerns that Municipal Compliance is contacted about but does not get involved with:

• Animal feces left in yards
• Changes to lot grading
• Property line location/ownership issues
• Snow removal/buildup on private property

Should you experience any of these problems, the issue may be a civil matter between neighbours or another department may be able to help.

Standard operating guidelines

Municipal Law Enforcement Services is responsible for the enforcement of Municipal By-laws.  The service area follows Standard Operating Guidelines to ensure the most efficient and effective means of compliance with Municipal By-laws and applicable provincial legislation, independent of political or other external influences.

The enforcement of Municipal By-laws Standard Operating Guidelines, summarized below, outlines:                                                                                                                       

• How to initiate a Municipal By-law infraction investigation. 
• The rights of the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO) or designate not to respond to complaints which are anonymous, trivial, frivolous and vexatious.
• The protection of the complainant’s identity under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Officer duties related to By-law investigation complaints.
• Standards addressing valid property related violations.
• The categories of violations requiring priority response.
• Specific violations where the Chief MLEO may direct enforcement actions to considered.
• The rights of the Chief MLEO or designate to initiate proactive enforcement actions or enforcement blitzes.

As emerging issues are reviewed from an operational perspective, the Standard Operating Guidelines are updated accordingly.

Common infractions

Abandoned Refrigerator, Freezer and Container By-law PW-12

Unused fridge, freezer, and other like appliances left outdoors. 

Fence By-law PS-6

Fences greater than maximum permitted height, located on City Property, or within visibility triangle. 

Fortification of Land By-law PW-8

Excessive fortification and protective elements meant to keep emergency services and enforcement from entering the premise.

Property Standards By-law CP-16

This by-law related to unsafe trees, interior or exterior maintenance, pest infestation, structural safety issues.

Residential Rental Units Licensing By-law CP-19

Requirements for renting a residential property.

Sign By-law S-5868-183

Requirements for installing a sign. Sign without a permit, mobile sign too close to sidewalk, third party advertising, sign too large.

Sound By-law PW-12

Related to barking dogs, loud air conditioner, construction noise too early.

Unauthorized Area Parking By-law S-3

Parking in unauthorized areas on private and City property.

Vital Services By-law PH-6

Tenants with no heat, no hydro, no water.

Yard and Lot Maintenance By-law PW-9

Related to tall grass or weeds, open garbage, inoperative vehicles, discarded appliances, stagnant pool water.

Zoning By-law Z.-1

Use not permitted, too many residential units, illegal home occupation, building too close to the property lines, parking in the front yard, expanding driveways too wide.