By-law Compliance Applications, Appeals, and Variances

The Noise By-law provides standards for Noise in Port Colborne.

Relief from Noise By-law application can be requested for events or activities that may be in contravention of the Noise By-law.

Examples include:

• Special events that feature amplified sound, such as concerts, weddings or house parties using loudspeakers or amplified music.
• Construction noises outside the allowable hours.

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the event or activity.

Application Fee (due upon submission):

• Private function taking place on private property - $190.00
• Private function taking place on City property - $127.00

The Fence By-law provides standards for Fences in Port Colborne.

Relief from Fence By-law application can be requested for heights and setbacks, or materials used that may be in contravention of the Fence By-law. Examples include:

• Rear yard fence in excess of 2m to 3m
• Request use of barbed wire on nonindustrial property
• Height of fence/hedge in front yard that does not cause visibility issues,

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the installation of the fence or compliance with an order registered against the property.

Application Fee (due upon submission): $573.00 

The Sign By-law provides standards for Signs in Port Colborne.

Relief from Sign By-law application can be requested for sign locations, setbacks or wall coverage, that may be in contravention of the Sign By-law. Examples include:

• Fascia (wall) sign over 25% of area of wall
• Ground sign located closer than setback allows
• Pole Sign exceeding allowable height  

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the installation of the sign or compliance with an order registered against the property.

Application Fee (due upon submission): $891.00 

The Pool By-law provides standards for Swimming Pools in Port Colborne.

Relief from Pool By-law application can be requested for pool locations, setbacks, or wall coverage, that may be in contravention of the Sign By-law. Examples include:

• Location of swimming pool
• Swimming pool fence materials

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the installation of the sign or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): $495.00

Encroachment By-law Application

The Encroachment By-law provides standards for encroaching onto, under, or over City property in  Port Colborne.

The Encroachment By-law Application Form can be requested for locations, or, materials, objects on, under or over City property for  the Encroachment By-law.

Examples include:

• Patio table and chairs on sidewalk
• Fences, signs, hedges, infrastructure 

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 to 45 days in advance of the erection or placement of the encroachment, or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): $437.00 

Annual Renewal Fee: $124.00

Relief from Discharge of Firearms By-law

The Discharge of Firearms  By-law provides standards for discharging Firearms in Port Colborne.

Relief from the Discharge of Firearms By-law Application Form can be requested for locations, or events the Discharge of Firearms By-law. Examples include:

• Location of discharge of firearms
• Special events, carnivals or fundraisers (target shooting games)

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the event or discharge of the firearm, or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): $118.00

You can pay for your relief application in person at the cashier counter on the first floor of City Hall in Port Colborne located at 66 Charlotte Street. 

We accept cash, debit, cheques, bank drafts or money orders. Credit card payments can only be done online.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on all statutory holidays)

Make your cheque payable to the City of Port Colborne and mail to: 

City of Port Colborne

66 Charlotte Street

Port Colborne, ON

L3K 3C8

• Include the address in question for the application on the memo line.
• US cheques are accepted and we apply the exchange rate the day it is received.

There is a 24-hour mail drop slot located at the front left of City Hall.

Make your cheque payable to the City of Port Colborne.

• Include the address in question for the application on the memo line.
• No cash payments please.

To formally appeal, you must complete the Notice of Appeal form, and pay the $500.00 (non-refundable) fee within fourteen days after the service of the order. You will find the due date of the appeal on the form titled City of Port Colborne Order to Remedy under the Appeal to Property Standards Committee section. Failure to send out the appeal in time will result in the Order being deemed confirmed with no further option for appeal.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding registering your appeal call By-law Services at 905-228-8080 or email bylawenforcement@portcolborne.ca. 

Note: contacting By-law Services does not put a stop or hold on your Order, you would still need to apply for the appeal. 

Application Fee (due upon submission): $500.00 non-refundable

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is a fast and flexible process for payment, appeal and collection of municipal penalties. 

AMPS is fully managed by the City of Port Colborne and replaced the former judicial appeal process. 

Once a penalty notice has been issued, the recipient has the following options: 

1. Pay the Penalty Notice (see below for payment options), or 

2. Request a review by a Screening Officer using the AMPS Screening Form.

Request for Screening

How can I request a review?

The Penalty Notice recipient (the person named on the penalty notice) may request an initial review (Screening) of the Penalty Notice by a Screening Officer by submitting a request using the AMPS Screening Form. 

What if I am still not satisfied with the results of the Screening?

If the matter is still in dispute following the review by the Screening Officer, you may request a review by a Hearing Officer. A request must be made within fifteen (15) calendar days following the Screening Officer's decision. It is important to note that you may only appeal the Screening Officer's decision and the only information/evidence that was submitted at the Screening will be considered at a Hearing review. 

If you wish to proceed with a Hearing review following a decision made by the Screening Officer, please contact By-law Services at 905-228-8080 or by email to bylawenforcement@portcolborne.ca 

Does it cost anything to request a Screening or Hearing?

No. A fee is not charged to review a Penalty Notice.

When and where are Screening and Hearing reviews held?

All Screening and Hearing reviews are scheduled at the first available date possible. Screening reviews can be held via written request as well by video conference. Hearing reviews may be in-person or by video conference only.

What if I don't attend a scheduled Screening or Hearing review?

Failure to attend will proceed with review of the information provided and a written decision will be provided. When in-person or video conference is confirmed, a failure to appear fee of $100.00 for a Screening and $250.00 for a Hearing will be applied to the Penalty Notice. 

What happens if I do nothing with my Penalty Notice?

If you do not appeal or pay your Penalty Notice, in addition to possible administration/late payment fees, the penalty will be applied onto the property owner's tax account and collected as municipal taxes. 

What are my options for payment?
We accept credit, debit, cheque, credit, money order/bank draft and cash (if paid in person). More information on payment options is available here.