Apply for Accessibility Exemptions - London Bylaw

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, requests for accessibility exemptions or variances affect access to city services, buildings and municipal programs and should start with the City of London Accessibility office. City of London Accessibility[1] explains the city's policies on accessible services and accommodation; applicants should confirm which municipal standard or bylaw applies before preparing an exemption request.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for accessibility requirements may involve municipal orders, provincial compliance measures, and administrative or court action depending on the governing instrument. For provincial accessibility law and enforcement tools see the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)[2]

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for municipal accessibility breaches are not specified on the cited city pages or the AODA summary page and are "not specified on the cited page" for the municipal context.
  • Escalation: the city may issue warnings, orders to comply, and follow with escalating measures for repeat or continuing offences; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy accessibility barriers, compliance timelines, and potential court enforcement or administrative orders may be used.
  • Enforcer: municipal By-law Enforcement, Building Services or the responsible service area enforces local standards; contact municipal enforcement or the Accessibility office for complaints and inspections.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and statutory time limits depend on the instrument ordering the remedy and are not specified on the cited city pages.
If a provincial order is involved, provincial compliance tools may apply as described on the AODA page.

Applications & Forms

The City of London does not publish a single universal "accessibility exemption" form on its accessibility or bylaw pages; applications are handled by the department responsible for the applicable standard (for example Building Services for building code issues or By-law Enforcement for municipal orders). For municipal permitting and licensing contact details see Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services. Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services[3]

  • Name/number of form: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; if fees apply they will be listed on the responsible department's permit or application page.
  • Submission: typically via the responsible municipal office or online permit portal; check the department contact for instructions.
Start by contacting the City's Accessibility Coordinator or the responsible service area to confirm the correct application route.

Action Steps

  • Identify the specific bylaw, municipal policy or standard that applies to the request.
  • Prepare documentation: drawings, alternatives, justification, and any accessibility impact assessment.
  • Contact the enforcing department to request pre-application guidance or an intake meeting.
  • Submit the application or variance request as instructed and track review timelines.
  • If denied, follow the stated appeal or review route in the decision letter or contact the municipal Clerk for review options.
Keep records of all communications and submissions to support any appeal or compliance timelines.

FAQ

What is an accessibility exemption or variance?
An exemption or variance is a temporary or permanent approval to deviate from a specific accessibility standard or requirement where a lawful alternative or justification is accepted by the responsible authority.
Who decides whether an exemption is allowed?
The decision is made by the department with jurisdiction over the applicable standard (for example Building Services for codes or By-law Enforcement for municipal orders); the city may consult accessibility staff before granting relief.
How long does a decision take?
Processing times vary by department and complexity; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages and applicants should confirm timelines during pre-application contact.

How-To

  1. Confirm which municipal bylaw, policy or provincial standard applies to the site or service.
  2. Contact the City of London Accessibility office or the enforcing department for guidance and documentation requirements.
  3. Prepare a complete application package with drawings, alternatives, and a rationale for the exemption or variance.
  4. Submit the application to the identified municipal office and pay applicable fees if required.
  5. Respond to any requests for more information and comply with conditions if the exemption is granted.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with the City of London Accessibility office to confirm jurisdiction and required documentation.
  • Prepare clear justification and alternatives to meet accessibility objectives even when seeking an exemption.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Accessibility
  2. [2] Government of Ontario - Accessibility laws (AODA)
  3. [3] City of London - By-law Complaints & Enforcement

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