Do you have any questions or concerns about zoning, signage, property standards or the maintenance of buildings and yards?
The Building Division is responsible for the enforcement of a number of by-laws. Included below is information about these by-laws, along with links to the full documents.
Who to contact
Enforcement is undertaken through by-law enforcement inspectors. If you’re aware of a situation that may require review by our bylaw enforcement team, let us know by contacting us at: building@cityssm.on.ca or 705-759-5410.
By-law 2012-9 (Property Standards) is a standard of maintenance by-law respecting residential and non-residential properties in the City of Sault Ste. Marie. This by-law provides for a minimum level of standards, which the City expects property owners to maintain. It is designed to protect the health and safety of the occupants and to a lesser degree the general appearance of the property.
By-law 2012-10 (Yard Maintenance) regulates the filling up, draining, cleaning and clearing of grounds, yards and vacant lots and debris on private property.
Highlights
- Grass and weeds cannot exceed 20 centimetres in length.
- Properties are to be kept clear of refuse and debris, including inoperative vehicles, automotive parts, mechanical parts, appliances, furnaces, heater and fuel tanks, disused furniture, paper, cartons, cans, garden refuse, earth or rock fill, old or decayed lumber, material from construction or demolition projects, etc. yards are to be kept free of dilapidated or collapsed structure.
- Roofs, eaves troughs, gutters, downspouts, chimneys, stacks and vents are to be maintained in a state of good repair; downspouts are to be directed away from neighbours property.
- All walls, beams, stairways, porches and railings are to be kept in a state of good repair and free of any unsafe conditions.
- Foundations are to be kept in good repair and free from conditions that will cause detrimental settlement and the entrance of moisture, insects or rodents.
- Doors and windows, including frames are to be kept in good condition.
- All houses are to be equipped with adequate and properly functioning heating systems, plumbing systems, ventilation systems and electrical systems.
- Kitchens and bathrooms are to be kept in a functional condition, with all necessary fixtures working properly.
By-Law 2014-12 (Swimming Pool Regulations) regulates the installation of private swimming pools. See attached pool regulations to assist in your pool design.
Highlights
For more information, please see: Swimming Pool Guide
Highlights
- Protecting and enhancing the aesthetic qualities and visual character of the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
- Providing for signs whose characteristics are appropriate to their use and function.
- Preventing signs that impact the safety of pedestrians or motorists.
- Balancing opportunities for business expression with the interests of the Sault Ste. Marie public and community.
Signs are regulated by type, and by-law provisions outline number, location, size and setbacks of various types of signs. This would apply to all types of signs including pole signs, wall signs, roof signs, and portable signs. Applications to locate signs and permits can be obtained in the Building Division office.
Highlights
Whenever a private roadway is constructed within the City, the Engineering Services Department, upon giving proper public notice with Section 48 of the Municipal Act, will allocate a name to a private roadway.
- The number affixed shall be of such a size as to be easily visible from the private roadway named in the address and shall be easily visible at night from said private roadway; and
- The number shall be in plain block numbering, and not in script or written numbers.
Highlights
No person shall feed or otherwise attract pigeons or allow, cause or permit the feeding of pigeons on private property such that the pigeons cause a public nuisance on other property. However, this by-law shall not apply to any person who is a member in good standing with the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union.