Vacant Building Registry

The Vacant Building Registry is a City of Niagara Falls program intended to help ensure vacant buildings are regularly monitored, properly secured and maintained in accordance with City by-laws.

The registry provides the City with a proactive way to monitor vacant buildings and address potential concerns related to safety, security, and property standards.

A building may be considered vacant when it does not appear to be in active use, and one or more of the following apply:

• The building is not secured against unauthorized entry
• Rain, snow, animals, or birds can enter the building
• Electricity, gas, or water services have been disconnected or are not being used
• At least 25% of the building's doors and windows are partially or completely boarded
• An application for a property tax rebate has been submitted for the entire building

A building may not be considered vacant when the owner satisfies the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services that one of the following applies:

• The building has an active use permitted by the City's Zoning By-law
• An active building or demolition permit has been issued, and at least 40 hours of construction or demolition work have been completed within every 90 days
• At least one dwelling unit in the building is occupied
• The building is a non-residential structure located on property used for farming
• The building is occupied seasonally for at least four consecutive months
• The building is owned or controlled by the federal, provincial, regional or municipal government

Owners must register a vacant building within 60 days of it becoming vacant, unless the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services orders a different date.

Registration includes an Annual registration fee and a one-time initial administration fee. The annual registration fee applies for each subsequent year that the building remains vacant.

For current fees, visit our Schedule of Fees page: Schedule of Fees

You must first create an online account through the CityView Portal. 

Once your account has been created:

1.  Sign in to CityView
2. Complete the online Vacant Building Registration Application
3. Provide the property address
4. Select the type of property being registered
5. Provide proof of at least $2 million in general liability insurance
6. Provide 360° photographs of the property
7. Provide an Authorized Agent Form, if applicable
8. Pay the applicable fees

Create or sign in to your CityView account

Yes. During the application process, a property owner may appoint an authorized agent to act on their behalf by completing and submitting the Authorized Agent Form.

Both the registered owner and authorized agent must sign the form before it is submitted.

Appointing an authorized agent does not remove the property owner's responsibility to comply with the Vacant Building By-law. 

Updated photographs provide the City with current information that the building and surrounding property are being regularly monitored and maintained.

Photographs must be submitted every 30 days in accordance with the City's submission requirements.

Owners should retain copies of their inspection records and submitted photographs.

Photographs should clearly show:

• The front, rear, and sides of the building
• All exterior doors and windows
• The lawn, landscaping, and exterior property areas
• Any repairs or maintenance completed since the previous submission

Yes. At least one sign must be posted on the vacant building. 

The sign must:

• Include the owner's name and telephone number
• Use black lettering on a white retro-reflective background
• Be readable from each adjacent street

The existing vacant building registration expires when the building is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner. 

If the property remains vacant, the new owner must submit a new Vacant Building Registration Application. 

Registrations cannot be transferred between owners. Registration and administration fees are non-refundable and are not transferred to the new owner.

Contact the At Your Service Niagara Falls customer service team if you believe your building is no longer vacant.

You may be required to provide information demonstrating that the building no longer meets the definition of a vacant building.

The registration expires when the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services is satisfied that the building is no longer vacant and provides written notice to the owner.

Registration also expires when the building is sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner. If the building remains vacant, the new owner must submit a new registration application.

Contact At Your Service:
905-356-7521
service@niagarafalls.ca 

The City is committed to helping property owners understand and meet the requirements of the Vacant Building By-law.

Where a property owner does not register or comply, the City may take enforcement action, which can include:

• Issuing an order requiring the violation to be corrected
• Completing required work at the owner's expense
• Recovering inspections and other related costs
• Adding unpaid costs to the property's tax roll, where permitted
• Issuing an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) under the City's Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), where applicable

Property owners are encouraged to register and maintain their properties proactively to help avoid enforcement action.