Unkempt properties in Newmarket can be eyesores that are the scourge of the neighbourhood.
Whether on larger properties owned by corporations or a next-door neighbour avoiding a lawnmower, property standard issues are not uncommon.
A recent social media discussion about unkempt properties in Newmarket, and whether or not to report them, recently garnered hundreds of responses, with Newmarket Mayor John Taylor weighing in that residents can contact the municipality on the issue.
Based on resident feedback, the town said it has begun proactive enforcement for long grass and weeds this summer. But complaints are still a driving part of enforcement, according to corporate services commissioner Esther Armchuk.
“We take a community-focused approach to enforcement of the town’s property standards,” Armchuk said. “Every community has its own needs and tolerances of property standards, which is why we listen to the community via complaints and reactively enforce the bylaw based on the community’s concerns.”
The property standards bylaw requires you to keep your yard free of garbage, debris, heavy undergrowth, dead or decaying trees, wrecked vehicles and dilapidated structures. Grass and weeds over 20 centimetres high can be considered in violation.
If the town visits a property and finds a violation, Armchuk said the town officer will issue an order and provide a timeline to comply. The general timeline is 19 days to comply, or 14 days to file an appeal of the order. The town property standards appeal committee would hear any appeals, and can choose to confirm, rescind, modify or extend the order.
“However, there are other routes the officer may take to bring a property into compliance, including the town undertaking the work and billing it back to the owner on property taxes,” Armchuk said.
Property standards have come into question around May with the No Mow May movement, when residents avoid cutting the grass that month to help pollinators.
“No Mow May is a movement to help our pollinators do what they do best when our environment needs it the most,” one lawn sign spotted in Newmarket said in May this year. “Promote pollination plus biodiversity for a healthy environment.”
But regardless of the time of year, or arguments for keeping lawns more naturalized, Armchuk said residents are expected to keep to property standards rules.
“Any grass or weeds that exceed eight inches (20 centimetres) is considered to be a violation of the bylaw and is subject to enforcement,” Armchuk said.
Regardless of the circumstance, the bylaw prioritizes working with residents before escalating into fines, Armchuk said.
“If a resident requires more time than was provided in the order to comply, bylaw staff will work with the resident to come to a reasonable extended timeline,” Armchuk said. “Fines are issued when all reasonable steps have been exhausted to have the property come into compliance.”
If you have a complaint regarding a property, you can contact the town’s customer service by emailing [email protected] or calling 905-895-5193.
If you are a tenant and have concerns regarding your unit, the town advises you to contact your landlord first in writing to provide them a chance to respond. The town said only after that should you file a complaint with the municipality.
