Bylaws

Our bylaws are designed to keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone. Bylaws are created as a way to address issues and concerns of our community. Our bylaws help to protect the environment, public health, safety and to maintain friendly neighbourhoods for everyone. For more information on specific City of Woodstock bylaws please visit our Woodstock Municipal Code page.

School Safety Zones

The City of Woodstock’s Bylaw Division and Woodstock Police Service work together to keep our community safe. Together, they provide traffic and parking enforcement throughout the community and focus on school zones at key times of year.

We all must do our part to keep kids safe, please:

• Slow down - the speed limit in most school zones is 40 km/h
• Walk to school if you're able
• Avoid parking and stopping in school zones - use designated drop-off / pick-up zones
• Obey crossing guards
• Make eye contact with drivers / pedestrians when crossing the street

Download our back to school safely flyer.

Reporting a Concern or Complaint 

If you believe someone has violated a bylaw, our Bylaw Enforcement Officers will investigate the alleged violation. Whether you call our bylaw line directly at 519-539-2382 ext. 3160, come in person to the Engineering/Public Works Office at 944 James St. or email the Bylaw Department, we will require the following information:

• Your first and last name,
• Your address,
• Your phone number, 
• The address of where the violation is taking place along with all the details of that particular violation (If it is for a vacant lot, please give a detailed description of its location).

Anonymous calls or complaints with only partial information will not be investigated. Your information will be kept confidential.

After Hours and Emergencies

If you need immediate assistance for an emergency, call the Woodstock Police Department at 519-537-2323 or call 911.

Vacant Building Registry

The City of Woodstock's Vacant Building Registry Bylaw #9611-23 regulates uninhabited buildings within the city. This bylaw is in place to make sure that these buildings are safe and meet the proper Building Code Act, 1992, Fire Protection Act and the Property Standards Bylaw.

Owners are required to register their vacant buildings using the Online Vacant Registry Form, or by downloading a Hardcopy Fillable Vacant Registry Form and submit this form along with proper documentation, which is noted on the registration form, to the Engineering Office located at 944 James St., Woodstock, ON N4S 0B5 until the building is no longer deemed vacant under the bylaw.

Owner's Responsibility

• Ensures the vacant building is registered in accordance with the Vacant Building Bylaw #9611-23 and renews annually if the building remains vacant.
• Ensures that the property complies with all applicable statutes, regulations and bylaws, including but not limited to, the Building Code Act, 1992, the Fire Protection Act, and the Property Standards Bylaw.
• Ensures that the vacant building is secured against unauthorized entry.
• Maintains liability insurance on the vacant building.
• Provides inspections/monitoring of the vacant building no less than on a monthly basis by a person or company familiar and qualified with matters pertaining to this bylaw.
• Ensures utilities are turned off to remove unsafe conditions such as the risk of fire, flooding, or any other dangers.
• Provides the City of Woodstock with a floor plan of the vacant building.
• Provides the City of Woodstock with an inventory of all combustible materials and flammable liquids stored on site.
• Where a vacant building or building damaged by fire is boarded or required to be boarded:
  • Boarding materials shall be installed and maintained in good order;
  • Boarding materials shall be installed to expel precipitation and wind from entering the building, and to secure the building from unauthorized entry, and shall be installed within the reveal of the opening frame of cladding, where feasible;
  • Unless inherently resistant to deterioration, boarding materials shall be treated with a protective coating of paint or equivalent weather resistant materials;
  • Boarding materials shall be selected, coated, coloured and installed to match surrounding door/window frames and exterior wall finishes.

Fees

• One-time registration fee of $250 is to be submitted with the application registry form.
• Annual registration fee of $500 applies each year following if the building is still vacant.
• Fees are to be paid at the Engineering Office either in person, by mail or courier to 944 James St., Woodstock, ON N4S 0B5.
• We only accept Cash, Debit or Cheque (Cheques are to be made out to the City of Woodstock).
• No Credit Card payments accepted.