FAQs

Bylaw Complaints can be filed in many ways. A complaint may be called in to 905-619-2529, ext. 370, online through File a Complaint, faxed to 905-683-1061, or placed in person at 65 Harwood Ave. S. Any resident of Ajax can place a complaint but the Town requires the complainant’s name, address and phone number. We do not accept anonymous complaints. Once the complaint has been received and generated an officer has two business days to investigate.

The maximum height of a side and rear yard fence is 2 metres (6'6") and 1 metre (3'3") for a front yard fence. You do not require a building permit to erect a fence but we strongly advise that you get locates done before you dig. A fence can be put directly on the property line ensuring that no more than exactly half the post is on your neighbours half. We strongly recommend that you advise your neighbour of your intentions to erect a fence prior to any work being done. For more information on fences please refer to the Fence Bylaw.

Should the proper procedures be followed through the Cost Sharing Bylaw a neighbour who opposes the erection of a fence is responsible for half the costs of the "actual costs" or half the costs of the "basic costs", whichever is less. Actual cost means the total cost of the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or repair (as applicable) of a Division Fence and includes the cost of the material used and the value of the labour performed to complete the work. Basic cost means the cost of constructing, reconstructing, maintaining or repairing a 1.2 metre (4 foot) high steel chain link fence. For more information on the process of cost sharing please refer to the Cost Sharing Bylaw.

Sheds are only permitted in side or rear yards and not in a front yard. A shed that is smaller than 108 sq.ft. and under 14 feet, 9 inches in height does not require a building permit. The shed must be at least two feet away from your property line (corner lots must check zoning requirements at Planning & Development Services). For further information on how to obtain a building permit or general questions, contact 905-619-2529 ext. 224 or visit them at 75 Chambers Dr.

Bylaw Services and Durham Regional Police are authorized to tow vehicles from Town streets and private property. A complaint to By-law Services regarding a vehicle will begin the tow process on Town streets. On private property, a property owner must attempt to advise the owner of the vehicle by placing a notice on the windshield notifying the vehicle owner that it must be removed within 24 hours. If the vehicle is not removed, Bylaw Services can be contacted and with the signature of the property owner, a Parking Infraction Notice will be given to the vehicle and a Tow Notice will be placed on the windshield giving the owner 24 hours to remove the vehicle. If the vehicle has not been moved, then Bylaw Services will begin the process to have it removed.

Pickering, Ajax, Whitby Animal Services (PAW) are responsible for the enforcement of the Town’s Dog and Cat Bylaw. PAW can be contacted by calling 905 427-8737 or by visiting their website. For more information on our Bylaw, please see the Dog and Cat Bylaw.

Yes, indoor cats must be licensed. Licensing of animals allows us to identify animals that have gone missing and found. Although indoor cats are primarily inside there is the possibility that the cat could "sneak out". This allows us the opportunity to reunite cat owners and their pets.

Information on parking in the Town can be viewed in the Parking Brochure. This brochure outlines the most common parking restrictions in the town such as, but not limited to;

• No Parking on any street longer then 3 hours
• No Parking on any street between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• No Parking within 10m. of an intersection
• No Parking left wheels to curb.

You can also view the entire Traffic Bylaw through this link.

Contact Bylaw Services to file a complaint at 905-619-2529, ext. 370, through the online form at File a Complaint,  fax to 905-683-1061, or place in person at 65 Harwood Ave. S., and the Officer responsible for your area will contact you. We require two or more witnesses of the noise to lay charges through the Courts. You can begin by filing out the Noise Complaint Log in your handwriting, and making sure that you don't make any additions or deletions after an entry.

You will have to check the deed of your property to find if you can have a clothesline. The restriction on your deed is what is referred to as a covenant (a legally binding agreement between parties). This is not enforceable by the Town and must be handled as a civil matter.

Driveway widths are regulated in the Zoning Bylaw. First you have to establish what Zone you are in order to the determine the maximum widths of driveways. If you are already at your maximum width and would like to go wider you will need to apply for a minor variance at the Planning and Development Department located a 75 Chambers Drive.

The height of grass and weeds on residential or Commercial property can't be higher than 15cm.(6 inches) For further information please refer to the Clean and Clear By-law.

By definition a vehicle without current licence plates(including Validation Sticker) is debris in the Clean and Clear By-law and can't be kept on your property. This also includes vehicles that by reason of its appearance or mechanical condition appears to be inoperative. For further information please refer to the Clean and Clear By-law.