By-law Enforcement

The By-law Enforcement Division is committed to the delivery of professional by-law enforcement in a timely and effective manner. Our mandate is to achieve compliance with municipal by-laws; through education, mediation and as necessary through enforcement and prosecution. Our primary goals are to ensure public safety and to maintain community standards which contribute to improving the quality of life in Leamington.

By-law Enforcement staff are also a valuable resource for residents and the community. You can call and speak with someone if you have questions or concerns about municipal by-laws or other enforcement issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Inquiries

Fences without Pools - Questions or concerns should be directed to the Municipal By-law Enforcement Department.

Fences with Pools - Fences are required to comply with the  Swimming Pool By-law and will require a building permit. Questions or concerns should be directed to Building Services.

Fences in Commercial and Industrial Zones - Questions or concerns should be directed to Planning Services as they may be subject to site plan control. 

Section 4.16 - Fences (Zoning By-law No. 890-09) states the following:

Within any area zoned Residential (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) fences are permitted in any required rear, interior side and exterior side yards and the maximum height shall be 2m (6.56 ft) and in no case, shall be located les that 6m (19.68 ft) from the front lot line.  Where a required rear yard abuts a required front yard of an abutting property, the maximum height of the fence within a triangular space shall be 1.2m (3.93 ft) for a distance of 6m (19.68 ft) measured along the exterior lot line of the abutting lot, or has no visual obstruction;

Within any area zoned Agricultural (A5), fences are permitted in any required rear, interior side and exterior side yards and the maximum height shall be 2m (6.56 ft);

Within any area zone Agricultural (A1, A2, A3, A4), fences are permitted around the entire parcel with no maximum height;

Within any other zone, fences are permitted in any required rear, interior and exterior yards and the maximum height shall be 3m (9.84 ft) and shall be required in the corresponding site plan agreement;

Fences must comply with the provisions of Section 4.51 of the Zoning By-law for sight visibility triangles and the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington Swimming Pool By-law;

If the property abuts Lake Erie, fences will not be permitted in the required rear yard, unless the fence is less than 1.2m (3.93 ft) or has no visual obstructions.

If you are located in the urban area, collection is on Tuesday or Friday. If you are located in the rural area, collection is on Wednesday or Thursday. Please review the Urban and Rural collection maps to determine your collection day.

During normal daytime collection, collectable waste shall be put out between the hours of 10:00 PM on the day before collection and 7:30 AM on the day of collection.

In accordance with the Municipality’s Waste Management By-law, residents are required to adhere to the following guidelines when disposing of garbage:

  • Timing for Disposal: Garbage should be placed curbside between the hours of 10:00 PM on the day before collection and 6:00 AM on the day of collection. This ensures that garbage does not sit out for extended periods, reducing the risk of attracting pests and creating unsightly conditions.
  • Acceptable Containers: Garbage must be placed in acceptable containers and is limited to no more than four bags or pails per household. Containers must not exceed a weight limit of 20 kilograms (45 pounds) to ensure the safety of waste collection personnel.
  • Large Items and Furniture: A maximum of two large items, such as box springs, mattresses, carpets, toilets, couches, and chairs, etc., can be disposed of curbside on your regularly scheduled garbage day. However, white goods require special arrangements for pickup. This provision facilitates the efficient and safe disposal of larger waste items.
  • Placement Regulations: Garbage must not be placed in a manner that impedes or obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or interferes with maintenance operations. It is crucial that waste is disposed of in a way that respects the safety and accessibility of our streets and sidewalks.
  • Garbage Can Storage: After garbage has been collected, residents must promptly remove garbage cans from the curbside. Cans should not be left out as they can obstruct pedestrian pathways, attract pests, and detract from the visual cleanliness of the community.

Violations of these guidelines may result in a clean-up charge and/or fine. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid penalties.

Contact GFL, Windsor branch, at 519-948-8126 or the Municipal office at 519-326-5761 with any questions regarding garbage collection.

Parking is allowed between April 1 and October 31 each year. The RV/Trailer/Boat must be stored after October 31.

Street parking is banned from November 1 through to and including March 31, between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) enforce this bylaw.

Grass and weeds can not be taller than eight inches in height.

The uptown core is a two-hour parking zone where signs are posted. Parking for longer than two hours can result in fines and in some cases, your vehicle may be towed.

A legal taxicab will have the following:

  • A taxicab licence plate.
  • Decals and a roof sign identifying the vehicle as a taxi.
  • A Taxi fare meter inside the taxicab.
  • A valid taxi driver's licence from the Municipality. 

You can see our currently licenced Taxi companies on our website here.

Yes, so long as the vehicle is not wrecked, dismantled, discarded, abandoned, or inoperable.

Yes, but only If you live in an A1, A3 or A5 Agricultural zone.

No, if you live on a property in any other zone.

Feel free to call us with any other questions at 519-326-5761.

When a complaint is received about a barking dog, the Bylaw department will first confirm if the dog is licenced. We will then send out a letter to the owner(s) and the resident(s) of the property, informing them of the noise complaint and educating them about our applicable bylaws. Animal control is then notified of the complaint. Should further issues arise, this Bylaw is enforced by the Ontario Provincial Police and Animal Control.

In most cases yes, please contact the Building Department to see if your pool meets the requirements for a Pool Enclosure Permit.

No, cat owners in the Municipality of Leamington are not required to register/licence their cats. 

The Municipality is actively implementing and enforcing Greenhouse Light Abatement By-law 41-22 to address community concerns regarding greenhouse light pollution.

  • The by-law is intended to reduce nighttime light emissions while recognizing that greenhouse operations are farming operations and may engage in normal farm practices.
  • The by-law requires greenhouse owners to install and maintain curtains on sidewalls, end walls, and ceilings to block 99% of light.
  • Curtain operation requirements are:
    • fully closed from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM
    • at least 90% closed between 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and
      2:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • The by-law also allows for an Alternative Compliance Plan for greenhouses with unique operational requirements, typically related to the age of the structures.
  • New greenhouses are required to comply immediately, while existing operations are subject to phased compliance timelines.
  • The Municipality continues to monitor compliance and enforce penalties where violations occur.
  • Residents can report potential non-compliance online at leamington.ca/reportanissue or by phone.
  • For more information, residents can be directed to leamington.ca/lights.

Contact Us

Municipality of Leamington
111 Erie Street North
Leamington, ON 
N8H-2Z9

Phone: 519-326-5761
Report an Issue

Municipal Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed

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