Report Graffiti & Vacant Buildings - Burlington Bylaw
In Burlington, Ontario, by-law enforcement responds to reports of graffiti and hazards from vacant buildings. This guide explains how to report concerns online, what enforcement powers the city uses, likely penalties, and the steps property owners and neighbours can take to resolve issues. Use the official report page to file complaints, submit photos, and request follow-up from By-law Enforcement and the Building Division. For immediate hazards, call the listed emergency contacts in Help and Support / Resources below. Report a concern to City of Burlington[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for graffiti and vacant building standards in Burlington is carried out by the By-law Enforcement division and the Building Division. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page; the city provides complaint and investigation pathways and issues orders where standards are breached.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; municipal fines typically appear in the consolidated by-law or ticket schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offences: not specified on the cited page; enforcement may issue orders before tickets.
- Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, removal or remediation orders, boarding, or court prosecution may be used.
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and the Building Division handle inspections and orders; use the city report page to initiate action.[1]
- Appeals and reviews: appeal routes and time limits depend on the specific order or ticket and are set out in the relevant by-law or notice; not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City accepts reports and complaints via its online report form; a specific standalone "graffiti removal" application or vacant-building application is not published on the cited page. For building-related hazards the Building Division may require permit applications or remediation plans as issued in an order.[1]
How enforcement works - practical steps
- Report: submit the location, description and photos through the official report page.[1]
- Inspection: By-law or Building staff schedule an inspection and document violations.
- Order: if standards are breached, the city issues a compliance order with deadlines.
- Enforcement: if the order is not complied with, fines, administrative charges, or court action may follow.
Common violations
- Graffiti on private or public property
- Vacant buildings unsecured or attracting vandalism
- Accumulation of refuse or safety hazards at vacant properties
FAQ
- How do I report graffiti in Burlington?
- Use the City of Burlington online Report a Concern page, include location and photos; By-law Enforcement will triage the complaint.[1]
- Will the city remove graffiti from private property?
- The city may require property owners to remove graffiti via an order; removal by the city may occur if the owner does not comply and costs can be recovered.
- What if a vacant building is unsafe?
- Report the unsafe vacant building; the Building Division can issue orders to secure, repair, or demolish structures posing hazards.
How-To
- Gather the address, date/time, and clear photos of the graffiti or vacant building.
- Go to the City of Burlington Report a Concern page and complete the online form, attaching photos.[1]
- Note any follow-up reference or file number the city provides and keep copies of your submission.
- If the issue is urgent or dangerous, call the Building Division or emergency contacts listed in Resources.
- Follow up with By-law Enforcement if you do not receive acknowledgement within the published response time.
Key Takeaways
- Report graffiti and vacant-building hazards using the official online form to start enforcement.
- Enforcement can issue orders; fines and remediation actions follow if owners do not comply.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burlington - Report a Concern
- City of Burlington - By-law Enforcement
- City of Burlington - Building Division
