Inspectors check properties of concern to see if they follow the by-law. You will be issued a property standards order if your property breaks the rules. If you disagree with all or part of the order, you can appeal to the Property Standards Committee. The order may still apply during the appeal, and you must follow the order unless the Committee changes it.
How to appeal
- Submit your appeal: Write a letter to appeal the Property Standards Order. Deliver it to the City Clerk by the date listed on the order. Submit to: City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls, 4310 Queen St., Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 or clerk@niagarafalls.ca
- Pay the fee: The Schedule of Fees page has the current fees for filing a notice of appeal.
- Get notified about the hearing: Once your appeal and fee are received, the Property Standards Secretary will schedule a hearing. You will get a written notice at least 21 days before the hearing with the date, time, and location.
What to expect at the hearing
- Present your case: You can attend the hearing and share your evidence. You will have 15 minutes to speak, but the Committee can give you more time if needed.
- If you don’t attend: If you don’t show up, the Committee may decide without you. You won’t receive further notices about the hearing, but you will receive the final decision.
After the hearing
- Committee decision: The Committee will review all evidence and decide at the hearing or within 14 days following the hearing date. The Committee will decide whether to:
- Confirm the order,
- Modify the order/extend time to comply,
- Cancel (recind) the order, or
- Extend the time to comply with the order
- Notice of decision: You will get a written decision in the mail as soon as possible after the hearing. The City Clerk, Committee members, and other involved parties will also get a copy.
- Appealing the decision: If you disagree with the Committee’s decision, you can appeal to a judge in the Superior Court of Justice. To do this, you must send a written notice to the Clerk and apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an appointment within 14 days of receiving the decision.