Appealing a Bylaw or Demolition Order - Burlington

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Burlington, Ontario, property owners and occupants can challenge bylaw orders and demolition notices issued by the City’s enforcement team. Start by reading the notice carefully for specified appeal instructions and deadlines, then contact the City of Burlington By-law Enforcement for next steps and filing requirements. City of Burlington By-law Enforcement[1]

Act promptly: notices often include strict timelines for appeals.

Understanding orders and demolition notices

Orders may arise under property standards, building, fire or nuisance bylaws and can require repairs, compliance or removal/demolition of unsafe structures. Demolition notices commonly follow determinations by Building Services or Property Standards officers that a structure is unsafe or unfit for occupancy.

  • Who issues orders - usually By-law Enforcement, Building Services or Fire Prevention.
  • What a notice contains - order details, required actions, deadline and contact information.
  • Evidence used - inspection reports, photographs and engineering assessments when applicable.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Burlington By-law Enforcement and the Building Services department. Specific fine amounts, escalation schedules and some administrative penalties are set out in the applicable municipal bylaws and provincial statutes; the City page for By-law Enforcement links to enforcement procedures but does not list standard fine amounts on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, demolition or repair orders, court actions to obtain compliance.
  • Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement and Building Services accept reports and respond to inspections; see contact details in Help and Support / Resources below.
  • Appeals and time limits: appeal routes and time limits are shown on the notice or in the governing bylaw; where not shown, the cited City page does not specify a universal time limit.
  • Defences and discretion: common defences include demonstration of a reasonable excuse, a current permit or an approved variance; availability of defences depends on the bylaw and the inspector’s findings.
If the notice lists a deadline, missing it can forfeit appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes specific forms for some processes; however, the cited By-law Enforcement page does not list a single consolidated appeal form. Typically you should contact the issuing office in writing and request the appeal procedure and any required forms.

How to file an appeal

Follow the steps below to prepare and submit an appeal; adapt them to any special instructions printed on your notice.

  1. Review the notice immediately and note any appeal deadline and the stated contact person.
  2. Contact By-law Enforcement or Building Services to request the official appeal procedure and any forms.
  3. Gather evidence: inspection reports, photos, engineering reports, permits or records of repairs.
  4. Submit a written appeal or request for review according to the instructions on the notice, and keep proof of delivery.
  5. If a hearing is scheduled, prepare a concise statement and copies of your evidence; attend the hearing or arrange representation.
Keep all correspondence and proof of submissions in case you need to show timely filing.

Common violations

  • Unsafe structures or severe disrepair leading to demolition notices.
  • Unpermitted construction or alterations requiring stop-work or demolition orders.
  • Overgrown or neglected properties creating public health or safety hazards.

FAQ

How long do I have to appeal a demolition notice?
The time limit varies by notice and bylaw; it is shown on the notice when provided or must be requested from By-law Enforcement.
Who enforces bylaw orders in Burlington?
By-law Enforcement and Building Services enforce orders and may refer matters to courts or contractors for compliance.
Can I stop a demolition by appealing?
An appeal can delay enforcement while reviewed, but outcomes depend on the facts, evidence and applicable law; immediate injunctive relief requires a court application.

How-To

  1. Read the notice and record deadlines.
  2. Contact the issuing office to request appeal instructions.
  3. Compile evidence and any permits or reports supporting your position.
  4. File the appeal in writing and obtain proof of delivery.
  5. Attend any hearing and be prepared to present your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly and note all deadlines on the notice.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement or Building Services to confirm appeal steps.
  • Gather clear evidence to support your appeal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - By-law Enforcement

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