Common By-law Inquiries

Details on frequently asked by-law inquiries are provided below.

If you’ve received a penalty notice (also known as a ticket) for a by-law violation and wish to pay the outstanding amount, please see below for online payment information:

Pay a Non-Parking Penalty Notice

Pay a Parking Penalty Notice

For more information about penalty notices issued under the Administrative Penalty System (APS) or to find out how you can have your penalty notice reviewed please review the Tickets page.

The City regulates a variety of animals and animal related conduct, specifically:

  • Maximum number of rabbits per dwelling
  • Maximum number of cats per dwelling
  • Regulations for domestic farm animals, poultry and fowl, pigeons and birds and exotic pets
  • Housing of other animals
  • Owner requirements
  • Care of animals
  • Impoundment
  • Disposal of animals
  • Animal traps

For further information, please review the Animal Control By-law or visit Animal Services

To report an animal concern, you may contact Animal Services operated by the Cambridge & District Humane Society by phone at (519) 623-6323.

For any concerns related to animal welfare, please contact Provincial Animal Welfare Services by phone at 1-833-9-ANIMAL.

Distinguishing between reasonable and unreasonable noise can sometimes be challenging. The City regulates the following:

  • Noise that is likely to disturb residents.
  • Noise generated from the use of material-handling equipment between 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:00 a.m. on Mondays, except in emergency situations.
To report noise concerns, please call 519-623-1340.  This 24/7 Service Cambridge line provides direct access to By-law dispatch at any time of day; for urgent matters after hours, press 1.
To report non-urgent noises concerns, use our online reporting tool.

The City regulates parking to help ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and driver can travel safely and efficiently. To view a list of general parking regulations, please visit the Parking page.

To report parking concerns, please call 519-623-1340.  This 24/7 Service Cambridge line provides direct access to By-law dispatch at any time of day; for urgent matters after hours, press 1.
To report non-urgent parking concerns, use our online reporting tool.

To keep our community clean and safe, the City requires all exterior yards to be maintained in good condition at all times. This includes, but is not limited to:

Keeping all lands free of:

  • Garbage, litter, debris, salvage materials, or discarded items
  • Appliances or appliance parts
  • Human or animal waste
  • Graffiti
  • Broken or unused building materials
  • Inoperable vehicles, vehicle parts, or machinery
  • Indoor furniture placed outdoors
  • Kitchen or table waste
  • Yard waste
  • Vehicles on front yards
  • Stagnant water
  • Obstructed designated accessible parking spaces and fire routes

Maintaining vegetation and outdoor conditions:

  • Grass and weeds must not exceed eight (8) inches in height
  • Trees and vegetation beside sidewalks must maintain a vertical clearance of 5.0 metres

Dumping or littering:

  • No person shall dump or litter any refuse on any property
To report a violation, use our online reporting tool.

The City oversees the interior and exterior conditions of buildings to help ensure public safety and protect the well‑being of occupants. Common Property Standards issues include:

  • Yard hazards such as dilapidated structures or hazardous trees
  • Sewage and drainage concerns
  • Structural issues
  • Plumbing deficiencies
  • Heating system problems
  • Electrical service concerns
  • Light and ventilation requirements
  • Unsafe or hazardous conditions
  • Broken windows
  • Vacant building maintenance
  • Fences in disrepair
  • Retaining walls in disrepair

Property Standards inspections verify that property owners are meeting the minimum requirements for building maintenance and occupancy.

To report a violation, use our online reporting tool.

The City allows for the sale and display of fireworks on the following holidays:

  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • Diwali

For further information on fireworks and safety, please visit the Fireworks page or review the Fireworks By-law.

To report fireworks concerns, please call 519-623-1340.  This 24/7 Service Cambridge line provides direct access to By-law dispatch at any time of day; for urgent matters after hours, press 1.
To report non-urgent fireworks concerns, use our online reporting tool.

The City requires residents to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property thirty-six (36) hours after the cessation of a weather event. Clearing sidewalks allows everyone in the community, including persons with accessibility or mobility issues to travel safely.

For further information, please visit the Winter Maintenance page or review the Corridor Management By-law.

Report a Snow/Ice concern

In partnership with Community Support Connections (CSC) we offer:

  • A free Snow Removal Assistance Program for up to 50 residences whose occupants are both physically and financially unable to clear snow from their sidewalk and/or driveway apron.
  • A pay-for-service program. This program allows eligible residents to access full winter sidewalk and driveway snow services for a set fee. 

Contact CSC online or by calling (519) 772-8787 to learn more.

To report a violation, use our online reporting tool.

When a Permit is Required

You must apply for a permit before installing any swimming pool or hot tub that is capable of holding more than 30 inches (76 cm) of water.  For assistance with a pool permit application, please call the Municipal By-law Compliance Team at 519-623-1340 or send us an email at servicecambridge@cambridge.ca. 

After Your Permit Is Issued

Before your pool or hot tub can be used:

  • Do not add or maintain water in the pool or hot tub prior to obtaining final approval from the City
  • A final inspection must be requested and scheduled by the owner or contractor through the Municipal By-law Compliance team.
At the time of final approval for a swimming pool or hot tub, an inspection will be conducted, during which the By-law Officer will verify that:
  • The pool is enclosed by a fence that complies with the Fence By-law
  • The hot tub is enclosed by a fence that complies with the Fence By-law or with a lockable lid
  • All gates are lockable
  • No climbable objects are identified outside of the pool enclosure
  • The pool or hot tub meet the required setbacks from property lines

For further information on requirements, please review the Zoning By-law and the Fence By-law on our Frequently Referenced By-laws page.

To report a violation, use our online reporting tool.