By-law Enforcement

The Clean and Clear by-law regulates the cleaning and clearing of land, including long grass and weeds. The length of grass and weeds cannot exceed 20 centimetres (eight inches) on properties in Clarington.

If you come across a property where grass and weeds exceed eight inches, you can log in to the Service Clarington portal to submit a complaint. You will need to provide specific addresses and other details.

After we receive your complaint, a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will attend the site to investigate. If warranted, the Officer will provide the property owner with a written order requiring compliance with the by-law within a specified time. After the specified time, the Officer re-inspects the property. If the problem still exists, we will call a contractor to bring the property up to standard. We will then invoice the property owner for the cost.

The Noise by-law regulates noise and sound across the Municipality. Specifically, it outlines acceptable levels of sound that likely won't disturb other residents. For example, you cannot play music at an excessive volume or in a manner that will disturb the peace, quiet or comfort of any other resident in Clarington.

Log in to the Service Clarington portal to submit a complaint. If you wish to have charges laid against someone for violating the by-law, you will be required to attend court and give evidence. We cannot process a charge without you.

Enforcement Process

If this is your first time reporting a specific noise concern:

• If a violation is observed, believed to have occurred, or is ongoing, a written warning will be issued to the responsible party.
• Once the initial written warning has been issued, the complaint will be closed.

If you are submitting a second or subsequent complaint for a recurring issue:

1. Submit a complaint through the Service Clarington portal
2. Upload a completed Noise Complaint Package through the Supporting Documents tab on the Service Clarington portal, or email the package to bylawenforcement@clarington.net with the file number associated with the complaint.

Please note that the signature and witness section of the noise complaint page must be filled out in writing.

Secondary investigations will not proceed until this documentation is received. If it is not submitted within 14 days, your request will be closed.

The Property Standards By-law sets a minimum standard for property owners to maintain their buildings and properties. We enforce the by-law to protect the health and safety of occupants, the environment and the value of the lands.

Submit a Property standards complaint

Complaint process

Once we receive a complaint, an officer will inspect the property to see if it follows the standards set out in the by-law. If the property violates the by-law, an Order may be issued requiring the landowner to make any necessary changes or fixes to adhere to the regulations.

If the work is not completed, the Municipality may step in to do the necessary work at the property owner's expense. The cost incurred will be added to the Municipal Tax Roll. Charges may also be laid with a maximum fine, upon conviction, of $50,000 for a first offence for an individual and $100,000 for a corporation.

Right to appeal

The property owner has a right to appeal an Order. The cost of filing an appeal is $100, with half ($50) refunded if the owner appears at the Appeal Hearing.

We require any Property Standards complaint to be submitted in writing using the form below. This material is confidential and will not be shared with the property owner.

If you're looking for more information on the by-law or want to file a property standards complaint, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Division.

File an appeal to the Property Standards Committee

Did you know the boulevard in front of your home isn’t part of your private property? While it may look like an extension of your yard, it’s actually public space designed to protect important underground infrastructure.

Before you invest time or money into making changes to your boulevard, please check the rules below or review the Boulevard By-Law.

What’s allowed?

• Routine maintenance, like mowing the grass
• Keeping it clear and safe for pedestrians and vehicles
• Flowers
• Sod
• In rural areas, it's okay for ditches to have tall grasses, weeds, bulrushes, and similar natural vegetation—as long as they don’t block visibility or affect road drainage.

What’s not allowed?

• Removing, pruning, or damaging the trees or grass
• Changing the grade or installing landscaping (interlock, concrete, asphalt, artificial turf, etc.)
• Installing irrigation systems, drainage pipes, or electrical fixtures 

If you’re thinking about making changes to your boulevard and aren’t sure what’s allowed, reach out to us first at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105. We’re happy to help!

Property and Boulevard 101

Occupant Responsibilities

1. Municipal Boulevard Tree
   Boulevard By-law 2013-066
   To be removed or pruned by the Municipality only.
   Submit a request on Service Clarington.

2. Private Property
   Clean and Clear By-law 2019-047
   Do not allow grass or weeds to exceed 20cm in height

3. Municipal Sidewalks
   Snow and Ice Removal By-law 93-144
   Boulevard By-law 2013-066
   Keep sidewalks clear of snow, ice, and any obstruction within 150mm

4. Municipal Boulevard Encroachments
   Boulevard By-law 2013-066
   Do not encroach on the boulevard with hard landscaping materials, planters or similar objects.

5. Municipal Boulevard
   Boulevard By-law 2013-066
   Do not allow grass or weeds on boulevard to exceed 20cm in height.

6. Private Trees, Hedges, Shrubs
   Boulevard By-law 2013-066
   Keep trees, hedges, and shrubs from impeding the boulevard and sidewalk.