Enforcement and Bylaw Services

• Our Animal Control By-law is enforced by the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. It promotes responsible pet ownership and animal care within the community. By regulating the care, licensing, and control of animals, it helps protect public safety, ensures the humane treatment of animals, and fosters a harmonious environment for residents and their pets.

• Report animal issues to the Humane Society by calling 905-356-4044 or using their online form. You can report things like:
  • Concerns about animal or livestock welfare
  • Dead animals on the roadway
  • Dogs running loose, confined dogs, dog bites, or constant barking
  • People feeding coyotes
  • Illegal kennels or having too many animals
  • Keeping animals that are not allowed

• The Bed and Breakfast By-laws ensure that B&Bs are licensed and operate responsibly.
• Visit our Bed and Breakfast page to view a list of licenced properties or to apply for a licence.

• The Licencing By-law ensures that businesses in Niagara Falls are licensed and operate responsibly. These rules support fair practices, promote public safety, and help maintain a thriving local economy.
• Visit our Business Licence and Renewal page to learn the types of business we licence and how to apply for a licence.

• The Property Standards By-law (PDF) states that all yards must have proper drainage to handle surface water and prevent ponding or water entering basements, cellars, or crawlspaces. Roof drainage or sump pump discharge must not flow onto sidewalks, stairs, neighbouring properties, streets, or the sanitary sewer system.
• The Rain Water Leaders and Downspouts By-law helps ensure rainwater flows away from buildings and doesn’t flood nearby properties. It prevents water damage and helps reduce the risk of basement flooding.

• The Fence By-law ensures fences are safe, well-maintained, and properly built. It prevents hazards from damaged fences, promotes neat and secure properties, and keeps fences at safe heights for public safety.
• Check our Fences page for more information.

• The Noise By-law helps keep the community peaceful by preventing loud noise that could disturb people’s rest or enjoyment. It also includes rules to control noise from construction work.

• The Public Nuisance By-law addresses acts of public misconduct such as:
  • Destruction of public property
  • Graffiti
  • Loitering
  • Littering
  • Public fighting
  • Public hygiene violations  

• The Property Standards Bylaw makes sure that buildings and properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained. Check our Property Standards page for more information.

• The Litter and Maintaining of Land By-law ensures a neat and healthy environment. It prevents tall grass, garbage and other debris from becoming safety hazards, attracting pets, or creating an eyesore. It includes rules about maintaining yards and boulevards:
  • Long grass and weeds
  • Garbage and debris
  • Private drains
  • Vehicle storage, including recreational vehicles
• Building and renovating: All building construction governed by a building permit must meet the standards under the Ontario Building Code and the Building Code Act.  The Building Permit By-law outlines construction, demolition, change of use, occupancy permits, transfer of permits, inspections and associated fees. Visit the Building page to learn more.

On February 4, 2025, City Council adopted a Snow Clearing By-law to make it easier for everyone to move safely during the winter. The goal is to reduce the risks of snow and ice on sidewalks while keeping costs low. The bylaw will start on October 1, 2026, with a public education campaign before then.

The City will also offer financial help for low-income seniors and people with physical disabilities who may struggle to clear snow from sidewalks in front of their homes.

• Check the Sidewalk Snow Clearing page for future updates.

Signs are covered under these three by-laws

1. The Property Standards By-law states that all signs and billboards must be maintained and in good repair.
2. The Sign By-law controls many factors, including the kinds of signs that are allowed and their location.
3. The Election Signs By-law lets you know where these temporary signs can be located and when they must be removed.

Visit the Sign Permit page to apply for a permit.

• The Swimming Pool By-law makes sure that pools are in safe areas and have proper fences around them. This prevents accidents like children or animals accidentally getting into the pool.

• Visit our Swimming Pool Permit page to learn how to apply for a permit.

Property owners must register their vacant buildings and check on them monthly to ensure they meet property standards. This program helps improve safety and keeps neighbourhoods looking their best.

More information about this program will be available this Fall.

• Check our Vacation Rental Units page to view the list of licenced properties or to apply for a licence.

• The Zoning By-law addresses the legal use of land (residential, industrial, commercial).