Answering Your Questions About By-Laws

General FAQs

Will my information be kept confidential when I make a complaint?
Personal information collected by the City is protected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M-26. Your name and identifying details will be kept confidential, however, they may be disclosed if the case goes to court.
How do I make an Access to Information Request?
In order to access a City record that cannot be provided to you directly by Enforcement and By-law Services, it may be necessary to file a formal Access to Information Request. The request must be made in writing, and delivered by mail or in person to the Records and Information Management Team at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall

File an Access to Information Request.

Property Standards

Do I need a permit to build a deck?
A permit may be required. If the deck is not attached to the house and its height is less than 0.6 metres (2’) above grade, a permit is not required. Otherwise, a Building Permit is required.

Building Permits
Do I need a permit to install a patio?
A permit may be required. For patios, porches and other landscaping, a Fill Permit may be required if material is deposited on the existing lands and/or the grade of the property is altered.
Fill Permit
Can I trim my neighbour’s tree if it overhangs my property?
Alterations to the tree may be permitted. Prior to making any alteration, property owners should consult with the neighbour in order to avoid a potential civil disagreement. Owners should consult with an arborist in order to identify alterations that do not jeopardize the health of the tree. Based on its size and location, a permit may be required to injure or destroy a tree on a residential property.

Trees on Private Property
What is a Minor Variance?
A minor variance is an exception to a regulation in the Zoning By-law that is provided to a property owner.
How do I apply for a Minor Variance?
A minor variance application is filed with the Secretary-Treasurer at the Committee of Adjustment.

Minor Variance
I have a Basement Finish Permit, can I rent my basement?
A Basement Finish Permit allows a property owner to finish the basement to approved specifications, and the basement may only be used for the purposes listed in the permit. In order to construct, operate or rent a basement apartment, an owner must complete the two-unit dwelling registration process.
What is a Legal Non-Conforming second unit?
The City of Brampton does not recognize any second unit as Legal Non-Conforming. The Second Unit Registration By-law requires that all second units within the City be registered regardless of age. Property owners must complete the two-unit dwelling registration process.
How many tenants am I permitted?
In general, a landlord may rent a house or a registered second unit to a single family or a group that shares the accommodations. If a landlord is renting to individuals that do not share all accommodations, they may rent to a maximum of three people.
I have a disagreement with my landlord/tenant, what should I do?
If the issue cannot be resolved by the parties involved, the parties should contact the Landlord & Tenant Board. The LTB resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, and provides information pertaining to their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Landlord and Tenant Board

