What is considered city property in Markham?

City property generally includes parks, road allowances, sidewalks, municipal buildings and lands where the City of Markham holds title or management authority. For exact definitions consult the city's bylaws and departmental pages.

Can I place a fence or structure on the boulevard in front of my house?

Placing a fence, shed or other structure on a boulevard often requires an encroachment permit or agreement; unauthorized items may be ordered removed. Contact By-law Enforcement or the roads department to apply.

How do I report suspected encroachment or unauthorized use of city land?

Report concerns to By-law Enforcement through the City of Markham contact channels; include location details and photos when possible.

Markham City Property Bylaws Guide

General Governance and Administration Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

In Markham, Ontario, whether land, fixtures or spaces are "city property" affects permits, encroachments and enforcement. This guide explains common categories of municipal property, who enforces rules, typical sanctions and practical steps to confirm ownership or request permission. For specific bylaw language and any enacted definitions, consult the City of Markham bylaws and by-law enforcement pages for current rules and procedures ^[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of rules on city property in Markham is generally handled by the City of Markham By-law Enforcement branch and related departments (Planning and Building, Roads and Parking). Specific fine amounts and schedules depend on the controlling bylaw or policy. Where exact fines or escalation provisions are not listed on the cited municipal page, they are noted as "not specified on the cited page." ^[1]

Fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence rules vary by bylaw and are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy, removal or restoration, seizure of unauthorized structures, and court prosecution may be used depending on the bylaw.
Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement (City of Markham) and specific departments inspect and accept complaints; see Help and Support / Resources below for contact pages.
Appeals and review: appeal processes depend on the specific bylaw or regulatory instrument; time limits for appeals are set in the controlling bylaw or decision notice and are not specified on the cited page.

Inspectors may issue orders requiring removal of unauthorized items on city property.

Applications & Forms

Many permissions related to city property require applications or agreements, such as encroachment agreements, permits for use of public space, or licenses for temporary structures. Where Markham publishes named forms, consult the department pages listed below; if no form is visible for a specific request, the city accepts inquiries through its service contacts. ^[1]

Encroachment agreement: name/number not specified on the cited page; contact the city for the current form.
Fees: vary by permit or agreement and are not specified on the cited page.
Deadlines and submission: depend on application type and are provided on the accepting department's page.

What Typically Counts as City Property

Parks, playgrounds and recreation lands managed by the city.
Road allowances, sidewalks, boulevards and parking areas under city jurisdiction.
City-owned buildings, civic facilities and utility corridors.
Areas subject to easements or long-term leases where the city retains control.

Ownership or municipal control determines whether a use requires a permit or agreement.

Common Violations

Unauthorized encroachments such as fences, sheds or landscaping on city boulevards.
Illegal parking or obstruction of sidewalks and public rights-of-way.
Temporary structures or commercial uses on parks without permits.

FAQ

What is considered city property in Markham?: City property generally includes parks, road allowances, sidewalks, municipal buildings and lands where the City of Markham holds title or management authority. For exact definitions consult the city's bylaws and departmental pages. ^[1]
Can I place a fence or structure on the boulevard in front of my house?: Placing a fence, shed or other structure on a boulevard often requires an encroachment permit or agreement; unauthorized items may be ordered removed. Contact By-law Enforcement or the roads department to apply.
How do I report suspected encroachment or unauthorized use of city land?: Report concerns to By-law Enforcement through the City of Markham contact channels listed in Resources; include location details and photos when possible.

How-To

Review property lines and municipal maps to see if the parcel or feature is listed as city-owned or within a road allowance.
Contact By-law Enforcement or the Planning and Building department to confirm ownership and whether a permit is required.
If required, complete the applicable application (encroachment agreement or permit) and submit any fees or documentation requested by the city.
Comply with any conditions, inspections or removal orders issued by staff; if you disagree, follow the appeal route specified in the decision or bylaw.

Key Takeaways

Not all land beside your property is private — check city records before building.
Encroachments often require formal agreements or permits from the City of Markham.
Contact By-law Enforcement early to avoid fines or removal orders.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Markham - By-laws and By-law Enforcement