Submitted by Sheri Selway
Did you know that there is a “Yard Maintenance Bylaw”? By-law 10-118. I didn’t but I found out when a by-law office visited a friend’s house because there was a green bin in the front yard. I find this odd because on my regular walks around the neighbourhood, every block has a house, or houses, with a blue bin, green bin, and/or garbage in the front, often on the porch. On the visit, the officer also went into the backyard. This by-law is supposed to be for the “health, safety, and well-being” of persons.
If I get a parking ticket, it is usually because the meter ran out, or I parked in a no-parking zone. It is clearly marked! (No Parking 8 am to 4 pm, for example). But no one knows about this bylaw! By-law 10-118 to Regulate Exterior Property Maintenance including vegetation, waste and graffiti (hamilton.ca) It is very detailed including listing what is considered “waste” (including animal waste!)
Every occupant has to keep vegetation cleared up and keep waste off their property.
An officer can enter your property at any “reasonable” time.
So, before you complain about a neighbour’s property to the city, maybe you should drop an anonymous note asking them to clean up their yard. Or better yet, offer to help out! What if your neighbour is sick, or has difficulty with moving the containers? Having an officer wander around your front and back yard could be stressful and cause anxiety to many people.
People love the North End because it is so friendly. Let’s keep it that way!