Municipal By-law Enforcement

Can I buy a permit to use the road for delivery of construction material(s)?
Unfortunately, obstructing the roadway becomes a safety issue and a liability for the City of Brampton. The City of Brampton does not offer permits or permission for this purpose.
What if I don’t have enough space on my property to hold all the material(s) I need to complete my project and it will cost me more if I need to have multiple deliveries?
Unfortunately, private properties cannot use City roadways for construction projects.
If the material(s) are left on the roadway, can the City remove them?
Yes, leaving material(s) on the roadway may be removed by the City at any time to ensure road safety and or restore traffic flow.
I want to install a water irrigation system (sprinkler system) for my front lawn so that it also waters the grass boulevard as well, can I do this?
Locate the water shut off valve on your property. This will identify where the property dividing line is between private property (what you own) and City property. Maintaining a two (2) foot set-back from your water shut off valve, should clear your equipment from encroaching on City property. Should the City require to do work, the area is free from any underground hindrances. Also, when watering over the sidewalk to water the grass boulevard, you are also creating an unsafe circumstance, forcing pedestrian traffic to go around the sprinkler, possibly forcing traffic onto the roadway and into unsafe vehicular traffic.
I see everyone has gardens with bricks around the trees on the grassy boulevard, why can’t I?
Using City property in this manner is prohibited and unsafe. Placing surrounds around trees in general are damaging to the growth of the tree itself.
Can I use fireworks that I’ve purchased outside of Brampton?
As long as they are short-range fireworks (travel less than 3 metres/10 feet), they can be used if taking proper safety measures.
When can I buy fireworks?
A licensed vendor can start to sell fireworks 7 days prior for each of the four approved events.
Where can I buy fireworks?
A list of licensed vendors is posted on the City’s website for licensed vendors in your area.
What is an Automatic License Plate Reader?
This system consists of cameras affixed to a vehicle and an in-vehicle display connected to the parking enforcement network. The vehicle will patrol City streets and record the license plate and location of vehicles parked on the street. The system will alert the Officer to vehicles which remain parked on the street in excess of three hours. The system will also alert Officers to vehicles which are parked on the street between 2am – 6am without a parking consideration, without having the Officer stop to enter the license plate of the vehicle.
Why is the City introducing this technology?
Each year, the City responds to over 20,000 public complaints of vehicles parked illegally for more than three hours or during the prohibited time of 2 am to 6 am. Responding to such complaints is resource intensive and time-consuming. With the new ALPR vehicle, the City can engage in more proactive and reactive patrolling at a faster rate.
What happens if there is snow covering a license plate or it is not legible?
During a snowfall, vehicles should not be parked on the street in order to provide easy access for snow plows and emergency vehicles. If the ALPR vehicle is not able to read the license plate, it can be addressed manually by an Enforcement Officer.
When did this service start?
January 2020
I saw someone place a cabin on the lake near me and they were ice fishing. Is this allowed?
Follow the posted facility signage for allowable activities.
There were a few people playing ice hockey on the pond in my neighbourhood. Is this allowed?
Follow the posted facility signage for allowable activities.
Every time I go to pick up my grandson, the accessible parking spaces are full. Why can’t they put more in?
Each property is governed by an approved site plan as to how many accessible parking spaces are required. Property owners may install more but it is common practice, that they only install the spaces that are required by their approved site plan.
Can the school provide me with a letter allowing me to park in the Fire Route?
The Fire Route is governed by the Ontario Fire Marshal. Schools do not have the authority to grant permission to park in the Fire Route and leave the vehicle unattended to pick up a child.
I was dropping off a lunch when I received a ticket for parking in a Fire Route.
It is prohibited to leave a vehicle unattended in a Fire Route. Obstructing a Fire Route at any time; whether the school is occupied or not, can delay a response time if Emergency Crews need to attend.
My contractor wants to put up his sign while doing the work, is this okay?
There are legal ways to advertise one’s work: hand delivered flyers, purchased advertisement on internet, etc.
I had a sign close to my property and it was removed.
Signs that do not have a permit may be removed by Enforcement Officers.
Can I put up signs advertising my garage sale?
Yes, you can place your advertisement on a sign sleeve. All other signage may be subject to removal, and or fines.
My neighbour sold his house a long time ago. The sold sign is still present.
A "sold" sign can be posted for no more than 30 days. Notify 311 and an Officer can attend to investigate.
Who enforces smoking at a City playground?
Corporate Security would attend and investigate, and if applicable, lay charges.
I have permission to park and I still received a ticket for interfere with snow removal and/or winter maintenance.
The plows are able to call for assistance when they encounter streets that they are unable to access for proper clearing, salting and/or maintenance due to parked vehicles are roadway.
There wasn’t any snow to be removed from the roadway, why did I get a ticket?
Winter maintenance includes, and is not limited to snow removal, salting and maintenance.
My car was towed. Why?
Your car may be have been towed for interfering with winter maintenance and/or because it was identified as being on the towable list.
The By-law says that a hazardous tree is exempt, can I cut it down without the City’s permission?
It is preferred that a homeowner or contractor contact Forestry for further information prior to work being done.
I received an Order to Comply for cutting a tree without a permit and it says I cannot clean up.
That is correct, if an Order has been issued all cuttings must remain on site until a City Arborist can attend and investigate.
A tree fell on my house during a storm, can I remove and clean up debris?
If an Arborist is not available, necessary work can be completed ensuring safety measures are followed.
I witnessed a contractor dumping debris into the catch basin. Are you allowed to do this?
Dumping of household waste, used cooking oils, etc., and construction materials may be hazardous to the environment. Calling your local agencies both at 311 (City of Brampton, or 211 Region of Peel) should be able to provide you with information about proper disposal of materials.
How to Propose a Change to the Current Parking Regulations?
On-street parking regulations help ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. “No Parking” and “No Stopping” zones on City streets provide visibility of pedestrians and other vehicles, emergency vehicle access and sufficient road width for safe vehicle passage.

Traffic Services will be notified of the request and a parking study will be conducted on the recommended street. The street and traffic statistics will be examined to determine if the current parking regulations should be changed. If a safety concern is identified as a result of vehicles parked on the street, parking restrictions will be implemented. Questionnaires may be sent out to residents of the street asking for their comments on the issue. The study may take up to 30 days to complete.

A new no-parking sign may be justified if:
- Parking on the street is frequent
- The location is close to an intersection or in the bend of a road
- Location is beside a school or park
I live in a registered second unit, can I launch fireworks from there?
It is important to review your request with the landlord of the registered second unit.
I witnessed a home owner wash debris onto the road from recent work done on their property. What should I do?
Washing away debris onto the road, especially concrete and other chemicals from home renovations or projects can affect our public waterways. Call 311 right away and follow steps to report dumping.

