Property Standards
The Township of Brock Property Standards By-law sets local property standards for maintenance and occupancy. Review the property standards and learn how to submit a complaint if you notice non-compliance with the by-law.
Submit a property standards complaint
Complaint Procedures
When we receive a complaint, our By-law Enforcement officer will investigate the complaint using the following step-by-step process:
- Investigate the property to determine the violation
- Contact the property owner
- Issue an order to comply with the bylaw
- Set out a time line for when they must comply
If you don't comply with the voluntary order, we will issue an Order to Remedy Violation of Standards of Maintenance and Occupancy and set out a time line for when you must comply.
If you fail to meet the standards outlined in the order, we may initiate the actions to complete the necessary repairs. Any costs will be applied to the property tax rolls for that property.
Fines |
The maximum fine for non-compliance with a property standards order is $25,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a corporation. |
Appeals |
If you are not satisfied with the terms of the order, you can appeal to the Property Standards Committee. The committee can either:
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Property Standard Requirements
If you own property in the Township of Brock, you are required to meet the requirements outlined in the Property Standards By-law. For example, here are some of the standards:
- All structures are required to be structurally sound and all exterior walls, roofs and foundations are required to be free of water leaks and painted or otherwise treated or waterproofed.
- All heating, plumbing and mechanical systems and elevating devices must be maintained and operational in good working order.
- Residential occupancies must comply with minimum requirements regarding room dimensions, ceiling heights, ventilation, potable water and an adequate supply of hot water.
- All exterior property areas shall be kept clear of inoperative vehicles and garbage.
- All exterior property areas shall have well maintained lawns and control of weeds and pests.
Boulevard Maintenance
A boulevard is the area of Township-owned land between the homeowner’s front property line and the street curb. Every Owner or Occupant of a property is responsible for the maintenance of the grassy boulevard portion of land on their property line to the street curb. Please read the Boulevard Maintenance By-law for more information. Maintaining the grassy boulevard portion includes the following:
Maintaining the grassy boulevard portion includes the following: |
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Boulevard Gardens
The boulevard garden program is an excellent way to beautify your neighbourhood with ornamentals and support our ecosystem by planting native species. For property owners in the Township of Brock who are interested in non-standard boulevard landscaping, register for free by signing and agreeing to complete the guidelines outline in the Boulevard Garden Policy and Guidelines.
General Information
- Add 5 centimetres (2 inches) of organic material (e.g. manure, compost, leaf mold) every two years to create a rich, nutritious soil, and remove the need to fertilize.
- For the first few weeks, keep the top 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of soil moist. After that, water once a week until plants are established (one to two seasons).
- Adding 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) of mulch every few years to reduce watering needs, prevent weeds and increase plant survival and growth.
- Keep the final mulched surface 3.5 centimetres (1 inch) below the curb or sidewalk to prevent erosion and runoff
Boulevard garden plant design—full sun | ||||||
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Boulevard garden plant design—shade | ||||||
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