By-law Enforcement is responsible for enforcing Municipal Bylaws to ensure a safe, quiet and enjoyable community for all residents. We are also here as a resource if you have questions or concerns relating to Bylaws or other enforcement issues.
Our Bylaw Enforcement Officer investigates noise complaints, property standards issues, littering and dumping, parking and other matters concerning the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.
You can report a possible by-law violation by completing the By-law Infraction Form or by contacting the By-law Enforcement Officer. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What you can expect when making a by-law complaint:
Any information you give us will remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law. The Clerk has the responsibility of determining whether to release any by-law information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Unless the matter goes to court, your name, address and telephone number will be kept confidential. Should the matter proceed to court, it is likely necessary for you to attend as a witness to the violation.
Anonymous complaints will not be investigated unless they are an immediate health and safety risk.
A courtesy warning is often issued on a first offence (not applicable to all regulatory by-laws such as those relating to parking infractions). Subsequent or continued violations may result in fines or court proceedings.
If immediate assistance is required outside of our regular hours, please contact OPP at (519) 348-8700 (non-emergencies only).
Noise Complaints (Including Barking Dogs) |
The Municipality recognizes that at certain time, by-law contraventions can negatively impact quality of life and disturb activities. When Municipal By-law Enforcement Services become involved, the Municipality works toward a resolution. When the Municipality receives a by-law complaint regarding excessive noise or persistent noise, especially with regard to the barking of a dog or other by-law contraventions that require continual monitoring, the process described below may be necessary:
Once the complainant has the above information for at least 15 occurrences within a 30-day time frame in which the contravention has disturbed them contrary to the by-law, they are requested to contact the Municipality to discuss possible charges being laid. Please note that the ten (10) occurrences must be after a formal complaint has been registered and the notices sent out. The Municipality will not proceed unless the notices have already been sent. This ensures the occupant/owner has ample opportunity to take mitigating measures. The information collected may be entered as evidence if by-law charges are commenced. The complainant will be required to testify in court on the evidence collected in the presence of the occupant/owner of the property from which the contravention has disturbed them. The complainant may also be asked questions by the alleged violator or their legal representative with respect to the evidence collected. The Municipality hopes this information has been of assistance to you and has clarified the Municipality’s role in assisting citizens in resolving by-law contravention issues. A resident may elect to file a noise complaint against the owner of a dog that interferes is creating a disturbance by barking, howling or yelping. There are two scenarios as described below. Dog IS Barking in the presence of an Officer (Police or Municipal Enforcement Officer)
Dog IS NOT Barking in the Presence of an Officer (Police of Municipal Enforcement Officer
Resources |
Short Term Accommodations (STAs) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Short Term Accommodations allow for residents to offer a place of accommodation or temporary residence through online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Kijiji etc. Council passed By-law 2022-20 on February 9, 2022 to regulate STAs within the Municipality. The STA licensing program was initiated by the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich to address community concerns and to ensure all rentals operate safely in accordance with the STA by-law 2022-20, the Fire Protection Standards, the Ontario Building Code and Municipal By-laws. Residents and property owners who wish to rent their property for a period of 28 days or less are required to obtain a license. STA Open House Information Boards (Held March 28, 2023)
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