Mobile Licensing

I would like to obtain a taxi plate to operate a taxi in the City of Brampton. What do I need to do?
There are two ways to obtain a taxi plate to operate a taxi in the City of Brampton.
1. Have your name added to the bottom of the City of Brampton Priority List. From time to time, based on Council-approved criteria, a taxi plate becomes available and the person at the top of the list is given an opportunity to buy the plate.
2. Purchase a taxi plate from a person who already holds one. Both parties must complete the Taxi Section process at the City of Brampton Enforcement and By-Law Services Division.
What criteria do you use in determining whether or not a taxi will pass an inspection?
The Licensing Inspectors examine over 50 items during each taxi inspection. To pass the inspection, strict standards must be met relating to:
- Safety for the rider, e.g., operational seatbelts, mechanical safety certification, operational doors (handles and locks), etc.
- Consumer protection, e.g., meters fully operational, legal tariff card, displaying rates, etc.
- Comfort for rider, e.g., clean interior, etc.
What criteria do you use in determining whether or not a tow truck will pass an inspection?
Licensing Inspectors examine over 50 items during each tow truck inspection. To pass the inspection, strict standards must be met relating to:
- Safety for the riders, e.g., operational seat belts, operational door locks, secure bumpers, etc.
- Safety at an accident scene, e.g., flares, first aid kit, absorbent material for cleaning spills on roads, etc.
- Safety during towing and hoisting, e.g., flares, two large tow safety chains, one large wheel lift, flashing amber lights, etc.
- Comfort for rider, e.g., clean interior, proper armrests, etc.
- Ensuring the job can be performed properly, e.g., all necessary equipment is present, etc.
- If a tow truck does not pass inspection, the vehicle will not be licensed and therefore cannot operate in the City of Brampton.
How does the City of Brampton endeavour to protect citizens from tow truck operators who overcharge or who otherwise do not conduct the tow professionally?
There are several measures in place to govern and regulate City of Brampton-licenced tow truck operators. Licensing By-Law 1-2002 (Schedule M -3) ensures, amongst other things, that:
- The tow truck is properly insured
  The tow truck operator has a valid driver’s license
- A citizen’s property/contents during a tow are kept safe
- You will be towed to the location required
- The tow truck operator provides access to the Tow Rate Sheet
- The owner/operator of the vehicle being towed executes an Authorization to Tow form prior to hook-up of the vehicle
- Queries and concerns can be submitted in person, by telephone, by regular mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Every effort will be made to respond on the next business day to emails received after regular business hours.
  City of Brampton
  Enforcement and By-Law Services Division
  8850 McLaughlin Road S., Unit #2
  Southeast corner of Queen Street W. and McLaughlin Road S.
  Brampton, Ontario
  L6Y 5T1
  311
  enforcement@brampton.ca
What should I do if I am involved in an accident?
Call your insurance company to determine if you have coverage before entering into any agreement with a tow truck company, car rental company and body repair shop.

You have the right to call your own tow company and/or use the services of the driver onsite.

You decide where you want the vehicle taken.

An Authorization to Tow form must be completed prior to any towing.

A Rate sheet must be provided by the tow operator explaining all costs associated with the tow.

In the City of Brampton the Collision Recovery Fee for the 2020 year is $284.00 plus 36.92 (HST)=$320.92

At no time during an accident should any forms be presented or requested to be signed by the consumer, except the Authorization Tow Form.

No other forms are to be signed no work orders, no invoices, no car rental agreements.
Can a Taxi Driver also be a Uber/Lyft Driver?
Yes you can. However, when operating for a PTC (Personal Transportation Company) you must remove your roof sign and follow all the PTC requirements.
Is there a weight requirement for a vehicle to be a tow truck?
A tow truck must have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) no less than 4,536kg (10,000 lbs)
Do I have to have my PTC Identifier on my vehicle at all times?
When driving the PTC identifier must be clearly visible on the front or rear window of the vehicle. However, if the PTC identifier sticker is not the best option for you, you can purchase a detachable beacon from your PTC Company at a charge designated by the company.
I have to buy a new vehicle because my vehicle is almost 7 years old, is there a forgiveness period?
Please be mindful when your vehicle is approaching its 7 year expiry. We do not allow a grace period for drivers as we want to ensure all vehicles follow the Mobile Licensing By-law.
Can I use a rental vehicle as my PTC car?
Yes, you must ensure the rental vehicle is registered with the PTC. The officer will be required at the time of inspection to confirm the make, model, year, colour and licence plate on the vehicle. The City of Brampton will be notified of this change and it will be reflected in PTC application.
Can more than one driver be registered to one PTC vehicle?
Yes, more than one driver can be registered to one PTC vehicle.