Complaints
In most cases, Municipal Law Enforcement works on a complaint basis. Every complaint is thoroughly investigated and resolved with the appropriate action
Submit a complaint
Complaints can be registered by telephone at 905-476-4301, ext. 3006, email or by using the Property Investigation Complaint Form.
After-hours complaints
After-hour complaints can be made by calling 905-476-4301, ext. 2281. After-hour complaints can include parking violations, noise disturbances, short-term rental accommodation violations, etc. Leave a voicemail and your concerns will be forwarded to the next available officer. Due to a high volume of complaints received after hours, you may not receive a call back unless the officer requires further details.
Noise Bylaw
The Town of Georgina Noise Bylaw is enforced by the Municipal Law Enforcement Division and York Regional Police. The Town regulates many types of noises that may be disturbing to the inhabitants of the Town.
Residents can file a formal complaint by calling 905-476-4301, ext. 3006 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Property Standards
The Town of Georgina's Property Standards Bylaw No. 98-106 (BU-1) regulates the maintenance and occupancy of lands. It also sets out enforcement standards to ensure owners of properties comply with the bylaw. The enforcement of this bylaw helps to create a safe and attractive environment for everyone.
The Property Standards Bylaw is enforced on a complaint basis and all information is kept confidential.
Property Standards Bylaw 98-106 (BU-1)
Property Standards Bylaw Amendment
Common complaints
Among the most common complaints are those dealing with junk and debris in yard areas such as garbage, litter, tires, old appliances, derelict or unlicensed vehicles or old furniture. It can also be used to address a number of other issues. It sets out a minimum standard of maintenance for any building on a property including houses, garages, and sheds both inside and out as well as for driveways, walkways and lighting. This bylaw is also used to ensure the securement of any vacant buildings.
Noxious weeds
The Municipal Law Enforcement Division enforces a provincial act called the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. Sections 3, 16 and 23.
Who is responsible for noxious weeds?
Every person that resides or owns property in the Town of Georgina is responsible for destroying noxious weeds on their property.
An appointed “weed inspector” may enter any property between June 15 and Sept. 15 and take such action as is necessary to destroy the weeds.
If the remedial work is completed by the Town or its agent, the property owner is responsible for the payment of the costs. If those costs are left unpaid then it is added to the taxes for the property.
Standing water
Water often accumulates in wading pools, unmaintained pools, tires, pails and ponds. This is considered “standing water” and must be removed from your property under the Town of Georgina’s Property Standards Bylaw No. 98-106(BU-1).
It may be a safety hazard and will become a breeding area for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus. All exterior yard areas shall be kept free and clear of any debris that may retain water. Learn more about the importance of clearing water around your home from York Region.
Signs
The Municipal Act authorizes a municipality to pass bylaws prohibiting and regulating the erection and maintenance of advertising devices. As per the Town of Georgina Sign Bylaw, “No person shall cause, or permit the erection, display, repair, replacement, or alteration of a sign without first obtaining a permit from the Town of Georgina authorizing them to do so.
Allowed signs
Examples of signs requiring a sign permit include:
- Mobile signs
- Ground signs
- Billboards, including static and digital billboards
- Flags with commercial advertising
- Real estate development signs
- Wall Signs
Prohibited signs
The Town of Georgina Sign Bylaw also prohibits several types of signs, including:
- A portable sign with any moving parts or images
- A sign that interferes or obstructs the vision of motorists or pedestrians
- A sign that uses the words such as “Stop”, “Look”, “One Way”, “Danger”, “Yield” or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights, or characters that may interfere with, mislead or confuse motorists
- A sign on public property
- A sign painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, stone, utility pole, or other natural object
- A sign displaying information that would aid or abet the contravention of any zoning or other bylaw, government legislation, or that would identify, advertise or provided information in relation to a use or occupancy not permitted by the zoning bylaw; etc.
What is included in sign permit applications
All sign permit applications must include the following:
- A survey/site plan to sales, with all measurements in metric indicating the location of proposed signs, the total frontage of the property, all boundary lines, the location of existing signage, and all entrances/exits from buildings
- A property owner’s authorization letter
- Drawings and specifications of the construction of the sign and it’s supporting framework, the proposed advertising, and the identification of materials to be used in the construction of the sign
Once completed, please submit the Sign Permit Application and supporting documentation to bylaws@georgina.ca
Smoking on Town property
In 2012, the Town of Georgina passed Bylaw No. 2012-0061 (REG-1). This bylaw prohibits smoking and use of tobacco products at all designated Town of Georgina outdoor areas. This includes areas such as beaches, parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields and Town-owned facilities/lands.
Fines
Any person found guilty of an offence under this bylaw shall be liable to a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum fine not exceeding $100,000.
Designated smoking areas
Some locations do provide for an approved outdoor designated smoking area (DSA).
Storage of recreation/leisure vehicles
Living in Georgina means we really have the best of all worlds when it comes to enjoying the water, open spaces and leisure activities. So, when it comes to storing leisure vehicles (boats, RV’s, trailers, etc.), residents are reminded of a zoning bylaw that sets out the requirements for leisure vehicle storage on residential properties on either a temporary, seasonal or permanent basis.
Compliance with the bylaw helps to ensure the safety of our residents when it comes visibility and the overall aesthetics of our community.
Winter restrictions
As of Oct. 31, seasonal storage of any summer leisure vehicle is no longer permitted. Snowmobiles or similar winter vehicles may be stored seasonally for the period of Nov. 1 until March 31 of the following calendar year, provided they meet all other requirements of the bylaw. Permanent storage of a leisure vehicle may be permitted on residential lots that meet the requirements and setbacks provided in the regulations.
To learn more about leisure vehicle zoning regulations, see the leisure vehicle guide. For any questions, concerns or complaints, contact the Town's Municipal Law Enforcement Division at 905-476-4301, ext. 3006.
Storage of recreation/leisure vehicles bylaw guide
A guide has been prepared to assist residents in understanding if and how these new provisions apply to their properties.
Hard copies are available at Georgina Public Library or it can be viewed online.
Water use restrictions
The Town of Georgina enforces Bylaw 2002-0088(PWO-3), a bylaw that dictates outdoor water use restrictions within the Town. The use of municipal water for watering of lawns or gardens, washing of vehicles or the filling of swimming pools is only permitted between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and only permitted in accordance with the following conditions between May 15 and Sept. 30 of each year
- An even-numbered address may use water outdoors only on even numbered days of the month.
- An odd-numbered address may use water outdoors only on odd numbered days of the month.
Read the bylaw or contact the Town for further information on exemptions, advisories and bans.