How to avoid bylaw fines and help keep Brampton beautiful this summer

Warm weather means it’s yard work season again and the city wants residents to keep Brampton clean and avoid getting bylaw tickets this summer.

From rules around hot tubs and pools to yard maintenance, waste removal and more, the city has plenty of property standards bylaws that, if ignored, could lead to fines and penalties.

Here are some of the most common property standards bylaw infractions in Brampton and what you can do to ensure you don’t get a ticket.

Grass cutting and yard maintenance

The city’s parks crews will work to mow grass and manage weeds in Brampton parks and along boulevards, but it’s up to residents to maintain private lots.

Lawn height on private property should not exceed eight inches or 20 centimetres and should be repaired when damaged, according to the city.

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If your grass is taller than a soccer ball, then it’s time to bust out the lawn mower.

Yards should also be free from dead, decayed or damaged trees. Yards should also have suitable ground cover that prevents soil erosion and reduces water runoff like grass, mulch or any other surface that allows water to be absorbed by the ground.

Any hedges, shrubs, bushes, trees or vegetation needs to be trimmed to ensure the safety, visibility and passage of the general public.

Garbage and waste removal

Residential properties in Brampton must be kept clear of garbage, debris and any hazardous or “unsightly conditions,” the city says.

All waste bins and carts must be stored in a garage, the side yard between houses or a backyard. Waste carts may only be stored in the front yard under the following situations:

• The side yard is less than one metre.
• Access to the rear yard is less than the width of a waste cart.
• There is no accessory building, carport or garage.
• A single-car garage is a required parking spot.
• No reasonable alternative

Pools, hot tubs, fences and sheds

Swimming pools, hot tubs, fences and sheds are considered “accessory structures” and will require a permit from the city, with specific size requirements depending on the type of structure and lot size.

The city says it’s important to contact Brampton Zoning Services before beginning an accessory structure project to obtain a building permit and ensure the work falls within city guidelines.

Brampton also has a Pool Enclosure By-law that requires fences or gates to be installed and maintained as part of the design, and hot tubs should be equipped with a cover that can hold up to 200 lbs. The cover must also be fitted to the hot tub and locked in place when not in use.

Under the city’s Line Fence By-law, fencing in a side or rear yard is not allowed to exceed two metres in height, while fences in the front yard cannot exceed one metre in height.

Driveway dimensions and extensions

Driveway extensions or modifications can lead to parking woes in residential areas and can also cause flooding and groundwater issues.

The maximum permitted width of a driveway is based on the total width of the property and driveways must be made of asphalt, pavement, concrete, patterned concrete, compacted gravel, interlocking brick or paving stone.

An extension is possible but a permit is required for widening a driveway when a curb cut is being requested.

Knowing and following by-laws helps everyone enjoy a clean, safe neighbourhood and shared public spaces. To learn more, visit Brampton.ca/bylaws.

Enforcement

When it comes to breaking the bylaws, Enforcement Officers By-law Services can issue penalties and tickets for the above infractions. Residents can make a call to request information on regulations or submit a service request by calling 3-1-1.

Complaints and requests can also be made by downloading the Brampton 311 smartphone app or online. For more information on property standards bylaws visit www.Brampton.ca.